Who says the often grimy world of pro boxing cannot occasionally be an ecumenical sport?
I had to laugh with appreciation as to the unifying force that boxing can be late Saturday night in Las Vegas. Manny Pacquiao had just demolished Miguel Cotto and I was rushing from the arena to join friends for some late night dinner and drinks at the Fiamma Italian restaurant inside the cavernous MGM Grand.
To my right, I spotted a boxer surrounded by adoring fans, snapping pictures and patting the fighter on the back for his victory.
I had to take a second look to make sure it wasn’t just Filipino men, women and some children who had cornered Brian Viloria or Nonito Donaire, two young Pinoys and world champs who attended the Megamanny Show.
It wasn’t either one. It was banged up but smiling brightly first ever world champ from Israel by way of Belarus, the apsiring rabbi Yuri Foreman.
Often maligned for a safety first style, Foreman had fought the fight of his young life. He made formidable WBA junior middleweight champ Daniel Santos look like a rusted out old jalopy in winning a clear cut decision. And Foreman was more than entertaining in doing so.
I don’t want to say Foreman promoter and fellow Jew Bob Arum was a less than gracious winner in that fight against the Don King promoted Puerto Rican but witnesses say Arum gave ESPN scribe Dan Rafael the middle digit as he yelled at him from the ring.
Oh, ye of little faith. Let me congratulate Foreman, manager Murray Wilson, Yuri’s ex-model wife, Leyla Leidecker Foreman and his training team on their great success. I would be remiss not to mention that Everlast Einstein, special adviser and legend Johnny “Wiizard Of” Bos.
Don’t be surprised if Foreman wins a few title bouts. He’s a clever boxer and he showed heart and gumption against the powerful Santos.
Arum was over the moon about Foreman’s victory and AOL Fanhouse reporter and Israeli Elie Sekbach filed a neat story about how fans in The Promised Land have been exicted by the new champion who now lives in Brooklyn.
New York could have two world champions wearing the Star Of David into the ring if Foreman’s friend Dmitry Salita can overcome great odds in the UK on Dec. 5 when he challenges world champ Amir Khan.
If I am not mistaken, the last “Jewish” world champion in my era was Mike Rossman, the light heavyweight champion. Although his father’s name was DePiano and he was raised Catholic, Rossman’s mother was Jewish which makes him Jewish.
Take it from me, a guy who once boxed under the name of “Mike Marlowitz,” everything about Yuri Foreman is completely kosher!
