Black Boxer Mykal Fox On Judge’s Racist Tweets: ‘It’s Like I Lost Before Entering The Ring’

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Black Boxer Mykal Fox On Judge’s Racist Tweets: ‘It’s Like I Lost Before Entering The Ring’

A veteran boxing judge has been hit with a one-two punch.

After coming under scrutiny for her scoring of a recent match, Gloria Martinez Rizzo has been suspended “indefinitely” by the World Boxing Association for racially insensitive tweets she posted last year and in 2018.

The match in question was between Mykal Fox and Gabriel Maestre for the interim WBA welterweight title on Aug. 7 at the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

When the bell sounded, Fox, a southpaw, felt he had won the bout.

After all, the nearly 6-foot-4 Fox out-landed the 5-foot-11 Maestre in overall punches, 157 to 131, and 38-23 in jabs, flooring the Venezuelan-born fighter for the first time in his career with a hard, left-hand counter in the second round.

Fox said after the fight that ringside commentator and two-time heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis “Told me he thought I won, 10-2, in rounds,” and trainer and analyst Joe Goossen “Had me winning, 11-1, in rounds.” Lewis and Goossen were ringside for the bout, which was televised on Fox Deportes.

Mykal Fox (right) on his domination of Gabrial Maestre: “I landed the cleaner, more eye-catching punches and made him miss.” (Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions)

“Dropping [Maestre] was a big deal,” said Fox, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, who trailed, 119-108, in power shots. “I landed the cleaner, more eye-catching punches and made him miss, but landing that punch felt really good because last year I had broken that same hand.”

Fox was confident of victory when the judges’ scorecards were read: David Singh and John Mariano at 114-113, and 115-112, respectively, and Martinez Rizzo’s at 117-110.

“The first two scores seemed a little close,” said Fox, a late replacement after Canadian southpaw, Cody Crowley, pulled out with a Covid-19 diagnosis. “But 117-110 seemed a more appropriate score for me to win by, especially when they said, ‘Winner by unanimous decision.’”

But Fox was wrong. And when the ring announcer stated, “And still undefeated,” he felt as if he had been knocked out since it meant he slipped to 22-3 (5 KOs), and the 34-year-old Maestre improved to 4-0 (3 KOs).

“I was in disbelief. I looked at my corner and they were all upset,” said Fox, who was summoned and consoled by Lewis during a private meeting before leaving the venue. “The first thing he said was, ‘Bro, you won that fight.’ To have one of the best heavyweights singing your praises was just what I needed because I was still pretty upset.”

Flooring Gabriel Maestre with a hard left in the second round “was a big deal because last year I had broken that same hand,” said Mykal Fox. (Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions)

But Fox felt even worse at his hotel room later that evening when he discovered a pattern of racist comments by Martinez Rizzo on her @GloriaRizz account. Revealed by BoxingScene.com writer and blow-by-blow commentator Corey Erdman, the statements maligned former First Lady Michelle Obama and NBA star LeBron James. (The tweets are not accessible, as Martinez Rizzo no longer has a Twitter account, Zenger found.)

“Obviously I watched the fight and was flabbergasted just like everyone else. I was on Twitter and noticed [Inside Boxing Live host] Dan Canobbio had pointed out that Gloria was married to [boxing promoter] Ricardo Rizzo, and [ringside scorer] Marcos Villegas mentioned that someone affiliated with the WBA might have also been in Maestre’s corner, so it piqued my interest,” said Erdman.

“I was curious to see if there was anything more nefarious about these people, and indeed there was. We often speculate about corruption and a lack of impartiality in boxing, but nothing ever seems to get pinned down. But here [with the tweets] you had an obvious example of someone with hateful views and biases that are plain to see. You cannot claim to be impartial when you’ve demonstrated that worldview.”

One of the tweets referred to Obama as “monkey face” in response to a story about her in 2018, while another from October 2020 suggested James “Is so stupid that the only thing he can do is play basketball” and “other than that go back to the stable.”

“Wow,” Fox, who is black, tweeted back to Erdman, “I was never gonna win on her card.”

“[Martinez Rizzo] picked two of the most influential African-Americans to speak [negatively] about their race,” said Fox. “Boxing has blacks, Hispanic and a lot of other [ethnicities], so you can’t have somebody who makes [racist] comments like that judging [black] fighters like myself. It’s like I had lost before entering the ring.”

Martinez Rizzo — who could not be reached for comment by Zenger — has since been “indefinitely” suspended the WBA “for violating the Code of Ethics, in addition to her wide scorecard the day of the Fox-Maestre fight,’ according to WBA president Gilberto Mendoza.

In addition, the interim crown has been declared vacant and an immediate rematch ordered with a 50-50 split between Fox and Maestre, according to the WBA.

“I definitely want to fight again this year, but as far as fighting [Maestre] again, the WBA is starting to get rid of interim titles,” said Fox. “So if there is an opportunity to take a fight for bigger money or in an eliminator, we’ll go after that.”

Fox will attempt to exercise more scrutiny moving forward, his father said.

“If your opinion of somebody is to prejudge — which is what racism does — is it really possible to fairly judge somebody?” said Troy Fox, who’s also Mykal’s trainer. “If you’re someone who says ‘When it comes to judging, I throw racism out of the window,’ can they really do that?”

Edited by Stan Chrapowicki and Matthew B. Hall



The post Black Boxer Mykal Fox On Judge’s Racist Tweets: ‘It’s Like I Lost Before Entering The Ring’ appeared first on Zenger News.

Tech-Philosopher Brings Focus To Human Interactions With Bots, ‘Likes’ And More

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Tech-Philosopher Brings Focus To Human Interactions With Bots, ‘Likes’ And More

Understanding the relationship between people and technology is the new frontier across almost every aspect of society today.

Among those entering into the realm of human-technology interactions is Alex Wolf, an award-winning entrepreneur and “tech philosopher.”

Her work involves “studying the nature of how technology changes our environments, changes our behaviors and essentially changes the relationships we have with each other,” Wolf said in a 2019 presentation on YouTube.

Wolf uses philosophy, history and marketing to inform how she views the relationship between people and technology, and turned her online presence into an online business called Bossbabe. She was named one of “the 100 most creative people in business” in 2016 by Fast Company magazine as founder and chairman of that company, “a members-only online community for millennial women looking to build their own online businesses.”

She also received a 2019 Innovators and Disruptors Award by New York On Tech.

