Johnson Wants Hall-of-Fame Career!

Johnson Wants Hall-of-Fame Career!



By Andre Courtemanche

Former middleweight and light heavyweight champion Reggie "Sweet" Johnson (43-7-1, 25 KOs) has had a good career.

In his first world title fight in 1991, Johnson had a prime James Toney legitimately down and hurt, but lost a razor-thin split decision. Two fights later, he lifted the WBA strap from the talented multiple world champion Steve Collins, no easy feat, and then successfully defended three times.

In 1995, coming off a two-and-a-half year period where he had fought less than one round, he knocked out IBF Champion Williams Guthrie to take his second world title. He defended successfully twice before losing respectably to all-time-great Roy Jones Jr.

If he were to retire today, the boxing world would remember Reggie Johnson as a very good fighter.

That's not enough for Reggie.

"It will mean the world to me," says Johnson of someday being inducted into boxing's hall of fame. "Let's see if a third world title will concrete me in with the greats."

The 41-year-old Johnson will begin his quest for a third world title, and the accolades that could come with it, at the "Fight Night for Climate Change" event on February 23 at the Civic Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana, when he faces top contender and fellow former champion Julio Cesar Gonzalez for the IBA World Championship.

Energetic and over-flowing with confidence, Johnson agreed to talk about his immediate plans, his future plans and where he hopes to end up.

How are you feeling? Are you injury free and coming into this fight at 100%?

I'm feeling great! Thanks for asking. Yes I'm healthy and my elbows haven't felt this good in almost a decade. I'm at 120% going into this fight. God willing I will be there to give the boxing fans of Lake Charles, and the world over, the best Reggie Johnson.

You were originally scheduled to face Glen Johnson last year and then suffered an injury. How did your opponent go from Glenn Johnson to Julio Gonzalez?

Well, when my elbow injury happened, Glen got the opportunity from Showtime to fight Chad Dawson. It was a big letdown because a lot of work, money and resources were spent to make Johnson vs. Johnson a reality. Glen Johnson is the #1 contender by the IBF and it was a huge shortcut for me and Team Johnson. We had been working on this fight for two years. So when Glen took the Dawson fight, I did my research and found out that Gonzalez had a win over Glen. He was also a respected former world champion who had fought Roy Jones, Montell Griffin, and Clinton Woods. So a win in great fashion over Gonzalez should position me and shine a light on my pursuit of a third world title.

Why such a tough opponent for your first fight in almost three years?

Well when I knocked out Fred Moore, then the # 15 guy, I had been away from the ring for three years and eight months. My mindset has always been to win fights in the gym. I know that with young, hungry, world-class fighters pushing me everyday as my sparring partners, and add in my 23 years of experience, it makes sense for me to start at the top. Besides it's not in my DNA to fight ducks. My resume will indicate.

What do you see in Julio's style that you can take advantage of?

For starters Julio helped me get ready for a few of my light heavyweight world title fights. This was when he had about 10 fights, so I know him well. Julio is like all the great Mexican fighters who fight with a lot of passion and heart. Julio's tough, but him being 6' 2" and fighting like the average Mexican fighter plays in my favor. So I see his style making my job a little easier. His trainer Dub Huntley worked with me in 1989 when I moved to L.A. to pursue my career. So he knows what Julio is up against and he also knows that Reggie Johnson never over-estimates or under-estimates any man when that bells ring.

You've had a terrific career already, what is pulling you back to the ring?

Well security of family is always a motivator. Plus I have some unfinished business. But I really want to position myself to one day get in the Boxing Hall of Fame. I was invited out there in 2005 and 2006 which I think is a good sign, so lets see if a third world title will concrete me in with the greats. If it is God's will to bless me in that way, it will mean the world to me.

How is working with your promoter Kerry Daigle going?

Kerry Daigle serves as my friend first and as my agent. He's been awesome and was the first to believe in my mission and vision. He's been another one of blessings from God. Kerry and I have been together for three years now and he and I both has seen a lot of people come and go in reference to Team Johnson. Kerry has been consistent and loyal and that's hard to find in this our industry.

