Tag Archives: Tony Penecale

Hulk Hogan može biti nestao, Ali Hulkamania živi zauvijek

Šta mi znači Hulk Hogan

Po: Tony Penecale

Ovo će biti dugo. To radimo mi novinari, Pišemo. Pišem ovaj počast članak djetinjstvu heroju, Hulk Hogan. To više pišem za sebe. Ovo je slavna smrt koja me je utjecala na mene kao nijednu drugu. Uistinu mogu razumjeti kako se ljudi osjećaju kada je Elvis umro.

Sad sam sjedio na te misli i riječi za tjedan dana. How do you say zbogom na ikonu, nešto što je definiralo vaš život onoliko dugo koliko se sećate?  Terry Bollea, Profesionalni hrvač i kulturnu ikonu poznatu svijetu kao Hulk Hogan, iznenada preminuo jula 24 Nakon patnje srčanog hapšenja u njegovom domu na Floridi.

Iako postoje kontroverze i divizivna mišljenja o Terry Bollea čovjeku u posljednjih nekoliko godina, Želim da centriram svoje misli o Hulku Hoganu, hrvač i zabavljač koji mi je toliko značio za poslednje 40 godina.

U onome što je bilo kao savršena oluja, Hulk Hogan ušao je u moj život 1983. godine. Upravo sam se preselio u novo susjedstvo dok je moj djed bio nakraćeni bolestan, I mi smo htjeli pomoći svojoj baki u njegovim posljednjim mjesecima. Nikada ranije nisam imao kabl. Moj otac bi ponekad gledao na hrvanje u našoj staroj kući, I ja bih sjedio s njim. U to vrijeme wwe (zatim wwf) bila je sjeveroistočna regionalna teritorija. Šampion je bio Bob Backlund, ali za dijete je zaljubljeno sa zvezdarskim ratovima i he-čovekom, Bio je jednostavno previše jasan i dosadan je uhvatiti moju maštu.

Rocky III je pušten u 1982 i skripta je pozvana na mišićnu, Hrvač veći od života koji će popuniti ulogu grmljavine i Hogana bio je prirodan izbor. Bio je peta (loš momak) Lik rano u karijeri i njegova nastup doveli su ga u glavni prepoznat. Sa pristupom kablu, Činilo se da je Rocky III bio gotovo svaki dan i gledam ga nakon popodnevnih crtanih filmova.

To decembar, Bob Backlund izgubio je WWE-u naziv zlu i prezirljivom željeznom šeiku. Nisam bio veliki obožavatelj pozadine, Ali moj 7-godišnji um nije mogao pregovarati sa svijetom "lošim momkom" kao hrvačkom prvakom. Svijet je bio izbalansiran u januaru 23, 1984, Kad je Hogan zamijenio "ozlijeđen" backlund i povukao željezni šeik na bašti Madison.

Kad sam ovo posmatrao na TV-u, Mogao bih osjetiti uzbuđenje i jubilaciju kada je Hulk osvojio titulu natrag za Ameriku. U mojoj glavi, Hulk Hogan bio je loš momak u rockyju III dok ga je kameniti "okrenuo dobro." U tom trenutku, Našao sam heroja, Supermen u stvarnom životu, neko ko se mogao suočiti i odbiti izazove svih loših hrvača. Imati kabel, Mogao bih gledati mjesečne kartice iz Spectruma Filadelfije, navijajući Hulkster svakog meseca.

Februar 1985 obilježio je punu godinu da bude punopravna hulkamaniac za mene. Na Spectrumu je održana matična karta, a moj otac odlučio me odvesti da vidim da se Hulk brane protiv zlikovskog Brutus Beefcakea. Još se mogu sjećati opipljivog uzbuđenja dok su igrali "oko tigra" kada je Hulk došao u prsten. Bilo je tako uzbudljivo. Sljedeći dan sam snimio reprizu na TV-u i bio sam uvjeren da sam vidio sebe na emisiji. Dok nisam bio kasnije da sam gledao da je to meč na YouTubeu i shvatio osobu za koju sam mislio da sam ja samo tinejdžer 10 godine starije od mene i samo nosim sličnu jaknu.

WWE je predstavljao SuperCard pod nazivom "Wrestlemania" sledećeg meseca, i pokušao sam uvjeriti ocu da me pusti da vidim. To je prije nego što biste mogli naručiti kartice za plaće perspektive da biste gledali kod kuće i jedino mjesto koje smo mogli vidjeti bio je zatvoreni krug na Spectrumu Filadelfije. Zvukao sam se s liste slavnih koji bi bili tamo, uključujući Muhammad Ali. Dogovorio se da me odvede, I moram vidjeti sve velike zvijezde poput šake i andre divovske. Ali meč koji me drhtao u svom sjedištu, bio je grub utakmica sa Hulk udruživanjem sa kamenim III ikonom Costar i A-Team, Mr. T Dok su preuzeli izdajnički dvojac Rowdy Roddy Piper i Paula "MR. Divno "Orndorff. Naravno, junaci su prevladali, A taj je događaj bila najveća stvar koju sam ikad vidio.

Od tog trenutka, Bio sam o svemu i bilo čemu Hulk Hogan. Bio je najveći heroj na svijetu. Svidjelo mi se hel, Ići, i transformatori, Ali to su bile samo lažne igračke i crtane filmove. Bio sam veliki stjenovita obožavatelj, Ali znao sam da je to samo film. Ali Hulk Hogan ... Gledao sam ga svake sedmice, i vjerovao sam da je hrvanje bilo stvarno. Hteo sam da odrastem da postanem hrvač. Moje ime biće "Tornado Tony" i ja ću biti Hulk Hogan's-Team-tim partnera. Išli smo na glavni događaj Wrestlemania kao tim za oznaku. Trenirao bih korištenje kompleta vježbanja Hulkamania s plastičnim dumbalima, Ručni hvataljka, i jumprope. Imao sam kutiju za ručak Hulk Hogan za školu, Imao sam majicu Hulk Hogan, i sve brojke LJN akcije.

Napravio sam mnogo različitih prijatelja u školi samo da pričam o hrvanju, Neka djeca za koju sam mislila da nemam ništa zajedničko. Kao normalno stidljivo dijete, Da sam vidio još jedno dijete sa nečim hrvanjem, poput hrvačke naljepnice na ruksaku ili nekoliko trgovačkih kartica, Izbio bih iz svoje ljuske i započeo razgovor. Neizbježno, napravili bismo planove za gledanje nedeljnog programiranja koje je emitovalo svakog subota ujutro, Uključujući crtani film Hulk Hogan koji je bio toliko popularan. Za to vreme, Moji roditelji bi mi dopustili da ostanem kasno ako je glavni događaj u subotu u zraku. Bila je to poslastica, ali i traumatični gledajući monstruozni kralj Kong Bundy pošalji Hulk na nosila. Kao traumatično kao i to, Nije bilo dovoljno da me zaustavi da prihvatim poziv za rođendan za gledanje 2ND Rastojanje Wrestlemania sa nekim mojim razredima. Razveselili smo tokom Hogan ulaza, održao naš kolektivni dah kad je Bundy imao prednost, a zatim se slavi kada je Hogan vladao vrhovnom.

S hrvačkim poslovima na visini popularnosti i s Hulkom koji vodi put, Trebalo im je nešto veliko, izuzetno veliki, da ispuni 93,000 Pontiac SilverDome za Wrestlemania III. Ono što su učinili bilo je podudaranje Hogana sa najvećim čovjekom u profesionalnim sportovima, doslovno i figurativno, Kad su ga zaljutili protiv svog bivšeg prijatelja u visoku 7 stopa, 500 LB. Andre div. Div, svježe njegovu izdaju Hogana, Vjerovatno je bio prevelik od izazova za naš heroj osvojiti. Nakon izdržavanja brojnih udaraca protiv njegovog najstrašnijeg protivnika, Hulk je još uvijek uspeo da se nadzirem i pobijedivši svog gigantskog protivnika, uključujući i najkoničniji bodyslam svih vremena.

Ubrzo nakon Wrestlemania III, Moji su horizonti počeli širiti. Postao sam zainteresovan za sport, posebno boks. Gledao sam više filmova i igrao različite video igre. Dok sam još uvijek gledao hrvanje, i smatrao se lojalnim hulkamaniac, Počeo sam da se podešavam u drugo programiranje, Pogotovo tokom vremena Hogan bi bio off filmova i TV emisije.

Do trenutka kada sam stigao u srednju školu, Jedva sam gledao hrvanje. To više nije bilo cool stvar učiniti. Ponekad bih gledao programiranje i moje favorite da gledam bili su poduzetnik, Razor Ramon, i desel. Nismo više nismo imali hrvanje zabave, Moje LJN figure bili su upakovani u kutiju u potkrovlju, I nismo imali sporedne utakmice. Hrvačke boom od 80-ih izblijedio je, A posao je imao steroidne i droge. To više nije bio nevin oblik zabave koji sam odrastao gledajući.

