The Tribute thread - To all those that have suffered damage in the ring

I was wondering how many boxers have actually died from injuries substained in the ring. On boxing rec there was 484.

A follow up on the Benny Paret post: Here's 2 articles. http://www.ringsidereport.com/vitotrabucco972004.htm http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_1-5-2004_pg3_6 and Paret's wiki article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benny_Paret And a video of the fight. It's not nice if you're squirmish. I felt sick watching that and haven't seen it for a good 12 years. You see the life literally slip right out of him as he slowly sinks to the canvas. Despite what Gil Clancy says Emile Griffith fought with a lot of anger and venom and they both clearly disliked each other. I can't come up with the words that I want to say about Paret or any of these other great fighters that suffered at the hands of another opponent. We all love a good knockout but want no-one to get hurt. It's a shame that in the sport we love so much and defend against those who want it banned we and especially the families of the fighters concerned have to every so often deal with these tragic circumstances. Thanks again for the fight clip and the articles.

A follow up on the Benny Paret post: Here's 2 articles. http://www.ringsidereport.com/vitotrabucco972004.htm http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_1-5-2004_pg3_6 and Paret's wiki article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benny_Paret And a video of the fight. It's not nice if you're squirmish.

Beethavean Scottland Excert taken from The Village Voice article " Year of the Replay" 2005.... Four months later, on ESPN2, it happened again. We watched as Beethavean Scottland and George Khalid Jones fought on a card on the USS Intrepid, docked off Manhattan. Scottland, a last-minute replacement for David Telesco, who was injured in training, was in real-life Rocky territory. Going into the 10th round, he was down on points, but by ending the fight on his feet, he'd score a moral victory—the announcers said as much—and a shot at another payday. With 37 seconds left in the final round, Jones nailed Scottland with a right to the head. He staggered. But Scottland steadied himself and stayed on his feet. Jones followed with a left, and Scottland crumpled to the canvas. It's a scene we've watched a thousand times before. And it's usually most memorable for the guy still standing, his arms raised in victory—picture Ali looming over a prone and humbled Sonny Liston. But this time, and in all the replays, Beethavean Scottland wouldn't get up. The 26-year-old father of three died six days later of a cerebral hemorrhage. In a country too squeamish to televise an execution, this was a remarkable moment. And in the wake of September 11, a largely forgotten one. How can seeing one man die once compare to seeing 3000 die 3000 times? Thanks for the posts. I never knew about this one, it was a great article well written.

Beethavean Scottland Excert taken from The Village Voice article " Year of the Replay" 2005.... Four months later, on ESPN2, it happened again. We watched as Beethavean Scottland and George Khalid Jones fought on a card on the USS Intrepid, docked off Manhattan. Scottland, a last-minute replacement for David Telesco, who was injured in training, was in real-life Rocky territory. Going into the 10th round, he was down on points, but by ending the fight on his feet, he'd score a moral victory—the announcers said as much—and a shot at another payday. With 37 seconds left in the final round, Jones nailed Scottland with a right to the head. He staggered. But Scottland steadied himself and stayed on his feet. Jones followed with a left, and Scottland crumpled to the canvas. It's a scene we've watched a thousand times before. And it's usually most memorable for the guy still standing, his arms raised in victory—picture Ali looming over a prone and humbled Sonny Liston. But this time, and in all the replays, Beethavean Scottland wouldn't get up. The 26-year-old father of three died six days later of a cerebral hemorrhage. In a country too squeamish to televise an execution, this was a remarkable moment. And in the wake of September 11, a largely forgotten one. How can seeing one man die once compare to seeing 3000 die 3000 times?

Phillip Ndou http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Phillip_Ndou&oldid=172345784

Watch this video. Thanks for that. It's strange you hear him talk and he sounds totally with it and at the same time doesn't. It's sad to see, especially when you know what they were like beforhand.