Wolf dropped out of community college in Berkeley, California, at age 19 to be an independent social media consultant and founded her company in 2014. Co-founder Natalie Ellis is credited with growing the company’s Instagram followers to three million over three years, generating multiple seven figures of revenue,” according to the website.

Wolf sold Bossbabe in early 2018 to start marketing firm Alex Wolf Productions. The company aims to cultivate “meaningful media experiences for brands … that fit with [their] mission and values.” The company has worked with Dropbox, Snapchat and Belvedere Vodka, and it counts Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel and singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe among its supporters.

Wolf’s specialties include developing creative campaigns, producing branded content and influencer marketing. Beyond that, she speaks on various platforms about whether technology gives a person’s life meaning or detracts from that.

“I predict the mobile-computer-we-use-for-everything-but-calling-people is going to drive us so insane [that] we’ll eventually seek alternative devices that don’t make us feel like such desperate, addicted losers,” Wolf wrote in a blog about reviving her flip phone. Her other target was the “Like” button on social media. “Is it worth it?” she wrote in an Instagram post in 2018.

Meanwhile, Motorola, which had introduced its Razr flip phone in 2003 and revised it several times over the years, revived it as the Droid Razr for Verizon in 2011. Another revised model was introduced in 2019 — well after Wolf’s blog comments.

That same year, Instagram began testing feeds without “likes” and in May this year announced that it was giving users on Instagram and Facebook of hiding their “like” counts.

“We tested hiding like counts to see if it might depressurize people’s experience on Instagram. What we heard from people and experts was that not seeing like counts was beneficial for some, and annoying to others, particularly because people use like counts to get a sense for what’s trending or popular, so we’re giving you the choice,” the announcement stated.

Wolf says her ability to be so forward-thinking is a result of being a marketer.

“After a while you notice [the business is] less about missing another T-shirt or lip gloss and more that it could be the actual meaning of life itself.”

Marketing isn’t a game of products, it’s a game of people, and Wolf has learned to play it. Though she personally has not amassed a huge following on Twitter and Instagram, she does not consider that to be a disadvantage.

“Invisibility is a war strategy,” Wolf said. “There’s a reason why Harriet Tubman was one of the most effective spies during the Civil War.”

Technology and society

Tech philosophers “can often spot ‘side effects’ of technology which can be developed to create more useful products, and they can warn developers of potential damage that a developing tech might cause,” said Anthony Beavers, professor emeritus of philosophy at the University of Evansville.

Tech philosophers “can also work to harness technological development by identifying ‘affordances’ that might not be immediately apparent to designers,” said Beavers. That is, they can see new ways in which technologies can be used that others don’t think about.

Still, this line of work is not for everyone — and Wolf does not encourage others to follow the entrepreneurial path.

Wolf is proud of her work, but for those looking to follow her example, she cautions: “Don’t,” she said, as there’s “lots of risk and very little reward.”

“It’s fun in the beginning but after about three to four years you begin to feel burnt out and start looking for other options,” says Wolf.

Edited by Matthew B. Hall and Judith Isacoff



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’50 Yard Challenge’ Inspires Kids To Provide Free Lawn Care For Those In Need

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’50 Yard Challenge’ Inspires Kids To Provide Free Lawn Care For Those In Need

A Huntsville, Alabama, resident aims to inspire boys and girls across the country to help others one lawn at a time.

Rodney Smith Jr.’s “50 Yard Challenge” asks kids to help the elderly, disabled, single parents and veterans by cutting their grass for free. It falls under the umbrella of Smith’s Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service as a way of giving back to the community and bridging the gap between youth and the elderly.

The challenge encourages kids to find 50 yards of qualifying people and mow their lawns for free. The kids earn T-shirts along the way, and after yard 50 has been mowed, they receive a new lawn mower, weed eater and leaf blower for their efforts. (If you want to donate cash to help the cause buy equipment, gasoline, t-shirts, etc., go to the “donate” tab on the lawn care service’s website.)

Smith Jr. shares his goals with Zenger, goes into detail about the “50 Yard Challenge” and much more.

Percy Crawford interviewed Rodney Smith Jr. for Zenger.

Zenger: What you are doing in your community and have inspired others to do in theirs is nothing short of remarkable. What has it been like to watch the growth of Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service?

Smith Jr: It’s been a good experience. You learn different stuff every day. It’s like you start a little adventure. You didn’t know what to expect, and along the way things start happening.

Zenger: This idea started when you witnessed an elderly man struggling to cut his grass, and you went and finished it for him. Has this turned into something that is beyond your wildest imagination?

Smith Jr: Yes! I didn’t expect it to be what it is today. God works in amazing ways. He will have the book already written for you, it’s just up to you to read the book. I came across the elderly man, and since that moment, I have been mowing free lawns. I believe I’m on a journey by God to encourage kids to get out there and make a difference in their community and a positive impact on the world.

Zenger: Was that the thought process in inspiring kids from all over to join this movement?

Percy Crawford interviewed Rodney Smith Jr. for Zenger. (Heidi Malone/Zenger)

Smith Jr: I was just looking for ways to involve kids, locally at first … and eventually kids in other states wanted to take part in it, and that’s when the “50 Yard Challenge” came about. It started off small and the last few years, [it] has taken off. Right now, we have over 2,400 kids nationwide taking part in our challenge… We also have kids in eight other counties taking part as well, so it’s good.

Zenger: Tell us more about the “50 Yard Challenge.”

Smith Jr: Say a kid in New York or wherever they may be wants to take part in the challenge. They make a sign saying, “I Accept The 50 Yard Challenge,” and in return we will send them a white Raising Men & Women T-shirt, along with safety glasses, and ear protection. Once they mow 10 lawns, they get an orange shirt, once they mow 20 a green, 30 a blue, 40 earns a red shirt and once they mow 50 lawns, they earn a black shirt, and I will drive to them wherever they are in the United States, or fly if it’s international, and present them a brand-new mower, weed eater and blower for completing the “50 Yard Challenge.”

Rodney Smith Jr. doing what he does best — providing free lawn care to those in need. (Courtesy of Rodney Smith Jr.) 

Zenger: Not only are you teaching these kids the value of giving back to their communities, but you’re also encouraging them to learn a skill in lawn service that not all young adults learn.

Smith Jr: Yeah, it’s definitely a skill. And what we are finding out is that most kids that complete the “50 Yard Challenge” are going on to start a new business, and most of them still mow lawns for free for those in need. So, we are making entrepreneurs, as well.

Zenger: What’s the age range for kids wanting to be involved with Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service?