Moja druga godina na fakultetu, Ja sam radio sa momkom koji se svidio hrvanje, I počeo sam gledati s njim. Hogan je bio u rivalskom wcw-u, i usporedili bismo obje organizacije, obojica su još uvijek koristila zastarjele teme i trikove. Dok smo gledali kao grupa, Nisam se našao gledati kad sam se vratio kući na ljetni odmor. Koja se promijenila u maju 27, 1996, kada je WCW bacio bombu. Njihov relativno Bland programiranje primio je pojačanje sa dolaskom iznenađenja Scott Hall (Bivši britva Ramon), nakon nekoliko nedelja kasnije njegov prijatelj Kevin Nash (bivši desesel). 

WCW je sada imao ogrtač i interesovanje na vrhunca za bas na kartici na plaži, Dostupno samo kupnjom emitovanja plaćenog prikaza. Hall i Nash, Sa obećanjem misterioznog partnera, borio se s herojskim triom Randy Savage, Ubod, i Lex Luger. Oporavlja se od nedavne operacije koljena, Nisam kupio predstavu. Nisam čuo nikakve rezultate ili izveštavanja kada sam se ubacio u u ponedeljak uvečersko programiranje. Sa koljeno je podignuto i, u stupnju izazvanom boli, Gledao sam kako je Hulk prišao prstenu tokom glavnog događaja. Bio je tamo da spasi heroje i pošalju zlikovce bježeći. Ili sam tako mislio. Sjećam se razmišljanja "da li je upravo napao pogrešnog momka?"Dok je bacio svoju legeru za potpis na divljak.

Baš kao i on 12 godina prethodna, Hulk Hogan je ponovo bio epicentar hrvačke revolucije. Ovog puta je to učinio revolucijom u vik za petu i dodao svoj imenik "Hollywood" na svoje ime. Promijenio je zaštitne znakove žute i crvene boje u crno-bijelu shemu boja i brendirao "novi svjetski poredak" hrvanja. Vratio se natrag u glavni tok. Mediji su ponovo obuhvatili hrvanje. To je bio razgovor po gradu, Škole i uredi, Kako se Hulk Hogan pretvorio u loš momak. Zajedno sa hodnikom i našu, ohladio je da bude loš.

Da se suprotstavlja eksplozijom WCW-ovih ocjena, WWE je prilagodio više edgy proizvoda, LED kamenom hladnom Steveom Austinom i Dwayneom "Rock" Johnson. Ponedeljak uveče postale su ratni rat između obje kompanije i gledajući hrvanje bilo je "u" što treba učiniti ponovo.

Sjećam se da hodam mladog muškarca na našem kampusu koji je nosio NWO majicu. Pogledao sam ga i pitao "jesi li ti?"I signal" za život "dao moju lijevu ruku. Odgovorio je sa" previše slatkim "gestom. Bili smo prijatelji od i svake godine na našim rođendanima, Objavljujemo NWO pozdrav na stranici Društvenog medija drugih.

Da se suprotstavlja eksplozijom WCW-ovih ocjena, WWE je prilagodio više edgy proizvoda, LED kamenom hladnom Steveom Austinom i Dwayneom "Rock" Johnson. Ponedeljak uveče postale su ratni rat između obje kompanije i gledajući hrvanje bilo je "u" što treba učiniti ponovo. Hrvanje u 80-ima bilo je baš kao deceniju, glasan, šaren, i preko vrha. Hrvanje 90-ih ličilo je na vremenske promjene, gritier i realniji. Buntobni anti-heroj bio je popularni trend i to odgovara stavu moje samo-drive-21 ličnosti.

Tokom moje juniorske godine u 1997, Izabran sam u prestižnom kolegijalnom istoku-zapadnom klasiku u Renou, NV. Nažalost, samo nedelju dana pre, Moj zakazani protivnik bio je primoran da se povukao sa povredom i saigrača u lakšim razredima težine je uzeta na mom mjestu. Dok je u otpuštanju na aerodromu San Francisco, Moji suigrači u boksu vidjeli su Hulk Hogan hodanje, obučeni u svoju crnu i bijelu NWO haljinu. Zaustavili su ga za fotografiju, I on je dužan. Biti član kluba školskog novinarstva, Morao sam podnijeti tu fotografiju za objavljivanje u našim školskim novinama, Sam fotografija u koju sam trebao biti uključen. Sljedeće godine, Uspio sam izlet u Reno, NV će se takmičiti na istočno-zapadnoj klasici. Šetao sam kroz aerodrom sa drugim bokserom na putovanju, Tražite bilo koji WCW hrvač koji bi mogao biti na aerodromu San Francisco, Iako je zaista bilo samo onoga što sam tražio da upoznam.

Nakon diplomiranja, Držao sam se s trendom hrvanja. U 2001, WWe kupio Faltering WCW, i samo godinu dana kasnije, Hulk Hogan vratio se u borbu na stijenu u Agele Classic-u gdje su navijači prihvatili njegov povratak. Hulk bi otišao i vratio se u kompaniju nekoliko puta u narednih nekoliko godina, i tokom svakog povratka, Kad bi prvih nekoliko akorda njegove teme potpisa "Real American" udario u zrak, Zaglušujuća reakcija gomile napunila bi arenu takvom električnom energijom.

Do sredine 2000-ih, Shvatio sam da je moja prilika da se sretnem sa svojim najdražim bojom i ikone sav vremena izgubila se kad se taj reno bokser povukao iz našeg boksela 1997. godine. Biti naivan ventilator, Nisam shvatio da je Hulk zaista bio iz područja Tampe. Uvek je naplaćen iz Venecijane plaže, Ca i ja sam to uzeo kao istinu. Počeo sam da napravim godišnje proljeće u Clearwater In 2008 i, Nekoliko godina kasnije, Moj šatl je prošao bar nazvan "Hogan plaža", u blizini aerodroma Tampa. Saznao sam kasnije da je to bio bar u vlasništvu Hulk Hogana, Tako sam napravio smisao da dodam dan na svoje putovanje naredne godine da posjetim taj bar. Bila mi je prilika da se fotografiram osećam da sam zaslužila. U 2015, Otišao sam u Hogan's Beach sa svojim kamerom spremnim, Osim što nije bilo Hulk Hogana na Hoganovoj plaži.

Sa Hoganovom plažom u zatvaranju 2016, Čuo sam da je u državi Memorabilia u Clearwater Beach i da bi ponekad napravio slučajne nastupe. Posjetio sam u 2016, 2017, 2018, i 2019, Sve bez sreće. Ponekad bih čuo nešto slično "previše loše. Bio je tu jučer." Svake godine, Kupio sam košulju i fotografirao se ispred trgovine. Moj prijatelj i bivši saigrač Jason, Ko je bio na tom sudbonovom bokserskom putovanju u 1997, Bila bi me svake godine rebrala i komentirala njihovu fotografiju sa aerodroma dvije decenije prije. Uvijek bih odgovorio da bih želio pronaći taj reno bokser da bismo konačno mogli imati tu boks i svake godine, Dodao bih još jednu godinu interesa na vrh premlaćivanja koji će dobiti 20 godina prethodna.

Unatoč mojoj lošem vremenu svake godine, Odlazak u Hogan's Warch Shop na Clearwater Beach bio je zabavno iskustvo. Kad sam bio dijete, Bilo je razgovora o otvaranju hrvačkog trgovine na obližnjem tržištu farmera, a djeca u mom susjedstvu sav su govorili o onome što bismo kupili, ili u stvarnosti, Molim naše roditelje da nam kupuju. Bio sam uvjeren da sam izlazio sa košuljom Tearway Hulk Hogan, Žuti trupci, Crvena Kneepada, i žute čizme. Moji roditelji su me napokon uzeli, i, na moje razočaranje, Bilo je to samo nekoliko akcijskih podataka koje sam već posjedovao, nekoliko majica, i neke trgovačke karte. Trgovina na Floridi bila je raj Kidde 80-ih. Bilo je desetaka majica koje biraju iz, zajedno sa trakama za glavom, Shot naočale, Akcijske figure, i replike pojasevi. Bilo je predmeta na displeju, kao što su Hulk-ovi prsten istrošeni remeni, Autentični RIC Flair haljina, i par Andre divovske hrvanje mrlje. Tokom jednog od mojih razgovora sa Hulkovim prijateljem i poslovnim partnerom, Ron, Pitao je želim li fotografirati da držim nekoliko pojaseva koji se nose. Prvo moram držati NWO pojas koji se oslikavao u spreju, što je bilo neverovatno. Ali ono što je izveo pored mi je skoro zakopkao koljena. Bio je to autentičan pojas koji je Hulk nosio na prstenu na Wrestlemaniju III kada je borio Andre Giant. Real-Life pojas s možda najvećih utakmica svih vremena odmarali su mi na ramenu. Pokušao sam napraviti teško lice za fotografiju, Ali nisam se mogao odoljeti porugu da razbijem osmijeh koji se snalazi kao što sam držao ovaj ikonski komad djetinjstva.

Konačno sam vidio zlatnu priliku za svoju dugoočekujuću sliku za fotografiju s otvaranjem Hogan-ovog hangout baru i tjednih noći karaoke. Moja poseta planirana je za mart 14, 2022, I bio sam spreman impresionirati Hulkstera da li će moja verzija sir mix-a-loto klasične "bebe dobiti natrag". Stigao sam rano da dobijem dobro mjesto u baru, I imao sam još jedan as u rukavu. Doneo sam repliku gromove groma koji je nosio u Rockyju III. Nije bilo šanse da bih mogao otići bez fotografije.

