You can control a few things in life but most things you can't.
4
One crucial confusion I feel about this article, it says nowhere that he was blacklisted by Bulgaria, but people are writing as if they did. He said, "So I couldn’t go. But I also wasn’t going to fight for Bulgaria." This truly seems like he had the opportunity still to fight for Bulgaria, but didn't want it. I might also have felt the same way, but it's another choice he made. I feel sorry for him, but he didn't exactly keep at his dream. I think having alcoholism is very hard.
10
I feel terrible for this guy. I hope his life turns around.
9
Not having the money ruined him--
Having the money ruined Mayweather...
Having the money ruined Mayweather...
9
"I coulda been a contender instead of what I am now, which is a bum....."
On the Waterfront
On the Waterfront
9
Isn't this life, in general. Mostly everyone can look back and point to one or two times that, if they di one things differently, their lives might now be much better or, perhaps, much worst. C'est la vie!
7
it took me two hours to read this article b/c it kept locking-up my computer
1
"For of all sad words of tongue or men, the saddest are these, it might have been." John Greenleaf Whittier
13
A well written story! Mr. Todorov still has a whole life ahead of him. Soon he will be a grandfather. He has many life stories he can use to help his grandson or granddaughter be a successful individual. Sometimes, we have to let go of situations in life that did not turnout the way we wanted. We all can learn from these and try to be better individuals. Yes, we can still work to make things better for ourselves and the people around us. Maybe, he can train one of his grand kids to be the next future Olympic Champion!
He has his health. He has a legacy of accomplishments in the boxing world, not many can say they have achieved. More important, he has a family, a nation and many fans that will continue to wish him well every day.
Keep on fighting, Sir! May God bless you and your family and friends this Easter weekend and every day. Amen!
He has his health. He has a legacy of accomplishments in the boxing world, not many can say they have achieved. More important, he has a family, a nation and many fans that will continue to wish him well every day.
Keep on fighting, Sir! May God bless you and your family and friends this Easter weekend and every day. Amen!
17
There were many great Eastern European boxers back then who never went pro. Then Golota came, then Tszyu, and now they are in many cases dominating the professional ranks. The only comment I don't understand is the subject's thoughts that there will never be a white boxer like him; in fact there are too many to count.
5
OF COURSE, HE COULDN'T SIGN a contract that he couldn't read, without getting a lawyer and other advisors to strategize with him. But not to even consider it, was... stupid. Before his crucial fights, he wouldn't train properly, and he would drink heavily and do all those other stupid things, means he was... stupid. It really is not a big mystery how he ended up the way he did.
4
Correction: This is not the last man to beat Mayweather, there is at least one who came after him. Just watched the first Castillo fight and, hands down, Castillo was the clear winner - not only in my eyes, but in the eyes of the commentators, as well. Entering the last round, Castillo's handlers were telling him that Mayweather had to try to knock him out to win the fight. The winner was clear in everybody's mind, but the judges. Short of a KO, they were going to give the win to Mayweather - because he was the potential big money maker for the boxing establishment. That was a clear example of how fraudulent boxing judging really is. Disgusting...
7
What a crock. If u know how to score a fight no way u say Castillo won. Messed up shoulder and outweighed by ten pounds Floyd gave this dude a thorough boxing lesson. Castillo landed low blows and Floyd wasnt awarded what was a clear knock down. Hush that foolishness because if it was anywhere near as close as u say, why in the rematch did Floyd literally embarass that man? As for commentators and compubox, remember that compubox counts shoulder shots too! Castillo was chasing and getting slapped all night
2
Boxers are all brawn and little brains from impoverished areas, that's why they go into boxing. Hindsight is alway in the back of one's thoughts and wiser for having experienced it and sharing for future generations. The sport itself is govern and managed by corrupt folks who operate in grey and criminal corners and the most talented young boxers are subject to becoming victims. The sport should be only conducted as an Olympic sport with no professional pathways - make it illegal as an inhuman activity.
