Boxing News Thread
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David Rodriguez: “I think after this fight, maybe two or three more fights
David Rodriguez: “I think after this fight, maybe two or three more fights and I think I’ll get a title shot”
by Geoffrey Ciani (Exclusive Interview by Jenna J & Geoffrey Ciani) - This week’s 130th edition of On the Ropes Boxing Radio (brought to you by CWH Promotions) featured an exclusive interview with undefeated heavyweight prospect David Rodriguez (34-0, 32 KOs) who is slated to face Owen Beck (29-7, 20 KOs) tonight at the Don Haskins Convention Center in El Paso, Texas. Rodriguez spoke about his upcoming fight with Beck and also revealed plans about his future. Additionally he provided opinions on various aspects pertaining to the current boxing landscape including Manny Pacquiao, Klitschko-Haye, and more! Here is what he had to say:
Regarding training and preparations for his upcoming fight against Owen Beck:
“I feel great actually. We’ve been working really hard in Vegas and things have been going really well. The training was horrendous. I mean we’ve been working longer rounds with shorter breaks to the point that I have nothing left after every practice. So we’ve really picked up the pace for this opponent, because I know Owen goes the distance with a lot of guys and it takes a lot to get him out of there, so I want to be prepared for whatever happens.”
On whether he feels facing Beck is a step up in the direction towards landing fights against bigger name contenders:
“Yeah, I definitely think this is a step up. I’ve had incremental steps up, but I think this one is a good jump. It’s either now or never. I’ve switched boxing teams. There was a lot of controversy around that. I feel better with the team I’m with. Training is great. Even though I miss my old trainer and a lot of the old stuff, it was time to bring in some new things and I think this is the guy they wanted to put me in with. I accepted, gladly. I said this is what we need to do. I’m not getting any younger.”
His views on his fighting style and regarding his slow progression as a professional boxer:
“Well I mean I was raised in a border city. I border Mexico so I kind of grew up having a Mexican style, but I’ve always had really fast hands so I was always able to take guys out of there. I only had about ten amateur fights, but at that time growing up I was playing baseball, football, basketball, everything, and I never though t boxing would be the sport that I would choose to be honest with you. It just kind of worked out that way. Even when I turned pro, the reason it’s been such a slow process is I didn’t really know if this was the road I was going to go down. I just started knocking everybody out. After about 10, 15, 20 fights I was like man, I got a knack for this. I just decided to start taking it more seriously, and that’s really the reason it took so long. I was kind of figuring things out in my 20s. I didn’t know if boxing was the right route to go. I was having fun fighting, but I wanted to go back to school, I wanted to do some other things, and then all of a sudden it just took on a life of its own, and I decided that boxing was for me. It wasn’t until I was probably I would say 30 that I decided that I needed to take this seriously and just finish what I started, and that is to go for the heavyweight championship. I’ve obviously got the talent, I’ve got the tools, I’ve got the speed, I’ve got the ability, I’ve got the strength in my punches. You know, why not? I just decided that’s the road I’d take.”
On how far away he thinks he is before he will get a shot at a major title:
“You know I take it fight by fight, but I would say three fights away or four fights away. I think once I beat Owen Beck and have another fight after that, I’ll probably have to prove myself a few more times and then I’m sure I’ll get the call. I mean I’m starting to make waves now, and if I win impressively and I can keep winning impressively then I don’t see how they can deny me. I believe this fight’s going to launch me into the top 15 or top 10. I’m not sure which one, but I’m not worried about that. The only thing I’m worried about right now is just winning, and it’s a lot of pressure because I want to win impressively. I don’t want to just get the win. So that’s the pressure I have on me. I’m 34-0 with 32 knockouts. People want to see, is David the real deal or not? That’s the pressure that’s on my shoulders right now. I’m trying to just relax and just get the win, but I do want to get the win impressively. I think after this fight, maybe two or three more fights and I think I’ll get a title shot.”
