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By Jake Donovan - It was a decade or so ago when veteran writer and broadcaster Steve Farhood, then the editor for Ring magazine, held court during Boxing Hall of Fame weekend in Canastota, New York. Among the questions floated his way inquired who his favorite fighter was.
In his best efforts to profess his objectivity, Farhood’s answer was simple and vague, yet oh so brutally honest.
“My favorite fighter is anyone who returns my phone calls.”
It’s the easiest way to any writer’s heart, certainly the best way to guarantee positive ink, no matter your line of work.
Fighters perhaps more so than stars of any other sport, understand and for the most part embrace the concept of self-promotion, and maintaining that level of intimacy with those who cover their careers. But every so often, there are those who rebel against the system, conducting their business as if their skills are enough to keep their names in lights.
Roy Jones Jr fell under the latter category for much of his career, including his decade-long stay at or near the top of most pound-for-pound rankings. What you saw was all that you got with Roy. Efforts to get to know him better were limited to segments provided by HBO preceding his fights, or if he chose to spit a little knowledge beyond what was taking place in the ring on those nights he spent behind the mic during Boxing After Dark telecasts. [details]
In his best efforts to profess his objectivity, Farhood’s answer was simple and vague, yet oh so brutally honest.
“My favorite fighter is anyone who returns my phone calls.”
It’s the easiest way to any writer’s heart, certainly the best way to guarantee positive ink, no matter your line of work.
Fighters perhaps more so than stars of any other sport, understand and for the most part embrace the concept of self-promotion, and maintaining that level of intimacy with those who cover their careers. But every so often, there are those who rebel against the system, conducting their business as if their skills are enough to keep their names in lights.
Roy Jones Jr fell under the latter category for much of his career, including his decade-long stay at or near the top of most pound-for-pound rankings. What you saw was all that you got with Roy. Efforts to get to know him better were limited to segments provided by HBO preceding his fights, or if he chose to spit a little knowledge beyond what was taking place in the ring on those nights he spent behind the mic during Boxing After Dark telecasts. [details]
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