New York tragedy latest

By Paul Upham in New York: The shocking tragedy here in New York has pushed any thoughts of Saturday’s Bernard Hopkins vs Felix Trinidad (left) middleweight unification clash out of everyone’s minds, as the city tries to come terms with yesterday’s horrific terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
Madison Square Garden has been evacuated and all persons prevented from entering. Alan Hopper, the Director of Public Relations for Don King Productions who is in New York, advised on Tuesday afternoon that promoter Don King is still in Cleveland.

His private plane was prevented from leaving Cleveland after the tragedy and he will not arrive in New York until airports are allowed to function properly again.

Wednesday’s press conference has been postponed and no decision on Saturday’s fight can be made until King arrives in New York and meets with the New York State Athletic Commission. Felix Trinidad and Bernard Hopkins were both in the city readying themselves for their clash and are reported as being safe.

It is unknown at this time what action will be taken in regards to the re-scheduling of the press conference, Friday’s weigh-in or Saturday’s bout. Tonight’s New York Yankee’s baseball game in New York has been cancelled.

The city is in a state of alert and all airports in the USA have been shut down for at least 24 hours. People are concerned about their family and friends with their thoughts going out to those who have been affected by this chilling attack. Boxing is not an issue at this time.

Cedric Kushner watched today’s events unfold from his office in the city and was devastated at the pictures that were being shown.

“It’s like watching a movie, except it is real,” he said. “An unbelievable tragedy, to see what people have been through is shocking.”


Paul Upham
Cotributing Editor