Phoenix Club Championship goes off in style

PSC Phoenix Members Golf Society

Ron Bridge
It has been a busy year for The Phoenix Members Group. A little over a year ago there was no group, no club structure and no competitions. Today we play three competitions each week and our regular players on any given day can number as many as forty - mostly members but with some very welcome guests whom we have adopted along the way.
Sunday, March 4 saw us play our inaugural Club Championship. The event was a great success and congratulations are due primarily to our Captain, Bengt Hogstrom, who planned the whole day, provided the prizes and acted as MC in the evening as the winners of the various flights were announced.
Forty golfers battled it out over Mountain and Lakes courses. Beautiful though they are, both proved to be very difficult with slick greens and a blustery and changeable wind blowing. Such conditions played into the hands of our regular winners and it was no surprise that Barry Winton won the Men’s Scratch with an excellent score of 79, keeping the ball in play and hitting greens paying dividends. Hans Collet was runner-up with 80 and Fleming Jenson third with 86.
Even less of a surprise was the Ladies Scratch winner, Mayo Deane, whose elegant yet determined style of play produced another excellent score of 84 - a testament to keeping the game, and the swing, simple. Pia Loquist was runner-up with 92 and Ning Morris third with 98.
The Men’s Handicap prize went to Paul Lavender, a most popular and cheerful member of our group. Paul’s net 71 won the day, beating Brian Jacks who recorded a net 72. Doug Wilson-Santee was third and also had a 72 but lost out on count-back.
The Ladies Handicap prize went to Annette Haraldsson with a score of 68. Annette’s smile when receiving her trophy made the day for those of us involved with organising the event. Second was Prakong Robinson with a gritty 71.
Guests prizes went to Ulrich Leuenberger and Barry Ashman.
Various technical prizes were won by the usual suspects. We all enjoyed a Thai Buffet at the club as well as a cabaret from our Super-Star member, Brian Jacks- whose magic astounded us all. Given his magical qualities it was surprising that he didn’t conjure up a winning score for himself!

