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Articles of 2004

McCain Plows Ahead After Boxing Bill Falters

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MCCAIN PLOWS AHEAD AFTER BOXING BILL FALTERS

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Washington, DC — Senator John McCain expressed sincere regret that his Professional Boxing Amendments Act did not come up for a vote in the House of Representatives during this legislative session. The bill – S.275 – called for the creation of a federal boxing commission to oversee the sport. “The Senator tried extremely hard to strike a deal on his measure, all the way up to the end,” said Phyllis Randillo, special aide to McCain “He tried to get it attached to nearly everything. He attached it to an intellectual property bill, to no avail. He tried to attach it to the intelligence bill. He tried to attach it to the back of Senator Kennedy with a piece of Scotch tape. He even stayed behind after they locked the doors and tried to attach it to his chair, but he found out, much to his chagrin, that's not the way the process works.”

Nonetheless, Senator McCain, who has always believed government is your friend; more government means more friends, looks ahead to embarking on an extremely aggressive legislative program when the 109th Congress convenes in January – enough to keep his staff and public relations consultants busy for quite some time.

The agenda includes:

* A bill requiring stricter testing of professional chess players for traces of caffeine.

* A resolution to rename the War in Iraq the “Budweiser War in Iraq”.

* A Senate investigation into whether, in fact, Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson.

* A resolution to declare filmmaker Michael Moore “a really bad and fat human being”.

* A bill requiring that Jackie Chan be licensed in any state in which he beats up someone in a kung fu movie.

* A congressional inquiry into whether NFL referees are really looking at replays when they stop the game for five minutes, or whether it's actually girl-on-girl action featuring Jenna Jameson.

* A resolution that the President of the United States should most certainly have more intelligence.

* A Senate investigation into what was in the cup that hit Ron Artest.

* A bill allowing the Ten Commandments to be displayed in front of any government building, provided the Eighth Commandment is changed to “Thou Shalt Not Steal, except when it comes to pain killers”.

* A resolution to remove Tostitos as title sponsor of the Fiesta Bowl, hosted in his home state, because “it sounds Mexican”.

 

* A resolution to change the name of the Fiesta Bowl itself, because “it also sounds Mexican”.

* The formation of a special commission to thoroughly study the ethnicity of Tiger Woods, “for national security purposes.”

* A bill that would require him to receive 24 tickets for each World Series game from Major League Baseball, 16 tickets for every Super Bowl from the NFL, 20 pit passes for every NASCAR race, and eight front row tickets for every heavyweight title fight from Don King Productions – all situated within easy range of TV cameras.

* A resolution banning Bob Jones University from any possible future inclusion in the Bowl Championship Series.

* A resolution requiring that Arizona or Arizona State be included in next year’s Bowl Championship Series “or Congress will intervene”.

* A bi-partisan congressional investigation for the purposes of charging Muhammad Ali with violations of the Muhammad Ali Act.

* A bill that would make it illegal for any member of the press to use the name “Kemper Marley” in connection with him.

* Citing his great love for sports, and with respect for Phoenix's hockey teams of the past and present, the formation of a commission to explore the question of why the Coyote can never catch that damn Road Runner.

* A bill that would permanently add the word “gook” to Webster's Dictionary, if it isn’t there already.

* A resolution for the issuance of a presidential pardon for convicted felon Charles Keating, along with a simultaneous resolution that Keating be inducted into the Hallmark Hall of Fame.

* A bill authorizing the federal government to administer the military draft. And the NFL draft. And the NBA draft. And the NHL draft, “if those canucks ever start playing again.”

* Passage of the resolution to pardon former heavyweight champion Jack Johnson for his Mann Act conviction, coupled with a resolution to exhume his body so he can testify at a future Senate boxing hearing.

* A Senate investigation into whether Elvis is really in the House, and whether that's what actually held up his boxing bill.

* A resolution that Sen. McCain be elevated from 895th to 1st in his 1958 graduating class at the Naval Academy, on the basis that the 894 people above him may very well have been on steroids.

* A constitutional amendment removing satire as a protected free speech, if the object of such satire doesn't get the joke.

* A resolution that each of the above proposals be acted upon during February Sweeps Week.

