A look back at former WBA Heavyweight Champion Greg Page, compared early in his career to Muhammad Ali, he would be one of the more controversial figures in the sport in the 1980s.
We trained together more than a handful of times at Johnny TOCCO‘s gym in Las Vegas. He was always the prankster. I then took part in a fundraiser with Mr. GERRY Cooney for him and Gerald McClellan. He was still cracking jokes even in the wheelchair.
Tragic yet a necessity of a documentary Rich to release out for anyone to view. It’s proves that even with all the talent a boxer can have you need that hard core mental discipline to be a complete success. But what chance did Greg Page really have when Don King ruled the roast of heavyweights back in the 80s. That era was such a mixed bunch and a up and down careers for a lot of great heavyweights back then. Thanks Rich for this one, Greg Page was still a fabulous boxer and he deserved a good documentary to compliment him.
Has to be said. So many 80’s and 90’s Heavyweights that have been involved with Don King have ended up ruined in one way or another Another great, if sobering doco by RTFH 🥊🥊❤️❤️🥊🥊
Yes, I think Tim Witherspoon even mentioned this on his channel but basically they'd end up in debt to Don King or find themselves having to swirl into these low-pay bouts (always assurance the big dance was around the corner) then they'd end up being disillusioned, rebelling with a "why bother training" attitude and soon lawsuits and just never getting on a solid track again.
@@jonathandewberry289 living in the UK at the time, I remember Tim being interviewed in a documentary and talking about the huge purse disparity between he ( Tim got I think $90,000 for the Bruno fight with Bruno clearing close to $1,000,000 I believe) and Bruno……… as the interview goes on, a noise is heard outside. Through the window, the cameraman films Tim’s car being repossessed 😑
Larry Holmes at the end of his career said he only had one regret. Signing with Don King. Everyone else he could work with, even people that hurt him he could forgive. He even got back together with Richie Giachetti after they sued each other. But he has zero love lost for Don King.
Greg Page had unbelievable natural talent. At times he looked unbeatable. But then there was the decline. I remember how sad I was to see him on that decline. I never understood it until this video. Thank you again Rich. Another excellent video!
Another great doc! Not to sound negative, but it’s just another reminder how Don King weaseled his way in, and found a way to suck the blood out of a fighter. Laying on his father’s casket and grieving more than his family. Disgusting!!!
It isn't negative if it's the truth. King was a parasite, and his promotional style is a huge reason why boxing is now income-based competition (versus merit based). You earn a title shot if you're low risk or can get butts in the seats.
@@fitawrarifitness6842 yep, if that capitalist is the one selling you adjustable rate mortgages and 8 year car loans. Predatory capitalists are the worst. At least with King, everyone knew he was a dirt bag.
@@fitawrarifitness6842 nah king just took advantage of people and followed the blueprint the white man layed can't really blame him alllllll promoters are crooks to a degree
Thank you for this documentary.Greg Page had so much promise.Once a fighter loses his motivation,he needs to give it up because they’re not focused & more prone to getting hurt.Even with whatever effect Don Kjng may have had,if boxing is all one could’ve done,the training should’ve never stopped.One love to Greg Page
Very sad for someone with such potential. I can only think that the poison chalice, Donkey King, must have had on Greg's career given what we now know about the many other boxers under the managerial crown of the canvas conman.
Another great video production. Sad that Greg Page didn’t quit way before his last fight.. I think it was Mike Weaver who once said you only have so many fights in your body.
Rich … your Site is the best on the internet!!! These introspective “views” of dozens and dozens of fighters reveal the commonalities existing amongst all fighters and the inevitable course of events irrespective of triumphs during the course of one’s career. Thank you for all your productive efforts … pure history and truths revealed! 🙏🙏🙏
I'm from Louisville and I used to play basketball with Greg at the downtown Y and once in a while in other gyms. He was a good dude, no question. I did legal work for free for a group that promoted local boxing events in Louisville--this was after he was paralyzed. Patricia and Greg would attend our events. I saw him at a fight venue on 7th St. Road about six months before he passed away. He always seemed to be in good spirits and to enjoy himself. That's how I'll remember him.