His views on the upcoming heavyweight unification fight between Wladimir Klitschko and David Haye and whether he thinks this fight can help rejuvenate the division:
“Yeah, definitely! I mean already I’m excited about it. I think David Haye did exactly what he had to do to get the fight. It’s annoying to me to see somebody talk so much, but it was what was called for. I think he kind of had to pull that card in order for people to listen and take this fight seriously. I don’t think David Haye would have ever gotten his shot if he wouldn’t have done what he’s doing. So this was his only way. He had to use his mouth to get in there and the guy is talented. He’s extremely fast. He’s a finisher. To be honest, I respect the Klitschkos, and I do respect the Klitschkos. I mean they’re heavyweight champions for a reason, but they’re both holding belts and it’s really going nowhere. It’s kind of stagnant with them holding the belts. I think David Haye is kind of shaking it up, and I predict David Haye to win. I really do. I think David Haye is going to win sensationally.”
His views on Manny Pacquiao as a boxer:
“Manny Pacquiao I think is a phenom in boxing. Every time he fights, he’s crushing these guys. It almost looks effortless. He’s going through world champions and he’s moved up how many weight classes, six? Yeah. I mean come on. That’s incredible! He throws unorthodox punches that land and knock guys out. If you just looked at his last fight with Sugar Shane Mosley, he kind of went into a shell and that’s not Mosley’s style. Mosley likes to mix it up and let his speed go. But he was in such a shell because he didn’t know what to do with Pacquiao, because Pacquiao is coming at him from all different angles. He moves laterally, throws wide right hooks, then he comes up with a stiff jab, and throws a combination of punches and all of them are solid and hard. I think Pacquiao’s a sensation and I think he’s going to be on top for awhile. I think he’s one of the greatest fighters that ever lived if you want my honest opinion.”
On whether there is added pressure for him to score a knockout against Owen Beck given the fact six of Beck’s seven career losses have come by knockout:
“No, because that can be deceiving. I’ve seen some of his losses and they were very controversial. They shouldn’t have been stopped a couple of them. He gets wobbly a little bit with I think it was Charr. I don’t think he should have been stopped in that fight. There are a few other ones where he shouldn’t have been stopped. So I think he has a lot left in the tank. If he came in for my fight, I think he’s weighing like 238. He looks very trim and ready to go. I’m expecting a completely different Owen Beck then what has fought all these other guys. I can either have a very long night with this guy, because he is crafty and he stays busy, or I could get him out quickly. I know he’s going to give it his all, and I’m going to give it my all. The outcome Friday night, I should be the one raising my hands if everything goes well.”
On whether fans can expect him to continue stepping up his level of competition if he beats Owen Beck:
“Yeah, I plan to. Yes. We have a plan, a schedule for August or September and then again in November. So if everything goes well with Beck, and we plan it to, then yes. I’ll be fighting once again in late August or early September, then after thing goes well in that fight then I’ll be fighting again in November.”
His official prediction for his upcoming fight against Owen Beck:
“I think I’m going to knock him out. I can’t tell you the round, but I think it’s going to be within six and I think I’m going to overwhelm him I think once he starts tasting my power. I’m going to be a little patient with him and pick my shots. I think once he starts feeling my power, just like everybody else has, their eyes kind of get wide and then they know they’re in for a long night and that’s when I start turning it up. As the rounds go on, I start turning it up more and more and then usually by the second, third, or fourth round, they either fold or it’s just over. I mean either they don’t want to get off their stool or it’s over. So I would say I predict the same thing with him. I know he’s going to come in game and ready, but I just got to take that out of him.”