Nakon sastanka i razgovora s dugogodišnjim WWE / WCW menadžerom i Hulkovom ličnom prijatelju, Jimmy Hart, Opet sam zauzeo mesto u baru i čekao sa uzbuđenim iščekivanjem kao i ja kad sam bio dijete koji je čekao njegov ulaz na Spectrum Filadelfije. Obično dolaze između 8:15-8:20, Hulk nije stigao do posle 8:30 I dok je i dalje napravio ulaz, Bilo je malo prigušeno. Potom je uzeo mikrofon i najavio da je upravo primio telefonski poziv da su mu prijatelji i NWO partner Scott Hall preminuli nekoliko minuta prije nego što su uklonili iz životne podrške nakon srčanog udara. Hulk je potom pošalio rud pića u cijelom baru, tako da bismo svi mogli dijeliti zdravicu.

Nakon toga, Karaoke je započeo. Nije bilo odbora za vidjeti ko je bio zakazan u redu i nestrpljivo sam čekao da čujem svoje ime. Čuo sam da su drugi poslali DJ-u Venmo mito da bi se osiguralo da su pozvani. Bilo je prekasno za tu rutu. Nisam mogao pomisliti da odlazim bez da dobijem tu fotografiju. Ne samo da bih se nemilosrdno pobrinuo, Ali također sam znao stvarnost strogova da profesionalni hrvanje poprima tijelo. Scott Hall je upravo preminuo tog dana. Drugi vole Roddy Piper, Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior, i Curt Henning je svi umro mladi. Nisam mogao rizikovati da čekam još jednu godinu. Manevrirao sam se prema prednjoj strani, kao da sam se navigačio za toalet, I našao sam savršeno mjesto u kojem bi Hulk prešao iz izlaska. Dok se spremao za odlazak, Vidio me je i dao "yo thundelips. Veliki ogrtač, Brat!"Komentar. U tom trenutku, Nisam bio 45-godišnji izvršni direktor osiguranja. Opet sam bio 10 godina star, A moj omiljeni hrvač me zvao. Produžio sam ruku, I on je prihvatio. Znajući da sam imao samo sekundu, Imao sam kameru na sebi i dobio sam svoju fotografiju.

Nekoliko sedmica prije mog 2023 Clearwater izlet, Video sam da Hulk radi potpisivanje u njegovu trgovinu na plaži na dan kada sam trebao stići. Imao sam jutarnji let i ako je sve prošlo dobro, Za razliku od šestosatnog odlaganja prethodne godine zbog curenja goriva, Mogao bih dobiti fotografiju i potpis. Kupio sam izgled kartu i molio se za kašnjenja. Nakon dolaska bez problema, Zauzeo sam mesto u redu koji je bio otprilike dva sata čekanja. Zašto tako dugo?  Jer Hulk je htio potrajati nekoliko trenutaka sa svima. Kad je bio moj red, Predstavljao sam se kao "Tony Tornado" iz Filadelfije. Odgovorio je "yo tony tornado!  Šta ima, brat?"Pitao je da li sam hrvač i odgovorio da nisam hrvač, već bokser. Bacio je ruke govoreći, "Ne udari me, brat!"Zahvalio sam mu što je moje detinjstvo poseban, posebno taj prvi hrhlemania sa mojim ocem, I za mene je potpisao tenktop Crvenog Hulkamania. Rekao sam mu da ću ga vidjeti u ponedeljak uveče za karaoke.

Za razliku od prethodne godine, Imali su elektroničku ploču u kojoj ste mogli vidjeti gdje ste bili u redu. Stigao sam s nekim prijateljima i slao se u svoju pjesmu, osim što su stavili vremenske ograničenja od četiri minute, vjerovatno jer prethodne godine, Ljudi su birali pjesme poput "stubište do neba" i "Rappers Delight" (kratka verzija) To su bili dugotrajni izbori za pjesmu i nisu dali drugima njihovu priliku. Sa mojom pjesmom potpisom sa knjige, Odlučio sam se za pokretanje klasičnog DMC-a "To je škakljivo" otkad su nastupili u Wrestlemania V. ukrašeni u mojim grmljavinskim kapicom i bijelim fedorama s odgovarajućim crvenim perjama i čekajući ulaz Hulka, Moj prijatelj je ukazao na dasku za redak za pjesmu koji pokazuje da sam drugi za pjevanje. Kad je konačno uneo nekoliko minuta nakon mojih performansi, vidio je rta i fedoru i bumnu "Tony Tornado!  Da li pevaš, Brat?"Rekla sam mu da sam već pjevao i odgovorio je da dođe do pozornice jer je želio fotografiju sa mnom. Da sam na oblaku 9 prethodne godine, To ga je potpuno izbacilo iz vode. Nekoliko mojih prijatelja takođe je pjevao i tostirali smo nekoliko snimaka u proslavi, Pomak koji sam požalio kasnije, kao što je sljedećeg dana mamurluk nije bio ugodan.

Pjevao sam još jednom u Hogan's Hangout 2024. godine. Kasno sam stigao u bistroću plažu i vidio neke prijatelje u baru kako bi Hulk upravo stigao. Pridružio sam im se i razmišljao da li bih pjevao ili ne. Jednom legendarni glavni ligaški bacač Roger Clemens i njegov sin Kody zabavljao se s Toby Keith Tribute Song, Odlučio sam da stavim svoje ime. Ovog puta me pustili da otpjevam svoje prilagođavanje i uspio sam uzeti samoumirku sa Hulkom dok sam usred mog lirskog divlja ili sir mix-a-lotove klasične melodije.

Kako se noć srušila, Imao sam trenutak da razgovaram sa sinom, Nick. Pokazao sam sliku iz kamenitih rokovitih trka iz prethodne godine, gdje sam završio 5k na ispručenom gležnju u cijelom grmljavinskom kostimu, uključujući kostim mišićnog odijela, Fedora, rt, Snaga kompresije pojavele su se da bi izgledale poput hrvanje čizme sa resilicama, i nošenje prvenstvenog pojasa. Nick mi je uzeo telefon i pokazao ga svom ocu koji me pogledao i rekao "da si ušao u to?  Lijep posao, Brat!"To je bila sinoć kad sam lično vidio Hulk Hogan.

Uvek kažu da je imitacija najiskreniji oblik lajkova. Imitirao sam Hulk Hogan za preko 40 godina sada, da li je pukirao ruku na uho i pozirao dok sam na kameru na igrama Phillies, preljev kao Hulk za naš rad Halloween Party i donosi i dodatnu majicu samo tako da bih mogao imitirati njegovu kidanje košulje tokom mog ulaza parade, radeći stjenovita trka odjevena kao gromova, dok je kapitaling ekipa pod nazivom "Ultimate mesne okruglice", ili radeći Hulk Hogan promo dok prodaje božićna drveća.

Svake godine sam izgradio tradiciju sa mojim nećacima koji su im kupili Hulk Hogan majice. Kupio sam Dominic svoju prvu košulju, klasična žuta, kad je bio samo godinu dana u 2018. godini. Kad se moj nećak matteo rodio tri mjeseca rano, Bio sam u Clearwater-u. Sledećeg dana sam otišao u radnju i kupio mu bračnicu Hulkamania. Kad je konačno mogao doći kući nakon nekoliko mjeseci u Niku, Njegovi su ga roditelji obukli u to izlazeći iz bolnice. Prvo je vratio svoj prvi Hulk Hogan Superman u životu. Ove godine, Ponovo sam kupio naše odgovarajuće majice, a mlada dama koja je vodila registar pamtila me i moja tradicija sa dječacima. Nadarila ih je oba kostimu brkove. Kad sam im dao majicu i brkove, Bili su toliko uzbuđeni da preuzmu svoje slike. Matteo je čak zaspao u automobilu koji nosi košulju i brkove. Osjećao sam se kao najslađi stric na svijetu. Zbog Hulk Hogana, Uspio sam dati ova dva mala dječaka tradiciju da se mogu veseliti.

Prošlog četvrtka, Vijest o naglim prolazinjem Hulka Hogana poslali su šok kroz hrvanje i zabavne zajednice. Bilo je glasina o ozbiljnim borbama za zdravlje nakon operacije fuzije grlića materice. Neki su izveštaji imali njega na smrtnoj postelji i drugi su rekli da više ne može govoriti. Izveštaj iz Jimmyja Hart izašao je u četvrtak ujutro da su izveštaji pretjerani, i Hulk se oporavljao, sporije od očekivanog, Ali i dalje se oporavlja. Nekoliko sati kasnije, Vijest su provalile da ga nema nakon patnje srčanog hapšenja u njegovom prebivalištu.

Upravo sam završio sastanak na poslu kad sam vidio direktnu poruku prijatelja iz kojeg kaže "Hulk je umro!"Sa TMZ vezom. Prije nego što bih mogao čak kliknuti na vezu, Imao sam još jednu poruku, onda tekst, Kao što je sve premješteno u zamućenju. Ovo je bio Hulk Hogan. Zasigurno, Proći bi još jednom na broju dva, Uključite i buljite kako se spustite. Nažalost, Bilo je istina, A naš voljeni Hulk Hogan nije više otišao. U teretanu sam stigao nakon posla te večeri i završio sam zadnji krug na teškim torbim sa Hoganovom melodom za potpis "Real American" prikovana kroz moje slušalice. Uskoro, Video sam prijatelja i obostranog hrvačkog ventilatora. Dijelili smo svoju nevjeru, I izgovorio je neku odvratnost kod ljudi na društvenim medijima koji slave njegovu smrt. Kao što smo razgovarali, Realnost je počela udarati nas oboje i tamo smo stajali kao dvoje odraslih odraslih, Jedan dimnjak i jedan bokser, Oboje zadržavaju suze.