6
Pazardjik is a beautiful city with tree lined boulevards an nice houses and no farm animals :), I was a Peace Corp teacher there. The author went too far in his fantasies to depict Todorov's living conditions as dire. Todorov was well known in town and while his pension (social security) is probably 4-500 euro, he also gets a sports pension which is much hire.
9
They should do an article the last man to ko "Manny Pacquiao"....iit would be a good read to see the insight of Marquez....aat the same time it's intriguing that Floyd hasn't lost a fight in 20 yrs...it's unbelievable,iit just go's to prove the God gifted abilities that Floyd has been given a brilliant boxing mind and at 38 leaves his younger rivals for as dead ,as for Manny Pacquiao if he is not focused he will lose in a humiliating defeat never has floyd looked more determined and focused.....wat he did to Guerrero and Canelo wen he needed to put an end to speculation floyd dlivered in dramatic and poetic fashion,my question is what will he do to Manny in this fight were he is more focused and intense in his camp !!!! All I can say is that I would hate to be Manny Pacquiao on May 2nd cause I seriously believe we will see a born again floyd in the boxing sense resurrected and ready to be glorified into the boxing hall of fame as one of the greatest boxers not only of our era but but of all times .....
3
Todorov has been wronged! It's probably already underway, but it would only be fair for the US Federal Government it immediately give Todorov, his wife, son, and pregnant daughter-in-law visas, US citizenship, subsidized housing, and well-paying government jobs. The federal income taxes that will be paid by Mayweather in his upcoming fight with Pacquio (win or lose) will more than cover the cost.
3
Is there anyone who has not made a foolish mistake at some point in their lives? An error which can further force a cascade of damaging events? Fortunately life usually offers opportunities to bounce back and succeed - if one doesn't wallow in self-pity and is sufficiently mature to make the right decisions.
Apparently, Todorov lacked the requisites.
Apparently, Todorov lacked the requisites.
4
100 million dollars bets that Mayweather is NOT a very "happy" person. Money does solve life.
1
Teach. Let go of your personal loss and pass on what you know and you will gain for it.
There's no reason you should not work with people, unless a funky government stops you.
There's no reason you should not work with people, unless a funky government stops you.
1
Sad tale. Make a great movie.
1
He should have just became a trainer after that. Who knows, maybe he could of trained the next world champion and made big money doing it
2
"Fate is like a strange, unpopular restaurant filled with odd little waiters who bring you things you never asked for and don't always like."
-Lemony Snicket
-Lemony Snicket
5
A bit of a pathetic article. Pazardjik is a beautiful city with tree lined boulevards, nice houses and definitely no farm animals. I know the guy lives in the ghetto section, he is well known in town, but the author went too far in his attempt to make Todorov's living conditions look dire. (I was a teacher via the Peace Corps in that city two years ago) Remember Bulgaria is the country that civilized the Slavs and whose rulers ordered the creation and spread of the Bulgarian alphabet (aka Cyrillic alphabet) and pushed that to countries like Russia. The 400 Euro, this is his pension yes (like Social Security) but for his world title he also gets a sports pension, which is much higher, so he is not in such a desperate position as it is described... but surely doesn't have Mr. M's $$$
5
He was a drunk and undisciplined, he would've not made it anywhere as a pro. What kind of athlete needs his trainer to literally babysit him. This guy was a wreck. God did not award him the life he is dreaming of because he would most likely end up dead.
1
"For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: 'It might have been!'"
10
someone should sponsor him to come stateside and be a trainer.
8
A lot of people here are wondering: "Why he said a quick NO to the American promoters?" Several reasons - He thought the referees are on his side and he is going to be an Olympic champion. First, it was an important goal of his and second - the Olympic champions in Bulgaria are well compensated. They get the equivalent of $50k from the state. Often an apartment and a car by sponsors and all but guaranteed position in the sports federation after retirement. Sarafa thought all that is coming for him in just 2 or 3 days. Why would he swap it with a deal with people he didn't know, signing a contract he couldn't read? The sad reality, though, was that he got burned at the final. And filled with fury and bitterness, ruined his chances of selling his talents after the Olympic games.
31
Woulda shoulda coulda pal...
5
I coulda been champion
Who knows? He might have been suffering with brain damage now had he signed the contract.
6
I had never heard of Mr Todorov but from watching the you tube video it is apparent that he was a boxer of considerable skill. Great movement and very fast hands. What is sad is not what happened nearly 20 years ago but what is happening now: a relatively young man without any apparent vestige of hope or pride. Past time to stop wallowing in self-pity, Mr Todorov; appreciate what you have, make the best of it. And stop smoking.
13
Odd how boxing "mano a mano" reduces all of life's struggle to individual conflict against individual and how we as spectators respond.
I really don't think we were meant to battle among ourselves with the spectacle staged as the Romans with loss of life and limb or gain of riches in the Coliseum, but as theater without the apparent consequence of that tale.
It is perhaps the origin of the Olympics to celebrate grace of form and discipline, rather than winning, that has been lost.
Like the rest of us both Mayweather and Todorov should be held in esteem, not because one "loses" and the other "wins" or how much wealth is accumulated, but of, as the old saw goes, the way we play the game.
I really don't think we were meant to battle among ourselves with the spectacle staged as the Romans with loss of life and limb or gain of riches in the Coliseum, but as theater without the apparent consequence of that tale.
It is perhaps the origin of the Olympics to celebrate grace of form and discipline, rather than winning, that has been lost.
Like the rest of us both Mayweather and Todorov should be held in esteem, not because one "loses" and the other "wins" or how much wealth is accumulated, but of, as the old saw goes, the way we play the game.
8
Todorov was a 27 year old amateur for a reason. He wasn't very good. Furthermore, no matter how good one's amateur record, it is a record of fighting non-profesional fighters. Even Mark Breland, did not translate his amateur career into an especially stellar professional career.
4
Incorrect on both counts. 1. In that era it was very common for eastern european fighters to remain amateurs and never turn professional since they were sponsored by their governments and given many perks to remain in their national team programs. 2. Breland finished with a 35-3 professional record (25 wins by knockout) and twice reigned as welterweight champion of the world, perhaps he never lived up to the immense hype but it is unfair to say that his career was "not stellar".
4
Are you joking? That was and to a degree still is normal for many Eastern European boxers; I think Golovkin was a similar age when he turned pro.
"Not very good." If you become a world champion of anything in life you have accomplished an infinite amount more than most.
"Not very good." If you become a world champion of anything in life you have accomplished an infinite amount more than most.
4
An amateur boxer is a pro with a 0-0 record!
1
Sarafa fails to see the blessings in his life. Had he accepted the contract, with his predilection for women and alcohol, his impulsiveness, his life could have been worse, or he could have ended dead. He is still young; hopefully, he will be able to stop his regrets from limiting his vision and pursuing other opportunities no matter how humble they are.
35
Once you break a mans spirit, or if you prefer, once a man allows his spirit to be broken, it's very difficult to restore him. When great things are right in front of you and you fail to seize them, it can haunt you a lifetime. Especially if what was in front of you could have been life changing. Yes, he does have blessings. He has a wife and children. I wish for his sake that he could be happy with that. But he is not the first man not able to overcome his demons. The world is full of men like Todorov. A life of regrets is a tough one to stomach.
4
I don't know. I want to be sympathetic. But, it sounds like he made a choice, could have tried harder, was a bit of a prima donna and maybe drank himself out of it. Boxing is a really tough sport and like a lot of things, very unfair. I don't watch Olympic boxing anymore because the judging is so terrible that it hurts to watch it.