David Rodriguez: “I think after this fight, maybe two or three more fights and I think I’ll get a title shot”
by Geoffrey Ciani (Exclusive Interview by Jenna J & Geoffrey Ciani) - This week’s 130th edition of On the Ropes Boxing Radio (brought to you by CWH Promotions) featured an exclusive interview with undefeated heavyweight prospect David Rodriguez (34-0, 32 KOs) who is slated to face Owen Beck (29-7, 20 KOs) tonight at the Don Haskins Convention Center in El Paso, Texas. Rodriguez spoke about his upcoming fight with Beck and also revealed plans about his future. Additionally he provided opinions on various aspects pertaining to the current boxing landscape including Manny Pacquiao, Klitschko-Haye, and more! Here is what he had to say:
Regarding training and preparations for his upcoming fight against Owen Beck:
“I feel great actually. We’ve been working really hard in Vegas and things have been going really well. The training was horrendous. I mean we’ve been working longer rounds with shorter breaks to the point that I have nothing left after every practice. So we’ve really picked up the pace for this opponent, because I know Owen goes the distance with a lot of guys and it takes a lot to get him out of there, so I want to be prepared for whatever happens.”
On whether he feels facing Beck is a step up in the direction towards landing fights against bigger name contenders:
“Yeah, I definitely think this is a step up. I’ve had incremental steps up, but I think this one is a good jump. It’s either now or never. I’ve switched boxing teams. There was a lot of controversy around that. I feel better with the team I’m with. Training is great. Even though I miss my old trainer and a lot of the old stuff, it was time to bring in some new things and I think this is the guy they wanted to put me in with. I accepted, gladly. I said this is what we need to do. I’m not getting any younger.”
His views on his fighting style and regarding his slow progression as a professional boxer:
“Well I mean I was raised in a border city. I border Mexico so I kind of grew up having a Mexican style, but I’ve always had really fast hands so I was always able to take guys out of there. I only had about ten amateur fights, but at that time growing up I was playing baseball, football, basketball, everything, and I never though t boxing would be the sport that I would choose to be honest with you. It just kind of worked out that way. Even when I turned pro, the reason it’s been such a slow process is I didn’t really know if this was the road I was going to go down. I just started knocking everybody out. After about 10, 15, 20 fights I was like man, I got a knack for this. I just decided to start taking it more seriously, and that’s really the reason it took so long. I was kind of figuring things out in my 20s. I didn’t know if boxing was the right route to go. I was having fun fighting, but I wanted to go back to school, I wanted to do some other things, and then all of a sudden it just took on a life of its own, and I decided that boxing was for me. It wasn’t until I was probably I would say 30 that I decided that I needed to take this seriously and just finish what I started, and that is to go for the heavyweight championship. I’ve obviously got the talent, I’ve got the tools, I’ve got the speed, I’ve got the ability, I’ve got the strength in my punches. You know, why not? I just decided that’s the road I’d take.”
On how far away he thinks he is before he will get a shot at a major title:
“You know I take it fight by fight, but I would say three fights away or four fights away. I think once I beat Owen Beck and have another fight after that, I’ll probably have to prove myself a few more times and then I’m sure I’ll get the call. I mean I’m starting to make waves now, and if I win impressively and I can keep winning impressively then I don’t see how they can deny me. I believe this fight’s going to launch me into the top 15 or top 10. I’m not sure which one, but I’m not worried about that. The only thing I’m worried about right now is just winning, and it’s a lot of pressure because I want to win impressively. I don’t want to just get the win. So that’s the pressure I have on me. I’m 34-0 with 32 knockouts. People want to see, is David the real deal or not? That’s the pressure that’s on my shoulders right now. I’m trying to just relax and just get the win, but I do want to get the win impressively. I think after this fight, maybe two or three more fights and I think I’ll get a title shot.”
