All these years I have been calling people that read comic books: “geeks,” but perhaps I was wrong. I just watched a 2 hour special about the origins and transition that comic books have gone through. My buddy Steve has always been a comic book fan. He has this huge box of Spiderman comics. Each and every one is wrapped up in plastic sleeves and arranged by date. Now, if Steve dresses in spandex and runs around his trailer pretending to be Spiderman is anyone’s guess, but I do believe that I was slightly wrong for taking jabs at the fans of this art.
I have always been a fan of “The Incredible Hulk,” but my love of the character was based on the T.V. series with Bill Bixby. Steve would always get upset with me, claiming that it was not accurate. “Geno,” he exclaimed, “Hulk’s pants are supposed to rip off too!” No, wait one second…I don’t think that he said that at all…maybe he did…who knows? Anyway, I want to publicly apologize to all the comic book geeks out there for comments that I have said in the past. I’m sorry for implying that guys that purchase and read comic books can’t get girls, and for saying that my buddy Steve was “geek man.” I feel incredibly bad people and you will never hear me say the term: “Comic Book Geek” again. (Note: I am 90% sure that I will say that term again, so take my vow with a grain of salt.)
Since I am on the superhero topic here, let’s talk about Superman a little. Remember how people say: “It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!” How could you mistake a guy flying in spandex for a bird? Birds do not wear spandex as far as I know, although there may be some strange guys out there that own birds and dress them up. I have a relative that dresses up her dogs in little coats and hats and such….weird. I don’t think that dogs are supposed to be dressed up like people. Maybe it shouldn’t bother me so, but when I see a dog in a turtle neck, I want to take the owner aside and say: “This isn’t right,” and then kick them in the grapes…unless their dog is a pit bull. A pit bull in a turtle neck is A-okay with me.
Have I mentioned anything about boxing yet? This is, after all, a boxing mailbag and I seem to have drifted around to other topics. Do you people mind that I talk about superheroes instead of boxing? You don’t mind at all? That’s great. You people rule! I have one more thing that isn’t boxing related, but that I have to talk about. I was driving to work and there was this older guy on one of those tricycles with the basket attached at the front. Now, since guys that ride motorcycles are required to wear a helmet, don’t you think that a guy riding a tricycle should be forced to wear one of those propeller hats?
Now I am ready to begin this mailbag…
FIGHTS ON TOP
Hey Geno the Boxing Genius,
How is it going Geno? I’ve been reading your mailbag for quite some time now… and you know what I’m enjoying each one of them.
So here’s my question my friend,
1. As of today, which fight do you think is a good candidate for fight of the year? Personally, as a PacMan fan, I think Morales-Pacquiao II should be on top right now.
2. May we know your all time Top 3 fights? Knowing that you are a big Mike Tyson fan, I assume that you’ll included one of his fight, am I right my friend? 😉
Thanks for your time and more power Geno!
Can I add one more thing.. I’ll be watching your DVD copy of “Evil Awakening” this weekend, hope it’s a good one… anyone interested, feel free to join me!
Honey Bunny Ko
Honey Bunny KO,
How are you doing my good friend and I hope that you enjoy Evil Awakening. So far, we haven’t gotten any negative reviews or people demanding their 10 dollars back. So enjoy it. Anyway, fight of the year so far…hmm. Let me think about this. I liked the O’Neil Bell-Jean Mormeck bout. That was great! The Pacman-Morales rematch was really exciting, and the Jose Antonio Rivera title win over Alejandro Garcia was an extremely great fight and was especially great because Rivera fought the fight of his life and has now positioned himself for a big bout. I liked the Luis Collazo-Ricky Hatton bout. Collazo was robbed! Okay, I said my piece. So, I will say that the bouts listed above are just about tied for first place right now…
My 3 favorite fights of all time? Hmm. You’ re right about Mike Tyson though. He is on my list of favorite fights. In no particular order:
1. Mike Tyson-James “Buster” Douglas: Biggest upset of all time and really shocking because I thought that Tyson would never lose.
2. George Foreman-Michael Moorer: What a great result! The long road back to the title was over. A crashing right hand ended the bout and I don’t think that a boxing match has ever got me screaming louder. It was shocking!
3. Diego Corrales-Jose Luis Castillo I: Unbelievable bout and the heart of both combatants were amazing. I am still in awe of that bout.
Thanks again for the questions and let me know what you think of Evil Awakening.