The Beautiful Game?: Riz Taylor

Hut, Hut! Football goes American

Internationals take over the footballing calendar this weekend, so if you’re in possession of half a brain you’ll use the break in domestic soccer to spend some quality time painting fences or watching grass grow. Personally I’m losing the will to live watching Steve “Second Choice” McLaren shoehorn right-backs into left midfield and persist with playing both Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in the same team. I’m sure other nations have their problems too.
Still, no doubt I’ll put myself through the usual torture once again tomorrow. In the meantime the past week has thrown up too many talking points to waste my time discussing the merits of asking Gary Neville to “do some damage” down England’s left wing.
How about the FA Cup? I’m more convinced than ever that this season’s competition is fixed to allow Manchester United and Chelsea to meet at the all-new-sparkling Wembley Stadium, which finally opened its half-painted doors to the paying public this week, 37 years behind schedule. Cushy home draws right the way through the competition have led the big two into the semi-finals where they’ll play Watford and Blackburn respectively. Am I the only person thinking how fantastic it would be to see the less fashionable pair somehow sneak through to contest the final in May?
Wishful thinking you’d expect, especially when you realise that nobody outside the current ‘big four’ has managed to win the famous old trophy since Everton’s win in 1995. It’s another sign, were one needed, that the big boys continue to run away from the chasing pack in terms of resources. Liverpool were utterly hopeless against Aston Villa this weekend but once again they’ll have enough Champions League cash lying around Anfield to splash out on a few superstars this summer and paper over their considerable cracks. The rest just don’t stand a chance.
There again perhaps the rivers of money are about to run dry after the club were finally taken over by Americans George Gillette and Tom Hicks, who, if you believe the newspapers, immediately plunged the club into huge debt with an enormous loan secured against the club in the same fashion as Malcolm Glazer’s Manchester United deal that preceded it. You can’t help but wonder when - rather than if - this frenzied buying of Premiership clubs by foreign investors will all end in tears.
Where will it all end? Will not so well-off Americans end up buying the likes of Rotherham United and Scunthorpe when all the big clubs are sold out? Will stadiums be renamed the ‘County Bowl’ or the ‘Vicarage Dome’? Perhaps we’ll be treated to ‘time-outs’ and get back to the action right after this message from our sponsors.
But they say every cloud has a silver lining, and in this case it might mean the long-overdue introduction of cheerleaders into the British game. We’ve seen half-baked attempts at it before, but if the Americans are coming to town they could at least placate us with professional cheerleaders, preferably blonde ones with long, curvy legs.
One thing the Americans aren’t familiar with is the whole concept of a tied game. Rightly or wrongly draws just don’t happen in American sports. Instead we’ll be right back with “overtime” right after another message from our sponsors.
“This idea has come from the devil and not from God,” said soccer legend Jimmy Hill last week. He was referring to an idea that all tied matches in the Football League should be decided by a penalty shootout, thus putting an end to the draw as we know it. Rather than settle for one point each, sides will line up and decide who should take all three points via the thrilling lottery of a penalty shootout, it was suggested.
How we laughed, but then it was discovered that, rather than coming from a drunk wandering along Second Road at three in the morning after a bellyful of Chang, the proposal actually came from Lord Malwhinney, the CHAIRMAN of the Football League.
How utterly unbelievable. This man, a Conservative MP back in the United Kingdom, demonstrated all he understands about football in the blink of an eye. It’s all very well to make suggestions that might spice up the game, but not to insult the intelligence of a nation of football supporters and especially not when you’re chairman of the Football League.
If Lord Malwhinney expects Football League matches to become more exciting with penalty shootouts he has another thing coming. The first reason is the most obvious. Rather than encourage sides to go all out for the win, the opposite would be the case. Teams would travel away from home against the better sides and shut up shop from the off, preparing themselves for a 0-0 draw and the opportunity to steal everything on penalties. It would be like watching Italy every week. Then, after ninety minutes, the eleven defenders could wheel out an eight-foot goalkeeper who does nothing but save penalties in his spare time and put him between the sticks in place of the regular keeper.
Why stop there? If no substitutions have been made during the ninety minutes let’s stick on a few ex-German internationals specifically to take the spot kicks. Everyone knows that Germans never miss penalties, so it’s likely we’ll see the price of retired German legends go through the roof.
Let’s just hope that this idea never EVER takes off. Bringing on a specialist kicker seems all so ... American. But then perhaps it’s a glimpse into a horrible and terrifying future for the so-called ‘Beautiful Game’. See you next week after yet more messages from our sponsors. Dee-fence!
Newell sacked
Outspoken Luton Town manager Mike Newell is, err, no longer the manager of Luton Town. Newell, who targeted women referees in one of his many rants whilst in the Kenilworth Road hotseat, was shown the door after five straight defeats. It brings a sad end to the chants of “Mike Newell’s Sexist Army” from the home supporters.
If she won’t come
“The throwing of anything at a football match, including celery, is a criminal offence for which you can be arrested and end up with a criminal record,” read a statement on Chelsea’s website last week. “In future, if anyone is found attempting to bring celery into Stamford Bridge they could be refused entry and anyone caught throwing celery will face a ban,” it continued, after referees had complained of several salad-tossers throwing the vegetable onto the pitch in recent weeks.

Peter wins a close contest at Greenwood

PSC golf from the Oohsa Bar

Tuesday winners (L-R): David Gardner, Su Murphy, Peter Holegate, Thong Pimblett and Wayne Farrell.

Tuesday March 13, Greenwood, Stableford
1st Peter Holegate (35) 41pts c/b
2nd David Gardner (11) 41pts
3rd Wayne Farrell (18) 40pts
4th Su Murphy (33) 36pts
5th Thong Pimblett (40) 36pts
Near Pins: Joel Flor, Wayne Farrell, Peter Holegate
Long Putt: Mick Heatley
The competition was fierce at Greenwood on Tuesday, with three players within a point of each other at the head of the field. Peter Holegate, runner up last Thursday, went one better this time by beating David Gardner on count back, each player with 41 points. Wayne Farrell, who was also in the frame last week, was one point back in third place with 40 points.\
There was strong representation from the ladies as usual, with Su Murphy narrowly taking fourth place from Thong Pimblett on count back, both ladies with 36 points.
Thursday March 15, Plutaluang, Stableford
1st Dick Worden (35) 40pts
2nd Neil Duncan (16) 39pts
3rd Wayne Farrell (18) 36pts c/b
4th David Gardner (11) 36pts
Near Pins: Steve Johnstone, David Gardner (2), Mick Heatley
Long Putt: Mick Heatley
When Neil Duncan’s card came in with 39 points, we thought it was all over. But then the buzz went round that someone had made 40 - a rare occurrence at Plutaluang but on this occasion it was true.
Dick Worden, the senior member of our group and playing in the final match had taken first place. Returning from some R&R in the north, Dick used Tuesday’s trip to Greenwood as a practice round before scooping the pool here.
Neil’s 39 points was good for second, with Wayne Farrell taking third on count back from David Gardner with 36 points. There was some consolation for Neil, his ‘2’ earning him a free beer from Malcolm at the Oohsa Bar.