Fighting in Louisiana, do you feel as though you're the hometown fighter?

Somewhat. I've spent a lot of time doing business there in reference to staging the Johnson vs. Johnson fight in Lake Charles. Lake Charles is a low key city that I am falling in love with. Great people and food is really what Lake Charles host for the world. Lundy & Davis Law Firm and Trinity World Boxing L.L.C. have been great handling the legal end and going to bat for Team Johnson making my return to the ring a reality in the state of Louisiana. We want to really thank Mr. Hunter Lundy for spearheading the event. If you're ever in Lake Charles, you most visit my new-found friend Tony Bruno at "Sweet and Treats" Bakery. I vote it the best in the world. Tell him to give you some Tea Cakes on me.

Has your style changed at all, or are you still the same "Sweet" Reggie?

My style is still the same for the most part from my middleweight days but as a light heavyweight my power has improved at least 50 percent. When you add my experience with the punching power, I'm knocking guys out accidentally. My last fight with Fred Moore, I set him up and hit him with a uppercut and then went to grab him but he was out cold.

What are you up to outside the ring? Are you set up for life after boxing?

Well I'm involved with my new church home (St. Stephens - Pastor Paul Landrew), the youth in my community, speaking engagements, getting my promotional company up and running, and then there's my real job: my kids.

Which one of the current light heavyweight world champions would you most like to fight?

The first one that gives me the opportunity or the first one I position myself to fight by becoming the #1 contender.

Tickets are on sale now, priced at $100 Ringside (Limited Seating) and $40 (Reserved Stadium Seating) and can be obtained through http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001tNGaWtHIFnQZkeijqneONDEK1NN5GxQUi89Jgsm7d41LRGEsMpVQoWmqcIuwkaBt_GQOXH0YJXJR5UZrkvdWMwNHcFIcu6ndG-erf_TbZSYSqUwSeHoxLA== or by calling the Paragon Casino Resort at 1.800.WIN.1.WIN. For more information on the upcoming show, go to http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001tNGaWtHIFnQRGKouxLF3IabbqqJtwPdqs-Z30slY2eWggZd34RUwI9tR-Lot5h1Qsw1Rqemg-gUvPtP0o0WC3E98N7khgH9n0jwBwOM8oJTvPa_c39W2FA==. To visit the fabulous Paragon Casino go to http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001tNGaWtHIFnS4iRe67dQ7OEyq3JCxXPG0eOvHzzMWFF3E4eml4pJiC9w69op3JFjq3Sk06gcbeqtSNAk4FJaxG2m1VacE7ldMYpKniTodh6o3Dl2rpnNfX6jW9pFz6031.

“Fight for Climate Change”; Former two-time world champion Reggie “Sweet” Johnson vs. Gonzalez for Light Heavyweight World Championship Fight

The Press confernce topic will be the upcoming “Fight for Climate Change” JOHNSON VS. GONZALEZ Light Heavyweight World Championship Fight that will be held on February 23 at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

Trinity World Boxing Promotions, Green Planet Mobile, Goossen Tutor Promotions, Keeppunching Entertainment, and Impact Marketing will team up to bring professional boxing fans a truly great match-up of former world champions. Johnson is a former WBA Middleweight World Champion and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion (43-7-1—25 KO) and Gonzalez is a former WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion (41-4-0—25KO). Johnson has had one fight in 4 years. Gonzalez fought for the IBF Light Heavyweight World Title late last year in the United Kingdom against Clinton Woods and lost a 12 round unanimous decision. Neither fighter has ever been knocked out in a total of 96 professional boxing matches with 50 knockouts among the two against the biggest names in the last two decades. The winner will be an IBA World Light-heavyweight Champion and be in line to challenge one of the other world champions and find their place in the Hall of Fame. There is a lot at stake in this match-up.