Smith Jr: They range from 7 to 17.

Zenger: What’s the end goal for your company?

Smith Jr: Just to continue to grow the organization and eventually start going into different states. That would be the big goal — to have people doing this everywhere. … Once we get more people involved, we can help more people.

Zenger: For anyone involved in this or thinking about getting involved this, especially kids, could you explain the importance of staying hydrated, especially down South?

Smith Jr: It’s very important to stay hydrated, especially in the summertime when you’re doing most of your grass cutting. It’s real hot out there. For the last 11 months or so, I have only been drinking water. It’s really helped me a lot, especially when you’re out there on those hot days. … And it’s important to always have a hat on, take water breaks and take your time. This heat could be very deadly at times, so take all precautionary measures.

Zenger: Do you only handle those in need in your state of Alabama, or do you take on accounts or situations in other states as well?

Smith Jr: I just take care of the Huntsville, Alabama, area, but the kids we acquire find their own lawns. … That’s how it works. They are responsible for finding their own lawns and that’s a good way to give them the opportunity to meet people who they normally wouldn’t have met. … Sometimes people reach out to us and ask if we have a kid in their area, and we put them in touch with the kid if we have one in their area, but when it comes to me mowing throughout the year, I have a group of people who I mow for.

Zenger: We need unity and interaction more than ever now, and you’re absolutely right, it allows these kids to open dialogue with someone who they typically wouldn’t have that dialogue with.

Smith Jr: Definitely important in this day and age. A lot of elderly people are stuck at home, with families that may be in another state and can’t travel to them. They don’t get to have that human interaction a lot. When a kid comes by, they can talk, get to know each other and get to build relationships. They learn things from each other.

Zenger: Rodney, I think what you do is awesome and to encourage others to do it is amazing, man. Please continue the great work and any way I can help spread the word, let me know.

Smith Jr: Thank you so much. I really appreciate the opportunity.

Edited by Judith Isacoff and Matthew B. Hall



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MNPS Statement on Mask Executive Order

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MNPS Statement on Mask Executive Order

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Dr. Adrienne Battle, Director of Metro Nashville Public Schools, has released the following statement in response to Governor Bill Lee’s executive order 84 relative to mask requirements in schools:

“The Metro Nashville Board of Education and I are charged with educating our students and with keeping them safe. Universal masking policies, during the pandemic, are a key mitigation strategy to do just that. To allow anyone to opt out of these policies for any reason, other than legitimate medical need, would make them ineffective and would require more students to be quarantined and kept out of the classroom. 

“The Governor’s executive order was released without prior notice to school districts for review or comment. As such, Metro Schools will continue to require face masks, pursuant to the rules adopted by the Board, as we further review this order and explore all options available to the district to best protect the health of our students, teachers, and staff.”

BACKGROUND

For several weeks and months prior to the announcement today, Governor Lee, Commissioner Schwinn, and Commissioner Piercey have all said that mask policies are a local decision for school boards to make.

On Thursday, August 5, the Metro Nashville Board of Education adopted a policy requiring universal masking of all students, staff, and visitors in our facilities consistent with Mayor John Cooper’s executive order for requiring masks in metro government facilities, as well as the recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and American Academy of Pediatrics. 

Since that time, COVID-19 case counts in Davidson County and throughout the State of Tennessee have continued to increase. On Monday, MNPS reported that 52 staff members and 207 students had tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous week, with 980 students in isolation or quarantine. While masks do offer some protection for the wearer against contracting COVID-19, they are most effective at preventing a person infected with COVID-19 from transmitting the virus to others, which is why the CDC recommends universal masking policies in K-12 schools. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html#evidence-effectiveness

Legendary Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden Celebrated For Achievements On And Off The Field

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Legendary Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden Celebrated For Achievements On And Off The Field

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The memorial service for legendary Florida State University head coach Bobby Bowden was nothing short of a celebration.

Generations of football players and coaches joined his family over the weekend to honor a man whose life was dedicated to faith, family and football.

Only Bowden, who died at age 91 pancreatic cancer on Aug. 8 of, could have had a service led by a 12-year NFL veteran and a Southern Baptist pastor and music that went from “Oh Happy Day” by the Florida A&M gospel choir to the school’s war chant played by the FSU Marching Chiefs.

“We come today to celebrate a life that is worthy of celebration,” said the Rev. Bobby Butler, an outstanding FSU cornerback who played for the Atlanta Falcons for 12 years. Butler, who played on Bowden’s first FSU team, officiated the funeral, more appropriately designated a “Celebration of Life” at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center at FSU in Tallahassee, before a crowd of hundreds.

Former FSU greats, including quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward, All-American Derrick Brooks, longtime assistant coach Mark Richt, running back Warrick Dunn, whose FSU jersey is retired; and Mickey Andrews, defensive coach for 26 seasons, were among the speakers. Bowden’s daughter, Ginger Bowden Madden, his sons Tommy and Terry Bowden, and his pastor, Ronnie Raines, formerly of the First Baptist Church of Tallahassee, also eulogized the Hall of Famer.

The FSU Marching Chiefs played the school’s war chant at the Celebration of Life for Bobby Bowden. (Hamil Harris/Zenger)

The most touching moments came from Bowden’s family, as Ginger Bowden Madden read a letter her father had written after her husband was killed in a car accident on Sept. 10, 2004.

“When the tragedy occurred, I saw again the bond of love our family has for each other,” he wrote. “I witnessed the inner strength of Ginger in a time of mortal crisis and the love of her mother, brothers, sisters.” Before he ended the letter, he wrote: “I choose Jesus as my savior and commit to him each night, this is my fervent prayer, Love Dad.”

Tommy and Terry Bowden said their father’s favorite place was at his desk in the basement, where he studied the Bible. Tommy said he waited most of his life to hear the words ‘I love you’ but they didn’t come.

“I looked over at him and said: ‘Dad I love you.’ And he said, ‘Thank you, appreciate that,” said Tommy, whose comments sparked a wave of laughter at the civic center. “Dadgum, I waited for 67 years, and this is it.”

Bowden was returned Sunday to his home in Birmingham, to lie in repose at Samford University (formerly Howard College), where he played football and baseball and ran track. He was buried in a private service with pastor Raines and FSU and NFL legend Deion Sanders in attendance.