His views on the upcoming heavyweight unification fight between Wladimir Klitschko and David Haye and whether he thinks this fight can help rejuvenate the division:
“Yeah, definitely! I mean already I’m excited about it. I think David Haye did exactly what he had to do to get the fight. It’s annoying to me to see somebody talk so much, but it was what was called for. I think he kind of had to pull that card in order for people to listen and take this fight seriously. I don’t think David Haye would have ever gotten his shot if he wouldn’t have done what he’s doing. So this was his only way. He had to use his mouth to get in there and the guy is talented. He’s extremely fast. He’s a finisher. To be honest, I respect the Klitschkos, and I do respect the Klitschkos. I mean they’re heavyweight champions for a reason, but they’re both holding belts and it’s really going nowhere. It’s kind of stagnant with them holding the belts. I think David Haye is kind of shaking it up, and I predict David Haye to win. I really do. I think David Haye is going to win sensationally.”
His views on Manny Pacquiao as a boxer:
“Manny Pacquiao I think is a phenom in boxing. Every time he fights, he’s crushing these guys. It almost looks effortless. He’s going through world champions and he’s moved up how many weight classes, six? Yeah. I mean come on. That’s incredible! He throws unorthodox punches that land and knock guys out. If you just looked at his last fight with Sugar Shane Mosley, he kind of went into a shell and that’s not Mosley’s style. Mosley likes to mix it up and let his speed go. But he was in such a shell because he didn’t know what to do with Pacquiao, because Pacquiao is coming at him from all different angles. He moves laterally, throws wide right hooks, then he comes up with a stiff jab, and throws a combination of punches and all of them are solid and hard. I think Pacquiao’s a sensation and I think he’s going to be on top for awhile. I think he’s one of the greatest fighters that ever lived if you want my honest opinion.”
On whether there is added pressure for him to score a knockout against Owen Beck given the fact six of Beck’s seven career losses have come by knockout:
“No, because that can be deceiving. I’ve seen some of his losses and they were very controversial. They shouldn’t have been stopped a couple of them. He gets wobbly a little bit with I think it was Charr. I don’t think he should have been stopped in that fight. There are a few other ones where he shouldn’t have been stopped. So I think he has a lot left in the tank. If he came in for my fight, I think he’s weighing like 238. He looks very trim and ready to go. I’m expecting a completely different Owen Beck then what has fought all these other guys. I can either have a very long night with this guy, because he is crafty and he stays busy, or I could get him out quickly. I know he’s going to give it his all, and I’m going to give it my all. The outcome Friday night, I should be the one raising my hands if everything goes well.”
On whether fans can expect him to continue stepping up his level of competition if he beats Owen Beck:
“Yeah, I plan to. Yes. We have a plan, a schedule for August or September and then again in November. So if everything goes well with Beck, and we plan it to, then yes. I’ll be fighting once again in late August or early September, then after thing goes well in that fight then I’ll be fighting again in November.”
His official prediction for his upcoming fight against Owen Beck:
“I think I’m going to knock him out. I can’t tell you the round, but I think it’s going to be within six and I think I’m going to overwhelm him I think once he starts tasting my power. I’m going to be a little patient with him and pick my shots. I think once he starts feeling my power, just like everybody else has, their eyes kind of get wide and then they know they’re in for a long night and that’s when I start turning it up. As the rounds go on, I start turning it up more and more and then usually by the second, third, or fourth round, they either fold or it’s just over. I mean either they don’t want to get off their stool or it’s over. So I would say I predict the same thing with him. I know he’s going to come in game and ready, but I just got to take that out of him.”
Exclusive Interview: James Toney Talks About His Upcoming Fight With Ken Shamrock - “
By James Slater - As fans may or may not have read, James “Lights Out” Toney is soon to head back into the MMA cage. Due, he says, to being unable to land the meaningful boxing bouts he wants, the 42-year-old all-time great has just signed to face MMA legend Ken Shamrock.
Reports indicate that the fight will have a rule that stipulates how no fighter will be able to take-down the other and keep him in the floor for more than 30-seconds. The referee will intervene at the 30-sec mark, and both guys will resume a stand up fight. This figures to give 42-year-old Toney a much better chance than he had against Randy Couture back in August of last year, in what was Toney’s MMA debut (Couture needed nearly three-minutes to get his choke win over Toney).
