BOXING

BOXING

Time to recognize Harry Arroyo’s legacy

Fanfare:

The reason I am writing is to discuss the Valley boxers from the 1980s. Of course we all know Ray Mancini, “the Valley’s favorite son.” But the Valley boxer who is often overlooked, even back in his prime, is Harry Arroyo — a former world champion and a person who still calls the Mahoning Valley home.

For the last 20 plus years Arroyo has had to play second fiddle to Mancini’s sideshow and it is has to stop. Mancini is known as “the Valley’s favorite son,” however it was Mancini who bolted out of Youngstown, as soon as he made it big, to the bright lights of Hollywood to make movies.

Come to think of it, when was the last time anyone has seen Mancini in a movie? How about any of these supposed movies that he has either produced or directed? For 20 years we in this Valley have been hearing about Mancini and movies, but not one person in this area can name a movie that he has either produced, directed, or starred in. If he is such a “big shot” in Hollywood, why doesn’t he have some famous actors or actresses come to the area to promote the Valley?

The only time Mancini shows up in the Valley is when Kelly Pavlik is getting ready to fight. Just as he did to Arroyo, Mancini steals some of Pavlik’s spotlight.

I think Mancini should stay in Hollywood and keep working on making those supposed movies.

Ricky S. George

Niles

CHANEY

Cheap shots at school shouldn’t be tolerated

Fanfare:

A few weeks ago The Vindicator ran a story on Keilen Dykes. It is a shame the young man took the celebration of his association with one of the Super Bowl teams to degrade the school and the district that gave him the opportunity to become a successful athlete.

As a teacher and coach for Youngstown City Schools I found his evaluation to be insulting and unfounded.

He stated that the discipline not only in Chaney High School but also on the football field is lacking. Well he is dead wrong. As a teacher at Chaney High School I am telling all reasonable individuals that the administrators are some of the finest that I have ever worked for. They are dedicated to the students at Chaney.

Mr. Dykes tells us the team is not winning and the fault likes with Coach Protopapa. As a football coach with 40 years of experience let me assure you that John Protopapa is one of the best instructors of football that I have seen. He is a fine teacher as well as gentleman.

I am telling all of you that Mr. Dykes is wrong and his evaluation is nothing more than a cheap shot directed at a truly wonderful school district, a fine school and an honorable man.

John Turco

Struthers