Category: Sports and Leisure

In November of 1986, Rudy Gonzalez met Mike Tyson by chance, on his first job as a part-time. limousine driver. A short time later, Tyson hired Rudy as his full time chauffeur and later expanded his duties to include bodyguard and personal aide. Rudy Gonzalez was the only employee hired by Tyson, who was at Mike’s side, around the clock, for 5 1/2 years; Now, Rudy with help from Martin Feigenbaum tells the dramatic story of his time with Tyson in the book” The Inner Ring, The Set Up of…

Read More

She is known as “Ms. Fitness U.S.A.” —— and just one look will tell you why She is Marla Duncan. Marla has been featured in publications throughout the world, and appeared in videos, and on television. Calling Sacramento California home. Marla Duncan told us what it’s like to be “Ms. Fitness U.S.A.” and most recently, “Ms. Global Physique.” Q – Marla, How do you work full-time as an Accounting Clerk, and manage your workout schedule? It would almost seem, that the two would clash and you’d end up getting sick.…

Read More

Now, one man has stepped forward and written a book about the Tyson trial. His name is Mark Shaw, and his book “Down For the Count, The Shocking Truth Behind the Mike Tyson Rape Trial,” is published by Sagamore. Mark Shaw was the legal analyst of the trial for CNN, ESPN, and USA Today. A former criminal defense attorney and newspaper columnist, Mark was chairman of the media committee for the Tyson trial. . Was Mike Tyson maneuvered into position for a set-up? After reading “Down For the Count,” it…

Read More

He’s the lead trainer for world heavyweight champion Wledimir Klitschko but on September 29, 2014 he’s going to step into the ring against Antonio Tarver. Having just signed with the Tara Thomas Agency and promoted by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, Johnathan Banks is well on his way to becoming the future heavyweight Boxing Champion. Q – Johnathan, how long have you been in training for this fight of yours? A – About 6 and a half weeks. Q – Is that the normal amount of time a…

Read More

He was a member of The Harlem Globetrotters. He was a member of The Harlem Rockets. Today he’s a member of The Harlem Wizards. He is Dwayne “Swoop” Simpson or “Swoop” for short. Performing at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, N.Y. “Swoop” talked to us between shows. Q – You left the Harlem Globetrotters for The Harlem Wizards. A – Right. Q – Why did you do that? A – Well, it was kind of a joint decision because I had a very successful tour with them. Towards…

Read More

His name is William Papaleo. You know him better as Willie Pep. Willie Pep is a retired featherweight champion of the world. He’s credited with having one of the greatest records ever compiled by a boxer. Willie was in town awhile back for the “Night of Champions” dinner, held at the Syracuse Marriott Hotel. The purpose of the $100 per plate dinner was to raise funds for the construction of an International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota. Prior to the dinner, we sat down and talked with Willie Pep…

Read More

Rich Barnet has a different kind of job. He’s part of Shipstad’s and Johnson “Ice Follies” – but he’s not a skater. Rich Barnet is the “Ice Follies” musical conductor and it’s his job to coordinate the music with the skaters’ routines. To find out more, we spoke with Rich about his “Ice Follies” involvement. Q – Rich, what is your background? A – I have a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Masters Degree in Performance. I studied music privately, on my own, for 14 years. Q – How…

Read More

In the 1960’s, Sonny Liston was the most feared boxer in the Heavyweight division. It’s been said that just one stare from Sonny in the ring could wither an opponent. Sonny Liston was one of 25 children. His formative years were tough. He was often beaten as a kid. In 1953, Sonny turned pro and won 32 of his first 33 bouts. In 1962, he defeated Floyd Patterson for the Heavyweight title. Sonny would go on to lose that title to a young up and coming boxer named Cassius Clay…

Read More

They are the most liked and recognized sports team in the United States. They’ve performed for over 100 million people in 114 countries in the past 70 years. We’re talking of course about the Harlem Globetrotters. Billy Ray Hobley has been with the Globetrotters since 1977. Since joining, he’s traveled around the world six times, hence the nickname, “Supertrotter.” We spoke with Billy about life as a Harlem Globetrotter. Q – Billy, you’re called “Supertrotter” because you’ve been around the world six times with the Globetrotters. I take it that’s…

Read More

His name is Richard Dwyer, but fans of Shipstads And Johnson Ice Follies know him as “Mr. Debonair”. He was a stand-out skater before he even joined the “Ice Follies”. He won U.S. novice, junior titles, third in the U.S. Seniors, Pacific Coast juvenile, novice, junior and senior titles—–all before he was 16 years old. It’s a real treat to present an interview with a Superstar skater, “Mr. Debonair” himself—–Richard Dwyer. Q – Richard, I absolutely loved the “Ice Follies”. What happened to that show? Why did it have to…

Read More