You will be missed old friend.thankyou for inspiring me when I was only a young boxer.it meant a lot.i won't forget the night you beat cotzee.you were beautiful that night, and that's how I will always remember you.
Greg Page was a tremendously gifted athlete , he could overwhelm a lot of guys with sheer physicality. However, he didn't possess that streak of competitive ruthlessness he needed to be a great boxer.
As a Kentucky boxer myself I remember Greg Page as a major force back in those days. GP was as big a star as anyone on his way up. Mishandling and incorrect pacing cost him his chance at greatness. Long live his memory and rest in peace CHAMP. Still, forever a CHAMPION.
This is a really informative piece on Greg Page. I always sort of lumped Page and Dokes together because they were the same age and fought in the same era. Both big time contenders who did reach the top but stayed there for such a short period. Was not aware of all the specifics you covered here in a relatively short amount of time. Great work. Just an incredibly dispiriting ending for Page, in a sport that chews you up and spits you out. Also, can anyone name a single boxer who prospered career-wise under Don King's stewardship?
Maybe by the time he fought Berbick, he was tired of winning and not getting paid enough, or not getting a shot at the title sooner, so he laid back and handed a decision to Trevor and got PAID for it. He tanked and finally got paid MORE for losing. Whatever the case, it is sad to see a person that was gifted and talented get mishandled and mislead by greedy, manipulative, leaches & user's. He had a good run, especially as an amateur, which is just as admirable as a professional; maybe even more admirable. You see a professional is driven and motivated by money and success; while an AMATEUR is spurred by the love of the sport, and the glory of the competition. R.I.P. Greg Page
@Christopher Bellore I don't think that Greg tanked the Berbick fight, his thumb was broken in the 2nd round, and Greg always seemed to be susceptible to brawl and maul types. Butch Lewis had him lined up to fight the winner of the Mike Weaver-Tex Cobb WBA World Title fight in 1982 mid to late part of the year, a fight he could have won. But Don King got his clutches on Greg and Page never recovered.
As usual a great synopsis of a hugely talented boxer that peaked early, realied on ability..when most contenders reach their best years he was finished.
Its a sad reminder,,the downside of Boxing,is brain-damage.. Like all potential young boxers worldwide,,,you had all the moves,and was a World Champion Fighter.R.I.P. GREG PAGE.
God bless the carers and wives of these broken men who have pushed themselves to limits we can only imagine. Greg may have found out that there was only one Ali the hard way, but to be compared to the greatest is quite something. Another soul I wish had gone out at the top of his game but suffered the boxers curse of going on way too long. Thanks Rich.
Good chance in 1984, all 7 of these guys would have been in say the WBC Top 20, and only one saw 60; Greg Page (50), Trevor Berbick (52), James Broad (43), Carl Williams (53), John Tate (43), Michael Dokes (54), and David Bey (60). So terribly sad. I hope their families know how much we enjoyed their triumphs, and took hard their struggles.
Great documentary...but u didn't even mention his fight against razor Ruddock...he came in good shape.gave a good account of himself even though he lost...I'm surprised you didn't even mention it though....
I mentioned that at that point in time he was cannon fodder for younger, fresher fighters. You guys have to realize that I won't mention every fighter on his resume by name and not every fight is going to be included in some of these pieces for narrative reasons. The Ruddock, Damiani, Bonecrusher and Jorge Luis Gonzales fights wound up on the cutting room floor for the sake of the overall story.
It's funny I can't make a comment without people getting offended..I said it was an excellent documentary.what more do you want?......I just thought pages fight with Ruddock.was particularly noteworthy and worthy of mention.more so than other fights that were mentioned.it was said at the time that Greg page came in that night in the best shape of his life.people expected Ruddock to bulldoze over him. Ruddock was a hot commodity at the time.coming off two brave, impressive loses to tyson at the time...but Greg page rose to the occasion.he surprised alot of people myself included
Sad ending for Page. He knew that he wasted his potential and as someone who was a late bloomer in life myself not growing up until my 30s...I can understand. Sadly, so many fighters from that era were simply taken advantage of by guys like King, Arum and the rest. These fighters gave their health, best years and some of their lives to make millions for these ruthless promoters and they would retire with barely 10 grand in their bank accounts and many ended up homeless and completely bankrupt. It's good to see that the fighters today at least have a little say in their respective careers, at least the uber-talented ones. Much respect and admiration for a guy I grew up watching and hoping he would one day put it all together...The Louisville Rage...Greg Page! Great job with the documentary!!
