SPADAFORA HESITANT TO MOVE UP
by Stephen S. Johnson
InsideBoxing
Writer
(INSIDE BOXING) This past Tuesday night IBF Lightweight Champion Paul Spadafora (33-0) dispatched of a slow footed but strong Joel Perez (30-5-2).
The
fight did not gain nearly as much attention as did two subjects Spadafora
broached leading up to and following the bout.
The
first was the formation of the (PBAF) Professional Boxers Assistance Foundation.
The Spadafora management team stipulated a portion of the fight proceeds be used
in support of a pension fund for retired fighters. Major congratulations to the
Spadafora supporters on a subject that is a “no brainer”.
Operating
under the umbrella of the Pennsylvania Boxing Commission and ABC (Association of
Boxing Commissions) President Greg Sirb, Spadafora hopes to motivate others in
the professional ranks to join him in looking out for the fighters who have paid
their dues but have nothing upon retirement.
But
the idea of a pension plan for boxers needs much more planning than offered by
Greg Sirb. No one would question the need for a boxing pension plan but hard
demands, not requests, must be mandated in a mutual agreement by all parties.
Boxers, promoters, trainers and all venues that profit in any way shape or form
must be participants.
Proposed
requirements include a fighter having at least 20 pro bouts and having reached
age 40. The real issue as to how much one would receive was left as to how much
was in the kitty and how many boxers were eligible.
Every
legitimate pension plan has the individual knowing exactly how much he or she
will receive immediately upon reaching a certain age or health condition.
Professional should offer no less to its aged or crippled warriors.
The
ABC has the opportunity to offer guidance and involvement in the recruitment of
all states regulating professional boxing in support of a retirement plan for
professional fighters. If Boxing Commissions around the country have any
association at all with each other, now is the time to show it.
The
second subject was the strange comments Spadafora made regarding his boxing
future which, by his preference, will always be in the lightweight division.
Paul
Spadafora, or the “Pittsburgh Kid”, maintains the thought that he will
remain in the lightweight (135) division until he has fought the “bigger
names” that remain.
Other
than WBC champ Jose Luis Castillo, there is only the up and coming Juan Lazcano
that offer any competition in the lightweight division. Stevie Johnston is
terribly out of shape and the IBF doesn’t have either a number 1 or 2 rated
contender.
This
situation presents Spadafora with two big problems. Jose Luis Castillo has been
in some awesome battles that have all come on foreign turf. Paul Spadafora has
been in no such a predicament. He is very reluctant to take his “show on the
road”.
Would
he dare fight Castillo in Las Vegas? Or in the backyard of the Mexican champion
Castillo? Probably not. Spadafora likes the comforts of home. But who doesn’t?
The
logical choice would be to move up in weight. But this is where the problem
lies.
The
140 pound division has the likes of Kostya Tszyu, Zab “Super” Judah and
Hector Camacho, Jr. just to name a few who are waiting for an attempt by anyone
to join the fracas in the weight class. This is where the competition now lies.
Paul
Spadafora has had a nice career in the lightweight division. Paul Spadafora has
a huge Pennsylvania following. Paul Spadafora is a good hearted kid who has
overcome major adversity in his life.
If
Paul Spadafora is content losing some 30 pounds time after time in preparation
to defend the lightweight title, then so be it. But there will be no confusion
as to his seemingly unwillingness or fear of fighting anyplace other than
Pitsburgh. There will be no confusion as to his mistaken perception that there
remain “big money” fights in the lightweight division.
Paul
Spadafora can eliminate all confusion by taking his “show on the road” and
moving up in weight. The big money now rests in the 140 pound weight class.
Losing 25 instead of 30 pounds should only make him stronger.
For
Paul Spadafora there is everything to gain, and more important, not
much (weight) to lose.
05/09/01