7
He never says why he turned down the promoters with barely a thought. Did he think that if he won the gold his contract terms would get even better? Did he not want to move to America? Whatever the reason is, that's why he's not in better financial shape today. It has nothing to do with Mayweather or who won any of the fights. It has everything to do with shutting the door in opportunity's face when it came knocking.
7
His reasons are hinted at right here:
"Todorov was 28. He could have had another Olympics in him, a few more world championship tournaments, too."
"Todorov was 28. He could have had another Olympics in him, a few more world championship tournaments, too."
5
A well written and moving piece. One has to feel for Todorov- a talented athlete victimized by corruption on both sides of the East-West divide. It should be prohibited for professional boxing agents to cut deals in the post fight anti-doping area of an Olympics venue. And of course, the corruption of IOC officials from many nations is no surprise. In the end, a talented but simple man missed his opportunity and had the misfortune of being in a dislocated society transitioning from crony socialism to ... crony capitalism.
21
People often forget Floyd Mayweather is from a very prominent boxing family. All the men in his family box. His father was De La Hoya's trainer and his uncle trained him for the same fight.
Whether Floyd took the deal from the promoters or not you'd better believe that he had plenty of guidance from his family on how to make it in the world of boxing.
Floyd isn't just a successful businessman. Floyd's the product of deep expertise in the sport and industry of boxing.
This guy ... not so much.
Whether Floyd took the deal from the promoters or not you'd better believe that he had plenty of guidance from his family on how to make it in the world of boxing.
Floyd isn't just a successful businessman. Floyd's the product of deep expertise in the sport and industry of boxing.
This guy ... not so much.
45
Title is a little misleading -- it seems like he regrets not beating Mayweather but instead not taking the contract offer that followed.
4
Wonderful sports writing! It's deep, well-written, and avoids maudlin emotions.
8
Sad story this. Show even more how disgusting mayweathers actions with his money can be
3
One man is making a living giving other men concussions and being paid too well for doing it. The other man is damaging his own brain by drinking too much while lamenting a past decision probably while suffering at least a mild concussion. Why is boxing still considered a sport? Who are these bloodthirsty people who keep this so called sport in business?
26
Because boxers and fans enjoy it. In the pantheon of modern evils, it doesn't even rank. In my opinion people who have a morally indignant view of boxing are mindboggling naive.
2
First and foremost it's entertainment. If people weren't entertained -- and weren't willing to pay for it -- the sport would go away.
1
Amazingly written piece... Wow...
Powerfull.
Powerfull.
9
What a beautiful and sad, at the same time, human story. Makes you think about life, without judging this great boxer. It's all about that big old question: "What could have been, if..."
As they say, all the wisdom is in one's ability to be ready when his/her moment comes, and not to miss it. But the big problem in this case, it seems, is that this talented men lived in a communist country, where things didn't work in the way we know them.
As they say, all the wisdom is in one's ability to be ready when his/her moment comes, and not to miss it. But the big problem in this case, it seems, is that this talented men lived in a communist country, where things didn't work in the way we know them.
3
Problem was when his chance to change all that came he was ill-equiped to seize it. If you want to see an even sadder story, see Vasili Alexeev's story, the gold medal winning Russian weight lifter.
2
Yes I agree it was a sad and life changing story.There's another boxer whom has passed but still his story remains.....Johnny Tapia..I'm sure you all know of him and his self inflicted battles.
3
Good article, after the author drove home the fact Mayweather makes a lot of money. Really don't care about his worth. Although Todorov has one thing over him and that's a win. A win that he will take with him to his grave.
A win he himself knows may well have been an actual loss. That and a Bulgarian Lev won't even buy him a coffee at that closed coffee shop with the banana painted on the side wall. Perhaps Mayweather will help him out with enough money for him to start a new life elsewhere.
4
Hay! TruthOverHarmony, You know that would be real greateful mayweather showing his appreciation. I would.
1
His win means nothing. It's about as triumphant as Chuck Wepner scoring a knockdown against Ali. Who cares?
1
On the other hand, he could have taken the money, lived fast and died young. There's a movie in there somewhere.