Bronze statue of Bobby Bowden by Sandy Proctor on the northwest side of Doak Campbell Stadium on the FSU campus. (Hamil Harris/Zenger) 

Making a difference

When Bobby Bowden first arrived at Florida State University in 1976, Doak Campbell Stadium was a towering collection of steel beams and concrete ramps to hold the 40,500 fans who grew used to mediocre seasons.

“He disguised his intellect with his self-depreciating humor,” said Jeff Hubright, an Air Force ROTC recruit who arrived on the campus the same year as Bowden in 1976. In his freshman year, FSU was stomped by rival University of Miami 47-0.

But for the next three decades (1976 to 2009), the stadium doubled in size as Bowden built FSU into a national football powerhouse. Major opponents, such as Michigan, Nebraska and Ohio State, were often blindsided by Bowden’s coaching prowess and his “ah, shucks” style.

While big-time football programs today rely on their facilities, high-tech scouting and recruiting magazines, Bowden was FSU’s best recruiter. His base was international and his success was due to his faith, charm and Southern-fried humor that won hearts for four decades.

“When he saw me, he asked, ‘Would you like to play football at Florida State?’” said Billy Allen, who Bowden recruited out of the military. “I was the player of the year for the Air Force, and I had never heard of Florida State. I said. ‘Where is that? Is it near Miami?’”

Bowden won Allen over with his heart.

“He was sincere, and he never forgot players,” said Allen, an outstanding running back and defensive back at FSU in the 1980s, who was drafted by the New Orleans Saints. “He loved everybody he met. If he didn’t remember your name, he remembered you. He told me: ‘I can’t give a scholarship, but what I can give you is an opportunity.’”

During Bowden’s early years at FSU, some of his best players were walk-ons, those who aren’t recruited but may receive scholarships later. He was great at identifying and recruiting talent, including Larry Key, Willie Jones, Bobby Butler and All-American nose guard Ron Simmons.

Former NFL player and FSU All-American Derrick Brooks talked about Sue Hall — described as the gatekeeper for Bowden —and how she was the last person to encourage him after he was summoned to Bowden’s office.

“Coach Bowden said: ‘I am really disappointed in you,’” said Brooks, who had no idea what he had done on or off the field. But Brooks had made a C on his report card, and Bowden had called his mother.

Fred Jones, who was a linebacker at FUS, went from being a walk-on to being a scholarship player. “I came from a small town, and Coach Bowden gave me the opportunity to play college football when other programs did not,” he told Zenger. “He treated me like a father.”

Former FSU player and NFL running back Warren Dunn was among the speakers at the memorial service. (Hamil Harris/Zenger)

So many other players told similar stories. Some had scholarships, but others were walk-ons who simply were given the opportunity to play football.

The day before the memorial service, family members walked past Bowden’s statue outside Coyle E. Moore Athletic Center on the FSU campus, where hundreds paid their final respects. Long after the family was gone and the sun was setting, former players were still telling their stories in the parking lot of the stadium.

“He stayed consistent with his message,” former NFL running back Warrick Dunn said in an interview after the memorial service. “Eventually, it is coming down to values.”

Bowden was the second-winningest college coach of all time, after Penn State’s Joe Paterno. The football field at FSU is named in his honor.

Edited by Judith Isacoff and Fern Siegel



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Manny Pacquiao’s Jaw May Be Perfect Target For Yordenis Ugas

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Manny Pacquiao’s Jaw May Be Perfect Target For Yordenis Ugas

Juan Manuel Marquez’s right floored southpaw Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao once each in the third and last round of his welterweight sixth-round knockout victory in December 2012. A similar scenario played out for Yordenis “54 Miracles” Ugas during a fourth-round TKO win in September 2016, his right dropping left-hander Bryant Perrella in the first and final rounds.

While Marquez left Pacquiao face-down and out cold, improving to 1–2–1 against his fallen foe, Ugas hammered a defenseless Perrella — who entered at 14–0 (11 knockouts) — with unanswered head and body blows in a corner of the ring to force a referee’s stoppage.

Those years-ago fights have taken on new relevance and significance, as Ugas (26–4, 12 KOs) may pursue a strategy on Aug. 21 like the one he used against Perrella, in defense of his WBA welterweight title against Pacquiao (62–7–2, 39 KOs), a Filipino 12-title/eight-division champion he meets at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Yordenis Ugas (right) defeated Abel Ramos for the WBA’s 147-pound title to become the first Cuban welterweight champion since Jose Napoles in April 1969. (Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions)

Ugas, 35, replaced injured IBF/WBC champion Errol Spence (27–0, 21 KOs) in the Fox Sports Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view main event.

“Manny Pacquiao is one of a kind. He’s explosive and moves in and out,” Ismael Salas, Ugas’ legendary Cuban trainer, told Zenger. “But Manny Pacquiao is not Superman. Pacquiao’s coming up in weight and getting old, something we plan to make very clear.”

Part of Ugas’ strategy could be to soften Pacquiao with body blows as he did Perrella, causing Pacquiao to drop his hands and leaving open the left side of his jaw.

If that happens on Aug. 21, Ugas could cash in on a Kryptonite right hand against “Pac Man.”

“If Pacquiao gets hit by Yordenis, then he will go down,” said Salas. “If we get the opportunity, we will go for it.”

Yordenis Ugas (right) lands a right in his WBA welterweight title-winning split decision over Abel Ramos last September. (Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions)

A 2008 Olympic bronze medalist for Cuba, Ugas is 11–1 (5 KOs) under Salas at 147 pounds, including a 3–0 mark against undefeated fighters. Ugas’ lone setback was by disputed split decision to then-WBC champion Shawn Porter in March 2019.

A former sparring partner for Pacquiao, Porter was cut around his right eye by a legal 10th-round punch from Ugas, and considers the Cuban to be every bit the threat Salas claims he is.

“Ugas uses a really tight shell defense,” Porter said of an awkward style he found difficult to navigate. “Ugas throws a mean, overhand right, nice uppercuts and body punches that don’t usually come from the outside.”

Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, told DAZN he’s aware of how dangerous Ugas is.

“I’m watching tape on him, and he’s going for the home run a lot,” said Roach, a seven-time Trainer of the Year. “He threw a big overhand right in one of his fights. He started from a little bit too far away, missed and fell to the floor. I said, ‘This guy is just going for the f—ing kill.’”

Ugas is 5–1 (3 KOs) against southpaws as a pro, including 3–0 (2 KOs) against left-handers since linking up with Salas. Perrella had scored 11 consecutive knockouts before joining two other southpaws vanquished by Ugas under Salas.