Now in training for the Shamrock fight, Toney very kindly took time out to speak with ESB earlier today. Here is what the former middleweight, super-middleweight and cruiserweight king had to say.:
James Slater: Thanks so much for your time, Champ. It’s great to speak with a living legend! We’ve read about you facing MMA trailblazer Ken Shamrock in an MMA fight - is it signed or are you still in talks?
James Toney: As far as I know, it’s a done deal. The only way the fight won’t happen is if he don’t show. But I love Ken Shamrock, he’s beautiful and I’m pretty sure he’ll come to fight. Because I am ready, baby! All these boxers, they’re scared to fight me; so I’m going back to MMA to get a fight.
the main reason you are going back into the cage, because none of the guys you want in boxing will fight you?
J.T: Yes, these guys are clowns! You’ve got David “Gaye” and Wladimir “Bitschko,” who are gonna earn millions all because Gaye can talk trash. They call him a great trash-talker, but I’m THE BEST trash-talker on the planet! He [Haye] did some shit with a T-shirt and he talked his way into a million dollar fight! That’s nothing- I called Klitschko’s mom a b**ch and his sister too, and they don’t wanna fight me. How come? I did everything I could to get those two sisters into the ring.
J.S: This fight with Shamrock, I read there is a rule that stipulates there can be no takedowns that last more than 30-seconds. In other words, after 30-secs the ref will call break and you both get back to stand up action. Does that mean you’ll both have a real, stand up fight?
J.T: Exactly. And they put that [rule] in there, not me. I’m a gladiator, I’ll fight anywhere, anyhow. Everyone knows I had problems going into the Randy Couture fight, but the mother f****r never came to fight anyhow. He scored that bullshit takedown. That will never happen again. We offered Randy more money for a rematch and he said no. But Shamrock; he’ll come to fight - I hope, anyway!
J.S: And the fight will be in Texas?
J.T: El Paso, Texas - yes. October 1st.
J.S: I must admit, I don’t know too much about Ken Shamrock, other than he’s an MMA legend. What do you know about him, James?
J.T: All I know is he’s down as a legend in MMA as you say, but that stuff don’t mean anything to me. Boxing is a real sport! You have to be retired for five years before you can go in to The Hall of Fame in boxing. In this sport and in wrestling, they put you in straight away and that’s bullshit! There will be no wrestling in this fight; this will be real combat!
J.S: Will the rounds be five-minute rounds and will you be wearing four-ounce gloves?
J.T: 5-minute rounds and four-ounce gloves, yes. This is a challenge for him and he will be put to sleep. I don’t need no big name trainer to get me ready for this fight; I am ready! Can’t no name trainer teach me anything new anyway.
J.S: Your last fight in boxing, you beat Damon Reed via shut-out in Feb. But you said yourself you were not in great shape for that. Will you be in better shape for the Shamrock fight?
J.T: What people don’t know is, I had a thyroid problem going into that fight. I trained hard, running 4 to 5 miles a day and I felt good. But I make no excuses; I’ll be in better physical condition next time.
J.S: What are you expecting Shamrock to weigh for this fight?
J.T: I have no idea because I’ve never even see him…
J.S: You’re fighting a guy you’ve never seen fight! That’s a warrior attitude….
J.T: That’s right, I’m old-school. I’ll fight anyone. All these guys, they never fight James Toney the way they say they will. They can’t walk the walk, they run!
J.S: Are you expecting to score a KO over Shamrock?
J.T: I know I’ll knock him out. Trust me.
J.S: And will there be T.V coverage of this fight?
J.T: It will be Pay-Per-View.
J.S: And after this fight, even if you win in style, will you be back in the boxing ring?
J.T: Oh yeah. I’m gonna be heavyweight champ! I’m the only champ that matters anyway: James Lights Out Toney, the IBA heavyweight champ. When these Bitschkos retire next year, I’ll get the division back up again. See, there’s me, Tommy Hearns, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson and Ezzard Charles - we are the only champions from here that ever matter!
