Boxing's Good Guy of the Year Award: Nick Charles
by Bad Left Hook on Dec 29, 2009 3:08 PM EST
in Boxing Commentary & Opinion
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Story by Ted Sares
Like a fighter, just give me one round at a time and I'll eventually win. I have a positive attitude, a strong Christian faith, and an amazing support system especially within the boxing family.
-Nick Charles
Earlier this year I met Nick and his Showtime partner Steve Farhood at a boxing venue in Worcester, MA. I struck up a conversation with both prior to the fights and truly expected pomposity, because I have received that from far too many on the periphery of the sport who earn their living off boxers but act as if they are the real story. Heck, why should Nick and Steve be any different? Well, what I received was humility and a candid discussion of boxing. In fact, Steve said "I read your stuff all the time." Both guys were about as engaging and real as you could find.
I asked Nick if his name was a Greek one and he said it was, but that his mother was Italian and that he was a second generation American. I responded that I was Greek and Italian as well and was a first generation American. Then it turned out that he grew up in the same neighborhood as I did in Chicago and that we went to highs schools that were very close to one another. Long story short, we had a lot in common and hit it off immediately.
Later, I maintained an email relationship with Nick and then, when I heard he was battling bladder cancer (but more than holding his own), I was stunned, for it once again reminded me just how one's control (or the illusion of one's control), can be taken away at any time by the random, sudden and scary nature of things.
Nick, a class act, has been behind the microphone to call hundreds of fights. Now, he has his own tough fight and he warrants the prayers of every boxing fan and member of the boxing community, and our collective wishes for his full and complete recovery. Indeed, I fully expect and greatly look forward to to seeing Nick at ringside and behind the mike in 2010.
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Thanks, Loathsome. How are things in France?
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 29, 2009 6:43 PM EST up reply actions
Tres bien, merci, monsieur Ted. C’est la vie en rose ici, comme on dit. Bonne Annee a toi et tiens.
by Randy Loathsome on Jan 1, 2010 7:59 AM EST up reply actions
C’est bon
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Jan 1, 2010 11:11 AM EST up reply actions
I have to ask, and please don't think I'm being insensitive;
I know you know this guy, so you may have chucked some stuff in there that would appeal to his sense of humour, otherwise I wouldn’t even ask.
Is this line, “when I heard he was battling bladder cancer (but more than holding his own),” meant to be funny?
Because if so, it was effectively witty, and if not, I’ll apologize now.
Some people are acting like Pacquiao should be expected to have just gone, "Yeah sure, let’s do something I’ve never done before because your dad made some dumbass baseless comment."
(SC, 28/12/09; http://www.badlefthook.com/2009/12/27/1221143/mayweather-pacquiao-update-bob#comments)
Was not meant to be witty. Never saw that. Actually, Nick is doing well in his battle. As for holding his p—-s, I’ll skip that one for now.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 29, 2009 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
And you never have to worry about mu sensitivities. I hate poiltical correctness with a passion.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 29, 2009 4:18 PM EST reply actions
I still thought, given the subject matter, the kid gloves were a necessity.....
Some people are acting like Pacquiao should be expected to have just gone, "Yeah sure, let’s do something I’ve never done before because your dad made some dumbass baseless comment."
(SC, 28/12/09; http://www.badlefthook.com/2009/12/27/1221143/mayweather-pacquiao-update-bob#comments)
I think that it's tough
to fully get a handle on television “personalities” plying the boxing trade: They have a particular job to do and the networks expect them to do it. Nick Charles has never been my favorite “color” person (that is his designation in the team, right?), but I don’t know that I have a favorite color commenter. That he is and someone with courage seems obvious. As does the fact that we should all be hoping for the best for him. A heartfelt article & I appreciate that.
That he is someone with courage. ...
Good grief. How many errors allowed to a single post?
by Don From Prov on Dec 29, 2009 9:41 PM EST up reply actions
The more the merrier,
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 29, 2009 9:54 PM EST up reply actions
Blow-by-Blow Man...
… is Charles’ designation. Steve Farhood is the color commentator.
Increasingly, the two roles are becoming interchangeable, but the play-by-play announcer (usually someone with a career background in broadcasting or radio whose training is specifically in announcing sports events) is the guy whose job is to describe the action to the viewer. The color commentator (usually a writer-turned-broadcaster whose bulk of experience is in print media, such as Farhood or Larry Merchant) is then supposed to elaborate on the play-by-play to lend aesthetic interest to the broadcast. Sometimes an analyst is added as well (an ex-athlete, coach, or official turned broadcaster) whose job is to speculate about the professional side of the action for the viewers in order to educate them about the sport.
This is all more and more confused in today’s sports world because roles are frequently combined. John Madden combined the roles of color commentator and analyst when he began working with Pat Summerall. Teddy Atlas does the same for ESPN’s boxing broadcasts. Max Kellerman was a play-by-play man and a studio anchor for ESPN and Fox Sports, but serves as a color commentator for HBO.
by The Boxing Geek on Dec 30, 2009 1:53 AM EST up reply actions
Thank you Boxing Geek.
I pretty much had the roles jumbled up.
by Don From Prov on Dec 30, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
yes
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 30, 2009 9:54 PM EST up reply actions
Being half Italian is not as good as being all Italian, but half a loaf is better than none. Let’s hope 2010 sees Nick back on top of his game.