The undercard will feature a night of Heavyweight action. Maurice “T-Diddy” Smith, Houston, TX will face James Gatlin from Atlanta, Georgia in a 6 round co-feature. Knockout artist Eugene Hill (9-0 with 8 knockouts), a Mike Tyson type puncher, will also be on the card. Justin Jones, a heavyweight prospect training from Houston, Texas and originally from Lafayette, Louisiana (1-0) will face the ever tough Kirby Lee Gillespie (1-1-1) also from Texas. Herman “Skip” Scott, another Houston heavyweight will enter his 3rd professional bout against an opponent to be named. Scott is 6’8” and 252 pounds and brings lots of action to the fights.

Also, on the card will feature amateur sensation Michael “El Torito de Fiero” Martinez (5-2, 3 KO) from Houston, Texas by way of Snyder. Martinez shows the skill of a much more advanced professional. His team mate, Wilford Scypion, Jr (3-0, 3 KO), originally from Port Arthur and Houston, Texas will face 150 fight veteran Benji Singleton from Georgia. Scypion’s father Wilford Scypion, Sr was one of the most popular middleweights in the 70’s and 80’s fighting on national television regularly having won ‘Fight of the Year’ honors.

This fight is a Las Vegas type show that will make history in Lake Charles, Louisiana as one of the best boxing cards in the last 3 decades.

In attendance at the conference will be main event participant and former two-time world champion Reggie “Sweet” Johnson, as well as the promotional groups responsible for putting this amazing event together among other attendees.

Fight Night for Climate Change will be telecast internationally via satellite and viewed by millions through a distribution network to include pay-per-view streaming on the Internet and, for the first time ever, will be simulcast pay-per-view on mobile phones. Fight tickets are going quickly and fans are asked to purchase their tickets early.

Tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets and the Lake Charles Civic Center Box Office (call 337.491.1432) and are priced at $200 (Limited Ringside Seats); $125 (Floor Seats); $48.50 (Floor Riser Seats); $48.50 (Gold 100 Level Seats); $32.50 (Silver 200 Level Seats); and $15 (Bronze 300 Level, General Admission Seats).

For more information, visit http://www.johnsonvsgonzalez.com/ or http://www.keeppunching.com/.

Contacts:
Impact Marketing
Thom Hager

The Keeppunching Media, Publishing, and Promotional Companies, LLCKerry Daigle, President/CEO
http://www.keeppunching.com/

Fight Night for Climate Change
Boxing Operations
B.J. Lundy

HARLEM: TEACH-IN ON GRAND JURIES, REPRESSION, AND RESISTANCE‏

IMPORTANT TEACH-IN ON GRAND JURIES, REPRESSION, AND RESISTANCE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd, 2-5 PM
St. Mary's Church
521 West 126th Street (between Amsterdam and Broadway).
Participants will include:
Ana Lopez and Youth Resisters, Hostos January 11 Grand Jury Resistance Campaign
Julio Rosado, Legendary Independentista and Grand Jury Resister
Esperanza Martell, Iglesia San Romero de las Americas
Roger Wareham, December 12th Movement
Robert Boyle, National Lawyers Guild
Bob Lederer, Grand Jury Resister/Resistance in Brooklyn
NYC Coalition members
Friends of MOVE
And others to be announced
Learn from and support the Puerto Rican Independence Movement and the young Puerto Rican cultural workers who have been served notice to appear before a Grand Jury in Brooklyn - a serious attack on the Puerto Rican Independence Movement, on the Puerto Rican community, and on all of our civil liberties. Learn how the grand jury process is part of the state's attacks on the progressive movement in this country. Learn about the history of resistance to this repression. How does this particular governmental attack on us fit into the overall picture of repression and fascistic developments? Learn about the attacks on December 12th, the Free Mumia Movement, the MOVE organization, and many others.
There will be extensive time for questions and role playing to help people understand the grand jury process, and to strengthen our courage and ability to resist.
Sponsored by: Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition, Hostos January 11th Grand Jury Resistance Campaign, and the December 12th Movement.
For more information call: (212) 330-8029 or check http://www.freemumia.com/

Introducing Wilford Scypion Jr.! Son of a TV legend has the power to establish his own name in boxing

Introducing Wilford Scypion Jr.! Son of a TV legend has the power to establish his own name in boxing

By Andre Courtemanche

Undefeated 28-year-old super welterweight Wilford Scypion Jr., the son of 80s TV favorite and former world title challenger Wilford Scypion Sr., says he's looking to surpass his father's impressive ring career.