Ugas earned a pair of victories over left-handers in 2018, scoring a seventh-round TKO of Ray Robinson (February) as well as a unanimous decision over Cesar Miguel Barrionuevo (September).

Ugas’ past three victories are a one-knockdown, near shutout unanimous decision over previously undefeated former champion Omar Figueroa Jr. (July 2019), and, in 2020, a seventh-round stoppage of Mike Dallas (February) as well as a title-winning split decision over rugged Abel Ramos (September).

Yordenis Ugas (right) defeated Abel Ramos (left) for the WBA welterweight crown he will defend against Manny Pacquiao on August 21. (Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions)

With his victory over Ramos, Ugas became the first Cuban 147-pound champion since Jose Napoles defeated Curtis Cokes in April 1969.

“Yordenis’ fundamental skills are very deep,” Salas said of Ugas, who stands 5-foot-9 to Pacquiao’s 5-foot-6 with a narrow reach advantage of nearly 70 inches to “Pac Man’s” 67. “Yordenis is a big, solid, strong 147-pounder with a good chin, a good punch, a great heart and a threat to anyone.”

Ugas was just announced on Aug. 10 to replace IBF/WBC champion Errol Spence against Pacquiao in their Aug. 21 bout, but he has won at least three fights on short notice, including those over current interim champion Jamal James (August 2016) and title challenger Thomas Dulorme (August 2017).

“I’m used to taking fights at the last minute. It’s really nothing new to me,” said Ugas. “When I got the call that I was going to face one of the best fighters in history [Pacquiao], it just pushed my excitement to new highs.”

“Once I knew I was fighting Pacquiao, I got right back to work. I’m always ready to fight anyone they put in front of me,” said Ugas. “Fighting Manny Pacquiao means the world to me. I’m fighting for my legacy and for my country. This is the most important fight of my life.”

Ugas said his ability to win on short notice “scares fighters.”

“Yordenis is always ready for the worst-case scenario,” said Salas. “It’s like he was born ready. It never takes him by surprise.”

“I never thought I would be defending a title against Manny Pacquiao, but for the past five years I’ve been one of the most active and successful boxers and I’m ready to prove myself once again,” said Ugas.

“I’m well aware that Pacquiao is the favorite, but at the same time, I’m a champion. I have full confidence in my ability to get a victory. Underestimating Manny Pacquiao is out of the question. He’s going to be ready. I have prepared to face the best so that I can become the best.”

Pacquiao, 42, is 8–2 with one knockout since Marquez exploited the flaw in his offensive wizardry. He will end a 25-month ring absence since his one-knockdown, split-decision victory dethroned Keith Thurman in July 2019, dropping “One Time” to 29–1 (22 KOs).

“Underestimating Manny Pacquiao is out of the question,” said Ugas. “He’s going to be ready. I’ve prepared to face the best — Manny Pacquiao — so that I can become the best.”

Salas agrees.

“There is nothing Manny Pacquiao can do to surprise us,” said Salas. “This fight is the perfect dream matchup for Yordenis, and he is ready.”

Edited by Matthew B. Hall and Stan Chrapowicki



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Metro Nashville Council Approves Opportunity Grants to 21 Nonprofits

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Metro Nashville Council Approves Opportunity Grants to 21 Nonprofits

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On August 3, 2021, the Metropolitan Council approved 21 Opportunity Grants to nonprofits working to enhance community safety and reduce violence in Nashville-Davidson County. This is the first round of funding from the $2 million Community Safety Partnership Fund, which Metro Nashville created with Governor’s Grant dollars earlier this year.

“Community safety requires community solutions,” said Mayor John Cooper. “These small grants will have a big impact in helping nonprofits in neighborhoods that need help the most.”

In voting to provide funding to community groups, the Metro Council acted on the recommendations of the 11-person Community Safety Partnership Advisory Board, which is chaired by former Mayoral Policing Policy Commission member and YWCA President and CEO Sharon Roberson.

“Last year, the Policing Policy Commission highlighted the need for investments in community groups and partnerships,” said Sharon Roberson. “These grants are a first down payment on a much-needed investment.”

Metro Community Safety Coordinator Ron Johnson will work with selected nonprofits to provide technical assistance.

“While overall crime rates have fallen nearly 10 percent across the city this year, violent crimes have increased sharply,” said Metro Council Public Safety Chair Jennifer Gamble. “Investing in grassroots organizations that work to provide opportunities and programs for at-risk communities and coordinating those activities with Metro agencies will help make our neighborhoods safer.”

The Metro Council voted to approve funding to the following nonprofits:

  • $5,000 to The F.I.N.D. (Families in Need of Direction) Design to provide services that promote healing and safety.
  • $5,000 to Raphah Institute to provide resources to support services and programs that address harm and trauma.
  • $5,000 to Why We Can’t Wait to provide services that support anti-violence activities.
  • $5,000 to Backfield in Motion to provide resources to support educational instruction.
  • $5,000 to Dads Against Destruction to provide resources for services and programs supporting incarcerated and formerly incarcerated fathers.
  • $5,000 to Galaxy Star Drug Awareness, d/b/a Nashville Peacemakers to provide resources for services and programs supporting anti-violence activities for Nashville youth.
  • $5,000 to The Infinity Fellowship, Inc. to provide resources for youth arts programs.
  • $5,000 to International Boxing Academy of Nashville IBAN to support anti-violence social skills.
  • $5,000 to Jefferson Street Bills Youth Football & Cheer Program to support youth sports.
  • $5,000 to The Brothers Round Table, Inc. to support business; education; civic engagement; and social uplift programs for Nashville residents.
  • $5,000 to HUGGS for Inspirational Men and Women to provide resources for services and programs supporting ex-offenders.
  • $5,000 to Before and After 615 to provide resources for services and programs addressing homelessness and re-entry persons.
  • $5,000 to Positive Inner-City Kids to provide resources for inner-city youth programming.
  • $5,000 to BULLETPROOFED, INC. to provide resources for life skills training and development.
  • $5,000 to Creative Girls Rock to provide resources for services and programs that support the education and empowerment of young girls and women.
  • $5,000 to United Brotherhood Ministry, Inc. to provide anti-violence and anti-gang support for Nashville youth.
  • $5,000 to Still Standing to support youth mentoring programs.
  • $5,000 to H.O.P.E. (Home of Potential and Excellence) to provide a safe nurturing environment for elementary school-aged children that fosters academic, social-emotional, and physical engagement.
  • $5,000 to Impact Youth Outreach to provide resources for youth, scholarship, mentorship, community service, and educational programming.
  • $5,000 to Transitional Housing & Work Programs of Davidson County, Inc. to support programs providing housing, work, and services for ex-offenders.
  • $5,000 to Gideon’s Army to support programs to keep children safe from gun violence, in school, and out of the prison system.