A WINKY QUESTION
Geno,
Who do you think would win if Ricardo Mayorga faced Winky Wright?
Michelle Marie
Michelle,
How’s it going? This is an easy one. Winky Wright is far too skilled to be bothered by the wild-swinging and predictable Ricardo Mayorga. Outside of a very lucky punch, and the odds of that happening are almost nil, I would pick Wright by unanimous decision…winning every round along the way with Mayorga probably having some point deductions along the way for fouling. This is a bad match up for Mayorga. He needs to stick with the guys that aren’t known for great defense or chins. No way does Mayorga win this bout.
WILL YOU BE MY TEDDY BEAR?
Teddy Atlas
I’m amazed that you rank Atlas as a top judge. He scores even rounds in nearly every fight. Good trainer. Poor judge.
Barry
Barry,
You’re amazed? That must mean that I am amazing. Thank you for the mad props, and even though I understand where you are coming from, I would hardly label myself “amazing.” I would be content with “above average,” but amazing would be too much. I do not deserve to be in the same category with Spiderman. Sorry, I am in a comic book mood today. Now, where were we? Oh yeah, Teddy Atlas. He does score many rounds even, but I trust him and I usually agree with his scorecard for the most part. He is the most honest man in the game and I have much respect for him. He is beyond a good trainer…he is a great trainer and he really understands the psychology of the game. There is no question that his style doesn’t mesh with some fighters, like Michael Grant for instance, but he is the type of guy that can reach the difficult personalities.
ALI VS. FRAZIER
Geno,
I never watched the Thrilla in Manila: Ali vs Frazier…where can I get the video?? Why all the hype? What was so significant about this match? I watched the Ali vs Frazier at Madison Square Garden now that was a hell of a showdown how would you compare the Ali vs Frazier classics, or are they?
Moe
Moe,
I love the “Thrilla in Manila.” It is where Ali showed his true greatness more so than any of his other victories. This fight really destroyed both fighters…and it would have been a great bout for both of them to retire on. The reason for the hype is that it is just that damn good. Ali and Frazier were meant for each other and the war that they waged will go down as one of the greatest fights in history. The first fight in the garden was good, and the second one was okay, but this third encounter was the best fight of either’s careers.
What I would recommend to get this video is to join netflix or blockbuster on line and there is a DVD that you can rent with three of Ali’s fights: Liston, Foreman, and Frazier 3…all restored and in their entirety. The reason that you will have to rent this (and copy it as I have) is because it is not available anymore and any jerk that owns it will try to screw you out of your money. I’ve seen it on line for 200 dollars. What is the deal with that? A DVD that initially sold for 15 bucks is now going for 200? Ridiculous. There are ways to make a DVD copy of a DVD that you rent, but I don’t want to get myself into trouble, so I will let you figure that out by yourself, but that is the advice that I would give at this point.
There is also the option, and I don’t recommend this because there are never any guarantees, but you can find fights on DVD all over the place. Go to any search engine and type in: “boxing on DVD” and a bunch of sites will come up, selling the Thrilla in Manila and many more. It’s a gamble though and believe me, I know…
SINGLE WHITE GENO
We dig the same rock bands, movies, and now you mentioned being a fan of A&E’s show Intervention. Have you been peeping in my window, Geno? Just kidding. You don’t have time to peep in windows with all the boxing questions you answer.
Anyway, I love 80’s metal, I OWN a copy of Trick or Treat on DVD, and Intervention is an awesome hour tv. What’s next? You gonna tell me you own the soundtrack to Trick or Treat? FASTWAY rocked the house on that album!!! What about Gene Simmons and Ozzy making cameos in that movie? If it’s considered a cult classic, I suppose I belong to a cult.
And I apologize for the bad “Bulimio” name last week. I was wearing a t-shirt that said “I Beat Bulimia” and I simply didn’t think before trying to make it somehow work with your name. I’m nowhere near skinny, so I truly didn’t intend to offend. I’ll just stick to calling you Geno The Mean Machine-o from now on. Remember that one?
