The much hyped boxing showdown between former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes and Jasper, Alabama’s Eric “Butterbean” Esch, the king of the four-round tough-man bouts, proved to be just hype this past Saturday night in Norfolk, Virginia as both so-called-fighters wallowed around the ring with very little action to the boos of the viewing audience.Nobody was hurt in the match with little action, but Holmes managed to garner a decision from the judges.
It was only the second loss of his career for “Butterbean” who made a name for himself in the tough-man competition.
Holmes, 52, entered the ring at 254 pounds, while “Butterbean” was carrying 334 pounds and was 17 years younger than the former champion.
It’s always tough when an old fighter decides he can’t stay out of the ring and even though Holmes won the match, he was an embarrasment to himself and boxing.
The fight reminds me of when the great Joe Louis decided to make a comeback after a layoff of many years and he tested the comeback waters against the great Rocky Marcianio who was undefeated at the time and was still unbeaten when he decided to quit in his prime.
The handwriting was on the wall and Louis, a great champion in his time, was battered to the canvas by the younger, stronger Marciano.
Boxing is in enough trouble, without bringing these two- Holmes and “Butterbean” back for a rematch.
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Three time Sunny King Charity Classic winner Gary Wigington, a former Jacksonville State All-American golfer, added another title to his collection this past Sunday when he won the Indian Oaks club crown.
Wigington shot an eight under par 136 over 36 holes to win by four shots over Aaron Bishop and Jason Johnson was third at 148.
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Ozzie (the Wizard) Smith, one of the greatest shortstops who ever played the game, was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame this past Sunday before a group of baseball greats including his former manager Sparky Anderson..
The former St Louis Cardinal great compared his life to a journey down the Yellow Brick Road as he gave his acceptance speach at Cooperstown, New York on Sunday.
Smith took the defensive aspects of the game to a higher level during his 19 year career. Smith holds six career fielding marks for shortstops, was flanked by 46 Hall of Famers including former Cardinals Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock and Red Schoendienst.
Smith holds marks for most assists (8,375), double plays (1,590), and chances (12,624). Smith also won 13 consecutive golden glove awards.
While most people remember Smith as an outstanding defensive player, he could also swing the bat pretty good.
I say the honor is well deserved and congratulations to one of the top players of his time. He left us with a lot of memories.