Za istinski memoriziranje Hulk Hogana, Takođe se morate zapamtiti da je bio pravo ljudsko biće. Terry Bollea imala je greške i pogrešile. Optužen je da je igrao politiku uhapsiti i zadržati druge hrvače. U njegovom domu bio je Rant koji je uhvatio rasnu slugu da je možda rekao u ljutnji. Ono što je nedavno povrijedilo svoju popularnost s mnogim ljudima bila je podrška polarizacijskog političkog kandidata. Mnogi ljudi koji su bili navijači nikada mu nisu oprostili za rasnu slugu, a drugi su ga okrenuli za njegovu političku pripadnost.

Za mene se sjećam Hulka Hogana, hrvač, i Terry Bollea, čovjek, Prihvaćam činjenicu da smo svi ljudi, I svi imamo greške. Mnogi koji rade u bilo kojem poslu mogu se optužiti za korištenje Clout-a i tračeva na daljnju karijeru, zadržavajući kolege. U onome što je pretpostavljena samostalnost našeg doma, Mnogi od nas su rekli stvari koje bi se mogle smatrati rasistima, seksista, ili homofobično. Mnogo puta, Te riječi se govore u ljutnju, a ne istinski odraz nečijih istinskih osjećaja. S obzirom na političke kandidate, To je vrlo klizavo nagib u ovoj podijeljenoj kulturi. Ali, Dio slobode u kojima uživamo je pravo glasa kako želimo i podržati bilo koji politički kandidat koji odaberemo. Slijepo mrziti osobu, posebno osoba koju nikad niste upoznali, isključivo iz političkih razloga, prikazuje uski pogled na svijet. Možete se složiti sa svojim stavom, ali još uvijek možete uživati ​​u njihovom obliku zabave.

Sjetit ću se da je Terry Bollea imao greške. Bio je ljudski poput nas ostalih. Ali ja ću se sjetiti i dobrog kojeg je doveo u svijet. Revolucionirao je hrvanje industrije baš kao što je Babe Ruth učinio za bejzbol. Bez Hulk Hogana, Bružilac za hrvanje 80-ih nikada ne bi došlo do toga. Vizija Vince McMahona Global Federacije vjerovatno bi propala. Bez Hulk Hogana, Ne bi bilo hrvatskog, Nema u ponedeljak uveče ratove, nema stijene, Nema kamena hladnoća, Ne John Cena, osim izgradnje te fondacije, Sjetit ću se i dobrog kojeg je doveo u svijet. Posjetio je bolesnu djecu do posljednje sedmice. Inspirisao je djecu da rade, trenirati, izgovoriti njihove molitve, i uzmi njihove vitamine. Najvažnije, Natjerao si da se osjećaš dobro u sebi. Natjerao si da vjerujete u nešto veće od života. Stvarno je bio "babe ruth hrvanja". Prije nego što je decenije i bejzbol došlo do bejzbola i bebeball-a i bejzbol. Igrači su brži, jači, i bolje uvjetovano. Ali još uvijek postoji samo jedna baba ruth. Baš kao u hrvanju. Bila je hrvanje prije Hulka Hogana i današnjih hrstava su akrobatski i atletičniji. Ali još uvijek postoji i uvijek će biti samo jedan Hulk Hogan.

Nakon što je Hulk prošao prošle sedmice, Jedna od stvari koja me je najteže udarila bila je misao da neke tradicije koje sam izgradio posljednjih nekoliko godina više ne bi nastavili. Trebalo mi je nekoliko dana, Ali odlučio sam da ću nastaviti donovati gromovito ruhanje za kamenito trčanje, Slično mi mojoj prijateljici koji nastavlja počast pokojnom Burtu mladom i njegovom paulik liku tokom njegovog učešća. I dalje planiram da imitacije Hulka Hogana radim dok sam na drvetu dok pokušavam da zabavim naše kupce. Najvažnije, Želim zadržati svoju godišnju tradiciju s Dominicom i matteom. Indikacije su da će njegova prodavnica na Clearwater Beach ostati otvorena i, sve dok jeste, Nastavit ću tu posebnu tradiciju kupovine američkih košulja i fotografiranje nas pozira.

Terry Bollea može biti nestalo. Ja vjerujem u Boga i zagrobni život. Vjerujem da je Terry oprošten, A sada boravi u raju. Dok je Terry Bollea možda nestao, Legenda o Hulku Hoganu sada će živjeti i zauvijek. Heroji se sećaju, ali legende nikada ne umiru. I Hulkamania će živjeti zauvijek.

Hulk Hogan, Želio bih vam zahvaliti. Hvala vam što ste doveli radost mojem djetinjstvu. Hvala vam što ste mi dali snagu da se izbacim iz svoje ljuske i sklapam prijatelje u mojoj novoj školi. Hvala što ste me natjerali da vjerujem u moć treninga, molitve, i vitamini. Hvala vam što ste htjeli vjerovati da smrtnik može zaista biti superheroj. Hvala što ste mi pokazali da može biti cool biti loš. Hvala vam što ste mi dali nešto da podijelite sa mojim nećacima. Hvala na ljubaznošću kada sam napokon moram upoznati. I najviše od svega, Hvala vam što ste unijeli Hulkamaniniju u moj život. Počivaj u miru!

TRIBUTE TO DR. KEN “DOC” COX

Po: Tony Penecale

Lock Haven Boxing

klasa 1998

Doktor. Ken “Doc” Cox was a legend of a man. He was a teacher, a coach, a mentor, a confidant, and a friend. He passed away on February 5, 2022 u dobi od 88 godina star, leaving a void in the hearts of all who knew him and loved him.

I’ve pondered over the last 24 hours how we are going to navigate through a world without Dr. Cox, aka “Doc”, a man who coached us, taught us, pushed us, and mentored us. He was a man that could light up a room and command attention. He could leave you hanging on every word as he shared life experiences or he could have you rolling on the floor, laughing until it physically hurt.

While his passing last night was not unexpected, it still hurt with the force of a thousand sledgehammers. I know I will likely break down and sob or flat out cry several times while I am writing this piece. There is definitely crying in boxing and tonight the Lock Haven Boxing and our extended collegiate boxing families are all in mourning.

Doktor. Cox came into my life in 1994 when I was a freshman at Lock Haven University. I decided to go to Lock Haven, in truth it was my only choice, because I had become so enamored with the dream of boxing. When I found out that Lock Haven had a nationally-ranked team with a well-known coach, I set my heart on attending.

When I arrived on campus that fall semester, my first point of business was to seek out and meet Dr. Cox, armed with a list of excited questions. He agreed to meet with me a few weeks before he held the open meeting for prospective team members. I walked into the building where his academic office was located and it was then I saw a rotund man with white hair and a big smile on his round face walking towards me. I’m not sure who he was but it certainly couldn’t be this legendary coach. It was then he walked up to me and, in a voice that is so often imitated, he introduced himself. I did not realize then that I had just met a man who would so positively influence my life.

To know “Doc” was a true blessing in life. He could make you laugh or make you angry. He would call you out and put you on the spot. Being a professor, he valued education and he enforced that his student athletes, boxers at the time, and wrestlers before that, focused on their education. He would, without hesitation, withhold a competitor from a show or tournament if they were not keeping up with their academics.

He knew when to push you and exactly what buttons to push. He would bring the Lock Haven boxers to Rockview St. Penitentiary to train and spar with the inmates. The first time he brought me along, I was getting bullied and beaten up by an older and more experienced inmate. I was afraid and I kept looking over at him, in a way hoping that he would stop the sparring session. But he looked back and his eyes calmed me and I knew to throw a counter punch out of the corner. Dr. Cox believed in me at that moment when I didn’t believe in myself. A few years later, after me appointed me President of the Lock Haven Boxing Club, he asked me to submit the paperwork on which of his boxers he was selecting to compete in an upcoming show in New York. He also knew that I would see those papers so he wrote on there that I was “not nearly as talented” as another boxer on the roster. While we never spoke of it, he knew that he would ignite a fire in me to overcome my lack of natural ability through dedication and determination. It was just one of his many methods of motivation. As he would often say, he was “using a negative stimulus to produce a positive result.”

In essence, Doktor. Cox was a giver. He shared his knowledge, his experience, i najvažnije, his time to mold young men and women into competitive student athletes and decent human beings. He shared his family with us, including his wife Glenda, who was the driver (“the pilot”) of so many of our road trips. Those road trips, whether they were 45 minutes to Penn St. or several hours to Annapolis, were always entertaining life lessons. We were never allowed to sleep on those trips as “Doc” found this was the perfect time for education. He would discuss whatever topic hit his mind and they often came from left field. Those trips were never boring.