J.S: Thanks so much for your time, J.T. And best wishes for the October fight.
J.T: Thank you and God bless.
By James Slater - As fans may or may not have read, James “Lights Out” Toney is soon to head back into the MMA cage. Due, he says, to being unable to land the meaningful boxing bouts he wants, the 42-year-old all-time great has just signed to face MMA legend Ken Shamrock.
Reports indicate that the fight will have a rule that stipulates how no fighter will be able to take-down the other and keep him in the floor for more than 30-seconds. The referee will intervene at the 30-sec mark, and both guys will resume a stand up fight. This figures to give 42-year-old Toney a much better chance than he had against Randy Couture back in August of last year, in what was Toney’s MMA debut (Couture needed nearly three-minutes to get his choke win over Toney).
Now in training for the Shamrock fight, Toney very kindly took time out to speak with ESB earlier today. Here is what the former middleweight, super-middleweight and cruiserweight king had to say.:
James Slater: Thanks so much for your time, Champ. It’s great to speak with a living legend! We’ve read about you facing MMA trailblazer Ken Shamrock in an MMA fight - is it signed or are you still in talks?
James Toney: As far as I know, it’s a done deal. The only way the fight won’t happen is if he don’t show. But I love Ken Shamrock, he’s beautiful and I’m pretty sure he’ll come to fight. Because I am ready, baby! All these boxers, they’re scared to fight me; so I’m going back to MMA to get a fight.
the main reason you are going back into the cage, because none of the guys you want in boxing will fight you?
J.T: Yes, these guys are clowns! You’ve got David “Gaye” and Wladimir “Bitschko,” who are gonna earn millions all because Gaye can talk trash. They call him a great trash-talker, but I’m THE BEST trash-talker on the planet! He [Haye] did some shit with a T-shirt and he talked his way into a million dollar fight! That’s nothing- I called Klitschko’s mom a b**ch and his sister too, and they don’t wanna fight me. How come? I did everything I could to get those two sisters into the ring.
J.S: This fight with Shamrock, I read there is a rule that stipulates there can be no takedowns that last more than 30-seconds. In other words, after 30-secs the ref will call break and you both get back to stand up action. Does that mean you’ll both have a real, stand up fight?
J.T: Exactly. And they put that [rule] in there, not me. I’m a gladiator, I’ll fight anywhere, anyhow. Everyone knows I had problems going into the Randy Couture fight, but the mother f****r never came to fight anyhow. He scored that bullshit takedown. That will never happen again. We offered Randy more money for a rematch and he said no. But Shamrock; he’ll come to fight - I hope, anyway!
J.S: And the fight will be in Texas?
J.T: El Paso, Texas - yes. October 1st.
J.S: I must admit, I don’t know too much about Ken Shamrock, other than he’s an MMA legend. What do you know about him, James?
J.T: All I know is he’s down as a legend in MMA as you say, but that stuff don’t mean anything to me. Boxing is a real sport! You have to be retired for five years before you can go in to The Hall of Fame in boxing. In this sport and in wrestling, they put you in straight away and that’s bullshit! There will be no wrestling in this fight; this will be real combat!
J.S: Will the rounds be five-minute rounds and will you be wearing four-ounce gloves?
J.T: 5-minute rounds and four-ounce gloves, yes. This is a challenge for him and he will be put to sleep. I don’t need no big name trainer to get me ready for this fight; I am ready! Can’t no name trainer teach me anything new anyway.
J.S: Your last fight in boxing, you beat Damon Reed via shut-out in Feb. But you said yourself you were not in great shape for that. Will you be in better shape for the Shamrock fight?
J.T: What people don’t know is, I had a thyroid problem going into that fight. I trained hard, running 4 to 5 miles a day and I felt good. But I make no excuses; I’ll be in better physical condition next time.
J.S: What are you expecting Shamrock to weigh for this fight?