@@RichtheFightHistorian I'm 57 and been a boxing fan all my life and absolutely thoroughly enjoy your documentaries Rich!!! Hope you can get some recognition and some bank for these...they are great for any fan young or old from veteran fight fans to beginners your content is just a wonderful light for the sport.
I remember Greg Page arriving on the boxing scene. I honestly thought he was “The Next Big Thing”. He reminded me so much of Ali. Such a sad ending. Quick question Rich. Did Greg’s uncles lose to “Cassius” in the amateurs?
His uncle Asia lost via controversial stoppage (fans thought it was premature) according to a newspaper report. I don't know how the other uncle fared.
I remember watching him on TV when he was an amateur and thinking what a god this guy was. His tremendous talent coupled with his size made him truly extraordinary. With the training and discipline instilled in our more champions like Mayweather, Ward, Golovkin, Lomachenko, Canelo etc I wonder how he could have excelled today if it were available to him. I certainly feel he would have avoided a lot of the punishment which led to his tragic demise.
Never cared for Holmes! I loved it when Tyson humiliated him and I don’t want to hear he was old he chose to get into the ring with Tyson after running his big mouth 😂
Great job Rich. This one was tough to watch. Some of the beatings to the head that he took in the later half of his career were shocking. Sometimes I wonder what the hell the referee or cornermen are thinking when he's getting slammed in the head over and over and over again.
Ice topic on Greg page whom I've never heard of before. Anyway given the fact I haven't watched the entire video, Greg Page has had great potential as a continuous fighter. I personally think, Greg didn't truly had the chance to make his own decisions between being a boxer or an ABA player I don't think NBA was well known at that time. So I'm just gonna say he really wanted to be an ABA player. And I also think he became really good at boxing, because of his rage on account of his father didn't allowed him to make his own decisions which sport would had been great for him. And since the author of this video or documentary has said what his father wants rather than respecting what his sons wants, then that could have led to disappointing. From what I've noticed, Greg's punches sort of similar"s to George foreman's
He's no longer a prospect I believe you meant to say instead of suspect I truly do enjoy your content and keep on doing what you're doing you do awesome
If Greg would've trained like a beast like a young ALI and you could tell ALI was his hero , he wanted to be like him he had the talent maybe not SLI level but I think good enough to beat the heavies at that time , and even Larry Holmes if he came in the best ever and really it's how he should've , could've been , but nope he didn't want to do that I don't get why when you have the talent.
Actually I must add to this that I have read from good sources , plural, that the desire to play basketball was very strong in page and that his father really did totally shut that down ie was controlling. Rich mentions this lightly in passing but it was I believe quite instrumental in pages attitude to training , discipline and desire. He proved a point to his father( aka buster douglas also only worse methinks) , made some money , which I bet his father was pleased about and then used his talent and gifts to see him through the second career phase. His decline and fall and subsequent punishment was brutal and he really should have been struck from fighting fir his own good , but hey , the US ah ?🙄. The evil dead hand of the devil that is Don King played his part too as all heavies in this era - mostly for bad. In summary, Greg does need to take a good share of the responsibility - he had the opportunity and the gifts etc .
It’s hard to understand why some men go through all the hard times and are ennobled by them, and others are broken and tragic. Greg Page had talent, but something inside of him was fractured. The transition from his fathers love and guidance to the exploitation and manipulation by Don King may be part of it. The only good thing Don King did for boxing was producing the Ali-Foreman fight in Zaire. And that’s because Ali and Foreman were too smart to get involved with him. But this story is particularly tragic - $1500 payday and badly disabled for life. We’re lucky today we see Mike Tyson as a somewhat settled man who gained some wisdom; at one point I worried he would come to a bad ending. And I wish Marvin Hagler could have enjoyed a longer retirement and I don’t know I’ve ever heard the cause of death. But RIP Greg Page and Rich the filmmaker deserves kudos for the powerful work.
