Tragic Consequences

I'm surprised that I had never heard this story. Back in 2001, a boxer named George "Khalid" Jones knocked out a guy named Beethaven "Bee" Scottland, in the 10th and final round of a light heavyweight match. Apparently, Scottland's trainer threatened to stop the fight after the 7th, the match continued with Scottland winning rounds 8 and 9, only to be battered unconscious in the 10th. He died six days later, after surgery to treat injuries to his brain sustained in the fight.

This fight led to a lot of discussion about whether or not boxing should be banned, even calls for investigation led by none other than Senator John "head case grand-stander" McCain.

Jones and Scottland's widow, Denise, became friends, and have been mutually supportive of one another in the aftermath of the tragedy. Scottland will be fighting "Fabulous (except for his boxing)Fred" Moore for the vacant (and little-valued) WSBA Light Heavyweight July 1 on ESPN2.