“For many years, Impact Youth Outreach and several other community-based nonprofits have been doing the work to create a better tomorrow for our youth, city, and communities,” said Impact Youth Outreach President Robert Sherrill. “While the city is growing, funding opportunities for youth-based organizations are small and the pot is competitive. These funds make a difference and we are beyond grateful.”

“Creative Girls Rock® is proud to play a role in Nashville’s efforts to promote a sense of safety and belonging for all in our community,” said founder and executive director Charmin Bates. “Through the Opportunity Grant, Creative Girls Rock will be able to develop programming and events to inspire creativity to strengthen connections in Nashville’s diverse communities. We are grateful to Metro Nashville for laying the groundwork for this collaborative effort.”

Nonprofits must be registered with the federal Internal Revenue Service and the Tennessee Secretary of State in order to be eligible for funding. Groups with budgets of more than $50,000 must also have an audit from the most recent fiscal year. Grant recipients will be required to enter into a contract with Metro and provide a report on expenditures at the end of the calendar year.

The Community Safety Partnership Fund will post an application for larger Implementation Grants later this month. The Fund will also do another cycle of Opportunity Grants in the fall.

From Bouncer To Boxer: Muhsin Cason Wants To Be The Face Of The Cruiserweight Division 

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From Bouncer To Boxer: Muhsin Cason Wants To Be The Face Of The Cruiserweight Division 

Muhsin Cason, the younger brother of former undisputed heavyweight champion, Hasim Rahman, has started his boxing career with eight wins and no losses, including five knockouts. While Muhsin Cason didn’t put on a pair of gloves until he was 21 years old, by all accounts a late bloomer in the boxing world, he has rubbed elbows with some of the best boxing trainers and minds in the sport.

Those experiences, Cason feels, will expedite his surge toward the belt holders. In a division that has been dominated by European fighters, Cason vows to bring the belts back to the U.S. in due course. The Baltimore native now resides in Philadelphia and has linked with popular rapper, Tone Trump, to enhance his profile. Trump’s MDF [Muslim Don Family] could serve as the perfect complement to Cason, who wears his religion on his sleeve.

Cason, fresh off of a third-round knockout of Tristan James on July 23, catches up with Zenger News on his recent performance, the progression of his career, his Instagram skits and more.

Percy Crawford interviewed Muhsin Cason for Zenger.

Zenger: Congratulations on your recent win.

Cason: Thank you! More to come.

Zenger: How did you feel in that ring?

Cason: Mentally I felt confident, especially with my coach, Rashiem Jefferson. He’s amazing. He’s helping me learn how to box instead of just throwing the right hand that me and my brothers were blessed with. Physically, I felt a bit rusty, but we got the job done. It’s right back to the drawing board.

Percy Crawford interviewed Muhsin Cason for Zenger. (Heidi Malone/Zenger)

Zenger: It appears you have two dates already scheduled, one in September and another in November. Is being that active key to eliminating that rust?

Cason: That is the key. Because of COVID-19, it feels like forever, but right now we’re trying to stay as active as possible. We’re trying to get as many fights as possible, because I’m only getting older and I need to make sure that we have enough experience for when we really call out these big guys, we will win those fights.

Zenger: Give us a little background on who you are, and where you’re from?

Cason: I’m from Baltimore, Maryland. I moved to Las Vegas in 2015 when I started my boxing career. I lived there for six years, now I’m in Philadelphia. I moved back east when I had a daughter. I’m Muslim, so the one important thing besides my boxing career is my religion and my faith. I felt like moving to Philadelphia would be the best for my daughter given the fact that I want her to be raised as a Muslim.

Zenger: You’re up front about your faith. How important is that for you to show that?

Cason: That’s the most important thing, because my career is only going to last so long, and after that I’m still going to be a Muslim. So, the one thing I don’t want to do is sell my soul for a little bit of money. Being religious, we don’t believe that after we die it’s the end of life. We believe that we go on to heaven. I’m preparing for heaven. To do that, I have to make sure that I am truly and honestly, genuinely myself, both outside of the ring and inside of the ring, I’m always going to be Muslim and that’s what I want to show everybody.

Zenger: You had the opportunity to do some mitt work with Jeff Mayweather; you have been around some amazing boxing minds early into your career. How have these experiences helped you along the way?

Cason: I will say, being that I didn’t get into the boxing game until I was 21, these experiences have pushed me to a level that most people are not blessed to see. Because of who my older brother is, Hasim Rahman, people expected me to be something from the get-go. The people that God has blessed me to be around and meet in my boxing career — people like Amer Abdallah who is Badou Jack’s manager, Tone Trump, Stephen Jackson and Rashiem Jefferson. I’m looking for good people and honest people to be around. God put me in those places to be around it.

Muhsin Cason lands a stiff jab on the face of Tristan James in their July 23 bout, which Cason won via a knockout. (Star Hinojosa/BXNG TV)

Zenger: Why did you get such a late start in boxing?

Cason: You know what’s crazy, I never wanted to box. I didn’t even think about it. I was in Boston; I was about to go back to school and try to get my degree in architectural engineering. I was a bouncer for a while and got into a scuffle. During that, I knocked someone out. And this boxer was like, “Yo, you should come to the gym.” I did just that, and he was telling me how I had a heck of a right hand and that I should box. I didn’t plan to box, but God put boxing in my life, I think to help put discipline in my life. Now, I’m unapologetically me, and I don’t think that would have happened if it wasn’t for boxing.

Zenger: What influence has Tone Trump and his MDF [Muslim Don Family] movement had on you?

Cason: That’s big bro. When I first met Tone Trump, I don’t think he really knew who I was. I made a joke about him on Instagram. I actually do Muslim comedy skits. I made a joke about him, and I sent it to him and said, “Out of respect, can I post this?” He said, “Sure.” I think Tone just saw something in me.

After that, he started being a big bro to me, being a guide to me in Philadelphia, a big help towards pushing and advertising for me for my career, and he put my name out there. He’s gotten Philly behind me. I really appreciate him and the things he’s done to let Philadelphia know about me and get the whole city behind me.

Zenger: For years the cruiserweight division has been dominated by European fighters. How do you plan on changing that?

