Fernando Guerrero Coverage: The Middleweight Division

With the amazing success and popularity of Fernando Guerrero, it is no surprise that Delmarva sports fans have begun to pay a lot more attention to what writer AJ Leibling labeled "The Sweet Science". Sensations like Guerrero tend to turn non-boxing fans into his fans. The next step on the way for many Fernando fans is to embrace the sport as a whole. Certainly with great young talents like Shawn Porter also fighting in Salisbury, many are probably well along that path. I've spoken to a lot of people that had quit being fans of boxing during the Don King/Mike Tyson train wreck, but have now had their interest and passion in the sport revived by our local blue chip middleweight prospect.

In the very near future I will weigh in on the upcoming Fernando Guerrero vs Michael "The Midnight Stalker" Walker middleweight bout. However, first I want to give a larger perspective of Fernando Guerrero's spot in boxing.

Today's post will be about his weight, middleweight. Here are some random facts about the middleweight class:

• The middleweight division dates back to the 1840s, but an exact date of its origin is unknown.
• The maximum weight limit is 160 pounds, which is 72.64 kg for our metric fans.
• Light middleweight's maximum weight limit is 154 pounds- making the traditional middleweight class from 155-160 pounds.
• Sometimes promoters/fighters will sign contracts with a stipulation for a "catch weight" allowing both fighters to come in at a different weight then the traditional weight class would allow.
• The boxer nearly every boxing expert rates as the greatest of all time, Sugar Ray Robinson, was a middleweight champion (though his best work took place at welterweight).
• Since 1904 only 5 Americans have won the Gold as a middleweight at the Olympics the last was Michael Spinks in 1976.
• There are four major belts in every division. The current champions of the middleweight class are: WBO & WBC champ Kelly Pavlik, WBA champ Felix Sturm, IBF champ Sebastian Sylvester.
  
• Fernando Guerrero is the WBO NABO champion, which is an important junior title to hold, but is not a major title.
• The first recognized world middleweight title (back when there was only one belt per weight class) was Jack "Nonpareil" Dempsey on July 30th, 1894. Thirty years later a young man named William Harrison Dempsey would fight under the name Jack as a homage to the middleweight and eventually become the Heavyweight Champion of the World. Both are in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
• Mixed Martial Arts have different weights associated with their middleweight class. For UFC and Strikeforce middleweights must weigh between 171-185 pounds.

It is my firm belief that the middleweight division is one of the best in boxing right now and historically possibly the greatest of all time. At 160 pounds the athletes are combination of lightning speed and Herculean strength you just don't find consistently in many other weight classes.

Be on the look out for future articles on both Fernando Guerrero and his worthy opponent, Michael "The Midnight Stalker" Walker (writer's note: am I the only one that finds his self appointed moniker a bit creepy?).

Nightly News At 6 PM

Charges Filed In Prison Guard Assault

Resume: Ruben Porter was formally charged today on the charges outlined below. Although he is already incarcerated, bail was set at $305,000.00.

Charges Filed in Prison Guard Assault

Suspect: Ruben Porter, 25 years of age, currently at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Facility

Resume: State Police detectives have completed an arrest warrant for Ruben Porter charging him with the following offenses stemming from the assault of two prison guards on Tuesday night: Attempted Murder 1st (felony), Assault in a Detention Facility (felony), and Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony (felony).

Mr. Porter is already incarcerated, and thus, the arraignment will take place on an undetermined day in the near future.

Another School Bus Accident

This accident happened on Wetipquin, (sp?) Road. There was one child on the bus. We're told a pickup truck pulled out in front of the bus and the bus hit him on the driver's side door. More to come.

Enjoy Downtown Salisbury This 3rd Friday

This being the nicest day of the year so far, why not get out tonight and enjoy Salisbury's 3rd Friday Celebration. It's been a long winter for all these local shops and businesses and they could sure use the additional business.

265 Comments So Far Today

Its only 3:00 PM and we've already had 265 comments so far today. Each day when I review the comments I'm always amazed at the great participation we receive from our viewers.

Remember Folks, your comments are what really makes all the difference with our local politicians. For example, if you only knew just how pissed off the WBOE is at the County because Salisbury News got our hands on PUBLIC INFORMATION!