Doktor. Cox always implored us to give back to the sport that gave us so much. He encouraged his student boxers to go into coaching and officiating, often allowing us to assist him in working the corner of one of our teammates, or setting up seminars so we could get our certification. He would, without question, gladly write a recommendation for a job or internship. He asked me to sit in his office while he wrote a letter of recommendation for me. He educated me on how to effectively communicate through the written word and focused on using “power” and “impact” words that would command attention and respect. He was always willing to be listed as a job reference because he wanted to see those who had trained and mentored become successful in life.

Since yesterday, I have been thinking a lot about my favorite “Doc” stories, the ones that I tell the most often. Of course, you can’t tell a Doc story without imitating his voice and mannerisms. Every year, when the LHU boxing alumni would gather for the annual boxing homeshow and after party, we would all tell our favorite stories while doing the Doc imitation. Sadly, the next time we gather will be for his funeral. This is a way for me to cope with his death and smile through the tears. These are in no particular order. For the most part, I will avoid using any names in the event someone doesn’t want to be called out.

  • First Roadtrip and “Barnyard Beef” – My first roadtrip with Doc and the LHU team was October 1994 to the US Naval Academy. It was the annual season kickoff meeting and a round of sparring sessions with boxers from Navy, VMI, Lock Haven, Shippensburg, and Mansfield. It was a relatively uneventful day except for one of the Haven’s novice boxers had taken a few solid punches and was now complaining how bad his jaw hurt. On our way home, we were expecting to make a quick dinner stop, likely a McDonalds, until Doc spotted a little shack-looking place on the side of the road called “Barnyard Beef.” Once he saw it, he implored Glenda to cut off the driver in the right lane so we could pull over as he boomed “Hun Hun… That’s where we need to stop. It’s called Barnyard Beef. It has to be good!” He gave us all a few dollars to order and we all went with roast beef sandwiches with Doc getting an extra-large selection which looked to be about as big as the moon. Our sulking boxer implored that his jaw was too sore to chew so he opted for a cup of soup. Doc took the first bite of his gigantic roast beef sandwich and rolled his eyes in delight “Oh My GodThis is the BEST roast beef sandwich ever” and looking over at his lone soup-eating boxer, he followed with “You gotta get one of theseForget about your jaw! Stop being such a pansy and get one!"
  • Mad in the Corner – As mentioned, Doc wanted to give his student boxers opportunities to learn to coach. There was a December card at Penn State my sophomore year where I and another teammate had our bouts canceled when our opponents from Buffalo were snowed in. Doc saw an opportunity to have us help in the corners with each of us taking two bouts and he would allow you to get in the ring and give the instructions. The first bout I worked with him was a clear Lock Haven victory. The second bout I worked with him did not go so well. The Lock Haven boxer was not doing well and certainly not up to his potential. Through the first round, I could tell Doc was getting angry. As the bell rang, he snarled “Let me have the ring” which was never a good thing. As I sat there, I made a vow that situation would never happen to me. Fast forward two months later, I am competing in that same PSU ring against a very sloppy and awkward opponent and the first round was going poorly, very poorly. The bell rung to end the first round and, as I started walking back to my corner, I saw Doc getting in the ring with a wild and angered look in his eyes. I almost considered walking to my opponent’s corner and asking if I could stay there for the next minute because I knew my corner was not going to be a fun place to be. In a crazy way, Doc’s unleashing on me actually forced me to refocus and allowed me to come back to win that one.
  • President’s Dinner – At the end of every year, the president of the university would have a dinner for the boxing team. As Doc had retired as a professor in 1996, they decided that year that the dinner would not just be for the current team but also for some selected alumni. After the boxing nationals had ended in April, Doc was flying to Fiji for a few weeks to participate in a boxing seminar. He was scheduled to return only a day before the dinner banquet. We were waiting for him at the gym so we could travel to the dinner as a team. When Doc walked through the doors, our collective jaws hit the floor. He was wearing a suit jacket and tie and a traditional Fijian sulu. In our eyes, he was wearing something that resembled a skirt. He just smiled back and said “These are so comfortable. I think I am going to start wearing them more often.” To say his attire was the talk of the dinner was an understatement for sure.
  • Pork & Beans – One of Doc’s defining characteristics in life was his generosity and willingness to help others. He had a close relationship with the local Salvation Army and every year, he would set up a day for the boxing team to ring the bells for the Salvation Army kettle. When Doc found out that one of his boxers was struggling financially and unable to afford food, he worked out a deal with the Salvation Army where they would donate some food for him. We were loading a box of groceries donated when this boxer who came from a Muslim family looked at the one item and declined it as it included pork. Doc picked up the can and said “Are you sureHow can you tell?” to which he was informed that it was a can of Pork & Beans. He pondered for a moment simply said “Hmmm… You know I never knew that had pork in it?"
  • Don’t Eat the Pizza – We were traveling to New York for the annual show at the New York Athletic Center a few days before Thanksgiving. This was a rare show with the weigh-in the day before the show and the whole ride to Manhattan, Doc was talking about how we were going out to eat after the weigh-in. Since it was my first year competing on the NYAC show, he allowed me to choose the ethnic food we would be indulging in later. Of course, I picked Italian. Doc had one more very important piece of advice. After the weigh-in, there would be pizzas there. Even though we were all hungry from making weight for the show, he advised that we do not eat the pizza because we were going out to dinner. The three Lock Haven boxers made weight and, after changing, we walked over to find Doc eating his third slice of pizza. A short while later, we are seated at the famed Luna’s restaurant in Little Italy and Doc is complaining that he shouldn’t have eaten that pizza and he was too full to order a meal. The legendary Dr. Cox, the man who stories recount ate so much Chinese Food the year before, was reduced to ordering a side salad. As we were eating and laughing, Coach Ken Cooper made an astute observation. Doc had finished his salad and was now eating from his wife’s plate, all the while mentioning how he wasn’t hungry. Not missing a beat, Doc proceeded to take the extra meatballs from the one boxer’s meal.
  • Cigars and Vodka –This is one that I didn’t get to witness personally but he told it so often that I felt like I was there. As a highly-respected wrestling coach, Doc was often invited to wrestling seminars in Russia where that sport is God-like. Doc was often the recipient of many bottles of the finest Russian vodka. He would attend boxing seminars in Cuba. Before flipping truck tires became a trendy thing in most fitness centers, Doc borrowed the Cuban method and would have his fighters bounce on truck tires to increase leg strength and conditioning. He also came home from many of these trips with some authentic Cuban cigars. He would tell us how he would then go to the store and buy the cheapest cigars and vodka, only to switch the labels. He would then imitate those smoking the cheap cigars and drinking the cheap vodka thinking they were consuming the real goods. He would pantomime their sipping of the vodka and slow puffing of the cigars while commenting “how you can really taste the difference”, his whole time cackling at the knowledge that he knew they were really gushing over the lowest quality of both items.
  • Weight – It’s no secret, Doc wanted his boxers to compete in different weight classes. He also always envisioned a dominant heavyweight on his team and he would workout football players or wrestlers who had exhausted their eligibility in those respective sports. At the beginning of each school year, I would show up around 190-195 and Doc would envision me being his solution at heavyweight, despite the fact that I didn’t have the height, and once I started conditioning, the weight to sustain it. I still remember those conversations. “Ok Penecale, you weighed in at 185 for last week’s bout. What did you weigh today?” I would respond with “182” and he would shoot back “Ok, ove nedelje, I am going to put you in with a ‘small’ heavyweight.” When he meant “small”, it was usually anyone under 235 and I would show up to weigh-ins with rocks in my pockets. Then one day, only a few days before regionals, he decided to try another avenue. I had been between 178-180 and fully expecting to compete at 180 in the regionals when he asked “Do you think you can make 165 by Friday?” It was already Tuesday afternoon. He felt that was my best path to the National tournament so I agreed. In spring 1997, between January 30 i april 12, Doc had me compete in five separate weight classes.
  • My last homeshow – Fitting that this anniversary is tomorrow (Februar 7) and I will be posting the Youtube video like I do every year. The homeshow was always a big event and Doc would want everything to be perfect. As Coach Coop would say to us, Doc would be very impatient or as so eloquently described “he would be a bear with a sore ass.” The last thing you wanted to do was annoy Doc before, za vrijeme, or after the homeshow. My senior year, I was taking on a boxer from Army by the name of Michael Jordan. My friends and roommates showed up with custom signs and shirts and they were seated in the bleachers close to my corner. Earlier in the card, when I was getting changed, a boxer from Kentucky had knocked out an opponent from Penn State and drew the crowd’s ire by jumping on the ropes and showboating. I was unaware of this, so as the emotion hit me at the final bell, I banged my gloves and started a run to my corner to jump on the ropes and salute my cheering section. Doc read my mind and sternly said “NO!” which forced my momentum into an awkward gallop, looking like a bucking bronco that was just hit with a cattle prod.

The last two days have been emotional and difficult, from finding out that Doc was soon-to-be transitioning to the crushing news of his passing. Being an admin on the LHU Boxing Facebook page, one of the abilities is to approve posts. I saw so many posts submitted for approval from friends, porodica, fellow alumni including so many photos. It was nearly impossible not to break down.

Doktor. Cox was a coach, an educator, a mentor, and a friend. As I first said in the post after his passing, he taught me so many lessons in and out of the ring. He believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. He pushed me to be better, a better boxer, a better student, a better son, a better friend, and a better human. Those life lessons still impact me every day and I find myself sharing them often.