"I'm trying get past what he did. My dad was around in the Hagler days, so he fell a little short. But I don't think there are any Haglers out there for me to have to contend with."

The confident power-puncher will return to the ring twice in the upcoming days, as he is scheduled to appear on the February 23 "Johnson vs. Gonzalez" blockbuster at the Civic Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and then again on February 29 for the highly anticipated "Double Main Event" ESPN2 broadcast from the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana.

While Wilford Sr. made his name waging legendary wars with other hard-nosed middleweights of his day like "Hard Rock" Green and Frank "The Animal" Fletcher, his son says he's not exactly a chip off the old block. "A lot of people say I fight like my father, but I think I box more," he explains. "My dad was more of a brawler. He would go in and attack. I'm more of a counter puncher."

As strategic as he tries to be, one thing growing up Scypion will get you is a pair of cast-iron hands. With three consecutive knockouts to begin his professional career, as well as an amazing 28 knockouts in his 34-fight amateur career (32-2, 28 KOs), Scypion is quickly becoming a fan favorite in his adopted State of Louisiana. "I have the intention to box. I don't go in there to knock everybody out. I can just beat them up instead. If they want to go four rounds, we'll go four rounds, but if I catch them, then they'll go to sleep. My mind frame is to train extra rounds, just in case I have to go the distance. I'll be ready."

Although born to a fighting family (in addition to his father, he has an uncle who beat Sugar Ray Leonard in the Olympic Trials), Scypion is blessed with several other talents. He plays the scrub board and sings a form of Cajun music called Zydeco and was also an all-star basketball player in highschool.

"In 2004, when I was going to turn pro, my wife had my son and I figured at that time boxing wasn't doing enough for me, so I chose to work and take care of my family," he says of his relatively late start in pro boxing. "About a year and a half later, she told me to get back in. She said 'ok, go train and see how you feel. See if you can get the love back, the desire.' She encouraged me to do it. She has my back, so that's my inspiration. That's why I do it. I'm going to get to the championship for my family."

A stroke of good luck came when Scypion decided to reach out to Louisiana-based promoter Kerry Daigle of Keeppunching Entertainment. "I emailed him and he thought it was my dad at first. He's my promoter now. It's great. He works miracles for me. He watches over me carefully and he's letting me progress slowly. He and Mrs. Daigle welcomed me with open arms. I have no complaints. He's been like another father figure to me."

Scypion also gives credit to Wilford Sr।, who has missed just one of his fights dating back to the amateurs. "My dad taught me how to fight as a pro. I started going to the gym with him when I was four and I have always had a pro style, even as an amateur. That's how I got two decisions taken away from me in the amateurs, because of my style."

When your father will forever be remembered for participating in some of the most memorable wars in a golden age of televised boxing, it can be a daunting task trying to measure up. But Wilford Scypion Jr. says he's got what it takes to carve his own place in boxing lore. "My goal is to win world titles. Not just one. I want to be undisputed super welterweight and middleweight champion. I don't want to just win one belt -- I want them all!"

Tickets for the February 23 "Johnson vs. Gonzalez" Fight Night for Climate Change are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets and the Lake Charles Civic Center Box Office (call 337.491.1432) and are priced at $200 (Limited Ringside Seats); $125 (Floor Seats); $48.50 (Floor Riser Seats); $48.50 (Gold 100 Level Seats); $32.50 (Silver 200 Level Seats); and $15 (Bronze 300 Level, General Admission Seats). For more information, go to www.johnsonvsgonzalez.com or www.keeppunching.com.

