Lee Groves
83 articles · MaxBoxing.com
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Who?s next?: Potential candidates for IBHOF Class of 2018
By Lee Groves
A couple of months ago, I wrote that the International Boxing Hall of Fame?s Class of 2017 could potentially boast the most impressive top-to-bottom roster in many years ? maybe even since…
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The two fights that changed the definition of boxing ?greatness?
By Lee Groves
In sports the word ?greatness? is a singular concept that carries enormous power and influence. Ideally, it?s also a word that should be used sparingly, for if too many athletes and achievements…
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The Thrilla in Manila remembered: 40 years later
By Lee Groves
Their first fight stopped the world. Their rematch suffered by comparison. But for Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, their third confrontation was a pulsating, punishing war of attrition waged in triple-digit heat,…
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The Travelin? Man returns to IBHOF induction weekend-part II
By Lee Groves
Friday, June 12: Knowing I had a lot of work to finish before returning to the Hall, I awakened just five hours after turning out the lights. It took me nearly two-and-a-half…
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The Travelin? Man returns to IBHOF induction weekend-part I
By Lee Groves
I have lived all my life in Friendly, West Virginia, which, according to the 2010 U.S. Census, has a population of 130. But while Friendly will always be the place from which…
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The Travelin? Man goes to Boston-part II
By Lee Groves
Saturday, May 23 (continued): Early on, it appeared James DeGale?s attempt to become the first British Olympic gold medalist to win a major professional boxing title was going off the rails. Following…
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The Travelin? Man goes to Boston-part I
By Lee Groves
Friday, May 22: It?s hard to believe that it?s been five weeks since my last trip, when I had the privilege of working the Lucas Matthysse-Ruslan Provodnikov card in Verona, N.Y. That?s…
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Remembering Douglas-Tyson: still a shocker 25 years later
By Lee Groves
Twenty-five years ago today, the sports world ? and a sizable chunk of the general public ? experienced a powerful ?Where were you?? moment. James ?Buster? Douglas, who was such a prohibitive…
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The start of 2015 breathes new life into boxing
By Lee Groves
During the vast majority of the 20th century, boxing occupied a prominent place not only in America?s sporting firmament but also its cultural fabric. In the early 1900s, the ?Sweet Science? shared…
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Leonard-Benitez and Antuofermo-Hagler I: A memorable night at Caesars
By Lee Groves
Thirty-five years ago today, boxing observers believed they were about to witness an exceedingly rare event ? the coronation of not one, but two superstars. 1976 Olympic gold medalist Ray Leonard ?…
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Rumble in the Jungle retrospective: Ali-Foreman 40 years later
By Lee Groves
Forty years ago today, Muhammad Ali took the final step of a seven-year odyssey to regain what he and his legion of supporters felt should have been his all along ? the…
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Ten notable U.S. vs. U.K. welterweight title fights
By Lee Groves
For IBF welterweight king Shawn Porter and mandatory challenger Kell Brook, Saturday?s contest represents a career-shaping moment. Porter, who is making the second defense of the crown he won from Devon Alexander…
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The Travelin? Man: the rocky road to Bethlehem-part I
By Lee Groves
Friday, August 8: Regular readers of the Travelin? Man Chronicles know that every so often, my best laid plans go awry. Every once in a great while, however, those plans are blown…
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The Ring celebrates the 100th anniversary of Joe Louis? birth
By Lee Groves
One hundred years ago today Joe Louis, the owner of boxing's greatest championship reign and the athletic catalyst for racial healing in America during the post-slavery era, was born. His life was…
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Alexis Arguello-Alfredo Escalera II: a superb second act
By Lee Groves
As a rule, sequels seldom live up to their originals much less exceed them. This is especially prevalent in the film industry because for every one that soars above the imprint created…
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Boxing’s banner 2013 sets up a bright 2014
By Lee Groves
The turn of the year will mark a significant personal milestone: 40 years as a boxing fan. Roberto Duran's March 16, 1974 destruction of Esteban DeJesus in the second of their three…
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Hall of Fame ballot deliberation
By Lee Groves
For those who are involved with the International Boxing Hall of Fame's voting process, the period between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31 is one of introspection and deliberation. Every year, each elector…
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The Stretch Drive: Travelin? Man returns to New York City ? Part II
By Lee Groves
Saturday, Nov. 23 (continued): Following a career-long 11 months away from the ring and after suffering a historic one-punch knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez, the boxing world wondered if onetime pound-for-pound…
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The Stretch Drive: Travelin? Man returns to New York City ? Part I
By Lee Groves
Thursday, Nov. 21: Just four days after coming home from Verona, the Travelin? Man was back on the road to begin the second of five trips that will run through Dec. 14.…
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Commentary: One boxing fan?s crisis of confidence
By Lee Groves
Over the past several weeks, those who love boxing have been forced to confront the darkest realities of their favorite sport. On Oct. 22, three days after suffering an eighth-round knockout to…