|
|
Is Anyone Else
Tired of This?
by Lori Steinhorst
(SEPT 9) Is anyone else tired of the same old line put out by RPM
Boxing? Laila Ali afraid to fight Ann Wolfe? I think not. In fact,
on the time I have spent with Ali, with her prior to and after several
fights....never once have I seen an indication that she fears anything.
The question seems to have been asked and answered so many times that it
has become more of a source of irritation to those of us who know and
understand boxing.
Like it or not, Laila Ali is the most recognizable and well known
athlete in the sport of Women's Boxing. How many women have claimed that
if they had the opportunity they would knock her out----take her titles
and claim a great victory? As of this date, not one of those women have
succeeded. Ali is still undefeated.
Can Ann Wolfe be any different?
Not if you look at her last few fights. Anybody who is knowledgeable
about the sport will tell you the fight between Monica Nunez and Wolfe
was not a good showing for Wolfe. And Buckhalter, anyone could have
predicted that outcome, boxing fan or not.
And Ann vs.Man? That is another disappointing story in
itself. Not to mention the mockery and injustice to the sport that it
will bring.
Yet, I have always admired Ann Wolfe's accomplishments, but not the
course her career has taken.
I got an opportunity to speak with Ali about what she thought about the
RPM question, the money, the fear, the promoter....her answer?
"You know, I find this to be just a waste of time. We have been over
this time and again and I don't feel the need to answer it, I don't have
much to say about it. Ann Wolfe is one of a long list of challengers,
she can get in line with everyone else. They know who represents me,
it's public information. However, they would be wasting their time
with any offer
they make me because I will not fight for Brian Young, Prize Fight
Promotions or Brian Pardo...period".
Does Ali need a fight with Wolfe? Is she worried about it?
Does her career depend on it? I don't think so.
Ali has been successful in her endeavors and Ann has been successful in
hers. If they meet in the ring someday, so be it.
However, like many of us who are tired of the same old rhetoric....let's
try to find something more edifying and positive to talk about. And
let's include the reality here.....fear is not a factor, and it has
gotten old. |
|
|
|