Contacts:
Trinity World Boxing Promotions, LLC
Ed Lee, Promoter

Goossen Tutor Promotions, LLC
Dan Goossen
www.goossentutor.com

Green Planet Mobile, LLC
John Paul Warren
www.greenplanetmobile.com/aboutus.htm

Coondog Productions
Shon Hodgkinson
www.coondogproductions.com

Impact Marketing **Contact Impact for sponsorships
Tom Hager

The Keeppunching Media, Publishing, and Promotional Companies, LLC
Kerry Daigle, President/CEO
www.keeppunching.com

Big Media Buzz
Andre Courtemanche
http://www.bigmediabuzz.com/

The Iran "The Blade" Barkley Story

Iran Barkley



It all began in the South Bronx during the 1970’s. There were accounts of gang problems and drugs. The lure of the streets was stripping children of their innocence. The Borough of the Bronx was politically, economically, and socially impoverished. It could be dangerous for any youngster growing up in such a neighborhood…let alone Iran!

Iran Barkley was the youngest of eight children. Unfortunately, due to his surrounding conditions, Iran joined the notorious Black Spades gang. However, his older sister, Yvonne served as Iran’s protector. She tried to prevent Iran from succumbing to the temptations of the streets. In due time, Yvonne, a lightweight contender in the sport of women’s boxing, would bring Iran to the gym with her. Inevitably, Iran joined the Knights Community Center and began to learn the science of boxing. Under the guidance of Connie Bryant and Bobby Miles, he started to hone his boxing skills. In addition, he met a talented young fighter named Davey Moore. Whereas Barkley had just started his amateur career, Moore had already won numerous accolades and was gunning for a shot on the 1980 US Olympic Team. Iran and Davey became fast friends.

In 1981, Iran won the Empire State Games and was a finalist in the New York Golden Gloves. In addition, Barkley became a father for the first time with his common law wife, Pam. In 1982, Iran joined the US Amateur Boxing Team and traveled throughout Europe. He captured a bronze medal at the Copenhagen Boxing Cup and the World Games in Munich. However, with the Olympics still two years away, he decided to turn pro. Iran visited Bob Arum of Top Rank. Ultimately, Barkley signed an agreement that stipulated the following: “Iran Barkley will be paid one thousand dollars for every 4 round fight. In addition, he will earn fifteen hundred dollars for every eight round fight.” This was just the beginning for Iran!

With Connie Bryant and Bobby Miles at his side, Iran made his professional debut and enjoyed a knockout victory. He was a young fighter with a bright future. Nevertheless, he was about to encounter the first of a series of setbacks. Over the next three years, Iran would compile a record of 10-3. His lack of defense provided fans with thrilling and memorable moments, but some promoters felt that his boxing style was a threat to his career. He was subsequently dropped from Top Rank’s roster and signed with The Felt Forum, a division of Madison Square Garden.

Determined, Iran went on a 13-fight win streak over the next two years. He also won a minor title along the way and became a ranked contender. Barkley was mentioned as a possible challenger to Marvin Hagler for his crown. During all of this, Iran decided to leave Connie Bryant for John Reetz and Vinnie Ferguson. He also left Bobby Miles and hooked up with trainer, Hector Roca. Ultimately, Luck provided Iran with his biggest opportunity. After Iran substituted for an injured contender and won the fight, Iran Barkley had managed to position himself for a title shot.
Upon Ray Leonard’s upset of Marvin Hagler, all three major titles were vacant. It was decided that Barkley would go to Italy to challenge Sumbu Kalambay for one of the titles. In his bid for his first world title, nothing went right. Barkley’s training camp was disorganized and the ring surface was slick. Iran was not able to throw any power punches. Unfortunately, Iran lost a decision and returned home to the US.



More setbacks, some promoters claimed that Barkley was not a viable contender. At the same time, Hector Roca left as well. Hector felt that he couldn’t handle Barkley’s penchant for the nightlife. Disillusioned, Barkley called Stan Hoffman, a New York-based promoter and manager. Hoffman signed Barkley to his Houston Boxing Association and Barkley began to train with Al Boldan. Ferguson left the picture after arguing with John Reetz over contractual obligations.