Coach Cooper added in his tributeHe who is in the hearts of so many is never truly gone”.  That is a true statement. Dr. Cox will live on through the positive impact that he has made through so many of his students, sportaša, porodica, i prijatelji.

You will certainly be missed, Doktor. Cox. Thank you and We Love You!!!

Tornado goes to the movies: rocky iV remastered review

po: Tony “the Tornado” Penecale (iznad)

Here is my review of the Rocky vs Drago movie plus a photo with the movie poster. Guess who walked out with it!

So I went to see the Rocky vs Drago Director’s Cut film last night.


Here are 2 spoilers that shouldn’t be spoilers. Apollo still dies and Rocky still wins.


So the movie had approximately 40 minutes of new footage. It also kept approximately the same run time so with 40 minutes of new footage, there is nearly 40 minutes of omitted footage.


Now for some spoilers. If you don’t want anything spoiled, I suggest you stop reading here.


There were two shots that I really hoped would have been edited out for this film but somehow still made it in. I’ll get to them later.


So I’ll breakdown some of the changes/additions/omissions and give my thoughts.


1) New opening. Usually, it starts with the ROCKY title scrolling across the bottom to one of the series signature songs. Then it breaks into the last round of the previous movie. This movie starts with various clips from Rocky 3 including Rocky’s loss to Clubber Lang, Apollo talking him out of retiring, and the climatic fight scene. It completely omits the Rocky and Apollo sparring session. I was not a fan of the new opening. I am used to the normal movie openings that last 2-3 minutes and set the stage for the new installment. I wasn’t a fan of the song they usedSweetest Victorywhich is on the Rocky IV soundtrack but never used in the original.


2) No robot. While this was seen as a cross between corny and creepy (Paulie’s girlfriend?), the omission of the robot, likely due to licensing agreements, meant that many scenes with Paulie or Rocky Jr had to be cut including Paulie’s birthday scene.


3) The new Drago introduction press conference explains that they tried to arrange a fight with Rocky. I thought that was good but they cut out Drago’s wife comparing him to Popeye eating spinach. Zapravo, a lot of Brigitte Nielsen’s dialogue was cut. Could it be because of herrockyrelationship with Stallone?


4) The reasoning for Apollo to take the fight was improved. Da, he still shows up out of nowhere and part of the table scene had to be cut (no robot, remember) but they talked about how Rocky ignored the challenge and Apollo feeling the need to take it.


5) I thought the omission of the whole pre-fight dressing room scene with Rocky and Apollo was a mistake. Not only does it cut one of my favorite linesI didn’t say anything about snails, I said Nails N-N-Nailsbut it shows Apollo’s overconfidence and Rocky’s trepidation. The only part of the original dressing room scene that is preposterous is where Rocky was trying to convince Apollo to postpone. Seriously, who postpones 5 minutes before they are scheduled to walk to the ring?


6) The Creed-Drago fight was greatly improved. Except for the one shot they left in from the original where Apollo is clearly not wearing gloves. They missed that edit the first time. How did they miss it again? The fight was extended and Apollo got up after an early knockdown and kept trying to fight back.


7) Apollo’s funeral was extended and improved with his father-figure Duke giving a speech and Rocky giving a more emotional speech.


8) The scene with the boxing commission not sanctioning the fight between Rocky and Drago was included as it was shown in the original 1985 trailer but cut from that movie.


9) The scene of Rocky talking to his son before leaving was extended and improved.


10) The training montages were slightly changed and some edits to the scenes in Russia.


11) The final fight was still enjoyable. There were some added elements to it.


12) Two of the better movie speeches were changed to voiceovers. Apollo in the dressing room telling Rocky he would understand when it was over was changed to voiceover in Rocky’s head. The epic speech to Adrian where he said Drago would have to kill him to beat him was also changed to an inner-monologue voiceover. I definitely think that was a mistake because it takes the charm away from seeing the facial expressions of Apollo and Rocky respectively as they said those lines.


13) The moment before the final round when Drago’s manager ran from his balcony seat with the Kremlin to berate Drago in his corner. I was hoping that if any scene was cut, it would be that one. I would rather there be a scene of Paulie marrying the robot and announcing she was pregnant than this scene. I hated it in 1985 (kada sam bio 9 godina star) and I hate it now. There is 60 seconds between rounds of a boxing match. This man ran from the balcony, through the crowd, got to Drago’s corner, and berated him in less than one minute. Drago, for having endured 14 punishing rounds, is able to stand up and lift him with one arm before dropping him off the apron. Talk about taking some serious liberties.


14) The fight end. You get used to the way a Rocky fight ends. He scores the big knockdown, his opponent struggles to get up, and ultimately falls back down as the count reaches 10. This one, Drago goes down, makes a move to get back up, a falls flat. The referee stops with no count at all. I also hated Rocky’s leap at the end. In the original, he was lifted in the air as he stood there exhausted by triumphant. This one looks like he is able to do a leaping swan dive into a pool.


15) The speech is different. He couldn’t reference his kid because showing him would show the robot. I was glad in a way they cut the scenes of the kids watching the fight. It always posed some serious questions to me. If Rocky, Adrian, and Paulie were all in Russia, who was watching the 9 year old kid? The robot? Who is going to let an unsupervised 9 year old watch a fight where there is a fear that his father could be killed? The part of the speech that was comical was Rocky’s talk about change. He mentioned his friend (Apollo) couldn’t change and now he’s dead. Wow. Way to perk up the crowd there, Rock!


Overall it was enjoyable. The changed scenes and alternate takes threw off the cadence so you were in truth watching a new movie. There were a lot of scenes in this film that I prefer to the original (the extended Creed-Drago fight, the extended funeral, Rocky meeting with the commission). There were some scenes that I think should have been kept (Rocky and Apollo in the dressing room, Gđa. Drago talking about her husband, itd). There were a few things that I definitely prefer the original, most notably the superior intro scrolling logo/final round of previous movie scene.


So in my conclusion, there needs to be a Director’s Cut of the Director’s Cut and combine the best of the original and the best of the new version.


We can call this oneRocky IV Take III: The Tornado Cut


Tornado 🌪

Two-Division World Champion Michael Spinks Confirmed for Sixth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco de Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, u Las Vegasu

BOX FAN EXPO – the Largest Boxing Fan Event held in the U.S

the Ultimate Boxing Fan Experience



Tickets On-Sale Now at EventBrite

Za Immediate Release


Las Vegas (Februar 20, 2020) – Two-division world champion Michael Spinks has confirmed that he will appear at the sixth annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday, Maj 2, 2020, at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas from 10 sati. u 5 poslije podne.


Spinks will hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at his booth during the fan event held over the Cinco De Mayo weekend.

Fan Expo iz Expo-a je godišnji ventilator koji se poklapa sa nekim od sportova’ legendaran, Klasične borbe u Las Vegasu, uključujući Mayweather VS. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. Gigg II, and Canelo vs. Jacobs. Centered in boxing’s longtime home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, Sa desetak profesionalnih boraca, promoteri, i kompanije koje su uključene u industriju boksa. Expo je najveći i jedini bokserski ventilator koji se održava u Sjedinjenim Državama. http://boxfanexpo.com– @Boxfanexpo


Karte za Box Fan Expo su dostupne online na:
https://bitly.com/BoxingExpo2020

Spinks will make his second appearance at this yearsExpo and will be signing gloves, fotografije, lični predmeti i memorabilia. Spinks will also have merchandise on sale at his booth, and fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing legend also known asJinx.


About Michael Spinks
Spinks is a two-division world champion, having held the undisputed light heavyweight title from 1983 u 1985, and the lineal heavyweight title from 1985 u 1988. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994. As an amateur he won a gold medal in the middleweight division at the 1976 Ljetne olimpijske igre.


Spinks is the brother of former world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks, and uncle of Cory Spinks, a former welterweight and light middleweight champion.
Spinks went undefeated in his first 31 profesionalne borbe, beating such opponents as Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Marvin Johnson and Eddie Davis en route to becoming the undisputed light heavyweight champion. Following ten successful title defenses, Spinks moved up to heavyweight, and as an underdog defeated long-reigning IBF heavyweight champion Larry Holmes; u tome, Spinks became the first reigning light heavyweight world champion to win the heavyweight title. Spinks only defeat in his professional career came to the hands of Mike Tyson on June 27, 1988. The International Boxing Research Organization and BoxRec rank Spinks among the ten greatest light heavyweights of all time.


O BOX FAN EXPO
FAN FAN EXPO je krajnji događaj doživljaj ventilatora boksa, što omogućava navijačima da zadovolje zvijezde boksa koja predstavljaju prošlost, sadašnjost i budućnost sporta. Uz hostirane autograme potpisu, Upoznajte i pozdravite sa trenutnim i bivšim bokserskim svjetskim prvacima, Merchandise ograničenog izdanja na prodaju, pokloni i još mnogo toga, Ovo je krajnji događaj za ljubitelje sporta.


Prošlo bokserske zvijezde koje su učestvovale uključuju: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Andre Ward, Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, David Benavidez, Errol Spence Jr, Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia , Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Majkl & Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Claressa Shields, Teofimo Lopez, Brandon Rios, Jorge Linares, I još mnogo toga.