The Board of Education has enjoyed the Good Old Boy Network for far too long and it's about time there's some accountability. The Taxpayers clearly deserve to not only know, they deserve better with their tax dollars.

One thing I can assure you of, there will be more articles next week about the WBOE. We're nowhere near done with this group. Pout and threaten all you want Mr. Fredericksen, we're not through with you yet.

So keep those comments flying Folks. You made a difference with Legislators in the Sarah Foxwell murder, you're also making a difference with our local politicians as well.

How Can Anyone Still Be On The Fence?

By Senator Andy Harris, M.D.

If anyone had doubts before, they shouldn't now: Washington is broken. The latest scheme to get health care legislation through the Congress has polluted an important debate and caps off a shameful display of politics that puts elections before good public policy. For any of our elected representatives to still be undecided on this monumental issue is shocking and disappointing.

For more than a year, health care has been debated inside and outside the Washington Beltway. From holding a Christmas Eve vote in the Senate on the bill that included a "Cornhusker Kickback," "Louisiana Purchase" and a Florida "Gatorade," to failure of Congressional leaders to post the 2,700 page bill for adequate public review, to the use of the Slaughter "deem and pass"maneuver, it is clear to most everyone outside of the Congressional Majority Leadership that this corrupted process is unacceptable and out of sync with how Americans expect their government to operate.

As a physician, I work every day with the health care system. In the more than 30 years I've been practicing medicine, American life expectancy has increased significantly and our health care quality is far superior to that of any other nation. Whenever I enter a hospital, I see firsthand the superiority of American health care. I also know how it can be improved through reforms such as removing lifetime caps on coverage, opening up insurance purchase across state lines, reforming medical malpractice to protect health care providers from frivolous lawsuits that drive up costs, stretching malpractice awards over the lifetime of the victim rather than in lump sums, and lowering costs through more price and cost transparency that let patients know what they're getting for their care. These are important reforms that are absent from any of the health care bill versions being considered.

The unseemly political deals included in the legislation, coupled with the huge price tag as taxpayers deal with both a recession and the devastating cuts to senior care, demand that Washington's ruling class take a step back and reassess if pushing through a flawed government takeover of health care outweighs the damage being done to the public trust. What was supposed to be a debate about improving our system and providing lower costs and more access to quality care has now become the epitome of a corrupted legislative process and the disregard of the will of the American families and taxpayers that will be forced to foot the bill.

Reorganizing one-sixth of our nation's economy must be done with the care of a surgeon's scalpel, not with the hatchet of political leaders. What was started as a way to lower costs and cover more people has devolved into manufacturing a political win. That decision does nothing for patients, doctors and taxpayers-and works to further divide our nation. The fact remains that U.S. taxpayers cannot afford this massive legislation right now at a time when they are struggling to pay their bills, keep their jobs and put food on their family table. For our elected representatives to still be undecided as to which way they will vote on this health care bill is unconscionable.

Bonnie Hunt Is STILL promoting NewLungsforChuck.com

GO HERE to learn more.

For Immediate Release

Incident: RRE Incident
Date of Incident: 19 March 2010
Location: Wetipquin Road Boat Ramp, Quantico, MD
Suspect: Pending

Narrative: On 19 March 2010 at 7:44 AM, deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into a RRE (Race, Religion, Ethnic) incident. Deputies were called to the area of the Boat Ramp on Wetipquin Road because a worker from the County Roads Division had discovered that an unknown suspect (s) had spray-painted racially disparaging terms on the road and several signs in the area. At this time this incident is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Office and the Wicomico County Bureau of Investigation.

The spray painted signs were able to be cleaned off or removed. County Roads personnel were also able to clear off the roadway where the spray painting took place.

Anyone with information in reference to this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891.

You may also contact Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776 to provide information in reference to this case. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

WCBOE – Who Bought the Doughnuts (Part III)

Sunning in San Diego.  Dinners billed to the taxpayers as a “professional meeting”.  These are just two examples of what we’ve discovered so far about the WBOE’s use (or is it abuse?) of tax dollars.

