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Mr. Scully, How difficult is it for a fighter from North America to train for a fight at home and then leave for an overseas fight a week or two before? You hear people talk about the adjustment, time zones and stuff, what is that like? Is it a difficult process for a fighter? - Pat in Maine
ICE: I found it to be a mentally tough task to go there partly because of all the horror stories you've heard over the years. Did I get there in enough time? Will the time change affect me? Will the climate or the water or the food and the different altitude affect me? You find yourself asking a lot of questions. I don't know if it was nerves or jet lag or a combination of both but I know that when I fought Henry Maske for the IBF title back in 1996 in Germany there was not even one night there, including the night before the fight, that I was able to fall asleep before day break.
Please Ask the Iceman who he thought won the Leonard vs Hagler fight? I was reading about all time Ray took off prior to that fight and was hoping to hear Ice's take on how big a disadvantage that put Ray in going into that fight. Also, do you think the judges could have been swayed by some of the sentiment involved in Ray's come back that could have given him some close rounds? Peace, J-Stu in AC
ICE: I watched that fight live on closed circuit and I distinctly remember having Ray convincingly ahead after the 12 rounds were completed. I think most did. Now you have people saying how the more you watch the fight the stronger the case can be made the Hagler won but the fact is that you can only go by what you saw there live the first time. People might have been influenced by Ray and his persona but with or with or without that I thought he fought the better fight, period.
Hello John, did you get a chance to see Henry Maske's rematch with Virgil Hill? I'm a big fan of Hill's but it seemed he looked flat. How do you think Maske's legacy will sit now that he's reversed that loss? I think he's a good fighter, but over rated in some circles. What is your impression of him and his skills? - Greg in Grand Forks
ICE: I have the feeling that only in the hearts of German fans will it make much of a difference overall in Henry's legacy. It was a great accomplishment for sure and made for a great story but you cannot overlook the fact that Virgil is just about as old as Henry is and their fight was not for the outright title of the WBA at cruiserweight. I like the story and Henry's success with it but I think it would have had legitimate impact had he turned around and beaten Virgil sometime back in 1997.
Hello I'd like to ask Coach Scully how different the transition is from fighting as a amateur to fighting as a pro? I have over 40 amateur fights and am a distance fighter. A lot of my wins are by decision and I wonder what the transition is like warming up to the scoring system in the pros vs. that in the amateurs. - Jo Jo in Calgary
ICE: Well, I would say most amateur victories are by decision as opposed to the stoppage route but, either way, it is still only four rounds in length any way you slice it so to know for sure you are a distance fighter you would actually have to successfully defeat opponents over the longer distance of a pro fight. For me the biggest obstacle was getting used to the head butts that sometimes occur in professional fights. The amateur headgears protect against them but they are definitely no joke and something to watch out for. The fighting with no shirt and no headgear, other than the occasional clash of heads, was something I got used to pretty quickly.
Hello Ice, what is the best fight you have ever seen live bro? Who were the fighters and what made it such a great fight? For me it was Mickey Ward vs Emanuel Burton. What a war! - Chris in Idaho
ICE: I was there live when Bowe and Holyfield fought the first time and I would have to say that one carried the most action, excitement and anticipation of any bout I have ever been to live. I fought on the undercard in a 12 round fight against Tim Littles where I got badly cut in three places but I stayed at the arena for that fight before heading to get stitched up and I still say it is one of the best moves I ever made, not missing that fight.
Please ask Mr. Scully what he thinks of Tito Trinidad's decision to return after a layoff vs. Roy Jones. Tito no doubt thinks he can check Roy's chin, but how will he look at 168, and is he underestimating what Roy has left? Tito is a very stiff mechanical puncher, do you think Roy will be watching out for Tito's power and looking to counter? Who do you think will win? - Carter in Florida
ICE: I think it is likely a mistake to not only come back against Roy Jones in your fight at a heavier weight than you ever fought at before but it would also be an even bigger mistake to come back against Jones if you see him as damaged goods. Roy is obviously not the fighter he was in the mid-1990's but I think he still has a bit more left than most give him credit for. I would say it is a pretty sure bet that Roy will take his time and show Tito the proper respect as he waits for his chance to unleash his sizzling combinations. I don't like to bet on fights but I think Roy will fight a careful fight early on gradually gain confidence and accuracy as the rounds goby until he feels sure enough of himself to let go power shots in combinations. Tito will be a slow moving target most likely and Roy will win in clear fashion, I think.
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