August 24, 2009
Re: An Open Letter to Boxing Insiders
Greetings,
This message is being conveyed to a distribution list consisting of boxing-related professionals, personalities, scribes, and similar influencers of the sport. In other words, if you received this email, chances are you have a big ego! Okay, now jokes aside . . .
If we have not visited before, I currently serve as Houston Boxing Examiner for Examiner.com. This message, in my view, is important in light of Mr. Paulie Malignaggi's outburst last August 22nd, both in the ring and at the post-fight conference. Certainly, I recognize that I do not possess a monopoly on the truth, and additionally respect the many individuals on this list who have attained the long history, personal experiences, anecdotes, and scholarly study of the sweet science. Mr. Malignaggi's profanity-filled and emotional outburst struck me as temperamental and "youth-inspired." However, I recognized an aspect of sincerity, and painful helplessness in what Mr. Malignaggi was attempting to express to the entire industry and sport of boxing.
While we cannot all agree on the large issues which affect our sport, let us all agree to be gentlemen while covering boxing. If it does need reform, if that holds true, we each hold some degree of influence in what we do. That principles matter. That what is the right way cannot be handed out as a gift without effort.
In a recent column, I detailed prospective reforms which could benefit the sport and its participants. These cannot be agreed to by all parties concerned. And the inertia of the past works against change. It is the act of trying, in my small circle of influence that perhaps can spark a few minds that bring change inch by inch. So can you. Promoters themselves have agreed to match the biggest fights, and it appears they are doing so with much commendation from all of us. The networks are covering events. If we can entice corporate sponsors, like what MMA is doing, that should also elevate the industry's positioning and station, given the hyper-competitiveness of the sports and entertainment landscape.
In its simplest terms, it was Gandhi who said "you must be the change you wish to see in the world." Fighters and boxers inspire me to the utmost for their unreasonable levels of dedication, courage, and character. Let us call for, and do our small tasks (letters, columns, reporting, phone calls, emails, etc.) in helping to ensure that once they are done running hundreds of miles, thousands of sit-ups, dozens of fractured limbs, possible brain injury, and immense training, that they are competing in a credible, transparent, fair, and inspiring sport - one that encourages its observers to reach for their own best; and not be cynics or skeptics in a society of challenges. To paraphrase and alter, "Ask not what the sport can do for you; ask what you can do for your sport." And lay on that altar of change our small contributions for progress.
Straight from the heart, and one who always aspires to be a gentleman,
Marv Dumon
Houston Boxing Examiner
Examiner.com
Comments
Great Article, I'm a father and I admire most of these athletes thru out their carriers but like you say, they are role models to others and one must always maintain a professionalism, there is a time a forum and a place to bring a complain.
Completely agree...it was sad to see someone misrepresent his point so vividly. It is being duplicated in today's political arena where some believe that screaming their viewpoint with outrage and profanity makes them "right".
I do believe Malignaggi won the fight.
I do not understand why the judges scored the way they did.
I do think the matter should be looked into and, if fault is found, a correction made in the system. If no fault is found, I would like to have someone explain why Malignaggi lost.
But, regardless of the judge's scorecards, Mr. Malignaggi lost a LOT that night. He lost his respect as a sportsman.
those judges need to be investigated and suspended bec of score. they should not be allowed to score until we found out for sure
i want a refund to the fight...$75. oscar pls send on paypal
all this will be solved if you go to www.pacfans-corner.com
those texas mexican mafia smuggling drugs are corrupting sports events in texas bribing officials so they can win thousands in gambling
paulie should fight juanma marquez bec they both cry after fight. it will be crying contest
Knock your opponent out so they won't be bitchin' on judges scoring again! Unfortunately these slappers won't be able to do it!
Now you're seeing the tendencies on how fight-results can be influenced. ODLH golden hand have played a big part of this travesty.ODLH has been seen with referees, judges, players and promoters before an event; either violating contract signing of fighters from another stable(pacquiao), setting up impossible fights(?)for money(his fight with pacman), promoting a fallacy of a fight(numero uno) and now overdoing a judge decision in his ward's favor!
Mayweather be prepare, ODLH has something cooking up with his fighter JMM come sept.19. We can now predict the next fight will be pacman vs JMM! That would be the biggest purse ODLH will have after his retirement from boxing!
hey marv, great article... for those living in mars and jupiter! Unfortunately, you're publishing it here.. We earthmen wants to have it plain and simple.. It's(boxing) not perfect but not the way aliens want to change our rules...
someone made a big bet on this fight, millions, thats why judge scoring was lopsided. wanna bet?
how many saw the fight that saw malignaggi won, he outclassed diaz and cut up his face. what a shame golden boy bad boy
all cotto has to do is find a golden boy boxer to bet millions on packy vs cotto and all cotto has to do is run in the ring and win decision and make pactards cry
i've heard this before; bet against pacman.. i've also seen many times how farther this guys dug deep into recession after a pacman fight. it's good we still have boricua to bet. i hate it when pac gets the favorite, my winnings will mean less.. americans, mexicans and british became pacman fans next stop puerto ricans..more power to cotto believers!
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