March Medal is Johnny Warren’s

IPGC golf from Lewiinski’s

Sunday, March 11, Green Valley - White Tees, Monthly Medal
A Flight
1st Mark Wood (6) net 71
2nd Rick Holmes (8) net 71
3rd Nick Strasshine (6) net 73
B Flight
1st Roy Thornton (12) net 69
2nd Steve Mulberry (12) net 71
3rd Mark Bonner (14) net 73
C Flight
1st Dave Porter (16) net 70
2nd Pete Stonebridge (17) net 70
3rd Nick Payne (16) net 72
D Flight
1st John Warren (24) net 66 - Medal Winner
2nd Roger Koehler (21) net 70
3rd Mol Thongkiew (24) net 72
Near Pins: Mark Wood, Shadley Poggenoel, John Hillier, John McHugh
2’s: Rick Holmes (2), Simon Philbrook, John McHugh, Jon Haugen, Steve Mulberry, J.J. Wright, Shadley Poggenoel, Peter Emslie, Tom Balch (2), Jez Lees
The Shack’s John Warren was not the biggest guy in the field, but on this Monthly Medal Sunday he was the best. His net 66 in D Flight was the day’s best by three from Roy Thornton, MBE, who continues to threaten to take home the top prize himself. John was followed in D Flight by The Good Roger and by the seemingly omnipresent Ms. Bennett. Roy was followed in B Flight by Blackpool Steve and Mark Bonner.
Foursome mates, The Valet’s Best Friend and The Headmaster, topped out C Flight, both with fine net 70’s. Nick Payne survived a three-way count back with Ian “The Tile” Grout and Kathy Doody.
The premier flight was taken on count back by The Pride of Aberdeen, who prevailed over Rick Holmes. It was of some solace to Rick that he had two 2’s on the day. Nick Strasshine, similarly on count back, prevailed over Simon of Philbrook. The latter probably found no solace in his one 2.
Deserving of special mention is the newly returned to action Prof. Tom Balch who had two 2’s despite the burden of his D Flight handicap.
Monday, March 12, The Emerald -
White Tees,
2-Person Scramble
1st Peter Hynard & Bob Lindborg, net 57.8
2nd John McHugh & Simon Philbrook, net 60.2
3rd Robert Sellick & Per Aschan, net 60.2
The Emerald was the host venue to the week’s first scramble, in this case of the 2-person variety. A pair of Englishman, Peter Hynard and The Guru of Green Valley, combined their considerable talents to lap the field by 2.2 strokes.
The second and third place teams found themselves in a count back but it should be noted that they were 1.7 strokes ahead of the next team. The two big hitters, Johnny McHugely and Simon of Philbrook, had the better inward nine and prevailed over the Silver Fox and Per “Always Late” Aschan.
Wednesday, March 14, Bangpra - White Tees, Stableford
A Flight
1st Bob Patterson (8) 38 points
2nd John Emmerson (10) 36 points
3rd Bill McGarvie (11) 35 points
B Flight
1st Eddy Beilby (18) 42 points
2nd Bob Lindborg (18) 38 points
3rd Kurt-Erik Persson (26) 37 points
2’s: Jan Eriksen, Tom Balch
The Man of Leisure was the big point getter of the day with a dazzling 42 points on the demanding layout and greens of Bangpra. The Guru of GV followed his scramble victory with a B Flight second place. Age willed out over beauty as the venerable Kurt-Erik counted back Marlene Prudden, the belle of Perth.
The retiring GM, known also as the Senator, had 38 points to take A Flight from his predecessor, Ol’ Silver Back, who had an even to handicap 36 points. Wonderful addition to the Society, Bill McGarvie, dipped his hand in to the house bank for the first time with 35 points.
Friday, March 16, Plutaluang S &
E - White Tees,
4-Person Scramble
1st Graham Holmes, Paul Walia, Robert Sellick & Per Aschan, net 57.7
2nd John McHugh, J.J. Wright, Chas Li & Steve Mulberry, net 58.1
3rd Jim Puleo, Jim Bracket, John Emmerson & Bob Lindborg, net 58.4
Having survived Monday’s 2-person Scramble, the Society’s schedulers tried their luck on a 4-person endeavor. There seems to be players adept at Scrambles as Friday’s podium teams all had a legacy to Monday’s podium.
Monday’s third place team, The Silver Fox and Per “Always Late” Aschan, picked up two additional players in Graham Holmes and Paul Walia and that seemed to make the difference as they took it all. The second place team’s spot of Monday history was John McHugh, who dipped into some of the talent from across the street, J.J., Chas and Blackpool Steve, and fashioned another silver out of it. The Guru, first on Monday, came home with the bronze after adding Jim Puleo, Jim Bracket and Ol’ Silver Back