Today we’ll be looking at what I consider the perfect example of how the educrats view you and your hard earned money.  Before you read the rest, just ask yourself - How much do you tip the guy who delivers pizza or sandwiches to your door?

BTW – It was really subs instead of doughnuts.  But you know who paid for them.  RIGHT?

READ MORE …

Also … Don’t Forget -

Part I

Part II

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON THE PASSAGE OF PUBLIC SAFETY LEGISLATION IN HOUSE OF DELEGATES

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 19, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following the unanimous passage of legislation mandating lifetime supervision sentences for sex offenders.

“I want to thank the members of the Maryland House of Delegates for unanimously passing important legislation to protect our children from dangerous sexual predators.

“Katie and I would do anything to protect our four children and I know that’s a sentiment all Marylanders share about their own families. There is a lot we do better than we used to as a state with regard to public safety, and there is still a lot of work to be done.”

The O’Malley-Brown Administration has been proud to stand with Maryland families to champion a number of public safety legislative initiatives, and has made equally important changes administratively. The Division of Parole and Probation has focused its attention on known violent and sexual offenders. All sex offenders are assigned to specially trained agents, required to be under the strictest probationary terms, and placed on GPS monitoring at intake. Violent offenders are placed in the Violence Prevention Initiative and, along with sex offenders, are strictly monitored for violations. Parole and Probation has been using GPS to monitor sex offenders under supervision since February of last year, and as of this month, 231 sex offenders and 1,300 total offenders have been placed on GPS monitoring.

Market Street Inn Opens Riverfront Dining

With the weather change, it was time for Rob Mulford to pull everything out of storage and set up their outdoor dining in Downtown Salisbury.

Folks, if you're looking for a great place to eat, watch March Madness and or get together with friends and family, the Market Street Inn is the place to go.

It's been a tough winter for everyone, so please support our local businesses, especially those who give so much back to the community.

Buses to DC Tomorrow: Back to the Hill to Kill the Bill

Back to the Hill to Kill the Bill - Rally in DC Saturday, March 20th High Noon

An update from yesterday We have filled up 2 buses and are starting to take reservations for a third bus leaving the Eastern Shore Saturday (that's tomorrow) from Ocean City and Salisbury with a pick up in the Cambridge/Easton area. The cost is just $10 per seat. Come join us at the last stand to tell congress to "KILL THE BILL" and stop this hostile take over of our health care and 1/6th of our economy.

OCEAN CITY/WORCESTER COUNTY: Leaving STEER INN on Rt. 589 at 8:00 am sharp be early!!!

SALISBURY/WICOMICO COUNTY: Leaving Boscov’s by 8:40 am sharp be early!!!

Reserve your seat now! Call Ken Nichols 410-726-2546 or Tom Cook 480-567-8480

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON THE PASSAGE OF JOBS LEGISLATION IN HOUSE OF DELEGATES

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON THE PASSAGE OF JOBS LEGISLATION IN HOUSE OF DELEGATES

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 19, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following the passage of Jobs Creation and Recovery Tax Credit legislation.

“I want to thank the members of the Maryland House of Delegates for supporting this important legislation to create jobs in Maryland, and support small business throughout our State.

“There is no government program that is as important and empowering as a job that allows a family to raise their kids with dignity and respect and a roof over their heads. Our task as public servants is to continue making the choices and connections that will allow our families to get through these tough times even stronger.

“The times we live in call for less partisanship and more citizenship, and as Marylanders, we have a history of coming together in times of great adversity.”

AFP-Maryland Encourages Citizens to Rally In DC To Oppose Congressional Health Care Bill

-Hundreds of Marylanders will bus to Capitol to have their voice heard-

ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland chapter of Americans for Prosperity is urging all citizens to have their voice heard at an “Emergency Rally” at the Capitol in Washington, DC. Actor Jon Voight and others will be attending a Noon TEA Party to oppose the passage of a government take over of our health care system. Hundreds of Marylanders from Ocean City to Hagerstown will be making the trip via bus to Upper Senate Park.

“With a vote, or a questionable procedural move imminent, we are encouraging all citizens to attend this rally and visit their representatives to make sure they have their voice heard,” state Maryland state director Dave Schwartz. “It appears that Speaker Pelosi is a few votes short of passage. AFP-Maryland activists will be doing their part to make sure they don’t get the necessary 216 votes.”