Yes, pretty much though Greek food is better.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 29, 2009 7:28 PM EST up reply actions
I too am half Italian
Forza Italia!
"Honey i forgot to duck" - Jack Dempsey
by Drunken cutman on Dec 29, 2009 9:07 PM EST up reply actions
Knew there was somehing I liked about you…..
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 29, 2009 9:54 PM EST up reply actions
I enjoyed this Ted.
Boxing writer: "Iran, what are you going to do when you retire?"
Iran Barkley: "Rob your house"
Thanks, Matt
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 30, 2009 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
EMAIL FROM FAMOUS POSTER Ray Gordon Reid
HITEDSARES YOUR REAL GOOD FRIEND RAY GORDON REID WAYCROSS GEORGIA JANUARY 1/ 11/ 1955 ANOTHER GREAT ARTICLE DONE BY THE MASTER BOY YEAR 2009 GONE FAST ONLY I GET TO WATCHING BOXING ON HBO OR SHOWTIME WHEN ITS FREE ALL MY FRIENDS GO ON EASTSIDEBOXING COME ON OVER TO LEFT HOOK BOXING EAST SIDE BOXING UGHIM TOLD THEM WHAT I THINK OF THEM BANNED 38 OR 41 TIMES BEEN PICK ON WONT DO ANYTHING ABOUT YOU AND AL THE ONES ON EAST BOXING ARE MY FRIENDS LORD MONDAY JANUARY 112010 55 YEARS OLD
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 29, 2009 6:42 PM EST reply actions
I wish I could post all the emails I am getting fromboxing people on this one. Nick is one well liked guy.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 29, 2009 7:04 PM EST reply actions
Any real boxing guy understands courage
Nick obviously does and I’m sure this will spur him on to victory. Peace and best wishes from across the globe.
"Anytime you go thirty rounds with a guy, try to kill each other, and have the utmost respect for each other, no one understands that, but guys who have been to war understand it." - Micky Ward on Arturo Gatti.
I forwarded your email to Nick, Snake.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 29, 2009 7:27 PM EST up reply actions
Good onya mate.
"Anytime you go thirty rounds with a guy, try to kill each other, and have the utmost respect for each other, no one understands that, but guys who have been to war understand it." - Micky Ward on Arturo Gatti.
It did!
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 29, 2009 9:53 PM EST reply actions
From another good guy (and friend) Dana Rosenblatt.
I was just at a Connecticut Hall of Fame dinner and was talking to Farhood about Charles. He said he is a great guy. Farhood is also a regular guy that I have done broadcasts with in NY. He is also great to work with and a real mensh
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 29, 2009 9:58 PM EST reply actions
From my great buddy, Dick Flaherty, a class act himself
Hi Ted, Great story on Nick Charles. He IS a class act. I have talked to him many times when he has broadcasted fights He’s always a gentleman. The best in the business. I hope he makes it back soon.Best wishes for a Happy New Year my friend.
Regards,
Dick Flaherty
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 29, 2009 10:00 PM EST reply actions
From my great Nigertian friend adeyinkamakinde
Well, that’s quite a story. Poignant
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 29, 2009 10:01 PM EST reply actions
From IBRO
Nice piece on a real class act!
I, along with many others, wish him a speedy and lasting recovery.
Dan
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 29, 2009 10:16 PM EST reply actions
DRMULLEN Says
My prayers go out to Nick Charles daily, I hope to see you soon on shobox.
Thnaks, Doc
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 30, 2009 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
DRMULLEN Says
Ted, pugknows this did come from your heart.
DOMENICO Mullen
Mr Sares, I enjoy watching shobox with the great Nick Charles..Please get better. Dom Mullen using my brothers’ cell.
Keep bringing the important news Ted!
Ted, I’ve seen this fella on tv before and it’s always good to know that away from the camera a celebrity’s a nice person. Best wishes to a quick and full recovery for Nick Charles
DRMULLEN Says
Congrats, Boxing’s Good Guy of the Year Award goes to Mr Nick Charles,
From my great friend in Canada, Russ Abner
Great article as usual Ted.
I hope that 2010 is filled with much health and happiness for you and yours.
God Bless
Russ
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 30, 2009 9:53 AM EST reply actions
Ted,
That’s a real nice, heartfelt tribute. Many prayers and well-wishes directed toward Nick. He’s definitely missed.
Thanks, Ocelot.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 30, 2009 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
From Brad "The Auctioneer" Dudley --ring announcer in Baltimore Area
Ted,
Nick Charles was here in Baltimore on WJZ tv . I grew up watching him do our local sports in the ’70s. Many years later I worked a couple of shows with him and we laughed a little bit about his early days.He is and always will be a consummate professional and a great guy. He certinly was not the stuck up tv personality………
Happy New Year…………….Brad
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 30, 2009 9:53 PM EST reply actions
Best wishes to Mr Charles and his family.
Just like to wish Nick Charles and his family well from The DUBHAS ( Down Under Bernard Hopkins Appreciation Society ) . Keep punching Nick! Happy New Year to all the Left Hook crew . Lets hope 2010 is a kick arse year for all of you.
Nice from you lads from Down Under.
"If you sit there and watch a person take about an hour to tie his shoestrings, then you realize that whatever problems you got ain't that significant"
---Vernon Forrest 2006
by The Midnight Rambler on Dec 31, 2009 10:43 PM EST reply actions
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