http://www.yardbarker.com/boxing/players/emile_griffith/74080 Recent articles about Emile Griffith en-us Jazz composer Terence Blanchard couldn't have imagined how timely his opera about a gay boxer would become when he accepted a commission three years ago. Blanchard's ''Champion'' - with a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Michael Cristofer - is based on the life of former world welterweight and middleweight champion Emile Griffith. Its world premiere at the Opera Theatre of St. Louis on Saturday comes just weeks after NBA center Jason Collins became the first active male pro athlete from one of the four major North American team sports to come out as gay. Griffith's greatest triumph came in a nationally televised welterweight title bout in 1962 when he knocked out Benny ''The Kid'' Paret by battering him with 17 punches in seven seconds, sending his rival into a coma. Paret died 10 days later. At the weigh-in, the Cuban-born Paret had angered Griffith by using an anti-gay Spanish slur. Thirty years later, Griffith was beaten and nearly killed after le Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:17:03 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/boxing_tragedy_inspires_blanchards_first_opera/13827293 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/boxing_tragedy_inspires_blanchards_first_opera/13827293 Boxing tragedy inspires Blanchard's first opera http://www.yardbarker.com/boxing/articles/boxing_tragedy_inspires_blanchards_first_opera/13827293 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png (From left to right: Derry Mathews, promoter Eddie Hearn, Anthony Crolla) Anthony Crolla makes his first competitive start this weekend since the night he almost killed Heywood rival Kieran Farrell. In a suffocating December brawl, the 22-year-old Farrell developed an acute subdural haematoma that threatened his life. He survived but not without consequence. Farrell lost almost a third of his brain, his career and a pitiless dream. The effect on Crolla has yet to be measured. Rarely, though, are the winners of such catastrophes able to proceed unaltered. Former featherweight world champion Barry McGuigan confessed to pulling his punches against Jimmy Duncan after previous foe Young Ali (Asymin Mustapha) fell into a coma and later died in 1982. A tormented Chris Eubank was similarly affected against Thulani Malinga after Michael Watson only narrowly evaded death in their titanic rematch. Junior lightweight world titlist Gabriel Ruelas claimed to have been haunted by the ghost... Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:12:41 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/british_beat_anthony_crolla_prepares_to_battle_his_demons_along_with_derry_mathews/13265110 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/british_beat_anthony_crolla_prepares_to_battle_his_demons_along_with_derry_mathews/13265110 British Beat: Anthony Crolla Prepares To Battle His Demons Along With Derry Mathews http://www.yardbarker.com/boxing/articles/british_beat_anthony_crolla_prepares_to_battle_his_demons_along_with_derry_mathews/13265110 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png (Eds: With AP Photos.) By TIM DAHLBERG AP Sports Columnist For more years than he wanted to count, Orlando Cruz kept it a secret as best he could. He thought he had no choice, because of who he is and what he does. Cruz is a fighter, and a pretty good one at that. He won 179 amateur bouts and represented Puerto Rico in the 2000 Olympics. By the time this year is over, he hopes to hold a piece of the world title at 126 pounds But his legacy won't be defined with wins and losses, or gaudy green belts. Cruz made sure of that last week by saying words no professional boxer had ever dared utter before. ''I have always been, and always will be, a proud gay man,'' Cruz said. The words came easy, because for Cruz it was way past time. He was tired of hiding who he was, tired of trying to pretend he was something else. He came out to the world, and to his next opponent and the one after that. Then he held his breath and waited to see just how far society has really come. It didn't take lo Sun, 07 Oct 2012 19:29:36 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/column_nothing_left_to_hide_for_gay_boxer/11902996 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/column_nothing_left_to_hide_for_gay_boxer/11902996 Column: Nothing left to hide for gay boxer http://www.yardbarker.com/boxing/articles/column_nothing_left_to_hide_for_gay_boxer/11902996 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png There have been few professional athletes in any major sport across the entire globe to come out as openly gay during their careers. As such, the widely publicized revelation from boxer Orlando Cruz (18-2-1, 9 KOs) as he prepares for his next fight, against Jorge Pazos on Oct. 19, comes as a huge surprise. It's a story that has reached far beyond the scope of boxing and into the greater sporting and social contexts of our country. Certainly, Cruz has received vastly more attention right now than he ever has at any point in his career, even when he was still riding high as an undefeated Featherweight prospect with a 16-0-1 record. At that time, January 2009, he was coming off a career best win over a then 30-0 Leonilo Miranda. His career took a downward turn at that point, as he lost two consecutive fights by stoppage, first against Cornelius Lock, then against Daniel Ponce de Leon. Credit: Team Cruz Since, Cruz has won two fights in a row, and is ready to try to make it three... Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:23:22 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/quick_thoughts_boxer_orlando_cruz_comes_out_as_gay/11889013 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/quick_thoughts_boxer_orlando_cruz_comes_out_as_gay/11889013 Quick thoughts: Boxer Orlando Cruz comes out as gay http://www.yardbarker.com/boxing/articles/quick_thoughts_boxer_orlando_cruz_comes_out_as_gay/11889013 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Associated Press Describing himself as ''a proud gay man,'' Puerto Rican featherweight Orlando Cruz on Thursday became what is believed to be the first pro boxer to come out as openly homosexual while still competing. Cruz told The Associated Press in an interview that he is happy and relieved about his decision but had some initial reservations. ''I developed physically and mentally to take such a big step in my life and in my profession, which is boxing, knowing that it would have pros and cons, highs and lows in this sport that is so macho,'' he said. ''I kept this hidden for many, many years.'' His announcement comes two weeks before the 31-year-old southpaw challenges Mexican boxer Jorge Pazos for the WBO Latino title. Cruz is currently ranked as the World Boxing Organization's No. 4 featherweight fighter and is 18-2-1 with nine knockouts. Cruz said he met with psychologists and other people before making the announcement, adding that he has the ful Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:42:27 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/puerto_rican_boxer_orlando_cruz_announces_hes_gay/11883157 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/puerto_rican_boxer_orlando_cruz_announces_hes_gay/11883157 Puerto Rican boxer Orlando Cruz announces he's gay http://www.yardbarker.com/boxing/articles/puerto_rican_boxer_orlando_cruz_announces_hes_gay/11883157 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Ring 8 will host a commemorative ceremony for the old Sunnyside Garden Arena this Saturday afternoon, October 6, starting at 12 noon, highlighted by the unveiling of a monument on the site of the former sports venue at 44-10 Queens Boulevard in Sunnyside, New York. The Sunnyside Garden Arena monument reads: This monument is in honor and dedicated to those men who fought in the amateurs and professional bouts. Originally built in 1926 by railroad baron, Jay Gould, as a private tennis club, the property was sold in 1945 and became a public arena, hosting amateur and professional boxing, wrestling, roller derby and kick-boxing during the next 32 years. Several films were shot there, including Mr. Universe in 1951, starring Vincent Edwards, and President John F. Kennedy campaigned in front of Sunnyside Garden Arena in 1960. Boxing, however, was its main attraction, seating 2000 with tickets back costing only $4.00 for general admission and $8.00 for ringside. Before televi... Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:02:36 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/former_sunnyside_garden_arena_in_new_york_commemorated_this_weekend/11865841 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/former_sunnyside_garden_arena_in_new_york_commemorated_this_weekend/11865841 Former Sunnyside Garden Arena in New York commemorated this weekend http://www.yardbarker.com/boxing/articles/former_sunnyside_garden_arena_in_new_york_commemorated_this_weekend/11865841 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Stars & public came out in force for Inaugural New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Dinner Boxing stars joined a sold-out crowd of 500 at this past Sunday's inaugural New York State Boxing Hall of Fame ("NYSBHOF") induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, at Russo's On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York. "Boxing in New York will not be forgotten," NYSBHOF founder Tony Mazzarella said. "Boxers, cornermen, judges, promoters, announcers and others in boxing are being honored." Inducted into the first NYSBHOF class were "Sugar" Ray Robinson, Jake LaMotta, Mike Tyson, Carmen Basilio, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, Mike McCallum and posthumously Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard and Tony Canzoneri. Non-participant inductees are judge/HBO analyst Harold Lederman, coach/instructor Steve Acunto, trainer/cutman Jimmy Glenn and, posthumously, trainers Gil Clancy and Ray Arcel, The Ring Magazine founder Nat Flei... Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:08:02 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/ny_state_boxing_hall_of_fame_induction_huge_photos_quotes_round_up/10473832 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/ny_state_boxing_hall_of_fame_induction_huge_photos_quotes_round_up/10473832 NY State Boxing Hall of Fame Induction: Huge photos & quotes round-up http://www.yardbarker.com/boxing/articles/ny_state_boxing_hall_of_fame_induction_huge_photos_quotes_round_up/10473832 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Living legend Jake "The Bronx Bull" LaMotta has confirmed his attendance Sunday, April 1 at the inaugural New York State Boxing Hall of Fame ("NYSBHOF") induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, at Russo's On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York. In 1943, the now 90-year-old LaMotta (83-19-4, 30 KOs) became the first to defeat another member of the first NYSBHOF class, "Sugar" Ray Robinson, arguably the greatest boxer of all-time, leads a star-studded list of 12 boxers and eight non-participants to be formally inducted. LaMotta defeated Marcel Cerdan in 1949 to capture the World Middleweight Championship. During his exciting 13-year professional boxing career, Jake was a fixture fighting in the NY Coliseum in the Bronx, and later at Madison Square Garden. He defeated the great Fritzie Zivic in three of four fights, as well as other notables such as Tony Janiro, Tiberio Mitri for the NYSAC World middleweight title and European champion Robert Vill... Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:22:41 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/jake_lamotta_to_attend_inaugural_new_york_state_boxing_hall_of_fame_dinner/10383859 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/jake_lamotta_to_attend_inaugural_new_york_state_boxing_hall_of_fame_dinner/10383859 Jake LaMotta to attend inaugural New York State Boxing Hall of Fame dinner http://www.yardbarker.com/boxing/articles/jake_lamotta_to_attend_inaugural_new_york_state_boxing_hall_of_fame_dinner/10383859 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The inaugural New York State Boxing Hall of Fame ("NYSBHOF") induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, will be held Sunday, April 1 at Russo's On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York. Legendary "Sugar" Ray Robinson, arguably the greatest boxer of all-time, leads a star-studded list of 12 boxers and eight non-participants to be formally inducted. Boxers joining Robinson in the inaugural NYSBHOF class are Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Carmen Basilio, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, Mike McCallum and the late Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard and Tony Canzoneri. Non-participant inductees are judge/HBO analyst Harold Lederman, coach/instructor Steve Acunto, trainer/cutman Jimmy Glenn and, posthumously, trainers Gil Clancy and Ray Arcel, The Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer, New York Daily News boxing reporter/cartoonist Bill Gallo, and referee Arthur Mercante, Sr. "We're doing this to honor New York fight people," NYSBHOF presid... Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:08:26 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/inaugural_ny_state_boxing_hall_of_fame_induction_dinner_april_1st/10263655 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/inaugural_ny_state_boxing_hall_of_fame_induction_dinner_april_1st/10263655 Inaugural NY State Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Dinner April 1st http://www.yardbarker.com/boxing/articles/inaugural_ny_state_boxing_hall_of_fame_induction_dinner_april_1st/10263655 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png How would Mayweather hold up against the best welterweight boxers in history? The welterweight division is one of the classic, glamour divisions in boxing's rich history, and the list of all-time greats who have plied their trade at 147 lbs is staggering. The list of the top 10 welterweight boxers of all-time also happens to represent many of the best fighters to lace up their gloves at any weight, fighting forces like Sugar Ray Robinson and Henry Armstrong. Today, the best welterweight in the world is Floyd Mayweather Jr., and he's also the reigning number 1 pound for pound fighter as well. His place in history is fiercely debated, and will best be decided once his career is eventually done and over with, and we've had time to digest his accomplishments and shortcomings. Credit: Will Hart - HBO In the meantime, we're left with conjecture and the ever-popular fantasy fight. Therefore, one great question to ask is how he would hold up against the best welterweights... Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:46:39 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/floyd_mayweather_vs_the_top_10_all_time_best_welterweights/10162786 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/floyd_mayweather_vs_the_top_10_all_time_best_welterweights/10162786 Floyd Mayweather vs. the top 10 all-time best welterweights http://www.yardbarker.com/boxing/articles/floyd_mayweather_vs_the_top_10_all_time_best_welterweights/10162786 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Don Fullmer, a former middleweight boxer who fought nine world champions and came within a fight of a world title himself, has died in Utah at the age of 72. His sons told the Deseret News that he died Saturday in West Jordan after suffering from lymphocytic leukemia for 15 years. Fullmer was the brother of former world middleweight champion Gene Fullmer. He fought in 79 matches, losing to such former champions as Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, Joey Archer and Emile Griffith during a career that spanned from 1957 to 1973. He defeated Griffith and Archer in rematches before losing to Nino Benvenuti in 1966. In a 1968 rematch with Benvenuti for the middleweight title, Fullmer knocked the Italian down but lost a 15-round unanimous decision. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:08:00 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/don_fullmer_ex_middleweight_dies_at_72/9664201 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/don_fullmer_ex_middleweight_dies_at_72/9664201 Don Fullmer, ex-middleweight, dies at 72 http://www.yardbarker.com/boxing/articles/don_fullmer_ex_middleweight_dies_at_72/9664201 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Don Fullmer, a former middleweight boxer who fought nine world champions and came within a fight of a world title himself, has died in Utah at the age of 72. His sons told the Deseret News (http://bit.ly/xvP29R ) that he died Saturday in West Jordan after suffering from lymphocytic leukemia for 15 years. Fullmer was the brother of former world middleweight champion Gene Fullmer. He fought in 79 matches, losing to such former champions as Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, Joey Archer and Emile Griffith during a career that spanned from 1957 to 1973. He defeated Griffith and Archer in rematches before losing to Nino Benvenuti in 1966. In a 1968 rematch with Benvenuti for the middleweight title, Fullmer knocked the Italian down but lost a 15-round unanimous decision. --- Information from: Deseret News, http://www.deseretnews.com Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:25:41 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/don_fullmer_ex_middleweight_boxer_dies_at_72/9660133 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/don_fullmer_ex_middleweight_boxer_dies_at_72/9660133 Don Fullmer, ex-middleweight boxer, dies at 72 http://www.yardbarker.com/boxing/articles/don_fullmer_ex_middleweight_boxer_dies_at_72/9660133 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame recently announced its first list of inductees during a press conference in New York at Manhattan’s Gallagher’s Steakhouse. The class of inductees was led by the late ‘Sugar” Ray Robinson, who many fans and experts consider as the greatest boxer in history.There are 11 other boxers being inducted into the new hall of fame along with eight non-fighting members. The induction ceremonies and dinner are scheduled for New York City in March 2012.The other boxers who will be being inducted are Jake LaMotta, Mike Tyson, Carmen Basilio, Carlos Ortiz, Riddick Bowe, Vito Antuofermo, Mike McCallum, Emile Griffith, and the late Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, and Gene Tunney. The eight non-fighting inductees are Harold Lederman (HBO analyst), Steve Acunto (coach), Jimmy Glenn (cutman/trainer) and the late trainers Ray Arcel and Gil Clancy, Nat Fleischer (founder of Ring magazine), Bill Gallo (boxing reporter), and Arthur Mercante, Sr. (referee).The idea of a New York State ha Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:15:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/new_york_state_boxing_hall_of_fames_announces_inaugural_inductees/7694149 http://network.yardbarker.com/boxing/article_external/new_york_state_boxing_hall_of_fames_announces_inaugural_inductees/7694149 New York State Boxing Hall of Fames Announces Inaugural Inductees http://www.yardbarker.com/boxing/articles/new_york_state_boxing_hall_of_fames_announces_inaugural_inductees/7694149 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png