An Apology To Crawford Grimsley

I was taken to task overnight by Jodi Grimsley, the wife of returning heavyweight Crawford Grimsley, with regard to my flippant remarks about Crawford’s condition and repute as a heavyweight following his withdrawal from the Michael Moorer contest.

Quite rightly, Mrs Grimsley questioned my intent, research and experience on the subject of diverticulitis, the affliction that prevented her husband fighting, and boxing in general. The whole episode was a dose of reality as to the surprising reach of this blog and the random thoughts it covers.

While I maintain the research I undertook was real, albeit superficial, it failed to consider the individuality of the condition and my suggestion it was caused by poor diet was neither helpful or accurate in Crawford’s case, though a medically substantiated cause according to diverticulitus.org.uk.

On reflection the post was far too flippant on the condition, but was posted without knowledge of just how serious Crawford’s condition was. A septic abscess could have proven fatal had the surgical intervention not been made when it was. Obviously, a fighter’s health is of paramount importance and had I known how chronic the symptoms and problems were I’m sure I would have commented with more humility.

All of this doesn’t detract from the fact Crawford was far from qualified to represent a challenge for Michael Moorer, a fight fulfilled by veteran journeyman Sedrick Fields in Crawford’s absence, given he hasn’t fought for 5 years and is a chasm beneath Moorer in terms of ability and quality. I think it is this gulf in activity and pedigree added to my frustration at the heavyweight division in general that fueled my disdain in the post rather than the specific targeting of Crawford.

However, all that aside, Crawford is a man who steps between the ropes – something I’ve never done – and deserved more grace and respect than I afforded him and for that I apologise unreservedly.

In the meantime, I wish Crawford a swift recovery from the surgery he underwent yesterday, March 16th.

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