When Irish eyes are smiling

IPGC golf with the Caddy Shack

Tuesday, March 13, Eastern Star, Medal
Eastern Star was the venue on Tuesday for a Medal comp over a course that usually gives problems to the big hitters - there being lots of water and ‘Out of Bounds’ in place on several of the holes.
There was a 4-way tie for third place on net 73 until Dave Smith came in with a level par score. Al McGrory was second with a net 71 and the winner was Damian Trante with net 67. Damian is ‘on the wagon’ at the moment and maybe this is the secret to good golf, but once the handicap hatchet gets to work on him he may wish to take up drinking again.
There was only one ‘2’ and the huge pot was won by Scott Chisholm.
Friday, March 16, Treasure Hill, Stableford
A Stableford comp was played out on what is regarded as one of the toughest layouts in the area. The cut was made at 12 and under and for the first time in a long time, the course was brought to heel.
In division two, Scott Chisholm scored 39 points to finish runner-up to Damian Trante who fired 40 points for his second win of the week. Division one had John Hue in second on 38 points but on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day, it was fitting that Irishman Emmet White came through to win after shooting a lifetime best 43 points.
The 2’s were shared between Paul Lavendar, Mr. Takimoto and Steve Nowell.

‘Eagle’-eyed Jack stumps the skipper

PSC golf from The Peacock Place

Monday, March 12,
Eastern Star, Stableford
Our group on Monday at a rather poorly turned out Eastern Star consisted of 29 golfers of varying ability and we split the field into three flights.
The A flight (0-13) was won by Jim Wickstrom (H/c 4) scoring a resounding 41 points. Second was Dave Arrowsmith (6) with 33 points, winning on count-back from Jack Moseley (10). The B flight (14-20) was won by Matt Anderson (14) with 35 points, second was Ken Little (16) with 34 points and third was Alan Bishop (20) with 33 points on count-back over Steve Everingham.
The C flight (15-36) was won by Gordon Everingham (27) with 39 points, second was Jean Yves Morelle (29) with 33 points and third was Beth Lill (24) with 26 points.
There were 2’s recorded by Peter Harris and Beth Lill.
Wednesday, March 14,
The Emerald, Stableford
Wednesday was a different kettle of fish. Has anyone seen a kettle of fish? I would have thought one would have looked very much like another!
We played at The Emerald which, as always, was in fine form. The Emerald used to be one of the poor sisters of the golf courses around Pattaya, akin to Century Chonburi and Great Lakes but not anymore. The management there have, over the past few years, spent considerable sums of money bringing both the course and the clubhouse up to standard and these days it’s a favourite venue for most golfers in the area.
We played a Stableford competition and some fine scores were posted.
The A flight (0-18) was won by Brian Downey (14) with 41 points, second was Neil Hughes (17) with 40 points and third with 38 points was Jack Moseley (10).
The B flight went to Nigel Cannon (21) with 41 points, in second place was Peter Harris (21) with 38 points and third was Gordon Everingham (27) with 37 points.
There were three 2’s recorded on the day and herein lies a tale: Jack Moseley and Captain Bob Philp were playing together and approaching the par three 15th, with Jack having already recorded a 2 earlier. Captain Bob hit his tee shot onto the green and it landed 5 feet from the hole and rolled back stopping on the lip. “Ah well”, thought Bob, “no more par threes so Jack and I will at least have an even share of the pot”. Wrong; at the par four 17th, Jack holed his second shot to record an eagle 2. Some ‘friendly’ banter ensued and back at The Peacock, Jack treated us all to drinks. Well-done mate!
Come and join us if you would like a game of golf with a friendly society. We meet on Mondays and Wednesdays and our schedule appears in The Pattaya Mail. If you would like further information, call Bob on 087 941 2474.