Thanks I never knew that. What he did was totally wrong and disgusting. But even if I knew this before there fight I would never wish what happened to him to have happened. I'm not condoning what he done and his life is just as important as that dogs no more no less. But like fistic art said Karma and I believe in it, what goes around comes around. I don't know Geralds condition if he can talk or think or what state he is in, but I do wonder now knowing this if he does think about what he did with them dogs and does he wonder if that's his punishment. Thanks lads. Anymore stories on G-Man or any of the other fighters would be cool. Watch this video.

I don't want to blind you with knowledge, but here's the argument: Gerald McClellan controlled his own destiny. He chose (yes chose) to get in the ring with men who could kill (yes kill) him with the swing of a punch, whether it be Nigel Benn or any of the 32 men he fought before. That's a risk he took. It was his choice, that's why he got paid so much money for doing what he did (bit like being a bodyguard in Basra, you get paid for allowing yourself to be potentially blown up). Pit Bull Terrier #2 didn't consent to have his trap taped shut so other nasty bastards of animals could be allowed to rip the shit out of them. And don't tell me the dog could have said no, because I have a bull terrier in front of me now, and as old and stupid as she is, she'd eat whatever you put in front of her. Pit bull terrier #2 didn't consent to fight, whereas G-Man and has fucked up mind thought it a great idea for pit bull #1 to fund his fantasy and 'fight' pit bull #2. Now, I'm no angel, but that ain't fun. Like I said before, nice one Nigel. You wiped the earth, almost, of yet another low-life. Maybe they should send Benn to have a crack at Michael Vick. Thanks I never knew that. What he did was totally wrong and disgusting. But even if I knew this before there fight I would never wish what happened to him to have happened. I'm not condoning what he done and his life is just as important as that dogs no more no less. But like fistic art said Karma and I believe in it, what goes around comes around. I don't know Geralds condition if he can talk or think or what state he is in, but I do wonder now knowing this if he does think about what he did with them dogs and does he wonder if that's his punishment. Thanks lads. Anymore stories on G-Man or any of the other fighters would be cool.

I have seen your posts about this before and although its a nasty thing to do, G-man didnt deserve to be in the condition he is today because of it. I don't want to blind you with knowledge, but here's the argument: Gerald McClellan controlled his own destiny. He chose (yes chose) to get in the ring with men who could kill (yes kill) him with the swing of a punch, whether it be Nigel Benn or any of the 32 men he fought before. That's a risk he took. It was his choice, that's why he got paid so much money for doing what he did (bit like being a bodyguard in Basra, you get paid for allowing yourself to be potentially blown up). Pit Bull Terrier #2 didn't consent to have his trap taped shut so other nasty bastards of animals could be allowed to rip the shit out of them. And don't tell me the dog could have said no, because I have a bull terrier in front of me now, and as old and stupid as she is, she'd eat whatever you put in front of her. Pit bull terrier #2 didn't consent to fight, whereas G-Man and has fucked up mind thought it a great idea for pit bull #1 to fund his fantasy and 'fight' pit bull #2. Now, I'm no angel, but that ain't fun. Like I said before, nice one Nigel. You wiped the earth, almost, of yet another low-life. Maybe they should send Benn to have a crack at Michael Vick.

.................. I have seen your posts about this before and although its a nasty thing to do, G-man didnt deserve to be in the condition he is today because of it. but the dog did deserve to suffer to his death?......... while having his mouth duct taped............... death is death......... life is life........... and Gerald karma is a bytch..........

.................. Here's another story about Gerald: Gerald McClellan, in the name of fun, used to get two pit bull terriers together in a room and then tape one of their mouths shut, and then let the other dog rip the taped mouthed dog to bits. Thank you Nigel Benn, for doing us a favour, and rendering this loser almost senseless. Great post........... he's like anybody else........... there are no saints in the world.......... like a big russian dude once said........... "if he dies...he dies..."