Later
Bust Her Duggless
Bust Her Duggless,
No problem on the joke… I have not been peeping into your windows. My buddy’s uncle is a peeping tom though…does that count? His name is Carlos and he has turned peeping into an art. He actually makes a great deal of money from all the binocular companies that sponsor him. I do really love A&E’s: Intervention. I watch it every week. They also had a special on skinhead/nazis that was unreal. Can you believe that idiots like this actually exist? I love to see programs like this because not only do morons like this think this way, but they also want to walk down the street and scream about it…amazing. A&E really gets good documentaries and usually shows them prior to intervention. They showed one a couple weeks back about Meth and how it ruined a small town. One guy had his own meth lab and it blew up and now he’s all messed up. He’s blind and pretty burned. A&E really has shaped up over the years…much better than Animal Planet, although the Croc Hunter is the bomb!
I also own a copy on DVD of “Trick or Treat,” and I love that movie. It is fantastic. I do however, prefer a relatively unknown movie that involves a heavy metal band that are actually demons that want to corrupt the young called: “Black Roses.” I do not own the soundtrack to the movie: Trick or Treat, but I liked the music and the movie is outstanding. I think that I might watch it on my day off. I wonder if you too were a metal head/maggot in high school. The idiots at my high school called anyone that were into the music: maggots. Do you have time for a story? You do? Fantastic. Okay, I won’t lie. I was not popular in high school…not a smidge. Anyway, there was this 300 pound jock that would always give me crap and I tried to fight back a couple of times, but I wasn’t successful. Anyway, time went on and I was at a Subway restaurant and I was dating this very nice looking girl. As I ordered my grinder, I look over and there Dan (300 pound jock) is, and he is now 400 pounds or more…all fat, and wearing his Ludlow High football jersey. Keep in mind that this is about 10 years after we graduated. He was with a “girl” if you can call her that, and she was a good 400 pounds herself. This was Karma people. I had to go and say hello. Well, I did and he looked at my girl and then at his and then at mine and then at his, and I could tell that he wanted to jump off a bridge or something. What goes around comes around and if you are a jerk off, that is how you end up. Now, I don’t want the big girls to get upset with me. There is nothing wrong with it, but they are just not my thing…if you know what I’m saying. My buddy Steve likes the big girls…damn straight he does.
So take care my head-banging brother and listen to some Iron Maiden, King Diamond, and Judas Priest. Were there ever any better bands?
CUBAN AMATEURS
Dear Geno “the whiz” Mcgahee,
There was a time when Cuban boxers were dominating the olympic boxing scene. I believe that were it not for their government’s prohibition for their boxers to turn pro, they would have dominated the pro boxing scene as well. Do you agree with me? Do you think the likes of Teofilo Stevenson of Cuba would have stood a chance against the likes of Mike Tyson, Michael Spinks or whoever was heavyweight champs during that time?
Thanks again and more power. May God always bless you and your family.
Nuj
Nuj,
Another nickname…sweet! I don’t think that a successful amateur career can necessarily guarantee a championship pro career. Stevenson had his chance to fight Ali for 5 million dollars, I think, and he turned it down. He was like a big fish in a little pond and he wanted to keep it that way. Cuba does have a lot of restrictions that probably did hold many athletes back, but certain amateur fighters like Henry Tillman and Tyrell Biggs and even David Reid didn’t turn into great pros. I would pick Tyson and Spinks over Stevenson for sure!
More power to you and the blessings are likewise my friend.
BROTHERS AT WAR
Hey Geno,
Who will win if Bobby Pacquiao fights his own brother assuming they are not related to each other.
Michie Utetski
Michie,
I have a great deal of respect for Bobby, but I would bet big money on Manny to win by an early KO. Bobby is just too open for punches and doesn’t have the consistency to keep his brother busy and away. I would pick Manny by KO within 3 rounds. Lucky for Bobby, they are related and he doesn’t have to worry about it.
PAC SACK
FILIPINO IDOL!
All this talk about Pacman vs, PBF or DC
Congratulation you are now a Pilipino idol!
As far as I’m concern, between 126 and 130lbs. no one at the moment could beat MP, I don’t care if he’s ten feet tall. Any higher than this weight, will only be because he just wants to have more money for his retirement.
Keep up the good work!
Dul
Dul,
How are you doing my friend and I am so proud to be a Filipino Idol. I don’t even have to sing or dance as I would if I were to become an American Idol. This is great news…thanks for the update my friend! Hmm…10 feet tall and 126 pounds? That would be a scary site. My friend was 6 feet 1 inch and 140 pounds and he was a toothpick. I can only imagine a man 10 feet tall and weighing less…creepy. I agree with you…Manny is the man from 126-130 for sure.