Cason: Bringing it right back to America. We might have to go overseas in order to go get some of these belts. I know [Lawrence] Okolie has one of the belts, and [Mairis] Briedis has one, so we just gotta bring it back. That’s the main goal. I believe that I am the person to do it. I believe that I have the skills and the platform to get to that point where I can face these guys and beat them.

Zenger: We have seen guys establish themselves as cruiserweights and then move up to heavyweight. Is that in your plans?

Cason: That would be a move in the distant future. I’m a small guy relative to the heavyweight guys there now. I’m 200 pounds and at my heaviest I’m about 212. So, even though I have the power of a heavyweight, I don’t have the bodyweight to compete at that elite level.

Zenger: If I remember correctly, I think I read where you memorized the Quran word for word and page for page. Is that true?

Cason: Yes! It took me 3½ years. I have to thank my father for it. The one thing that he paid attention to, he didn’t care about anything else, he made sure that we had Islam embedded in our hearts. He made sure of that. Everything else came second to our beautiful religion.

Zenger: You seem to understand the importance of using every talent that you possess to the fullest extent.

Cason: Absolutely! Even though I’m a fighter and can knock out the best of people, I’m still Muslim, I’m still Muhsin. After my career is over, I have to do something else. I don’t plan on being a boxer until I die. I want people to know my personality, I want people to know who I am and what I do, what I like and what my hobbies are.

Still, once I am in the ring, I’m a completely different person. I’m a monster inside the ring, but outside the ring, I’m a goofy gentle soul. I don’t want no problems with nobody. It’s very important for people to know that we’re more than just boxers. We’re people. We’re more than barbaric machines. We are human beings.

Zenger: I look forward to seeing you back in the ring soon, good luck and we will be speaking again soon. Any closing thoughts?

Cason: Make sure to keep up with my skits as well as my boxing career. You can follow me @themuslimboxer on Instagram and TikTok. I’m always coming out with some skits.

Edited by Matthew B. Hall and Stan Chrapowicki



The post From Bouncer To Boxer: Muhsin Cason Wants To Be The Face Of The Cruiserweight Division  appeared first on Zenger News.

Mexican Artist And Businesswoman Clings To Her Passions To Face A Serious Illness

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Mexican Artist And Businesswoman Clings To Her Passions To Face A Serious Illness

Being diagnosed with cancer implies a long, arduous and painful journey for many Mexicans. However, a fighting spirit can give people the opportunity to face it and keep going on with their lives.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer was responsible for nearly 10 million deaths worldwide in 2020 and is the second leading cause of death worldwide. In Mexico, at least 191,000 cases are diagnosed each year, which makes the disease the third leading cause of death in the country and the second-largest cause of death in Latin America.

Johanna Hurtado, a 41-year-old pastry chef, interior decorator and artisan from Mexico City, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2017.

Starting a business selling her handcrafted dolls and other activities have given her the strength to continue fighting. (Johanna Hurtado/Zenger)

In an interview with Zenger, Hurtado spoke about her experience with the disease, the importance of discovering it on time, and how her dreams as a businesswoman and artist have given her the strength to continue moving forward.

“Every time I had my period, I suffered from extreme pains streaks that made me pass out. I had very swollen glands in my groin and several bruise-like spots on my legs and abdomen. It wasn’t until two years had passed by that I decided to do the required tests, and I regret not taking care of myself or detecting it in time,” she said.

During her visit with the gynecologist, the doctor performed an ultrasound that detected fibroids that turned out to be a stage 2 malignant tumor. Hurtado had to undergo chemotherapy and ten surgeries, as the tumors had spread to her intestine.

Dr. Arciniega, a general practitioner, says that cancer occurs when healthy cells mutate into abnormal or tumor cells. In the case of cervical cancer, the human papillomavirus (HPV) usually plays an important role.

“In an early stage, cancer generally does not produce signs or symptoms, so it is crucial to have routine checkups and, if possible, apply an HPV vaccine,” said the doctor.

When she discovered she had cancer, Hurtado had many plans, so she decided not to tell anyone about her condition.

“I was planning a baking tour throughout Mexico for people with limited resources and to leave a legacy after I retire from my career as a pastry chef, so I decided not to tell anyone. Then, an earthquake hit Mexico City, and I worked with several other chefs, making soup kitchens in Oaxaca, which was also heavily damaged by the earthquake. So I dedicated the rest of the year to aid all these communities while planning my tour. I thought that if I can’t survive the disease, at least I could accomplish my culinary tour,” she said.

“I spent months working with students, friends, and people in the culinary field, and they had the kindness and empathy to help me, accompany me to the hospital and, though I didn’t tell them a thing, they suspected I had something serious.”

Risk Factors

Tobacco and alcohol use, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and air pollution are risk factors for cancer and some chronic infections.

A report from the WHO shows that cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in women around the world, and it estimates that there were about 570,000 new cases in 2018. In that year, almost 90 percent of the 311,000 cervical cancer deaths worldwide occurred in low- and middle-income countries.

After the treatment and surgeries were over, Hurtado was declared cancer-free and was discharged on February 24, 2018. But then the pain returned.

“Sadly, last year, I went to my gynecologist, and they detected that cancer had spread everywhere. I had several fibroids measuring 20, 10, and 5 cm. They gave me the news that cancer had relapsed and that it had returned even more aggressive than before. It had metastasized, as they found a tumor cluster in my left breast and, well, now I also have breast cancer. Fortunately, it is still in an early stage, and with a short surgery in the next three months, it will be under control,” she said.

Dr. Raul Arciniéga told Zenger that what happened to Hurtado is not unusual since some cancer cells can break off and move through the body using the circulatory or lymphatic system, forming new tumors far from the original one.

“I don’t know where I got the strength to battle this,” said Hurtado. “Many people say, ‘hold on to your children,’ but all thanatologists that I have seen instead taught me how to detach from people. It would be unfair to hold onto my children and parents to try and be positive. But, when push comes to shove, one must draw strength from oneself,” she said.

The specialist Iván López Dados tells Zenger that thanatology is a scientific discipline to teach people how to deal with the pain and suffering from the loss of a loved one.

“It is about looking for strategies to overcome the grief, which does not mean that it will no longer hurt, but it will lessen it. It all depends on the level of attachment that they have, which is why attachment is one of the most discussed aspects,” he said.

“When people discover they have a disease or someone close to them dies, a cycle of mourning begins. This cycle is something complex and full of feelings and emotions, but the truth is that we are all going to go through such a cycle at least once in our life,” he said. “Dealing with cancer, just like with other deadly diseases, is extremely difficult.”