J.T: I have no idea because I’ve never even see him…
J.S: You’re fighting a guy you’ve never seen fight! That’s a warrior attitude….
J.T: That’s right, I’m old-school. I’ll fight anyone. All these guys, they never fight James Toney the way they say they will. They can’t walk the walk, they run!
J.S: Are you expecting to score a KO over Shamrock?
J.T: I know I’ll knock him out. Trust me.
J.S: And will there be T.V coverage of this fight?
J.T: It will be Pay-Per-View.
J.S: And after this fight, even if you win in style, will you be back in the boxing ring?
J.T: Oh yeah. I’m gonna be heavyweight champ! I’m the only champ that matters anyway: James Lights Out Toney, the IBA heavyweight champ. When these Bitschkos retire next year, I’ll get the division back up again. See, there’s me, Tommy Hearns, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson and Ezzard Charles - we are the only champions from here that ever matter!
J.S: Thanks so much for your time, J.T. And best wishes for the October fight.
J.T: Thank you and God bless.
Baby steps. He's only been back with Wolf for about three weeks. Key here was to get some confidence back work on some things and keep going forward. He's always going to be James Kirkland he just needs to get back to where he was pre -prison. Two years locked up with no training that can take away alot of that punch resistance. I'm sure Wolfe is whooping his ass in training getting him back in shape
RIP
Nick Charles Passes Away at Age 64 From Cancer
Nick Charles, the first sports anchor at CNN, died Saturday in Santa Fe, N.M., at 64. He had been diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2009. Charles had served as a sports anchor at Washington's WRC/Channel 4 and Baltimore's WJZ/Channel 13 before joining CNN when it launched in 1980. At CNN, he and Fred Hickman formed a popular team as anchors of "Sports Tonight."
Beginning in 2001, Charles hosted of Showtime's ShoBox: The New Generation. He also hosted boxing on Versus. In March 2011, Charles returned to the airwaves for a final time as a host of HBO's Boxing After Dark program. He won the Boxing Writer's Association Broadcaster award in 2007 and in 2008, he won the Sam Taub Award for excellence in boxing broadcasting journalism. Charles is also the winner of several cable ACE awards.
"It's an imperfect world, but, boy, it's still beautiful," he told CNN in a recent interview. "What is life? It's 20 percent what happens to you and 80 percent how you react to it. Find that little kernel every day that brings you pleasure and joy -- and fasten onto that. That's what's going to make life worth living. Always look for the best."
Nick Charles Passes Away at Age 64 From Cancer
Nick Charles, the first sports anchor at CNN, died Saturday in Santa Fe, N.M., at 64. He had been diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2009. Charles had served as a sports anchor at Washington's WRC/Channel 4 and Baltimore's WJZ/Channel 13 before joining CNN when it launched in 1980. At CNN, he and Fred Hickman formed a popular team as anchors of "Sports Tonight."
Beginning in 2001, Charles hosted of Showtime's ShoBox: The New Generation. He also hosted boxing on Versus. In March 2011, Charles returned to the airwaves for a final time as a host of HBO's Boxing After Dark program. He won the Boxing Writer's Association Broadcaster award in 2007 and in 2008, he won the Sam Taub Award for excellence in boxing broadcasting journalism. Charles is also the winner of several cable ACE awards.
"It's an imperfect world, but, boy, it's still beautiful," he told CNN in a recent interview. "What is life? It's 20 percent what happens to you and 80 percent how you react to it. Find that little kernel every day that brings you pleasure and joy -- and fasten onto that. That's what's going to make life worth living. Always look for the best."
IDK if this has been posted, if so, my fault
R.I.P. Nick Charles
ATLANTA (AP) — Nick Charles, the former taxi driver who became CNN's first sports anchor and served in that role for nearly two decades, died Saturday after a two-year struggle with bladder cancer, the cable network reported. He was 64.
He died peacefully at his New Mexico home, wife Cory told the network.