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES
Hello Maestro Geno,
This is a first time in your “blog”. I’m not sure if you heard it, but the Manny Pacquiao/ Larios fight went totally “dead” on Comcast PPV here in San Jose, California. There was no problem with the broadcast until the Philippine national anthem was featured, and from then on the whole thing went blank!
Gary
Gary,
I hate the cable companies… I remember a time when I rented Rocky 5 from cable and although it was only 3 dollars to rent, it was still my 3 dollars. Well, half way through the movie, it became scrambled. I called the cable company and they implied that I was lying and that I had watched the entire thing. The same thing happened when I rented Summerslam 1988. The main event cut out halfway through. I didn’t get to see Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan celebrate their victory over Ted Dibiase and Andre the Giant. Have you ever heard Randy Savage’s rap CD? It is horrible. The lyrics: Hulk Hogan don’t be scurred (scared), you’re running from Macho, that’s what I heard. There is something wrong with Randy Savage…perhaps all of those “vitamins” that he’s pumped into his system has messed him up. Hogan is no prize either. Have you suffered through an episode of “Hogan Knows Best?” It is one of the worst shows on T.V. I met Hogan once…back when I worked at Roy Rogers on the Massachusetts Turnpike. Well, I go to use the bathroom, and as I am using the urinal, Hulk Hogan stands beside me and uses that urinal. He then said: “Geno, whatcha gonna do, when this 24 inch python runs wild on you!” That’s 100% true, except for the last part. I added that to make it a more interesting story. I haven’t used a urinal since…somewhat traumatized by the entire: “Standing next to Hulkster and going pee pee.” Sorry about the “pee pee” line, but this is a family-friendly site, and pee pee is G rated.
PAC VS. PBF
I’ve watch Pacman destroy Chololo on PPV and I’ve seen him improving more, his ring generalship, his style (like Sugar Ray Leonard or Sweet Pea Whitaker)and with his age only 27… I can see that He can beat PBF when they collide at a catch weight of 133 LBS. I think that his pretty much faster and more Powerful that Floyyd… AHHHHH I hope that this fight will be made
Simon Fitzgerald
Simon,
I think that Pacman has improved over the last few years. The wins over MAB and EM must have increased his confidence and a confident fighter is a good thing. I am in the minority that think that Pacman-PBF could realistically happen at a weight of 133-136 area, and be competitive. I would still favor PBF, but the tenacity of the Pacman would be something to deal with.
READY OR NOT
Geno,
Do you agree that Manny is not well prepared, besides the two knockdowns?
John
John,
How’s it going man? It’s fair to say that there were many outside distractions for the Pacman, but I was still very impressed with his victory. He went in there and did what he had to do to dominate a very tough and determined challenger. You have to know that now Manny is a marked man and due to his popularity, people are going to be training extra long and trying extra hard to take his spot as the man of the hour. So, I have to disagree. I think that physically he was right, but there may have been some mental issues…whatever the case, he was still really impressive.
MORE PACSTER VS. FLOYD
Geno,
When Pacman went on to challenge MAB a lot of critics said that Marco is far too big and talented for Manny and that Pacquiao’s power will not be as effective as it was successful in the lower classes.
I think Freddie Roach wasn’t joking when he said that Pacquiao hits like a middleweight in one of his interviews being known as a no-nonsense guy that he is.
I support you all the way for a Pretty Boy vs. Pacman match-up and an assessment from you would be great if ever this possible “Fight of the Century” can be promoted while both fighters are still hotly ranked 1 & 2 on every pound-for-pound list.
Ferdie
Ferdie,
Very rarely do you have a #1 and #2 pound for pound recognized boxers going at it for the fans. The last one that I remember was when Pernell Whitaker took on (and definitely beat) Julio Cesar Chavez. You know, I’m with you. The more that I think about it, the more plausible this fight seems. The same people that are screaming about weight were also screaming about the same thing when PBF challenged De La Hoya a few years back. They thought that PBF was too small, but now, most of them are for the fight. If they meet at a weight of 133-136 area, it would be a great contest. I consider it very possible, and it would be probable, if Pacman went up to lightweight and knocked out a guy like Freitas, sending a message to PBF.
RUBBER MATCH
Geno,
What are your thoughts on EM vs. Pac 3? What kind of fight do you expect?
Also, Geno indeed your column has reached the “high heavens” even her in Saudi Arabia I’m an avid reader of your column you no-nonsense tirades makes you unique keep up the good works dude.