Each piece Hurtado creates is unique and honors the Mazahua dolls. Every six months, a new collection comes out with different types of techniques that seek to represent all of Mexico, from pre-Columbian techniques to the most modern styles. (Johanna Hurtado/Zenger)

“I draw strength from my dreams, from the desire I have to carry out all the projects that I have to complete, such as my handcrafted items shop ‘Háalk’ab,cha’ (‘freedom’ in Mayan). I have a big future in front of me, and I would love for my cakes, lamps, and handcrafted items to be known among the people,” said Hurtado.

The pieces are made using neo-artisan decorations and ceramics. Each piece is unique and honors the traditional style of the dolls used by the Mazahua, an indigenous group of Mexico. Every six months, a new collection comes out with different techniques that seek to represent all of Mexico, from pre-Columbian techniques to the most modern styles.

Hurtado says that she transfers her feeling to her art.

“What I do is create things, and that has been good occupational therapy for me. Social media has also accompanied me alongside this moment in my life. Despite not knowing me, many people give me some words of encouragement when they know about my situation. Many people have followed me for years, and I know they have my back, just like I have theirs,” she said.

Doctors recommend that women get checked at least once a year. Getting a Pap test helps detect this type of cancer early.

“It does not matter how old or young they are, nor if they are male or female. Cancer cares not about gender, social class, or race. Detecting it in time can change your life completely,” said Hurtado, who maintains the hope of overcoming the disease and not having to leave her projects behind.

Translated by Mario Alberto Vázquez, Edited by Mario Alberto Vázquez and Kristen Butler



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Honored At Last: Initiative Introduces Negro League Legacy To New Generation

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Honored At Last: Initiative Introduces Negro League Legacy To New Generation

Bob Kendrick sees the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum as a haven of social justice. Kendrick, the museum’s president, doesn’t want the accomplishments of baseball’s segregated pastime to be remembered just for the struggles that period entailed.

Instead, he hopes that it becomes a temple to overcoming the adversity of the times and not a place that merely chronicles the era of racism during which black baseball players were denied access to equal opportunities to compete on the same playing field.

“At its crux [NLBM] is a civil rights and social justice museum; it’s just seen through the lens of baseball,” said Kendrick. “It’s a story of triumph over adversity, and it’s important for people to see more than just the downtrodden part of our journey in this country.”

Major League Baseball and the NLBM have launched the Negro Leagues 101 initiative, which is an interactive, social media platform that is designed to create greater awareness of black baseball through 101 trinkets of knowledge for baseball and fans of black history. Since June 25 and through Oct. 3 — which is the final day of Major League Baseball’s regular season — a past or current player or member of the baseball community pays homage to the Negro Leagues through special digital programming designed to enlighten, educate and elicit interest in a legacy that is more than what transpired on the diamond.

The initiative also consists of a series of programs, lectures and events, including virtual learning experiences that feature an online tour of the museum itself. The MLB Network continues to air vignettes from a new conversation between Kendrick and former major-league player-turned baseball analyst Harold Reynolds, which was shot at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

Their conversation featured a discussion about Jackie Robinson’s time with the Kansas City Monarchs before he integrated the Brooklyn Dodgers. Kendrick and Reynolds also talk about Negro Leagues legends Satchel Paige and Oscar Charleston.

Several current black American Major League players have also participated in the tributes to the Negro Leagues greats. Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Chris Archer paid homage to Smokey Joe Williams, and Toronto Blue Jays infielder Marcus Semien honored Willie Wells with tributes that have been broadcast during MLB Network’s studio programming. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum has also designated a special anniversary hashtag that is being used on social media — #NegroLeagues100.

“There’s nothing sad or somber about the history of the Negro Leagues,” Kendrick said.  “The circumstances that dictated the need for Negro Leagues were unfortunate but not the story of the leagues themselves. It is one of the most compelling and inspirational stories in the annals of American history.”

The 100th anniversary celebration of Negro League Baseball was scheduled for 2020, but it had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the museum was anything but dormant. NLBM officials saw a spike in social justice awareness during the climate of civil unrest around the country, with interest in the history of black baseball peaking as well.

They now hope to capitalize on that momentum as a driving force to create a thirst for more knowledge among a younger base to preserve memories that had been traditionally passed down through an older generation of baseball fans.

“Hopefully it will spark interest,” said NLBM curator Raymond Doswell. “You’re not going to get biographies and full documentaries through social media, but the idea is that you’re introducing name dates and facts for people and get them interested and look for more information on their own.”

In a major boost to the legacy of Negro League Baseball, records of several leagues have been officially added to the history of the game’s statistics, which vindicated many great players who were denied the opportunity to play in the major leagues against white legends of the game.

Baseballreference.com — the statistical authority on the game’s records — has expanded its database with the Negro Leagues’ black major-league players from 1920-1948. Those statistics are now officially listed with all of Major League Baseball’s records. That means the records of players such as Paige and Josh Gibson can now be legitimately compared to those of their white counterparts such as Babe Ruth and Walter Johnson.

The process of adding Negro League statistics is ongoing, and the 28 years of statistics that have been incorporated into the database are not complete. However, these additions give credibility to those who are looking to have Gibson’s name added to either the National or American League Most Valuable Player Award that will be rechristened to remove the name of one-time commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis, who historically separated the game’s records by refusing to integrate the game.

“The Negro Leagues are not less than the National and American Leagues,” reads a statement on the Baseball Reference website. “They are different, and we recognize that our work must acknowledge those differences.”

This group of Negro League clubs doesn’t include the barnstorming teams that were ambassadors during their travels to play against Caribbean counterparts. They also don’t include other independent teams many historians consider to be as good as the teams that have been classified as major-league Negro teams on baseball-reference.com. The complete register of baseball history contains a significant record of Independent and non-major Negro Leagues, including a page for the 1917 Chicago American Giants.

“It is a major step forward bringing Negro League players into the more broad conversation about their talents and abilities and what they had to overcome in comparison to their white contemporaries who played in Major League Baseball,” said Doswell. “You had to go through so much outside the game just to play the game. If this is your introduction to the African-American struggle in America through baseball, then welcome to the conversation.”

The research is ongoing, and there is no timetable for when it will be complete. Record keeping was fractured because of what Baseball Reference acknowledges was systemic racism and the lack of media accounts and record keeping.

Edited by Stan Chrapowicki and Matthew B. Hall



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