1
Todorov may have missed the train to a wealthy future, but really, is his life all that bad? He doesn't work but he eats. What other animal besides H. sapiens wouldn't be happy with that deal? My dog certainly seems to think it's keen.
It's easy to make yourself miserable if you try. Mayweather could pine over how practically nobody cares about boxing anymore--I bet most people don't even know, except for commercials they watch incidental to watching something esle--who Mayweather is, or even what he does. Notwithstanding the megabuck payouts (everything demands a megabuck payout these days), boxing is a backwater sport. But I bet Mayweather doesn't mind.
It's easy to make yourself miserable if you try. Mayweather could pine over how practically nobody cares about boxing anymore--I bet most people don't even know, except for commercials they watch incidental to watching something esle--who Mayweather is, or even what he does. Notwithstanding the megabuck payouts (everything demands a megabuck payout these days), boxing is a backwater sport. But I bet Mayweather doesn't mind.
7
People care enough that he can make $180,000,000 for one fight ...
That really seems to gut your argument.
Even Tom Brady doesn't take home $180,000,000 per game.
That really seems to gut your argument.
Even Tom Brady doesn't take home $180,000,000 per game.
6
Two men in the same ring, virtually identical it seems as the fight played out. A close decision, on the surface. Yet the two men are clearly miles different. If Floyd's training regiment today is any indication of what it was back in Atlanta then Todorov didn't do in the 3 weeks he trained what Floyd was doing every 3 days. Floyd has his many flaws, but lazy is not one of them. What would have happened if instead of 3 weeks, Mr. Todorov trained for 9? What if instead of drinking and partying Mr. Todorov was as focused on winning as much as Floyd? Mr. Todorov's story is sad, but only because we are presented with another example where extreme talent was not a replacement for hard work.
58
You hit the nail on the head. Success is earned.
3
The world of professional sports has thousands of these stories in a little different format but the end result the exact same. Rags to riches and riches to rags, its the nature of the beast. This particular story comes in the form of the most corrupted sport on the planet. This guy was thrown under the bus by Jetchev and poor management where sponsors were lining up after his Olympic showing. But this sport is on the same line as pro wrestling, a joke. Just watch this fight will lead to 2 more by these two, it has to, there is way too much money involved to believe any different.
2
Pro wrestling is not a joke. It is a television show like Modern Family or Scandal and unlike so-called reality shows, it doesn't take itself seriously and pretend to be something other than what it is. If it is a joke, then Vince McMahon is laughing all the way to the bank. By the way, I still think it is still one of the most entertaining things on tv and I've been watching for close to 50 years.
Boxing, okay, that can be a joke, but a great boxing match is still about as exciting as it comes.
Boxing, okay, that can be a joke, but a great boxing match is still about as exciting as it comes.
2
Maybe he made the rash decision to turn away the American promoters because he was taking punches to the head regularly at the same time he was and likely still is an alcoholic?
6
The tragic quality of Todorov's Hubris, in the fact that he declined the offer, is what we can take away from this. Not much else, but maybe that's enough.
The day Todorov said "no" to those promoters was indeed a fateful day for him. And it was seared into his memory because Mayweather said yes to them.
However, for Todorov to single out that one day as the irremediable debacle in his boxing career may be emotionally convenient, but it is much too simple.
Convenient because the false clarity of that one moment appears to Todorov as the harbinger of all that followed. Too simple because there were other choices he also made back then, which helped seal his downward boxing trajectory.
Those other choices he either does not acknowledge, or if he does, he then refuses to include them in his present-day self narrative.
He didn't explore other venues, possibilities, or professional boxing pursuits that would have been open to a fighter of Todorov's apparently prodigious talent.
He could have undertaken -- but didn't -- any of them and continued with a brilliant boxing career. He failed to create new opportunities for himself.
Yes, in retrospect it was a terrible mistake for Todorov to refuse those promoters. But more insidious than that error was the accumulation of the poor choices he continued to make regarding his incredible gifts in the ring.
