In this corner . . .
Roy and Anthony

Kids Stuff
By William Feldman

Welcome to Kids Stuff. Today’s column includes a brief interview with boxers Roy Jones Jr. and Anthony Hanshaw. I also have exciting news from the Philadelphia Flyers.
This column is unique because I was invited to participate in this type of sport genre boxing, from someone I met during another interview more than two years ago. Also, this interview took place as a teleconference from Los Angeles in which several hundred reporters could ask questions in an orderly manner.
The event was promoted by Murad Muhammad, promoter for Murad productions, and Square Ring, in association with IP Casino/Resort/Spa of Biloxi, Miss.
I thought Murad had an interesting spin on these two boxers, because he stated something to the effect that Roy must be reminded of his young self when he looks at "Tyger" Hanshaw.
They were both born into boxing and raised as boxers by their fathers. They both had to eat it, sleep it, walk it and talk it with their fathers. So Roy must see a little bit of himself in how Hanshaw was raised.

ME AND MR. JONES
Here is a brief biography about Roy Jones Jr.:
He is a five-time world-champion boxer in four different weight classes, a world-class boxing promoter, a music performer and manager, and even has dabbled as a television and motion picture actor. Roy first became noticed by the entire world following a controversial defeat in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. He was born Jan. 16, 1969, in Pensacola, Fla., and he is 5 feet 11 inches tall.
Here is his professional career: Pro debut at age 20 on May 6, 1989; former WBA heavyweight world champion; former undisputed light heavyweight champion; former IBF super middleweight world champion; former IBF middleweight world champion; first former middleweight champion to win the world heavyweight crown in more than 100 years; Ring magazine’s Fighter of the Year in 1994; voted Fighter of the Decade in the 1990s by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

TONY THE TYGAR
Anthony Lavar Hanshaw, nicknamed The Tyger, was born March 28, 1978, in Warren, Ohio. He is a left-handed boxer who fights from the right-handed stance. He lost for the first time in his career to Roy Jones Jr. on July 14.
Hanshaw became pro in 2000 as a super middleweight (168 pounds) under powerful Shelly Finkel and started very active with 11 fights in his initial 12 months as a pro.
Prior to the July 14 fight, the teleconference commenced with comments from his first competitor, with many others to come, Anthony Hanshaw.
Anthony first firmly commented, "I am in tip-top shape. The best shape that I have been in my life." Then he responded to a comment that stated that (musical superstar) Stevie Wonder thought he was going to knock out Roy Jones, the undefeated champion. Anthony responded, "Absolutely."
The next comments came from Roy after Murad Muhammad introduced Roy as a legend that has been called pound for pound the best fighter. He is back to prove that he is back. Things happen in life but you just don’t give up.
"I just would like to say hi to everybody and thanks for being on the conference call," Roy said. "I’m looking forward to a very good fight from Anthony Hanshaw. I know that he is in very good shape, the best he is ever going to be. I know he is going to be a very good competitor and he is ready to move up, but I am not ready to give it in yet."
"I want to thank Stevie Wonder, who has gotten involved with us on this promotion and his sales manager at their L.A. radio station KJLH 102.3 FM," said Murad. "He really likes Roy Jones Jr. and he’s helped us tremendously. Let me also thank Tony’s promoter, Gary Shaw. I want to salute him. This fight could not happen on cable TV, but Gary took the chance with his fighter to fight a legend in Roy Jones."
Regarding a news media question about fighting with Felix Trinidad in 2008, Roy responded, "I can’t wait to get to it, but first I have to get past what I am doing here with Anthony Hanshaw. I’m not taking anybody lightly, I’m not taking any prisoners.
"I will stop Hanshaw on the fourteenth, then I’ll be ready to stop Trinidad next," he added. "But I am definitely looking forward to that fight. It’s a fight that should have happened years ago. I’m just glad to see that it is finally happening."
A reporter from the Orlando Times asked Roy what his motivation is this time around.
"I love my fans and I miss my fans and they missed me. We have a chance to be reunited in a good way," he said.
Asked what his training regimen is before his fights, Roy said, "It’s very loose and relaxed."

WEIGHT REDUCTION
Asked what he would do differently now compared to other fights when he changed weight class, Roy said, "After I came down from the heavyweight division, which was a twenty-five pound muscle loss, I should have given my body more time to recover. I should have taken off after the first Tarver fight but I didn’t. I came right back because I am a trouper, I am a warrior and that is what I do. However, I realize now I need to take the time off now to give my body time to recover."
I asked the boxers to reveal the most difficult time as boxers.
"Training is the hardest part of being a boxer. But when the fight comes, it’s easier," said Anthony.
"There is nothing hard about what I do. I love it all," said Roy.
Anthony commented about the effects of the loss of his father. You could hear it in his voice as he stated sadly, "I took some time off. I boxed all of my life ever since I was five years old. I took some time off because my father was everything in my life. Now I am back, I am focused and I have one of the best trainers in the world."
As you probably guessed, Anthony’s dad was the greatest influence on him as a child.
"I have a lot to gain in this fight even though I’m really a super middleweight," Anthony said. "If I win, it opens up a lot of doors for me. I’d go back down to super middleweight then, and maybe fight Jermain Taylor, Kelly Pavlik and Joe Calzaghe. I beat Pavlik and Sergio Mora in the amateurs and when I lost to Jermain in the Olympic Trials, I wasn’t right. My dad, Henry Russell, had been killed (electrocuted) at his job just two weeks before."
Why did Roy choose a young, unbeaten opponent like Hanshaw?
"I want it to be like in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) where they match the best against the best," he said. "Boxing is competing with MMA now. I could pick a nobody, but where would that get me? I want an opponent who will answer the questions…am I still worthy? Am I still willing? Am I still able? I could’ve picked a lot of guys who are not as dangerous as Hanshaw."
For his part, Anthony said, "Roy Jones was a great one. As I kid, I looked up to Roy. But his time has passed. It’s my time now, and I will prove that to him and to the world on July 14 in Biloxi. I can’t wait."
Roy’s final comment: "I’m back!"
I guess he is, after punching out a win in this fight.

• • •

In preparation for the National Hockey League’s league-wide uniform innovation, the Philadelphia Flyers have announced an exclusive pre-order for their new jerseys.
The Flyers pre-order will run through Sunday, Sept. 16, when the jersey is unveiled at the Virtua Health Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, N.J. The Flyers are excited to give their fans the opportunity to purchase the new jersey before they’re available in stores.
Jerseys are available in men’s, women’s, and kids sizes and can be customized. Non-customized jerseys will be shipped in mid-September and customized jerseys will arrive shortly after. As a bonus, fans will receive a free 3x5 Flyers banner that will be shipped along with their new jersey. For more information, go to www.philadelphiaflyers.com or call 215-952-5618. ••
Columnist William Feldman can be contacted by e-mail at wmkidscolumn@aol.com