While AFP-Maryland firmly opposes HR3590, we advocate a free-market approach to solving our health care crisis. Tort reform, purchasing insurance across state lines, and promoting Health Savings Accounts are just three ideas that would cut costs and expand coverage.

Maryland Bus Stops:

Ocean City (Steer Inn on Rt. 589) – 8am
Salisbury (Boscov’s at Center @ Salisbury) – 8:30am
Bel Air (Green Turtle Parking Lot on Main St) – 10am
Hagerstown – 9am

Public Awareness On Fraudulent Phone Scammers

Public Awareness on Fraudulent Phone Scammers

Resume: The Delaware State Police wants to make the public aware of phone scammers.

Recently there has been a rash of phone calls to elderly persons from someone claiming they are with Publisher’s Clearinghouse. These callers are requesting the person to verify their Social Security Number as well as date of birth to claim a large sum of money. In order to receive their winning prize, the individuals are asked to transfer money from their account to the caller’s account. Once the transaction is made, the scammer not only receives the money, but now has the victim’s information to commit identity theft.

Under no circumstance should anyone give out their Social Security Number or any vital information such as bank accounts. If you receive a call of this nature, inform the person that you are not giving your information to them and call the police.

Please inform you elderly family members as well as friends and neighbors of this deception and urge them to call their local police if they encounter any suspicious phone calls.

**See the attached Safety Tips:

**New Castle County Police Release from March 4, 2010:
http://nccde.org/webadmin/home/userfiles/policeNewsReleases/image/304elderlyscam.doc

Progressive, Help Flo

One of our own (Salisburians) is in the Progressive insurance contest to appear with Flo in a commercial. Just thought you might like to give her a shout-out since you're such a big supporter of the community. (Also, Laura is a local business owner in Salisbury.)

Today's Survey Question

If You Could Move, Where Would You Relocate?

SALISBURY ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY TO FILL OUT CENSUS FORM

Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr., encourages everyone to fill out their census forms.
An accurate count is so important for the state of Maryland. An undercount of 100,000 people translates to a loss of $1 billion dollars in federal revenue over the next decade. “We need to make sure all residents of the Eastern Shore are counted in this decennial Census!”

Need assistance filling out your Census form? This is a free service. Please select "Questionnaire Assistance Centers" in the following site: http://www.2010census.gov or call:
· English - 1-866-872-6868
· Chinese: 1-866-935-2010
· Korean: 1-866-955-2010
· Russian: 1-866-965-2010
· Spanish: 1-866-928-2010
· Vietnamese: 1-866-945-2010

2010 Census: It’s in our hands.

U of MD TERPS ARE OUTSTANDING IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT

But not in a good way, sports fans.

Of the entire men’s field, Maryland has the lowest graduation rate for members of its basketball team – a whopping 8 percent – according to a recent study. The top-seeded University of Kentucky has a somewhat higher rate (31 percent), and 12 of the 65 teams in the tournament have graduation rates of less than 40 percent.

The Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, who played intercollegiate hoops at Harvard, has proposed a ban on postseason play by teams with a graduation rate of less than 40 percent. That, of course, would change the nature of the game.

The source of the data stated above is a report that aired on the PBS Newshour recently – http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/sports/jan-june10/basketball1_03-18.htm

According to the report, the University of Maryland disputes the graduation rate attributed to its team.

UPDATE:


Maryland coach Gary Williams told The Washington Post that such rates are insignificant:

"Obviously, those years we had players leave early and they're millionaires now, and they're coming back to get their degrees, just like other guys have come back and gotten their degrees."

He has a point. If a player has success in the NBA, hasn't the college experience worked well? And why don't late graduates count in these numbers? A degree is still a degree no matter when it's attained. Still, the fact that Williams equates academic success with money is disconcerting.

Low graduation rates are nothing to be proud of, but they're no surprise. Most big-time college basketball players have long since stopped being student-athletes. For many, it's athletics first, academics second. If you're Gary Williams, that's acceptable. If you're Arne Duncan, it's not.