Senator McCain is still hopeful of getting his boxing bill passed in the next session, despite objections about the restrictions it might place on the ability of fighters – long considered a disadvantaged group – to declare independence from promoters by representing themselves. “These great warriors train like Spartans,” he said. “They put their well-being on the line in the ring, taking punishment almost as severe as I experienced in Hanoi, often for a chunk of change that wouldn't keep one of my PR people on the payroll for two days.”

“You want them to have to think for themselves too?”

 

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Articles of 2004

2004 Boxing Pound for Pound List

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The final boxing pound-for-pound list of the year for 2004.

1. Bernard Hopkins: The top guy from beginning to end, Hopkins took care of Oscar De La Hoya with a body shot in the biggest fight of 2004. Now, he'll wait for Jermain Taylor to progress a little further, or he'll go the rematch route with Felix Trinidad. Either way, Hopkins stands to earn a lot of money in 2005 and extend that all-time middleweight reign.

2. Floyd Mayweather: How long has it been since we've seen Mayweather in a meaningful fight? Certainly not in 2004, when he outpointed the difficult DeMarcus Corley. He's slated for a January outing against a no-name. Enough stalling, already, “Pretty Boy”. Fight someone we care about (preferably Kostya Tszyu), or you'll lose your #2 position sometime in 2005.

3. Felix Trinidad: “Tito” stormed back with a magnificent knockout of Ricardo Mayorga in 2004, and now hopes to capitalize on it with big money fights. He'd like nothing more than a rematch with his only conqueror, Hopkins, but he may also opt for old nemesis Oscar De La Hoya. Either way, Trinidad is sure to fight a big fight sometime in the coming year.

4. Kostya Tszyu: What a difference one fight makes. As recently as late October, the boxing world was wondering whether Tszyu was even serious about the sport anymore. We found out with a second round demolition of Sharmba Mitchell. And that made the junior welterweight division very attractive. Tszyu has several options now, including Arturo Gatti and Mayweather or even a hop up to welterweight to challenge Cory Spinks. Let's hope one of them happens in 2005.

5. Manny Pacquiao: Pacquiao fought twice in 2004, and what a fight the first one was. His thrilling war with Juan Manuel Marquez was the best brawl of the year, and there is a chance that the two rivals will go at it again in 2005. If not, Pacquiao has a list full of options: Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, etc. Pacquiao will fight one of them in the next year.

6. Marco Antonio Barrera: Another guy thought to be washed up when the year started, Barrera resurrected his career for the second time with a masterful victory over Paulie Ayala and a close decision over rival Erik Morales in another great fight. Barrera is obviously shooting for a return with Pacquiao, who decimated him in November 2003. Barrera says it was an off-night. Hopefully, we'll find out if that was the case.

7. Winky Wright: Winky entered the “superstar” realm in 2004 with a pair of decision victories over Shane Mosley. The first was very impressive, as Wright practically shut Mosley out. The second was closer, but proved once again that Winky was the superior fighter. He'd like a shot at Trinidad or Oscar De La Hoya, but neither will happen. He'd probably be best off shooting for a name like Fernando Vargas or Ricardo Mayorga.

8. Juan Manuel Marquez: After several years on the outside looking in, Marquez is finally in a position to make some money after his courageous performance against Pacquiao. He rose from three first-round knockdowns to wage the fight of his life in a fight that was ruled a draw. It would also be interesting to see Marquez against countrymen Barrera and Erik Morales.

9. Erik Morales: “El Terrible” fought another great fight against Barrera, but, again, it was in a losing cause. He has now lost two of three to his fierce rival, and probably wants nothing to do with him anymore. But, eventually, talk of Barrera-Morales 4 will come up again. In the meantime, Morales could shoot for Pacquiao or Marquez.

10. Glencoffe Johnson: The newest entry, Johnson pumped some life into boxing in 2004 with a pair of upsets of Roy Jones Jr. and Antonio Tarver. Now, he's set to make some really big money in rematches with either, or a shot at old conqueror Hopkins. Either way, Johnson is better than anyone imagined.