Thanks, Rich … 😢😢😢 Indeed … “He’s in a better place. He is no longer suffering.” Meal tickets 🎟️ for whom? All the adulation and screams of the “gawking mob,” as Young Firpo” referred to them, serves only to delay the inevitable. In the end, all are deceived, especially the fighter who didn’t understand until it was too late … that the end was near … and dear.
Rest In Power Greg Page and it was a privilege too meet him when he came inside the locker room and stated too me that I putted on a very good and tuff boxing match. Even though I didn’t get the the 6 round decision, but the thought of a former heavyweight boxing champion came too let me know that he was impressed with my performance and acknowledged my effort was unforgettable.🥊💯✊🏿🖤✊🏿⚔️
People should not forget the good things, he didn't have to come to support and encourage you up and coming fighters after his retirement but he did. Rest in Power indeed Greg Page, another warrior gone too soon. Jah Bless him🙏🏾
💯👊🏿💥🔥Fyah bun' in Greg Page' memory. Jah know, anyone who even steps in the ring is already a winner. Pressure affects everyone differently and unfortunately some of us suffer, I think Greg was affected by what people were telling him and putting too much hype on his young shoulders instead of being more realistic. It warmed my heart hearing you tell this small story about Greg Page, a more personal insight into the man.
Hey kid as a n y c aneautrr heavey back in the 80s up to 9p I got a job with NYC d.o.s. and i tote my rotator right into my first few months if probation anyway j wAs able to hack if and work ciukdnt tell me they would of fured me anyway that wad thenend if my boxing life but im my tome guys didny want to move around with .e I wadnt a killer puncher but hit bard enough to ko anyp e I wad like a small candor or a white boy LArry Holmes with a mine evEr left hook a luste jab a never knocked Dow I cut a lugyle like Marciano well im part urian . my over right could drop dingo the dinasour anywAy I could run is nezsesdary lime Ali and move like him too quick like a at and ink one really marked me that ad ever well I could cover up good twice I waited for Seamus the urian heavey to show as a ameauter he wanted nothing to do with me I would gave given boom a Philly paint ja job fire deptchamp wanted nothing if me either I was going be Ali and GE Joe FrAzier wAs ready to slap him s round i think I wad in incurable or crazy couldpress 200 pounds over my head easy and chu 185 is that good and all day sung a hammer at Erik ousting shot up and concrete well im Italian .y ancesters created tbay shut i was 6 ft 2 in and wrivhed 21e pounds lime Charles luste but I wsdnt a kill a but I had my days oha shut ip
@@aliciadaniellepage4405 Alicia I wanted to let you know your Daddy was a awesome fighter I truly loved to watch him. I am so sorry that he has gone home but to let you know he is alright now. I never got to see him in person but I watched ever fight on tv. I lost my dad some yrs ago and the hurt is rough some times hang in there one day we will get to see them again. God bless you my friend
I used to see Greg Page doing roadwork in Las Vegas in the early 1990s. I introduced myself to him one morning and shook his hand. A true gentleman and a terrific fighter. May he rest in eternal peace.
After Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson, Page was the most talented HW of the 80/s. Sadly exploited by Don King and things were never the same for his after his father passed. Rest in peace Greg Page
I always felt Dokes was the most talented. Lightning fast and "dynamite" in his fists. But like so many, whether it was Don King, or King Cocaine, they never reached their full potential...yet they all still achieved great things in spite of it. Can we even imagine had the external and internal demons not gotten the better of them? Wow.
We sat across the aisle from him at the Pinklon Thomas-Trevor Berbick title fight in 86. Real quiet polite guy. Later we saw him sparring with Mike Tyson. He had more skills than most heavyweights of his era.
Incredible documentary covering the career of A fighter who had so much natural talent. He should have achieved so much more than he did with his ability. It was incredibly moving watching his demise unfortunately it is a familiar end that I’ve seen far to many times with these great fighters RIP Champ.