After winning his next two fights, Hoffman, a friend of Bob Arum, was able to land Iran a shot with Tommy Hearns, a reigning middleweight champ. With a $350,000 payday, Iran entered this fight as a 4-1 underdog. In addition, one week before the fight, Davey Moore, Iran’s best friend, was killed in an automobile accident. Barkley also has to deal with the fact that his mother wasn’t able attend the fight. She was at a bedside vigil for his father and older brother. They both were diagnosed with terminal cancer. Undaunted, Barkley pressed on! When, in the third round, Iran knocked Hearns out of the ring and won by knockout. The once gang member from the South Bronx was now middleweight champ of the world!

After an immediate rematch with Hearns fell through, Top Rank slated Barkley to fight Duran. Going into the fight, the media and fans were clearly enchanted with Duran. As a result of the pro-Duran atmosphere, Barkley knew that he needed a knockout to win. At the end of the fight, Barkley lost a controversial spilt decision. Notwithstanding, Ring Magazine hailed this fight as, “The Fight of the Year.” After winning the title, Duran quickly vacated the title and moved up to challenge Ray Leonard for millions of dollars. Once again, Barkley was left in defeat.

However, he didn’t have time to complain. Six months after his loss to Duran, Barkley was slated to fight Michael Nunn. Nevertheless more problems ensued, John Reetz fired trainer Al Boldan and cornerman Victor Muchado was demoted. Unfortunately, Barkley had unfamiliar people working his corner and it did cost him. He lost a close majority decision. After the bout, rumors began to spread of Iran and Reetz splitting. Reetz denied this, but did admit that Barkley was almost broke. Barkley was drowning in his own excessive spending.

Furthermore, the results of taking so many clean punches for eight years had endeared Barkley to his fans. Nonetheless, the pounding caused a tremendous amount of scar tissue around his eyes. Additionally, a detached retina resulted from all of the punishment. Iran underwent surgery to repair his eyes and was forced to take a year off. During that time, he ballooned to nearly 220 lbs. Reetz pleaded with Barkley to take care of himself.

After withdrawing for medical reasons, Barkley, in due time, got a 4th title fight for $200,000 with Nigel Benn. Before the fight, Iran’s father passed away from cancer. With his Dad’s death on his mind, he was forced to enter the ring. A big mistake! Barkley was floored three times in the first round. The ref stopped the fight amidst controversy. Apparently, while Iran was still on the ground, Benn managed to still punch him. Although the fouls were acknowledged, the decision remained. Eventually, Barkley and Reetz parted company. Iran returned to Las Vegas.
While trying to get his life back in order, Barkley met former light heavyweight champion, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. When all was said and done, Mustafa began to train Iran. With comeback on his mind, Barkley got into shape and won his next two fights. However, while visiting Top Rank, Barkley was asked to make the 168-lb. weight class. It appeared that TVKO, a new pay-per-view attraction, was looking to match someone against their reigning 168-lb. champ at the newly-opened Paramount Theatre. Barkley made the weight and the match was slated to go.



Yet, under the law in New York, Barkley needed to pass an eye exam. Due to his surgery, his repaired eye had 20/400 vision. To make matters worse, Iran was broke! Barkley was accusing Reetz of mismanaging his funds. Reetz, of course, claimed that Barkley, voluntarily, withdrew his own money and took loans held against his assets. Coincidentally, Tommy Hearns started on a comeback with a brand new title. He was looking for a rematch with Barkley, but Iran had to win his next fight. Henceforth, Barkley passed the physical exam. The fight was on!

After two rounds, Iran dismantled the 168-lb. TVKO champion and won the title. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as Barkley became a two-time World Champion. Top Rank went on to set up Barkley’s rematch with Tommy Hearns. With a renewed confidence, Iran was determined to prove that his first fight with Hearns wasn’t a fluke. Barkley won a spilt decision by one point. It was the shining moment of Iran’s career. Iran Barkley became the 14th man in Boxing history to win titles in 3 different weight classes.

Afterward, Barkley vacated one of his titles, so he can defend his other title against James Toney. However, at the age of 31 with almost 40 pro fights, Barkley began to show his scars. His weight became an issue. Eventually, Barkley did meet the required weight and the fight was on. Nonetheless, it proved to be too much to overcome. Mustafa stopped the fight in the 9th round and Iran lost his title.
Subsequently, Iran fought two other bouts for Top Rank at 190 lbs. He now appeared even slower in the ring. It was difficult for him to carry so much weight. Consistently over 200 pounds, Top Rank decided to drop Iran from their roster yet again. Unwilling to lose the weight, Barkley moved to Tulsa. He joined up with Tony Holdan, a midwestern promoter and Tom Vigets as his trainer. Barkley won his next two fights and lined up his last title shot against Henry Maske in Germany. He dropped 30 lbs. and was ready for this bout. At the start of the fight, Iran gave Maske some trouble, but soon, he succumbed to the German’s long reach and youth. Once again, betrayed by his tendency to cut easily, Iran was stopped in the 9th round.



Over the course of his next few fights, Iran managed himself. He accepted whatever the promoters offered him. Usually, these fights weren’t televised and they took place in small venues. It was so bad that Barkley accepted $250 to fight Rocky Gannon for 8 rounds. Away from his family, he tried to make one last payday. He managed to land an ESPN date against Gerrie Cotzee, a former heavyweight champion, who briefly held the title back in 1982. In a battle of two over the hill fighters, Iran won.

Yet, a string of wins over terrible competition did not amount to anything! Iran sank even further and fought in Helsinki (Copenhagen), Ocala (Fla.), and lost his last six fights in a row. At one point, he took on a former WWF wrestler and lost a spilt decision. Bitter and fed up, the former world champ decided to retire. After seventeen years in the ring, he felt that it’s finally time to move on…
Out of the ring, Iran had to find something to do with his life. With his divorce from his second wife now finalized, he landed a job on a used car lot. After a short period of time, Barkley quit! During all of this, Iran lost his building and carwash investments. Throughout the course of his life, Iran Barkley achieved greatness inside the ring. His no holds barred style and relentless attack won him three titles and a possible bid for the Boxing Hall of Fame. Notwithstanding, that same lack of control out of the ring caused his inevitable downfall. During his lifetime, he has been married twice and fathered four children. He roughly accumulated over $5,000,000. All of which is gone now! The once triumphant champion is still residing in the South Bronx projects.



Presently, Iran is spearheading a fundraising campaign for his new foundation, The Georgia Barkley Scholarship Fund (in memory of his mother). This fund will provide economically, disadvantaged youngsters academic scholarships to leading institutions. The aspiring students must demonstrate the ability to perform and make evident the fortitude to excel!

SPORTS NEWS:State Senator José M. Serrano Will Honor Bronx Boxing Legend Iran Barkely

SPORTS NEWS: FROM SENATOR SERRANO

New York, NY- State Senator José M. Serrano, as part of an annual event celebrating Black History Month with his father, Congressman José E. Serrano, will honor Bronx boxing legend Iran "The Blade" Barkley on Monday, February 18th.



Mr. Barkley was born, raised and continues to live in the South Bronx community. In 1988, against strong odds, he defeated Thomas Hearns by TKO to become the Middleweight Champion of the World.



The day's other honorees include: Dean Meminger, Bronx Reporter for NY1 News; and Dr. Samuel J. Daniel, President and CEO of North General Hospital.

Senator Serrano Website

"Team Huckabee is for Team Taylor"

Janet Huckabee, wife of presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, is pumped up about Jermain Taylor and proudly states "Team Huckabee is for Team Taylor" as she gears up to head to Las Vegas to watch Taylor knock out Kelly Pavlik.

McCAIN SUPPORTERS SEEK 30% BLACK VOTE

PRESS RELEASE

McCAIN SUPPORTERS SEEK 30% BLACK VOTE

The political state of Black America as the weakest in comparison to all other political and ethnic minorities in the wake of the advances and successes associated with the modern civil rights movement is paradoxical and complex. Ironically, there is no coherent strategy being advanced by the Black political leadership and civil rights orthodoxy, to resolve this perplexing dilemma.

Absolute predictability of the Black American vote as advocated by conventional Black political leaders has rendered the community void of political leverage. Black elected officials out number politicians of all other ethnic and political minorities and Black Americans have held the numerical advantage for centuries. Yet Black Americans have remained at the back of the political bus.