Johann wins March ‘Monthly Mug’

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Monday, March 12, Royal Lakeside, Medal
Royal Lakeside was the venue on Monday for a stroke-play competition in two flights, with the cut being set at 19. The course was in fine shape and not very busy.

Dave (right) presents the ‘Monthly Mug’ to Johann.

Rob Brown was the winner of the A Flight with net 68 on count back from Bill Plath in second, with Marty Allred in third with a net 69.
In the B Flight the winner was Carole Kubicki with a net 65, John Christie was second with a net 66 and Karen Brown in third with a net 68 ahead of Steven Cooper-Reade on count back.
Near Pins: Laurina Brown, Ebrahim, Brian Gabe, Harald Gruber
Long Put: William Southerland, Jan Lovgren
Thursday, March 15, Pattaya Country Club, Monthly Mug
We always get a really good turnout for ‘Monthly Mug’ day; despite the fact this course is not everyone’s favourite.
Ask every golfer who plays and he will have a different opinion of the course, and it has to be said that at the moment the fairways are bone dry, the greens hard and fast, with holes that are nearly square, and bunkers that are really ‘G.U.R’. The rough is also dry and very patchy, while the scenery is far from inspiring.
So why do we play there? Well most people like playing there. Weird innit?
On the day the scores were not outstanding and we saw that the winner would not be much under par.
Back at the Cafe Kronborg we saw that only three people had broken net 70. In the A Flight (0-17) the winner was Frank Pilkington with a net 71, ahead of Elias Magnusson on 72 points in second. Third place was decided on count back with Alex Kazazis in third and Bob Bender losing out, both on net 73’s.
In the B Flight the winner was Henk De Bock with net 68, ahead of Art Bailey in second with net 69 and in third was Karen Brown on count back over Fred Theobald, both with net 70’s.
So to the winner, and it is always nice when a single handicapper wins the ‘Mug’, and so it was that this month’s winner with a net 68 was Johann Reynissen, beating Henk on count back. Well done!
T.T.F.N.
Near Pin: Pete Hammond, Fred Theobald, Wayne Koch, Larry Simpson
Long Put: Bob Benda, Pete Hammond

Karen’s ‘hot streak’ continues

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Tuesday, March 13, Khao Kheow, Stableford
The last time I brought a group to Khao Kheow they did what no other group has ever done - finish even with the course. On this day we had a reduced number of players, but we still had two of our stars who last time shot 46 and 43 points respectively. But how would they do on this day?
The course was as usual in fine condition and the test for the day was to be the B & C Nines, which should really be the easiest but for some reason never are.
We were fortunate in that the course was fairly empty in front of us and we did not run into the group ahead until the last few holes. This is a place were you do not want to get off the fairway, the rough seems innocuous enough, but try to get out of it, and around the greens be a few foot out and there seems no control on the chip. For good scores it’s fairways and greens only.
Round over and sat in the restaurant we were wondering how our ‘stars’ had got on. Well, one of them won, albeit with 8 points less than last time, and the other one played with me so had no chance and was 13 points worse off.
Back at Bert’s the results were announced: the winner, on a great run at the moment and coming down fast in handicap, was Karen Brown with 38 points.
Near Pin: Mick O’Meara (2), Rob Brown, Brian Gabe
Long Put: Hans Collett

King rules the roost at Crystal Bay

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday, March 12, Treasure Hill, Medal

John King was a clear winner at Crystal Bay.