Izlagači uključuju promotere boksa, prenošenje, odjeća, oprema, Energetska pića, Dopunski proizvodi, radiodifuzni mediji, sankcioniranje tijela, i druge kompanije koje svoju marku prikazuju ventilatorima i industriji boksera u cjelini.


Kroz narednih nekoliko meseci koji vodi do događaja, Bit će tjedno ažuriranja o mnogim zvijezdama koje će počiniti njihov izgled na blagajni.


Ulaznice za izlaganje ventilatora kutije dostupne su u EventBrite –
http://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com/

tony penecale’s Box Fan Expo Ringside report

Po: Tony Penecale

Quick video intro here:

https://www.facebook.com/TornadoTP/videos/10156003723726436/

Last weekend’s middleweight title showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs also featured the annual Box Fan Expo, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The amazing memorabilia on display and live amateur boxing action complemented an array of past and present world champion fighters available for quick meet and greets.

As a lifelong boxing fan, it was a shame that I only had a little over two hours to spend at the event before heading back to the T-Mobile Arena for the start of the undercard bouts. The time I was able to spend was thoroughly enjoyable. The prices were reasonable to meet these fistic legends and have a few moments to talk and take photos. The average $20 -$25 price for a photo op was significantly less than what would have been lost at the casino in a single roulette spin.

James Toney was there in a suit, proving that he can even make plaid look stylish. For a guy known for a surly nature, he was very accommodating and mentioned he will be in Philadelphia for a live show on June 7 and hopes to see me there.

In the booth next over was Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Al Berstein, who I had the privilege of interviewing in 2011. When told of my admiration of his classy work and being a fan since his days with Barry Tompkins on ESPN’s Thursday Night Fights, he was humble and appreciative.

The line to meet Roy Jones Jr. was long but worth the wait. While the time to talk with Roy was short, I was able to mention what an honor it was to meet one of the greatest performers of my generation and how I sat only a few feet from him when he was on the Creed II set.

While the line to meet the legendary Sugar Ray Leonard was exceptionally long, you could see he was truly enjoying himself, flashing that million-dollar smile and doing his famous fists-raised photo op with fans. Unfortunately, with time running short, I did not have the opportunity to meet one of my favorite fighters growing up. I would have loved to have shown him a photo when I was four-years-old, swinging away on the Sugar Ray Leonard punching bag I was given.

A few feet away was one of Sugar Ray’s most-famous rivals, the great Thomas “Hitman” Hearns. While the Hitman has shown some slowing as he has aged, he still proves to be an imposing figure, but he now replaces that fearsome glare with a warm smile.

Also coming up to meet Thomas Hearns was current IBF Super-Featherweight Champion Tevin Farmer, a fellow Philadelphian, who I’ve had the opportunity to watch grow from a 7-4-1 journeyman boxer to a 29-4-1 svjetski prvak.

My visit wouldn’t be complete without stopping to see “The Pazmanian Devil” Vinny Paz, always one of my favorite action fighters and charismatic personalities. Instead of a handshake, he greeted me with a big hug and expressed disappointment that my dad didn’t join me at the expo.

In the short time frame, it was impossible to meet all of the great fighters there including Michael Spinks, Riddick Bowe, Errol Spence, Anthony Dirrell, and Earnie Shavers. With it being Cinco de Mayo weekend, the lines for some of the Mexican legends wrapped around the convention center floor. Mikey Garcia, Marco Antonio Barerra, Erik Morales, and Juan Manuel Marquez all proved to be exceptionally popular. But nothing compared to the roar of the pro-Mexican crowd when the great Julio Cesar Chavez was introduced.

Attending this event was a dream come true and I could only wish I had more time to spend at the event. Everything was so professionally done and those in attendance were beyond accommodating.

Kudos to BOX FAN EXPO for such an exceptional event.

Listen to our radio show episode from earlier this week for more insight from Tony “The Tornado” Penecale about this event.

Full Gallery:

Canelo ALVAREZ VS. Daniel JACOBS ** In-dubina pregled i analizu **



Po: Tony Penecale

The biggest week in boxing is upon us with the annual Cinco de Mayo weekend extravaganza in Las Vegas. The Mexican marquee star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez returns to his home-away-from-home to face the challenge of fellow middleweight titlist, Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs, who is intent on spoiling the homecoming.

Can Canelo sprinkle some extra cinnamon on an explosive victory? Or will it be Jacobs who provides another miracle in his story-book comeback?


AGE, REKORD, I statistika

Alvarez: Starost: 28 godina star
Rekord: 51-1-2 (35 Nokauta)
Visina: 5’9”
Težina: 167 * * Težina za posljednji nastup (12-15-18)
Dostići: 70"


Jacobs: Starost: 32 godina star
Rekord: 35-2 (29 Nokauta)
Visina: 5’11”
Težina: 159 * * Težina za posljednji nastup (10-27-18)
Dostići: 73"


RING DOSTIGNUĆA

Alvarez:
WBC prvak u srednjoj kategoriji Junior (’11-’13)
WBA prvak u srednjoj kategoriji Junior (‘13)
Ring Magazine Junior Middleweight Champion ('13)
WBC prvak u srednjoj kategoriji (’15-Pres)
WBA Middleweight Champion (’18-Pres)
Ring Magazine Middleweight Champion (’18-Pres)
WBA Super Middleweight Champion (’18-Pres)
Ring Magazine Pound-4-Pound #3 Bokser


Jacobs:
WBA Middleweight Champion (’14-‘17)
IBF Middleweight Champion (’18-‘Pres)

STYLE

Alvarez:
Agresivan, physical fighter with underrated boxing skills, Alvarez često nosi protivnike dolje sa stalni pritisak i teške udarce rukom. Will use feints and counters to throw is opponent’s timing off and create openings for a strength-sapping body attack. Carries fight-changing power in both hands but sometimes doesn’t throw enough punches. While he is most known for his offensive skills, Alvarez imaju pristojan, ali nije velika, defanzivne sposobnosti klizanja i blokiranje udaraca.

Jacobs:
A lanky, long-armed boxer with versatile skills who often fights aggressively and is not afraid to exchange punches. Jacobs couples good boxing skills and fundamentals with knockout power in both hands. Will sometimes be too offensive-minded and is susceptible to counter punches. Shows tremendous heart in the face of adversity.








PREDNOSTI

Alvarez:
* Power – Alvarez carries thunder in both fists. He has knockout power in either hand, ali njegov najrazornijih oružje živi u lijevoj hook, especially to the body. He has three knockout-of-the-year candidates in his career.

* Snaga - Alvarez je fizički-sazrevanje i gusto izgrađen borac sa neobjašnjivu snagu. He is effective in backing fighters up, čak i kada nije spustila u ravnini udaraca. He has grown from junior-middleweight and has competed recently at super-middleweight.

* Experience – Alvarez has come a long way during his professional career and has competed against some of the biggest names in boxing. He has been in this moment numerous times and the raucous atmosphere will be second nature to him.


Jacobs:
* Character – Jacobs stood up to and defeated the most daunting adversary of his career when he overcame bone cancer in 2011. His character shows in the ring as he has handled some difficult challenges in his career.

* Power – Jacobs has registered 29 njegovog 35 professional victories via stoppage. He has the power to change the fight with one punch and the killer instinct to finish a wounded opponent.


* Versatile – Jacobs possesses good boxing skills and movement, sometimes switching between orthodox and southpaw stances. If against another aggressive opponent, Jacobs will box on his back foot and seek counter-punching opportunities. He is adept at accelerating the pace when needed.




SLABOSTI

Alvarez:
* Tactical Mistakes – Alvarez has made tactical mistakes in some previous fights, including trying to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. by boxing with him on the outside. In other fights, he has allowed his opponents to control the pace and steal rounds.

* Easy-to-Hit – While his offensive skill is his calling card, Alvarez has a decent defense. When he loses focus or becomes overly aggressive, he is wide open for straight right hands and counter punches.

* Heavy Feet – Alvarez has good boxing ability but is often slow-footed in the ring. When matched against taller fighters with good lateral movement, he frequently struggles, as was the case in his bouts with Austin Trout and Erislandy Lara.


Jacobs:
* Suspect Chin – Jacobs is no stranger to tasting the canvas. He was knocked out in devastating fashion by Dmitry Pirog in his first professional loss. He was also on the canvas against Gennady Golovkin and Sergio Mora.

* Reckless – In his first fight against Mora, Jacobs became overly aggressive after scoring a knockdown and left himself wide open for a counter punch that put him on the canvas. He was also off-balance and reckless again when he had Peter Quillin stunned.

* Atmosphere – Jacobs has fought in Las Vegas before and main-evented in Madison Square Garden. Međutim, this is his first marquee Las Vegas Cinco-de-Mayo weekend extravaganza.



PRETHODNA BOUT

Alvarez: (12/15/18) – Alvarez made a successful super-middleweight debut by destroying the game but overmatched Rocky Fielding in three rounds. Alvarez punished Fielding’s body, postigao četiri knockdowns, and finishing him with his signature left hook to the liver.

Jacobs:
(10/27/18) – Jacobs had a tough encounter with undefeated but unknown Serhiy Derevianchenko, winning a 12-round split decision. Jacobs scored a 1st-round knockdown and landed more punches during the back-and-forth contest.