Don King disgusts me, he is out for number 1 and doesn't care about anyone else. Gerald McClellan fought on till he could fight no more. He will be remembered as a fighter till the end by me and never a quitter. Does anyone know anything about the G-Man now. What's his condition like, does he still follow boxing. Anymore stories on Gerald will be appreciated. Thanks again Kaynan Here's another story about Gerald: Gerald McClellan, in the name of fun, used to get two pit bull terriers together in a room and then tape one of their mouths shut, and then let the other dog rip the taped mouthed dog to bits. Thank you Nigel Benn, for doing us a favour, and rendering this loser almost senseless.

.................... Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...... why dont we pay tribute to all the people dying worldwide....... i cant cry for a guy knowing that he was gonna get hit in the head... and could die from it........ i would lament for people getting on a bus in the morning to go to work.... and some ex loser boxer getting on a bus and blowing the shyt up.... because those people didnt know they were gonna get blowin up on that fine morning.....

Watson completes marathon challenge Each mile, every step of the way, I got stronger Michael Watson Watson's marathon in pictures Brain damaged ex-boxer Michael Watson has completed the London Marathon, six days after he set out. Watson, who has been raising money for the Brain and Spine Foundation, was accompanied on the final leg by Chris Eubank - the fighter who left him with the injuries that almost cost his life. "I feel super," Watson said after completing the marathon. "I feel extremely overwhelmed. Look at the support - how could I go wrong? There are a few blisters on my feet, that's about it. I've loved all of it. "Each mile, every step of the way, I got stronger. Each and every day the crowd got larger and larger. It's been fantastic - I've enjoyed myself from day one." Asked what had carried him through the journey, Watson told reporters: "My faith in Jesus Christ. "My people have done a lot for me in my life I want to pay my respect to them." During the marathon Watson, who is partially paralysed, covered two miles every morning and afternoon. Each mile took him an hour to walk with Watson resting and sleeping in a support bus following him along the route. Chris Eubank joined Watson for the final mile Watson's epic journey Before setting out with 33,000 other competitors last Sunday, Watson received messages of support from Muhammad Ali and current WBC champion Lennox Lewis. Along the way he was met by the likes of Audley Harrison and Frank Warren from the world of boxing and comedian Ricky Gervais as well as hundreds of other well-wishers. Former boxer Spencer Oliver, who also suffered brain damage, also joined Watson and Eubank for the final mile. After collapsing in the 12th round of his 1991 title fight against Eubank, Watson spent 40 days in a coma and had six brain operations. Doctors predicted Watson would never walk again. He spent years in a wheelchair and does not have full use of the left side of his body. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/london_marathon_2003/2960025.stm A couple of great posts thread stealer, cheers. Even before the tragedy happened I was a big Watson fan and someone I really admired as a person as well as a fighter. I find it incredible the way some people handle adversity and come through it so strong. Michael Watson is a hero in the truest sense of the word.

Read the ending, it's even more of a tear-jerker: .....He gets up, kisses Gerald's hand and says, 'Sorry.' Except Stan said later he never heard Nigel say that. He heard something else, though. Don King arrived soon after Benn to see the man who had been his fighter, the product he hoped would generate big money, but who would now definitely not play any further part in King's plans. Standing not far from Gerald's bed, Don turned to Stan and Donnie and said, 'Gerald quit, man ... He quit like a dog.' Some dog. Don King disgusts me, he is out for number 1 and doesn't care about anyone else. Gerald McClellan fought on till he could fight no more. He will be remembered as a fighter till the end by me and never a quitter. Does anyone know anything about the G-Man now. What's his condition like, does he still follow boxing. Anymore stories on Gerald will be appreciated. Thanks again Kaynan

Great Gerald McClellan video on the first post, its sad to see him in his condition nowadays.

r.i.p to all the fallen warriors. tomorrow on espn classic griffen vs. parret will be shown