Playing Medal format at Treasure Hill on Monday, Charlie Gooch took the honours by winning with a level par net 72 ahead of Jack Robertson, who continued his purple patch by picking up second prize with a three-over par net 75. Two players shared third place with net 76, they being Brian Maddox and Dave Keats.
Charlie also won a near pin prize along with Adam Beer, William Macey and Mashi Kaneta.
Wednesday, March 14, Crystal Bay, Stableford
Wednesday saw The Bunker Boy’s play a Stableford comp at Crystal Bay. Jack Robertson was once again in the frame, on this occasion sharing first place in the B Flight with 37 points ahead of third place Brian Maddox who scored 36 points.
The A Flight had Charlie Gooch and Geoff Parker tying for third place with 36 points apiece, second place went to Mashi Kaneta who thought he had a great chance of winning, but nobody could get near John King who won with the best score of the day, amassing a huge 44 points to take first prize.
John, playing in the last four ball, also won one of the near pin prizes, which prevented Charlie Gooch from having a clean sweep as Charlie had his name on all four par-3’s until John came along to spoil the party!
Friday, March 16, The Emerald, Medal
Playing at The Emerald on Friday, Geoff Parker had the best round of the day coming into the clubhouse with a fine five under par net 67 to take first prize, despite double and triple bogeys on the first two par-3’s!
Mick Ramshaw claimed second with a one-under par net 71, and third place went to Adam Beer who shot a level par net 72 off handicap eight and playing The Emerald course for the first time ever.
Near pins went to Dewey Augustson, Adam Beer, Charlie Gooch and Mitch Malone who dragged his golf clubs out of the attic for the first time in eight months and who’s golf shoes began to fall apart walking up the first fairway and he had to have the soles tied on with string for the whole round.