McCain supporter Gary James, a longtime leader of the grassroots activist wing of the Republican Party in New York said, “We need to stop playing political checkers and begin to play political chess. Electoral politics is not a zero sum game of friend’s verses enemies, good verses evil, black verses white or I like or don’t like him or her. Electoral politics is an ongoing exercise of attempting to realize our permanent interests, irrespective of what party controls the White House. Also, a political victory is not confined to the classical.”



James is heading up a city-wide get out the voter initiative on behalf of the GOP presumptive presidential candidate, Senator John McCain. The group has set-up a website to promote their objectives in the framework of the Black Political Taskforce. They have formulated a comprehensive multi-media and interactive Internet presence that will launched in the spring.

Keisha Morrisey a former GOP candidate for public office in 2002 and 2003, New York State Assembly and New York City Council respectively, and Harlem coordinator of the McCain initiative said, “We are seeking 30% of the Black vote in November and we believe that’s its attainable given the Senator record as a maverick and moderate force in the party. Plus my generation thinks about politics different from the old school emotional rational.”

(Photo:Evan E. Edwards)


Ms. Morrisey is a member of the under forty generation, mother of a teenage son, and is a public relations and event planner in the entertainment boxing and fighting sports industry. She is often photographed with industry notables doing her job with camera in hand, answering to the name “El Boxing Empress". Despite what appears to be the making of an interesting career in the unfolding Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighting sport genre, she is launching a new political club and is actively preparing to run for public office as part of McCain’s grassroots get out the Black vote initiative.

Spokesman for the Black Taskforce, Alton Chase, a longtime grassroots leader in the Bronx and former Republican Party district leader said, “In addition to launching our comprehensive and interactive Internet presence in the spring, we are currently preparing to invite the Senator to address his impressive numbers of supporters among Black voters. We have identified venues in Brooklyn and Manhattan so we are ready to reach out to the candidates scheduling people.

James believes that the presumptive GOP presidential candidate can beat either Clinton or Obama, despite the unprecedented surge of new voters inspired by both rock star Democratic Party candidates. James said, “McCain is a soft political sell for a GOP candidate with Black voters as compared to previous Republican Party candidates. Although President Reagan was on the right of McCain, Reagan-Bush carried New York in 1984, which had not been done since Calvin Coolidge in 1924. With the increase in younger voters as well as a spike in independent voting and registrations, the state may be up for grabs.

The real potential wild card in the November election may very well be the residual political fallout among Democratic voters who may bifurcate along fault lines, as a result of the highly charged racial component that has emerged as a tactical political construct. The remaining weeks of the Democratic Party’s Presidential Primary will reveal the party’s standard bearer and may portend the destination of the Black vote.

But the intensity of the Democratic Party primary process horse race may prove to be self defeating, as speculation abounds about the prospects of a brokered convention. If the horse race is a dead heat when the party begins its August convention, and the ultimate nominee is determined by the Super Delegates, the precarious coalition that constitutes the Democratic Party may rupture along fault lines.

Ms. Dona Brazil former campaign manager of Vice President Al Gore’s presidential campaign said on a Sunday morning TV talk show roundtable that she would bolt the party if the super delegates override the will of primary voters.

While there is much talk of unity behind the eventual Democratic Party nominee, it remains to be seen if the political energy associated with Senator Obama mania can be contained as loyalist, should there be a smoke filled backroom deal by party bosses.

Gary James is an author, entrepreneur, and leader of the activist wing of the Republican Party. In 1984 his organization was tapped by the Reagan-Bush re-election committee to direct the state-wide grassroots campaign in the Black community, under the leadership of regional coordinator Roger Stone. James ran the state-wide “Black Desk” in 1986 for the GOP Gubernatorial candidate Supreme Court Judge Andrew O’Rourke. He was the delegate for Congressman Jack Kemp in Harlem’s 16th CD in 1988, during the congressman’s bid for the GOP presidential nomination. For more information contact by visiting: Website www.blackpt.org and www.harlemweekly.com
Black Political Taskforce c/o Gary James P.O. Box 342 New York, NY 10037