WITNESSING GREATNESS
I WAS saddened to read of the passing of former world champion Eusebio Pedroza earlier this month. He was truly one of the greatest featherweights of all time. Back in the day, I had the pleasure of watching the champ train at the Lonsdale Gym in Carnaby Street, down in the West End. It was amazing to watch him shadow-box and skip, as he worked so effortlessly. The display he gave on the speedball was mind-boggling, and I have recited this story many times to my boxers.
We were packed into the gym like sardines, shoulder to shoulder, pushed hard up against the back wall to give the champ space.
In those days, you were frightened to breathe heavily, let alone talk, with the fear of being turfed out. Eusebio only spoke Spanish, so all he would do is look at the crowd and smile. He knew how good he was, and he was there demonstrating his skills for us to witness. He would walk mischievously over to the speedball and hit it once with his left hand, and then walk away. Then he would walk back and hit it with his right hand. Then he would walk back and hit it with his forehead.
This went on for a considerable time, and we all started getting restless, wanting him to do more. Eventually, he went over to the speedball, smiling from ear to ear. He then repeatedly hit the ball with his left fist. The ball travelled so fast you couldn’t see it move, and the noise was like a machine gun. He then proceeded to hit it with his right hand, and then both hands. He then hit it with his forehead and the sides of his head, to the same unbelievable speed and noise. That day we watched a master at work.
Mickey Duff and Barney Eastwood got Pedroza at exactly the right time for their man, Barry Mcguigan. Although on that night in 1985, I think Barry would’ve beaten King Kong. It was an amazing championship battle and one that I will always remember.
When Barry visited our gym recently, he signed the Loftus Road poster that we have plastered on our wall. It was a special moment, and one that brought back memories of those two warriors on that glorious night for British boxing. Eusebio Pedroza, your skills were magic. Rest in peace. Chris Sanigar
LAY OFF JOSHUA
ANTHONY JOSHUA has come into a lot of criticism lately due to the fact that he is fighting Jarrell Miller next, rather than Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder. Some critics are shouting loudly that Joshua should be less concerned about the money and should instead just give the fans what they want to see. I find it very strange that people are choosing to criticise him for trying to do what’s best for himself.
Your recent article on Gerald Mcclellan (March 7 issue) shows exactly how cruel and unforgiving the sport of boxing can be. Here we have a man who gave so much to the sport, yet has been left with nothing to show for it. As the ones who are risking everything by stepping between the ropes, I think Joshua, and any other boxer for that matter, should simply make the decisions that they feel are right for them. There is a life outside of and after boxing. I think some people need to remember that. Owen Hollifield