11. Jose Luis Castillo: Castillo made some comeback noise of his own in 2004, beating Juan Lazcano for his old vacant title and decisioning Joel Casamayor for another big win. He says he wants Kostya Tszyu next, and if that materializes, boxing fans will be in for a treat. If not, Castillo vs. Diego Corrales is a great fight.

12. Oscar De La Hoya: Hard to erase that picture of De La Hoya grimacing in agony courtesy of a Hopkins shot to the ribs, but the “Golden Boy” had no business fighting at 160 pounds. He should drop down to junior middle or even welterweight again if he has any hope of regaining his past form. But 2005 could be the final year for one of boxing's all-time great attractions.

On the brink: Antonio Tarver, Diego Corrales, James Toney

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Articles of 2004

Heavyweight Joe Mesi Bringing Lawsuit

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As reported by the Buffalo News, Joe Mesi is suing the New York State Athletic Commission and the MRI center that conducted tests on the heavyweight boxer after his bout with Vassiliy Jirov. Mesi reportedly suffered brain injuries in the Jirov bout, which has left his boxing status uncertain.

The lawsuit alleges Mesi's medical records were improperly released to the NYSAC. The records, the lawsuit goes on to allege, were then released to the media, prejudicing Mesi's right to have his status reviewed by the appropriate boxing authorities.

The lawsuit does not seek specific monetary damages, as the extent of damages will be affected by whether Mesi is able to resume his career as a leading heavyweight contender.

Mesi hopes to have his status reviewed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission within the coming month. The ruling of the NSAC promises to be key in whether Mesi will be able to resume his boxing career.

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Articles of 2004

The Best in Chicago Boxing Returns

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Dominic Pesoli's 8 Count Productions and Bob Arum's Top Rank Incorporated along with Miller Lite presents SOLO BOXEO DE MILLER, THE ARAGON RUMBLE, another installment of The Best in Chicago Boxing on Friday, January 14th, broadcast live internationally as part of Telefutura's Friday night professional boxing series.

The newly remodeled Aragon Ballroom is located at 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. near the corner of Lawrence and Broadway in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood and is easily accessible, just 4 blocks west of Lake Shore Drive and just 4 miles east of the Kennedy expressway. There are three large parking lots located within a 1/2 block of the Aragon Ballroom. Additionally, the Howard Street Blue Line stops just across the street. Doors will open at 6pm with the first bell at 7pm.

Headlining the action packed card is the American debut of super-bantamweight Ricardo “PIOLO” Castillo, 12-2 (6KO's) of Mexicali, Mexico as he squares off in a scheduled ten rounder against WBO Latino Champion, Edel Ruiz, 24-12-3 (13KO's) of Los Mochis, SI, Mexico. Castillo will be accompanied to the ring by his brother, World Lightweight Champion Jose Luis Castillo.

In the co-main event of the evening, one of Chicago's most popular fighters, middleweight “MACHO” Miguel Hernandez, 14-1 (9KO's), battles hard swinging local veteran “MARVELOUS” Shay Mobley, 7-4-1 (2KO's), of One In a Million Inc.in a scheduled eight rounder.

The huge undercard bouts include;

Carlos Molina vs TBA, six rounds, junior middleweights
Frankie Tafoya vs TBA, four rounds, featherweights
Ottu Holified vs. Allen Medina, four rounds, middleweights
Francisco Rodriguez vs. LaShaun Blair, four rounds, bantamweights
Rita Figueroa vs. Sarina Hayden, four rounds, junior welterweights

Said Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions, “it was a terrific evening last month and our fans were thrilled to be at the Aragon to watch David, Speedy and Luciano. David Diaz's fight against Jaime Rangel was a fight people will talk about for a long time. Our commitment to our fans is to make every event of ours better than the last one. This main event is terrific, both guys are very tough Mexicans who won't take a step back.

The fans love Miguel and Mobley figures to be a very tough opponent. Him and David Estrada had a six round war last June at our show. And the undercard showcases a lot of new, younger talent that is coming out of Chicago right now. Tafoya and Holifield have both had very successful beginnings to their careers and Francisco Rodriguez comes with fantastic amateur credentials and David Diaz says he has all the talent to be a great pro.”

“We've got big plans for 2005 and this show should take up right where last months show left off. The huge crowd loved the action last time and I'm sure they'll say the same thing this time.”

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