Montana looking good for league title

The Square Ring: by Howie Reed

“Your lordship, did you read that boxing writer Ron Borges was suspended for two months by his employer the Boston Globe newspaper?”
No Jeeves I didn’t. May I read the story?
“I say your lordship, are you wearing stronger reading glasses?
No Jeeves, I’m not.
“Ok your lordship; I’m sure it’s my mistake. Anyhow, Borges was suspended for plagiarizing several paragraphs that previously appeared in a newspaper in the state of Washington in his Globe space. He’s also banned from TV during that period. Borges serves as the vice-president of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Has Editor Mr. Martin ever spoken to you about using other people’s work?”
As a matter of fact he has spoken to me at length. Like the Thai shop owner that tells his workers, “Stop stealing from others and find a new job.” I misspoke a few weeks ago when I relied on others in reporting that Manny Pacquiao had decided not to run for political office. Seems I was misinformed. The word now is that he will run for Congress in the May 14 Philippine election. He’s also winging his way to Los Angeles to train for his April 14 fight in Texas.
Just remember Jeeves that taking others words for granted can get you in trouble. The advantage though is that you always have someone to blame when you’re wrong.
When people today talk about the heavyweight division you can almost hear a ringmaster says, “Lady’s and gentleman how about those clowns?” To a minor degree that might describe a lot of boxing today. We focus on the ‘big men’ of boxing as they just draw more attention.
The latest tune from the “not ready for prime time” promoter named Dennis ‘The Dummy’ Rappaport is a dandy. For those that don’t care, Rappaport is the promoter for Oleg Maskaev who has been so successful that the WBC champ hasn’t had a payday since December when he won a fight against Peter Okbello in Russia. Nor is there one on the horizon.
Rappaport through pure skill has tied up Maskaev on the sidelines while ducking a fight with Samuel Peter. It seems everyday that Rappaport announces a deal for Peter to receive “step aside money” so Maskaev can fight Vitali Klitschko. That’s the fight we’re told that the world waits breathlessly for. I’m part of the world (for now at least) but guess my votes weren’t taken and/or counted, as I couldn’t give a rat’s posterior if I never see either of the Klitschko brothers fight.
After saying that the deal was “in place ... with a few more details to be worked out”, someone pointed out to ‘The Bumbling One’ that Shannon Briggs and Sultan Ibragimov will fight for the WBO title at the Luzhniki Sports Palace in Moscow on the same proposed day - and in the same city. Can you say “Moron”?
Big time Cruiserweight title fight last week in the Palais des Sports Marcel Cerdan in Levallois, France. In 2006 WBC/WBA Champion O’Neil Bell (26-1-1) and Jean Marc Mormeck (32-3) met in what was called the ‘Fight of the Year’ by someone. Bell won that one with a dramatic 10-round KO while trailing on all cards.
The rematch was similar. With the WBC ‘open scoring’ in place, Bell knew he needed a KO to retain the title entering the championship rounds. Not this time - as Mormeck regained the title via the judges’ decision. The judges were unanimous for Mormeck 115-113 twice and 114-112.
At the press conference after the fight an angry O’Neil Bell was the first to arrive. Jean Marc Mormeck was speaking with the help of a translator as Bell heard, “I don’t like O’Neil Bell.” At this, the disgruntled Bell charged Mormeck with fists flying while others tossed chairs. As the mayhem was going on, the translator finished the sentence, “but I do have tremendous respect for him as a fighter.” Too little - and way too late!
Promoter King said it was “deplorable after such a great match took place.” As a sideline to the contest, Don King was due to have an audience with the Pope. No report yet on whose ring dominated.
There’s a very old saying that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Now ballooned up to 417lbs, Eric “Butterbean” Esch (77-7-4) has moved on. In his latest outing he “took apart” a lightweight 313lbs Jope Siciliano (4-4). The Bean decked Siciliano once in the first then after the third knockdown in the second, Siciliano’s corner tossed in the towel.
On the same card Bean’s 21 year old son, called the Babybean (but of course what else), got knocked out colder than a service girl’s look at an out of Baht punter. The Babybean lasted only 2 minutes into round one. Guess this apple not only fell far from the tree but out of the orchard.
The “Si Habla’s” had a high old time in Las Vegas last week when arch rivals Marco Antonio Barrera (63-4) and Juan Manual Marquez (46-3-1) met in a St. Patrick’s Day super fight for the WBC jr. lightweight title. Only in Las Vegas would two guys from south of the border meet in a St. Paddy’s Day dustup.
Going in to the fight ‘The Square Ring’ and the legal Las Vegas bookies had Marquez the slight favorite. Manny Pacquiao, who fought both, gave the nod to Barrera. “Barrera throws more quality punches apart from having better ring craft compared to the usually rugged Marquez. Barrera has the edge and I guess he will win this fight,” said Pacquiao. “Barrera is one of the best tacticians of the sport. For Marquez to win this fight he needs to turn this into a brawl,” he added.
With that as a setting, what were the chances that a fight between two Mexican gentlemen on St. Pat’s in Las Vegas would have a little controversy? As sure as a baht can buy love, Las Vegas-boxing and controversy are companions.
Barrera was slightly ahead in the early rounds. In the 7th, Barrera handed a thundering right that sent Marquez canvas bound. He then walked over and hit Marquez with a right hand while he was still down.
Referee Jay Nady is a no nonsense type of guy so he brooked none from Barrera. Not only did he negate the knockdown but then penalized Barrera an addition point for the foul. “From where I was standing I didn’t see the punch land,” Nady said. “I thought [Barrera] knocked him down with his shoulder.”
Barrera thought he won the fight - of course he thinks he wins every fight. The official scores were 118-109, 116-111 twice for Marquez. Had the knockdown counted and no foul called it would have been a draw on two cards. Referee Nady could have DQ’d Barrera as Roy Jones was in 1997 against Montell Griffin. Rematch in the works?
So Jeeves tell me how was your St, Patrick’s Day celebration? I had corn beef, cabbage, boiled potatoes, homemade soda bread and a goodly amount of Guinness ready but when I looked you had done a runner.
“Your lordship, I had a wonderful time visiting with the lads. You know what people celebrate on St. Patrick’s Day don’t you? It’s the day that St. Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland. Judging from my tour of bars that night it seems that most of them ended up in the beer bars in Pattaya. But I had a wonderful time. Had an eight course authentic Irish meal - six pints of Guinness and two boiled potatoes.”