Shameful battle not in the ring - but, at a press conference.

By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation

Unfortunately these days the state of boxing, especially the heavyweight division, is truly not enjoying it’s better times.  The ticket buying fans aren’t exactly knocking down the doors to get into most shows, the media - if any - rarely has much good to say, and the days of having credible, long-term sponsors fledging their support is long gone.  After witnessing Wednesday’s debacle of a press conference, you really need not have to wonder why.
 
The event started out just as "normal" as any other boxing press conference, no pun intended.

The "Global Warfare" fight card was being proudly touted by Warriors Boxing Promotions executive director Leon Margules as an International Extravaganza, featuring great fighters from five countries. 

Nigeria’s Samuel Peter, Colombia’s Juan Arango, Ireland’s John Duddy, Russian Sultan Ibragimov, as well as USA’s Lance Whitaker and Robert Hawkins are all to be highlighted on Friday night, December 15th, at the Seminole Hard Rock Resort & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
 
In the main event Samuel Peter (24-1, with 21 KO’s) will face the game Robert Hawkins (21-4, 7 KO’s) from Philadelphia.  This, most certainly, will be the most dangerous challenge for Hawkins to date.  Peter, fresh off a close unanimous decision loss to Wladimir Klitschko, looks to get back to his destructive ways; which has led many people in thinking that "The Nigerian Nightmare", with some seasoning and learned experience, has the potential to rule the heavyweight division in the near future.
 
Irish John Duddy fighting out of New York, by way of Derry, N. Ireland, is a perfect 13-0; with 12 knockouts.  The up and coming middleweight prospect’s "in your face, throwing bombs with both hands style" has made the likeable fighter very popular, as is evidenced by his large following of fans - always looking for his next knockout.  The exciting Duddy is one fighter always worth watching.
 
Another real treat on the "Global Warfare" fight card is the under publicized Colombian jr. welterweight Juan Urango (16-0-1, 13 KO’s).  The heavy handed Urango is a tireless worker inside the squared circle and his body crushing approach is a key element to this future world champion’s fight plan.

Vowing to become "Colombia’s next superstar" the mega talented Urango, and his handlers, say he is the best fighter at 140lbs. and wants to fight Miguel Cotto, the WBC world champion.
 
Here is where the cordial and respectful press conference, at the world renowned Gallagher’s Steak House in Manhattan, become all too Mike Tysonish….
 
The fightcard’s co-feature pits Russian Sultan Ibragimov (18-0, 15 KO‘s), a 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist, against the 6’8" Lance "Mount" Whitaker (3-3-1, 26 KO’s).

Ibragimov, introduced first, stated "I apologize for my English.  I will show everyone a very good, very hard fight; and I’m also going to show everyone how to make a giant (referring to Whitaker) fall!" 
Whitaker, obviously perturbed with Ibragimov’s comments,  angrily countered "The last guy I fought went to the hospital; I’m going to send this guy (Ibragimov) to the hospital too.  You’ll see." 
As both fighters were heading back to their respective tables, the ill-fated request to have the obligatory "pose-down" photo led to the nose-to-nose stare down and Whitaker’s fist grazing Ibragimov’s chin. 

After a reciprocated gesture on Ibragimov’s part, Whitaker, inexplicably, began throwing punches with a vengeance not seen in many of his recent bouts.  Members of both fighter’s camps tried to restrain the combatants, as many others in attendance scurried for their personal safety.  Caught in the middle of this disturbing melee was Sampson Lewkowicz, Ibragimov’s agent and matchmaker, who caught more punches then either fighter and was knocked unconscious!
 
A frightened concern ensued during the wait for the paramedics and EMT’s who finally arrived and stabilized Lewkowicz, who did regain consciousness and complained of neck pain. 

Lewkowicz was then taken out by stretcher, to the awaiting ambulance, which transported the first "Global Warfare" knockout victim to St. Vincent’s Midtown Hospital for monitoring.
 
Lance Whitaker, who used to go by the name of "Goofi", should be embarrassed, and may very well be held accountable, for his inappropriate conduct and actions.  As a former prospect, who hasn’t beaten a formidable opponent in over four and a half years (KO 2 over Oleg Maskaev 3/10/2001), winning this bout would have a dramatic affect on his career.

To jeopardize a career defining fight like this with either a hand injury, criminal assault charges or a license suspension and/or fine, is very unprofessional and uncharacteristic for a man who is usually very humble and gracious. 
 
Tickets are now on sale for "Global Warfare".  They are priced at $150, $100, and $50.  For more information contact the Hard Rock Live Box Office at (954) 797-5531 or contact Ticketmaster at www.tickermaster.com .

"Global Warfare" will air live on In Demand Pay-Per-View, with a suggested retail price of  $19.95.