WBC Talk 51; Fight 4 Peace
Panel
Claressa Shields
Ryan Garcia
Larry holmes
Gerry Cooney
Omar Miller
Today we had the opportunity to be part of a cohesive panel of legends…and legends to be, as thanks to the efforts of Coco Cocoves and Terry Miller, we had the opportunity to have a different #WBCTalk of great sports figures plus an extraordinary actor linked by a desire for justice and equity.
For more than an hour we had the opportunity to talk about important issues in our society involving: Equity, justice, freedom, solidarity, union, love and respect.
All the panelists gave their opinion about the difficult and challenging time that the United States of America is experiencing and exhorted society not to be part of the problem, but rather to develop actions to combat the abuse of power, but above all, to creating bridges leading to opportunities and equality.
Omar who was the Moderator said: “There have to be a lot of growing pains, to develop as a country.”
Gerry and Larry fought a slugfest 38 years ago, and it was built up as a race issue with the great white hope challenger. But neither man saw it as that. They are now great friends. Gerry who remembers Larry saying to him: “Let`s have a great fight,” moments before the opening bell said: “I was not thinking of race. The promoters created the anger and the pain.” Larry retorted: “I want a rematch! I made a lot of money fighting Gerry.” And Gerry asked Larry if he well remembered the fight to which, sharp as a tack Larry, responded: “I do Gerry! I didn`t get hit with all of those punches you did.”
Concerning the response to the appallingly awful recent death of George Floyd in the United States, Ryan Garcia said: “I agree with peaceful protesting. Racism is totally wrong and cannot be defended in any way. Let`s protest and get loud but peacefully.” Claressa agreed: “No one should need excessive force. We need action via legislation.” And Gerry stressed: “As athletes, we have a responsibility to promote goodness. I live that responsibility. We have to make real changes, so this doesn`t happen again, six months from now.”
Omar urged: “It`s imperative that young people vote. Young people will determine the future. Right now we are in early June, and the Elections are in November. Marching is beautiful, but it`s the first step. We have to be willing to have these uncomfortable conversations, and everyone must understand that we are all human.” Gerry insisted: “Black lives matter,” and Larry said: “It doesn`t matter if you`re black or white. It matters that you`re right!”
Mauricio said: “The greatest inspiration for my Father was Nelson Mandela. We fought very, very hard and successfully against apartheid. It was an eighteen years process. In that time, we fought against discrimination and the abuse of power, for unity. The Boxing World is very powerful and I`m so proud of our champions. Love and compassion conquers everything. Let`s fight all of this now the other and the positive way. We want one World!
If you didn’t see the conversation live, we suggest you don’t miss this epic #WBCTalk at the following link:
