There is no shortage of bad endings in boxing. Listing them here is not only time-consuming, it?s morbid. But suffice to say that after the adulation stops, after the money dries up, after the thrill of competition gives way to the banalities of daily life, adjustment is not only hard, for some it?s impossible.
One of those for whom it?s been impossible is former WBA welterweight champion James Page. He started boxing professionally in 1990 and won the title eight years later. The times were good when they were good, but the good times didn?t last. After three successful defenses, Page lost the crown in 2001 to Andrew ?Six Heads? Lewis and the unraveling began.
Page had served time in San Quentin prior to becoming to champ, so he returned to what he knew with the inevitable consequences. He was arrested for bank robbery in 2001, and was tried, convicted, and sentenced to 11 years.
When he was released from prison after a decade, Page returned to boxing, however briefly, however unsuccessfully.
Page resumed robbing banks. Known as the ?Button Down Bandit? because of his shirts, he was caught again, and thrown back in the joint again.
Having pleaded guilty in February to robbing six banks between March 6, 2013 and June 8, 2013?Page?s take in the haul was $17,796?U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White yesterday sentenced him to seven years and three months in prison.
Page?s attorney, Ellen Leonida, said Page suffered from ?dementia pugilistic? after having received too many blows to the head. The court may or may not have been moved to leniency at the diagnosis.
It?s easy to wag an admonishing finger at James Page. But unless one needs to insert themselves into the proceedings, what?s the point?
Boxing has saved many young men from ruin. Unfortunately James Page isn?t one of them.
