Monday 25 September 2023
We at CYInterview extend our congratulations to our friend Bobby Rooney on his induction, tonight, into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame. Bobby, a retired professional boxer, is currently… Continue reading "Bobby Rooney Inducted Into New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame"
Currently, there is much discussion about the possibility of undefeated, 49-0 professional boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. stepping into the squared circle for a matchup against current mixed martial arts, UFC Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor. The chatter swirling around has the two facing off in a traditional boxing match. One of the biggest questions is how would an accomplished mixed martial artist with strong striking ability but no professional boxing under his belt fare against one of the best pound for pound fighters of all time. To answer that question, we welcome back former professional boxer and current boxing trainer Bobby Rooney. Over the years, Mr. Rooney has provided us compelling analysis on some of boxing’s biggest fights.
We at CYInterview extend our condolences to the family and friends of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. The renowed pugilist passed away earlier this week at the age of 74. Considered to be one of the greatest athletes and personalities of the 20th century, Ali’s fights with Joe Fraizer, Ken Norton, Sonny Liston and past CYInterview guest George Foreman, among others, are some of the most fabled bouts in boxing history. Beyond sports, Mr. Ali impacted the world in many ways with his words, political activism and involvement in social causes. He was, and will continue to be, an inspiration to many. Though many people are aware of Ali’s great fights in the boxing ring, he also had an experience in the world of pro wrestling. On June 26, 1976, which will be 40 years ago this month, Muhammad Ali got in the ring with the face of New Japan Pro Wrestling, Antonio Inoki. In Ali’s corner was Angelo Dundee and the late pro wrestler and manager, the Fashion Plate of Professional Wrestling, Classy Freddie Blassie. Keep in mind, the Ali vs. Inoki match took place long before the rise of MMA.
This Saturday night in Las Vegas will be the most anticipated boxing match of this century. When Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao get into the ring at the MGM Grand, it will be a fight fans have waited years for. Many thought the match would never happen, including the late, great boxing historian and past CYInterview guest Bert Sugar [see here]. CYInterview brings in its experts to breakdown all the angles. We are joined by Wynn Las Vegas sportsbook manager John Avello who provides us analysis on all the gambling action for this bout. Additionally, we are joined by former boxer and current trainer Bobby Rooney to provide analysis on what he thinks will go down in the squared circle on Saturday night.
A few years back, we asked the now late, great boxing historian Bert Sugar whether Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao would eventually fight. In fact, it was the last question we ever asked the esteemed boxing journalist [see here]. Bert, we hope they have pay per view up in heaven. On May 2nd 2015, the fight people have been waiting years for is finally going to happen, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Floyd Mayweather Jr. will finally get into the squared circle with Manny Pacquiao. For an early assessment of the matchup, who better to give us insight than our friend and master of the sweet science, Bobby Rooney. A retired professional boxer, Mr. Rooney continues today as a trainer in the sport. In fact, he is a legacy figure in boxing. His father, Bob Rooney Sr. was also a boxing trainer, as well as Chuck Wepner’s main sparring partner for the Bayonne Bleeder’s fistic endeavor against Muhammad Ali.
In 2004, Lenox Lewis retired from boxing as the undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World. With a record of 41 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw, Lewis has one of the greatest resumes in the history of boxing’s heavyweight ranks. Today, the pugilist lives in Miami Beach, Florida with his family. Last week during Art Basel at the IWC Schaffhausen watch event on South Beach, we had a chance to speak with the former champ about what he is up to today, as well as getting his thoughts on the state of boxing.
It was back in May of this year that undefeated WBC champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. and rough and tumble Marcos Maidana of Argentina shared a boxing ring for a 12 round matchup that was ultimately decided by the judges, in Mayweather's favor. This coming Saturday evening, the duo are back for another go round in the squared circle. Helping analyze various aspects of the fight, we have Wynn Las Vegas sportsbook manager and CYInterview regular John Avello providing a Vegas-eye gambling analysis of the fistic festivities. Then, former professional boxer, now boxing trainer, Bobby Rooney - a walking treasure trove of boxing insight and knowledge - gets in-depth about the fight in a discussion with columnist Jay Bildstein.
Becoming a professional boxer was not something that happened by chance for Bayonne, New Jersey native Bobby Rooney. His father was a professional boxer and trainer, so you could say it’s all in the family. His dad, Bob Rooney Sr. was actually the chief sparring partner for Chuck Wepner’s historic fight against Muhammad Ali. Mr. Wepner is often mentioned as the fighter who inspired the movie Rocky, starring Sylvester Stallone, which became an enormous movie franchise and is now a Broadway show. During his professional career, Bobby enjoyed a solid record of 12-3. Though a successful amateur in his teen years, he decided to start a family and did not return to the squared circle as a professional until he was over 30 years old, late by most standards. Age, however, did not stop him. He still had the right stuff.
Rubin "Hurricane" Carter passed away today. He was 76 years old. Mr. Carter, who initially rose to fame as a boxer, is best remembered for his incarceration and subsequent battle with the criminal justice system, based on his protestations of innocence. After being convicted of murdering three people at a tavern in New Jersey in 1966, Mr. Carter's conviction was overturned in 1985 after having served 19 years in prison. No doubt, many know Rubin Carter's story owing to the 1999 movie The Hurricane. Oscar winning actor Denzel Washington portrayed the incarcerated pugilist in that film. In 2011, I spoke with Mr. Carter for over 35 minutes. In our CYInterview, he told me prison was the best thing that ever happened to him, even though he always maintained his innocence. Rubin also spoke about Muhammad Ali, Nelson Mandela, the Canadian family who assisted in getting him released from prison, inaccuracies in the movie The Hurricane, as well as many other topics.
Don King has promoted some of the most compelling boxing matches in history. The controversial promoter is tied to some of the great heavyweight boxers of the latter portion of the 20th century, like Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Joe Frazier and Mike Tyson. Some of his most widely known accomplishments include the “Thrilla in Manila” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier and “The Rumble in the Jungle” between Muhammad Ali and past CYInterview guest George Foreman [see here]. We caught up with the outsized boxing personality recently at the InterContinental Miami™ Make-A-Wish Ball, where Don told us what is coming up for him and gave his thoughts on the state of boxing.
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