3 BEST PREDSTAVE

Alvarez:
* James Kirkland (5/9/15) – The fireworks were on display from the opening bell as Kirkland engaged Alvarez with a kamikaze attack. Alvarez countered and scored a 1st-round knockdown and ended the fight in the 3
rd round with a picturesque right hand.

* Liam Smith (9/17/16) – Alvarez methodically broke down the previously-undefeated Smith, controlling the bout from the beginning. Alvarez scored knockdowns in the 7
th i 8th rounds before ending the show with his left hook to the liver in the 9th krug.

* Carlos Baldomir (9/18/10) – Alvarez was a 20-year-old prodigy facing a durable former world champion in Baldomir. Alvarez was successful boxing early and using his advantages in speed and skill to sweep the first five rounds. But it was his display in the 6th that was memorable. Alvarez rocked Baldomir before finally dropping with a left hook, čineći ga bez svesti pre nego što je udario u mat i koji se bave mu samo gubitak zastoja u 16-godišnje karijere.



Jacobs:
* Sergio Mora (9/9/16) – Jacobs wiped away any controversy from their first fight, which ended with Mora injuring his ankle, by dissecting him in the rematch, culminating in an impressive 7
th round TKO. Jacobs scored a knockdown each in the 4th i 5th rounds before opening up and dropping Mora three times in the 7th krug, forcing the stoppage.

* Peter Quillin (12/5/15) – In a battle for Brooklyn Bragging Rights, Jacobs stunned the undefeated and favored Quillin with a 1
st round TKO. Jacobs landed a right hand early, sending Quilling staggering into the ropes. A follow-up flurry sent Quillin across the ring where the referee stopped the fight.

* Caleb Truax (4/24/15) – Jacobs dominated Truax with a masterful performance over 11 kruga, controlling the action with a heavy jab, and wearing his game opponent down. Comfortably ahead going into the final round, Jacobs unloaded on his weakened adversary until the referee saved him from further punishment.




KEYS TO VICTORY

Alvarez:
* Start fast and don’t allow Jacobs to become confident

* Cut off the ring and force Jacobs to fight in confined spaces

* Go to the body early and often



Jacobs:
* Use a stiff jab and lateral movement to keep Alvarez off balance

* Land something to get Alvarez’s respect early

* Do not get reckless







PITANJA

Alvarez:
* Will the move back to middleweight drain Alvarez?

* Is Alvarez overlooking Jacobs?

* Will Alvarez become frustrated if Jacobs uses effective lateral movement?


Jacobs:
* Can Jacobs win a decision in Las Vegas?

* Will Jacobs be able to exploit Alvarez’s tactical shortcomings?

* How will Jacobs handle the pro-Alvarez atmosphere?



PENECALE PREDSKAZANJE

The crowd will be buzzing at the opening bell. Alvarez will move forward, hands up, probing with his jab and trying to set his feet. Jacobs will be moving laterally, pawing a tentative jab and using head feints. The cautious 1
st round will end with Alvarez stepping in and throwing a few hard body shots, causing the partisan crowd to erupt in cheers.

Alvarez will continue to apply pressure in the 2
ND i 3rd rounds with Jacobs working to establish his jab with more authority. Jacobs will land a few heavy jabs to the face with Alvarez countering with right hands over the top. Jacobs will step to his left to avoid Alvarez’s left hook to the body.

The action will continue to intensify through the middle rounds. Jacobs will be following his jab with a straight right hand. Alvarez will be crouching and using his strength on the inside, using overhand rights and hooks to the arms and ribs.

Alvarez will sport some redness around his eyes and Jacobs will show welts across his torso. The pro-Alvarez crowd will gasp as Jacobs lands a series of hard right hands in the 6
th round but will then erupt in the 7th when an exchange of left hooks sees Alvarez land first, sending Jacobs sprawling back to the canvas.

Jacobs will rise and affirm to referee Tony Weeks that he is okay to continue. Alvarez will attack, throwing his left hook to the body and head. Jacobs will stagger back, set his feet, and respond with a right hand and wild left hook. Alvarez will land a counter left hook to the head and Jacobs will clinch, with the bell ending the round.

The crowd will be wild with anticipation going into the 8
th krug, sensing the Alvarez might be closing in on victory. Jacobs will use lateral movement while he clears his head, probing with his jab to keep Alvarez at bay. Alvarez will continue to look for the homerun punch, but Jacobs will stay out of range for the duration.

Throughout the 9
th i 10th kruga, Jacobs will be sufficiently recovered and willing to engage Alvarez, throwing more right hands, and increasing the tempo. Alvarez will land a series of thudding hooks to the body and Jacobs will counter with uppercuts on the inside.

The 11
th round will continue the intense action with both fighters having their moments. Alvarez will become inactive for stretches of the round, allowing Jacobs to again control the pace.

Going into the final round, Jacobs will know that he is in danger with the bout being so close. He will initiate the pressure on Alvarez and there will be some toe-to-toe exchanges. As Alvarez takes a deep breath, Jacobs will successfully back him on his heels with a jab, followed by a straight-right hand. Alvarez will roll with the punch and counter with his own right hand. The crowd will be on its feet as the fighters exchange punches and embrace the final bell.

The decision will be unanimous with Dave Moretti and Glenn Feldman both scoring 115-112 and Steve Weisfeld with a wider margin of 117-110, all in favor of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.


Below you can access this week’s radio show where Tony , “Psihički” Tom Padgett andRabble Rousin'Rich Bergeron discuss the fight.


Listen to “Canelo vs. Jacobs Preview, Lesnar povlači iz MMA, MacDonald pitanja će zadržati povređuje ljude nakon Fitch Draw” on Spreaker.

Fight Talk Unlimited Latest Show

This week on Fight Talk Unlimited we discuss a wide range of topics, beginning with the death of three pro wrestlers in one day. We go on to chat about Cody Garbrandt’s biting comments about fighter pay. We touch on bareknuckle fighting’s resurgence (adding Shawne Merriman to the roster of fighters for one organization), and we recap a wild fight between Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier on last weekends UFC on Fox card. We also preview Garbrandt’s second bite at the TJ Dillashaw apple this weekend at UFC 227. Tony also helps preview one of the biggest fights of the week in Kovalev vs. Alvarez, which he will be attending in Atantic City. We do a boxing roundup of results and previews, and then we end the show with an off-topic talk about nature 🙂

 

Slušajte žive ovdje:

 

The FNU Combat Sports Show Launches as Fight Talk Unlimited on SPREAKER

Fight News Unlimited’s weekly Combat Sports Show is now officially known as Fight Talk Unlimited, and we are now back to a live platform: Spreaker.

 

This week on our debut episode on Spreaker, we discuss a wild week in news, from Floyd Mayweather’s beef with 50-Cent, to Conor McGregor’s slap on the wrist for throwing a hand truck through a bus window, to a Philadelphia area school teacher moonlighting as an offensive German character in his pro-wrestling career. We then recap last week’s major fights, including a vicious KO by Anthony Smith over Shogun Rua at UFC Fight Night 135. We also preview UFC on FOX 30 and Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Uskrs Jr., along with all the other combat sports action this weekend.

 

Listen live with the player below:

Listen toDebut Episode: Tom, Tony and Rich Break in the New Platformon Spreaker.

NN Combat Sports Show: Juli 19, 2018: Manny is Back! Junior Dos Santos Cruises to Win At UFC Fight Night, Event Recaps and Fight Previews

This week on the FNU Combat Sports Show we recap last week’s multiple Bellator cards and the UFC Fight Night card from Boise, Ajdaho. We start off discussing boxing with an analysis of Manny Pacquiao’s one-sided beating of Lucas Matthysse. We move on to other news this week, including an online spat between Brendan Schaub and Dana White and Dominick Cruz claiming Brock Lesnar will never get through USADA testing to return to the UFC octagon. We also cover upcoming boxing and MMA bouts and discuss the eye poking incidents that occurred during the brief Stipe Micocic vs. Daniel Cormier heavyweight championship bout.

 

Listen to the whole show here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/hx5aj4ls1y63vou/tomtonyrichradioshowjuly182018.mp3?dl=0

 

NN Combat Sports Show: Pro Boxer Anthony Laureano Interview, Brock Invades the UFC Cage, Cormier gets a Huge Win, Pacquaio Faces a Tough Boxing Test in Malaysia This Weekend

Ove sedmice na FNU Combat Sports Showu, Psychic Tom and Rabble RousinRich start off with a great interview with pro boxer Anthony Laureano. The Connecticut professional boxer is coming off a big win on the undercard of the Joe Smith Jr. fight at the end of June. We also recap last week’s boxing and MMA action, highlighted by Daniel Cormier’s monumental win over Stipe Miocic to become the first two belt holder in the UFC since McGregor. Tony joins the broadcast after the Laureano interview to give his take on Brock’s return to the UFC after going back to the WWE at the end of his first UFC stint. We also touch upon the Danny O’Connor fight being called off due to severe dehydration suffered by O’Connor. Konačno, we preview upcoming events and briefly discuss a rumored rematch between Vitali Klitschko and Lennox Lewis.

 

Listen to the full show right here:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9pj6fsfyhi4kmrj/tomtonyrichfnushowjuly10th2018.mp3?dl=0