thomas field

Description

My last bout on the campus of Lock Haven University. February 7, 1998 - All of my crazy roommates where there with signs and shirts. Here is part of a blog I wrote for the 10 year anniversary. And it all lead to February 7, 1998. One man was standing in my way, Michael Jordan from United States Military Academy. He had never boxed off post. We had no scouting report on him. His coaches pretty much knew me inside and out. The game plan was test him early and rattle his confidence. As usual, I had a few pounds to drop before weigh-in so I was out of the house extra early. A few of the 414 boys were awake - more likely hadn't gone to sleep from the night before yet - and took the chance to wish me luck and told me they would see me at the arena. And did they ever! In all honesty, I only expected half of the group to make it and the other half to be out drinking somewhere. When I came out for the pre-fight introduction, there they were! With the 414 Shirts on (with the traditional NWO Black and White colors) and signs! Obnoxious signs - "Tony, Open Up a Can of Whoop Ass!" Michael Jordan was in the hornet's nest! If there was one thing I could change (as I promised from above), it would be the entrance music! We had the option to pick out our own entrance music, provided we supplied it. I had a great song in mind for my last home show bout - Sinatra's "My Way", but I didnt' go home to get it! I dont' know why. I'm sure it would have fired the crowd up, at least more than the generic "Are You Ready For This" song that was played! It was a satisfying fight. I wanted a brawl, Jordan wanted a technical bout. We kind of compromised. He tried to keep me on the outside and win with his longer reach and I had to fight my way through his offense to unleash my own. The brawling was much more exciting! And that's what the crowd wanted. For the last 30 seconds, the crowd chanted my name so loud I couldn't hear the bell and continued punching, even nailing Jordan with a big right hand after the bell that sent him staggering to his corner. And when it was over, I gave my friends a secret sign message - a big "X" with my arms. And they gave me the DX "Suck It" sign back! WOO HOO!!!! What is funny is that I actually wanted to jump up on the ropes after it was over. Immediately after the bell rang, I followed Jordan to his corner to shake his hand and his trainer's hand. I then bounded back to my corner with the hopes of springing on the ropes and basking in the cheers. Well, earlier in the night, a Univ of Kentucky boxer jumped on the ropes after a win and just served to piss the crowd off. So when I went to do it, Dr. Cox yelled "NO!" and I ended up doing this stupid gallop back to my corner which looked like I was having a full-body seizure!! I still laugh when I see that on tape. And when people watch, they always ask "What the hell were you doing?" But I also took the time to turn to each side of the ring and look at all of the LHU fans for the last time. I touched my heart and said "Thank You!" I also turned to 81 year old LHU Assistant Coach Mike Romanesky, who had been diagnosed with lung cancer but was still there to cheer us on. I looked at him, pounded my heart, and said "I love you Coach Mike!" (Coach Mike passed away 6 months later) That's where it should have ended. Story over! At least I thought it was. Maybe a beer and a few shots when I got back to the house. We hung around the Thomas Field House after the bouts, having refreshments, and breaking down the ring. A few interviews to do and autographs to sign. I got back to 414 around Midnight. And I heard music. And the commotion of people partying. This was nothing new at 414 so I was floored when I opened that door. The collective cheer that met me was incredible. Just thinking of the ovation I got when I walked through that door still brings a tear to my eye! The handshakes, the high fives, the hugs. Everything! I wil...