Page 21 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 74

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #74 January 2019 21

Recap of 2018 at speeds of 25-40 mph by individuals the war service cut his career short and he
weighing 200 lbs plus and slamming your came home with injuries but decided to turn
head on the ice or on the boards at that pro anyway. His pro career only lasted 5
speed. I ask is that better? I say no. years but he fought quality boxers such as
of being KO’d. It saved his career. As Tony Eddie Gregory who was a top contender
By Jorge Luis became a better fighter as a result and it Do I worry about my son? Tony has who went on to be a world champion at 175
may also have saved his life. had a very accomplished career both as lbs. Willie also served time as a sparring
an amateur and as a pro. He fell short of
Accidents can happen as the recent a national title and the Olympics as an partner with world champ Bob Foster, who
incident with Canadian Adonis Stevenson amateur and as a pro he has fought at a was fantastic and a Hall of Fame inductee
who was KO’d in the 11th in a tough fight world class level, cracked the top 10 ratings — helped prepare Bob for many bouts.
defending his world title belt. After 8 and is still rated and considered a solid; one Willie had been hit with shrapnel in the
nother Christmas and New Year has
Apassed. Another year in the books of rounds he seemed to lose steam and began of the best 20 lightweights in the world, war and his left eye was already injured
taking too many shots in the 10th round and
our lives. Another year of exploring and after getting hurt was reeling on the ropes voted by press as one of the top 5 pro boxers and partially blind it got worse; cutting his
learning and experience. in 2017 in Canada and #1 lightweight in career short after 5 years. Still a young
in the 11th. As Referee Mike Griffin came Canada. Only thing Tony has missed is a man Willie was at a loss as what to do or
One of the most asked questions I have to stop the bout, Adonis took one more world title and the money that goes with where to go from this point. After serving
had this year is about concussions and the huge shot that saw him crumple in a heap it. Tony has nothing to prove and I would as a training partner one last time to the
effects of boxing long term. No matter how in his corner. He was induced in a coma be very happy if he walked away today. great Bob Foster in New Mexico, Willie

many improvements are made to the sport, afterward, he is no longer critical but he However the competitive fire still burns and wandered around Texas and New Mexico
the sport of boxing is a dangerous sport and has sustained mental and physical damage his skills have not shown signs of erosion until his sparring money ran out, then called
a contact sport. This is why it is imperative and how far he recovers remains to be due to diligent training and a clean life home. Willie asked his mom to wire money

that the sport is well governed and regulated. determined. It was an accident, unfortunate style. Difference between Tony and NHL so he could go home to NY State. His mom
It is imperative the athletes are well trained but it happens. Should boxing be banned? players…NHL minimum salary is 300K replied that he had plenty of money in his
by dedicated and responsible coaches who I say No. per year. That’s the difference. Pro boxing “other” bank account.
teach them good skills not only offensive Look at hockey injuries, how many is no man’s land.
but defensive skills; coaches who only allow concussions occur every year at every level “What account?” asked Willie.
athletes to participate if they are not injured of play due to excessive contact? More than On another note boxing has afforded me “The account the rent money is in,” said
but in great condition and with sharpened in amateur Olympic style boxing, statistics many great and memorable opportunities. his mom.
skills — honed by many hours of practice. I have met famous and infamous and
reveal. How many concussions and broken befriended many fantastic human beings. Rent? His mom explained the money
For example my son Tony’s first loss as bones occur in football? In high school
a pro, I chose to throw in the towel and ball alone, again more than in amateur Some of the nicest human beings I have met Willie would make from his purses he
stopped the fight in the 8th round. I did not Olympic style boxing. So if we ban boxing are fighters or those involved in boxing. Here would give half the money to his parents
like how he was reacting nor did I think he maybe doing close research we should also is a great example, my friend Willie Wilson so they could save money to buy a house.
could recover between rounds. By doing ban minor hockey or high school football. runs a little club in Schenectady NY. Willie Willie’s father saved the money and instead
so Tony was spared a knockout, finished on Should we then ban pro hockey or pro is a sweet black man with a disposition that put a down payment on a 6 plex. They
his feet, his pride was hurt but intact. Tony football? Taking punches by opponents of always inspires me and makes you feel moved into 1 apartment and rented the
being a true fighter would never quit. This the same size and experience, with blows good just being around him. Willie is a other 5. It afforded them to live rent free
spared Tony not only the physical damage coming 60-100 mph is dangerous. How Vietnam War Vet who served in the US the rest of the money went to repairs taxes,
but also the mental damage to confidence Army. Once a promising amateur boxer, Continued on page 23
about being hit and taken off your feet
Brought to you by Pitblado Chiropractic Clinic
Cornwall’s Oldest Paint,
Blind & Shutter Store.
Family owned Business Since 1988 ASK THE COACH

Presents “Famous Sports Quotes” Jeremy Latour

Age: 17 Grade: 12
“ Even when you’ve played the game of your life, it’s the feeling of School: Holy Trinity CSS
teamwork that you’ll remember. You’ll forget the play’s, the shots, and Hometown: Cornwall
Question: This month’s ‘Ask the Coach’ question
the scores, but you’ll never forget your teammates.” is courtesy of Jeremy Latour. Jeremy is an honour
Deborah Miller Palmore roll student at Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary
School who will be playing varsity football for
ALL BLINDS St. FX in the fall. He asks HT hockey coach and
teacher Bruce Ciccarelli:
“How does it feel to be in your last year of teaching,
and to have the opportunity to participate in the
inaugural Sisters’ Cup?”
Coach Ciccarelli replies:
“It truly was an honour to participate in such a wonderful event that celebrates

women’s sport and to be able to do it in my final year, was truly special. I have
been coaching the girls’ hockey team at HT for many years, and this event was
SAVE 50 % a long time coming. Working with Mindy Gibbs, my assistant coach, who really
UP
was the driving force behind this, made this inaugural event something that will
TO
remain a highlight in my career.”
1916 Pitt Street N., Unit 1A (Heritage Business Centre)
CORNWALL • 613-933-1200

Since 1988
Celebrating 30 years

Quality & Service At The Right Price!
Paints, Blinds, Shutters Registered Massage Therapist Sheryl Calvank-Rodriguez, RMT
240 Pitt Street • 613-933-8924 • www.jas-mar.com