Sammy
Sammy,
I expect the greatest fight of their careers in this bout. Erik Morales isn’t coming back for the money. He wants to prove to the world and to himself that he wasn’t the guy that lost to Raheem and was stopped by Pacman. He will fight this fight with a tight defense and spurts of controlled aggression. Understanding the psychological edge from the KO win, Pacman will attack early and often, but may be stepping on a land mine because Morales will be looking to counter hard and I truly expect a great bout with the Pacster winning a 7-10 round TKO.
I am very grateful of my popularity in the Philippines and if I am starting to get some readers in Saudi Arabia…I am really happy. I appreciate the props my good friend and a big hello to all of the RSR fans in Saudi Arabia.
PROPS
Yo Geno Slice
I like you had the nads to put Manny at number two. So many others rate him lower but I think he should be there. Even though Gatti is my home dog, I never miss a Manny fight.
Jay
Jay,
I have to call it the way that I see it my friend and I don’t see how you can’t have Manny in at least the top 5 after his recent spree of KO’d opponents. Sometimes I surprise myself with the amount of nads that I have. I am the nads man, if you will. I also enjoy Gatti’s bouts…he is very exciting. His wars with Mickey Ward and Gabe Ruelas will always have a place in my memory…hopefully it will erase that horrible blind date of 1996. Where in the world did they find that cow?!!!
ROCKY 7?
Geno
Suppose Rocky drops Barrera as you stated earlier and forces Barrera into retirement…
Would Rocky be willing to face the Pac-Man if he happens to win? Also, if that scenario did happen, how would you match-up Pac vs. Juarez? …Personally I would think that Pac would drop him in the mid rounds, just due to the fact that Pac is the best slugger p4p and that Juarez will be making a mistake by being willing to trade punches
Ruben De Guzman
Ruben,
How are you doing my friend? I think that Rocky would be more than willing to face the Pacman and do you know why??? I will give you a hint: $$$$$$$$$$. The Pacman is one of the few superstars in the game right now and a bout with him is worth millions. Imagine what a victory is worth! I see Rocky defeating MAB and probably going on to face Pacman in a great bout. Rocky has short and powerful punches, but is also susceptible to straight punches, which Pacman surely possesses. What a great match up that would be! I would still lean toward Manny, but I would pay to see that contest.
KUDOS FOR LARIOS
Geno,
Larios earned the respect of all Filipinos by being a great fighter and no excuses after the bout. Morales, even after being knocked down several times in their 2nd bout with MP frequently talks about his lack of conditioning and being overweight. How can he be respected if he can’t give credit to pacman’s skill as a prizefighter?
Alfredo Advincula
Alfredo,
I can’t fault anyone for making excuses…it’s natural in boxing. I remember when I was boxing one of my buddies recently in my backyard and I didn’t have the greatest showing. Well, I immediately claimed: groin pull. I use that excuse a lot.
“Geno, why were you late for work?” “Groin pull.”
“Geno, why were you late paying your mortgage?” “Groin pull.”
“Geno, why are you stealing cable?” “Groin pull.”
Honesty, I haven’t pulled my groin in years…well, that’s not entirely true…
Now, Larios must be given credit for stepping back and allowing Pacman to savor the victory without dealing with excuses. Pac sort of had that look in his eye though, as he stared at Larios, probably thinking: “You’d better not say groin pull.”
I want to say thanks to everyone for their emails and there will be one more bag this week…so stay tuned. I also want to thank everyone that took 10 dollars out of their bank accounts and sent it to X Posse Productions in exchange for our first movie: Evil Awakening on DVD. Remember, we will ship it anywhere and the DVD is region free. It will play in nearly anything! So, go to www.xposse.com and pick one up. You could buy a bunch of them and give them out as gifts. If you purchase one, I want to thank you ahead of time for the support.
Okay, I’m going to end it there. I’m done…until the next one. Don’t forget about “Geno Bambino Vault of Prizes.” Get those questions in because somebody is going to win an autographed book: “The Great White Hopes” by Graeme Kent, and let me tell you, this guy Kent can write. He doesn’t have to call me for advice or anything. He is that good, and so too is this book, and the Geno Bambino Question of the Month winner takes it. Take care one and all and check out the message board (www.ringsidereport.com/rsrboard) and sign up because we give away prizes there as well.