Nicholas Charles Nickeas grew up in Chicago, working late-night jobs in high school to help his family, according to CNN. He eventually went to Columbia College Chicago to study communications and drove a taxi to help pay his tuition.
He was still driving taxis in 1970 when he landed his first gig with WICS in Springfield, Ill. That's when he adopted the name Nick Charles at the urging of his news director, the network said.
Charles later left Springfield to work at local stations in Baltimore and Washington and then began at Atlanta-based CNN on the network's first day on June 1, 1980.
He made his name before a national audience teaming with Fred Hickman for almost 20 years on "Sports Tonight," a daily highlight show that battled with ESPN for viewers. Charles became such a popular TV personality that Topps put his face on a trading card, CNN reported.
"We just clicked from the very beginning," Hickman told CNN. "In television, you always have personality conflicts. Nick and I never had one. Nick and I have always had a tremendous relationship."
Hickman said Charles was a "great inspiration" to him, and described his former colleague as a "tremendous storyteller."
"He could literally do a story about a horse and make you think this horse was like a person," Hickman said. "He could take boxing and turn it into something poetic."
Charles told CNN recently that boxing was "one of my loves," whether reporting on Muhammad Ali's later years or covering the ear-biting incident involving Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield.
With his well-coiffed, curly black hair and sharp-looking suits, Charles brought GQ-like style to CNN's broadcasts. But he also was known as a skilled interviewer who related easily to subjects while not being shy about asking tough questions.
"I think when people look back on Nick in years to come, they're going to remember — the hair," former CNN sports anchor Jim Huber quipped to the network. "He loved that hair. It used to just drive us crazy. But in all seriousness, I think they're going to look back on one of the great sports journalists of all time."
CNN Worldwide president Jim Walton said Saturday that Charles helped put CNN on the map.
R.I.P. Nick Charles
ATLANTA (AP) — Nick Charles, the former taxi driver who became CNN's first sports anchor and served in that role for nearly two decades, died Saturday after a two-year struggle with bladder cancer, the cable network reported. He was 64.
He died peacefully at his New Mexico home, wife Cory told the network.
Nicholas Charles Nickeas grew up in Chicago, working late-night jobs in high school to help his family, according to CNN. He eventually went to Columbia College Chicago to study communications and drove a taxi to help pay his tuition.
He was still driving taxis in 1970 when he landed his first gig with WICS in Springfield, Ill. That's when he adopted the name Nick Charles at the urging of his news director, the network said.
Charles later left Springfield to work at local stations in Baltimore and Washington and then began at Atlanta-based CNN on the network's first day on June 1, 1980.
He made his name before a national audience teaming with Fred Hickman for almost 20 years on "Sports Tonight," a daily highlight show that battled with ESPN for viewers. Charles became such a popular TV personality that Topps put his face on a trading card, CNN reported.
"We just clicked from the very beginning," Hickman told CNN. "In television, you always have personality conflicts. Nick and I never had one. Nick and I have always had a tremendous relationship."
Hickman said Charles was a "great inspiration" to him, and described his former colleague as a "tremendous storyteller."
"He could literally do a story about a horse and make you think this horse was like a person," Hickman said. "He could take boxing and turn it into something poetic."
Charles told CNN recently that boxing was "one of my loves," whether reporting on Muhammad Ali's later years or covering the ear-biting incident involving Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield.
With his well-coiffed, curly black hair and sharp-looking suits, Charles brought GQ-like style to CNN's broadcasts. But he also was known as a skilled interviewer who related easily to subjects while not being shy about asking tough questions.
"I think when people look back on Nick in years to come, they're going to remember — the hair," former CNN sports anchor Jim Huber quipped to the network. "He loved that hair. It used to just drive us crazy. But in all seriousness, I think they're going to look back on one of the great sports journalists of all time."
CNN Worldwide president Jim Walton said Saturday that Charles helped put CNN on the map.