Watson completes marathon challenge Each mile, every step of the way, I got stronger Michael Watson Watson's marathon in pictures Brain damaged ex-boxer Michael Watson has completed the London Marathon, six days after he set out. Watson, who has been raising money for the Brain and Spine Foundation, was accompanied on the final leg by Chris Eubank - the fighter who left him with the injuries that almost cost his life. "I feel super," Watson said after completing the marathon. "I feel extremely overwhelmed. Look at the support - how could I go wrong? There are a few blisters on my feet, that's about it. I've loved all of it. "Each mile, every step of the way, I got stronger. Each and every day the crowd got larger and larger. It's been fantastic - I've enjoyed myself from day one." Asked what had carried him through the journey, Watson told reporters: "My faith in Jesus Christ. "My people have done a lot for me in my life I want to pay my respect to them." During the marathon Watson, who is partially paralysed, covered two miles every morning and afternoon. Each mile took him an hour to walk with Watson resting and sleeping in a support bus following him along the route. Chris Eubank joined Watson for the final mile Watson's epic journey Before setting out with 33,000 other competitors last Sunday, Watson received messages of support from Muhammad Ali and current WBC champion Lennox Lewis. Along the way he was met by the likes of Audley Harrison and Frank Warren from the world of boxing and comedian Ricky Gervais as well as hundreds of other well-wishers. Former boxer Spencer Oliver, who also suffered brain damage, also joined Watson and Eubank for the final mile. After collapsing in the 12th round of his 1991 title fight against Eubank, Watson spent 40 days in a coma and had six brain operations. Doctors predicted Watson would never walk again. He spent years in a wheelchair and does not have full use of the left side of his body. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/london_marathon_2003/2960025.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/photo_galleries/2960541.stm http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/raiseyourgame/pages/michael_watson.shtml Colin Jackson: You are a huge inspiration to young people. Who inspires you? Michael Watson: Role models in life like Muhammad Ali - he gave me great inspiration when I was younger. I hope I am following his example. He's charismatic and, in times of adversity, you see him smiling, even through the difficult moments in life. He's very strong and an inspiration to me. CJ: You're a very strong man too. What motivates you? What keeps you going? MW: I love life. I just love people. Life means so much to me. People are important to me. Everything happens for a purpose. Since I had this accident I've been changed for the better as a person. I meet wonderful people, my life is elevated each and everyday. I had to move on. Let bygones be bygones, it's done. There's a lot more for me to live for, I can give people an injection of inspiration. Name: Michael Watson Event: Boxing Achievements: MBE; Commonwealth Middleweight Champion; London Marathon; Helen Rollason Award for Courage and Achievement in the face of adversity. CJ: What about the London marathon? What was that like? MW: It was fantastic. I enjoyed it very much. Once upon a time I couldn't walk and I couldn't talk, but look - thanks to the forces of God. It's all in the mind. You've got to know what you can do - tunnel vision, work on the positive rather than the negative. If you understand your potential - I knew I had the fighting spirit intact and then it's down to preparation, pushing yourself to the limits. I don't look at situations - I look through situations, through the process, look for the finish. I saw myself crossing the line, and when I did it I really did feel whole, I felt complete. Being part of the Olympic Torch Relay means the world to me. It's wonderful to be selected for this event, I'm touched. I feel very enthusiastic and happy to be competing in this event - it's wonderful! CJ: What's your advice to young people? MICHAEL WATSON was the first man to defeat British Middleweight legend NIGEL BENN when they fought in Finsbury Park in May 1989. All 22 of Benn's previous opponents had crumbled to his fearsome punches, but Watson weathered the storm and triumphed by the sixth round. Where there is life, there is always hope. Don't give in - stay positive and have faith in yourself. Set yourself one task each day and, however hard and however long it takes, complete it. In doing this, your sense of achievement and purpose will become stronger. If you feel like crying - cry. Go out as much as possible and try to do a few everyday things. Try to be with other people and talk to them as much as possible. Your strength will inspire them and their presence will strengthen you. Your motto should be: 'I can and I will' - and believe it.