Did Todorov get stuck in a life-long tantrum of fatalistic regret and despondency? Did he succumb to impulsiveness, lack of focus, and immediate gratification and release?
We will never know.
oz.
However, for Todorov to single out that one day as the irremediable debacle in his boxing career may be emotionally convenient, but it is much too simple.
Convenient because the false clarity of that one moment appears to Todorov as the harbinger of all that followed. Too simple because there were other choices he also made back then, which helped seal his downward boxing trajectory.
Those other choices he either does not acknowledge, or if he does, he then refuses to include them in his present-day self narrative.
He didn't explore other venues, possibilities, or professional boxing pursuits that would have been open to a fighter of Todorov's apparently prodigious talent.
He could have undertaken -- but didn't -- any of them and continued with a brilliant boxing career. He failed to create new opportunities for himself.
Yes, in retrospect it was a terrible mistake for Todorov to refuse those promoters. But more insidious than that error was the accumulation of the poor choices he continued to make regarding his incredible gifts in the ring.
Did Todorov get stuck in a life-long tantrum of fatalistic regret and despondency? Did he succumb to impulsiveness, lack of focus, and immediate gratification and release?
We will never know.
oz.
17
If Floyd Mayweather has any class, if he is a decent human being worthy of our admiration beyond his incomparable boxing skills and whatever charitable foundation he might be funding for reasons of tax reduction and/or altruism, he would cut this guy a check for a million bucks or so. That amount of money probably represents less than 0.01 of Mr. Mayweather's net worth--before his take from the Pacquaio fight. Surely once he reads of Todorov's sad, pathetic life in this article, Mr. Mayweather will demonstrate the kind of character that we, his fans, believe he possesses by reaching out to Todorov with such an act of kindness and generosity. It would probably save Todorov's remaining life by sparing him and his family of the despondency and alcoholism that he have understandably taken over his life as a result of his own poor judgment and the corruption within the sport of the international boxing.
4
A million bucks won't help an alcoholic get sober and into recovery. In fact, I would bet he'd use the occasion to throw himself one heck of a party that probably would go on for many days/weeks. If Mayweather decides to help him out, I would suggest putting some verifiable performance conditions on the use of the money.
7
Wow this article was very moving.
3
Seriously, Fraud JailWeather Jr's last loss was to Jose Luis Castillo. Floyd clearly lost that fight. CASTILLO GOT ROBBED !!!
I've communicated with several boxing sportswriters/analysts and so far, I'm batting 100%........ They all agree Castillo won that 1st fight.
Go (re)watch the fight and you'll agree
I've communicated with several boxing sportswriters/analysts and so far, I'm batting 100%........ They all agree Castillo won that 1st fight.
Go (re)watch the fight and you'll agree
2
I don't follow or watch boxing, but what a great human interest story. Great work!
6
Great article Sam! One of life's sad stories.
16
I am not sure why you keep comparing this man's net worth with Mayweather's. He has every opportunity to turn professional and make money as Mayweather did. Olympic medalists from many countries, including Cuba, have won world championships, cable-TV contracts, and lucrative contracts. The constant pointing out of their "income equality" seems to suggest that it's not fair that of two men in the same circumstance, one is extremely wealthy while the other merely subsists. However - nothing is more fair than boxing - where the men simply have to go and earn what it out there for them. The article points out that this man isn't bitter over Mayweather's success -- but the author sure seems to be.
12
The problem lies not in the juxtapositioning of their respective circumstances, but in your failure to appreciate why it's relevant.
3
It's not relevant except as an irony that the loser is rich. Beyond that, it is totally irrelevant.
2
It is relative to show the vagaries of fate and to entertain the possibilities of "what if?" What if Todorov had lost to Mayweather in the semi-final? He himself says that he much likelier would have signed a professional contract after that loss, rather than waiting after the final, confident that he'd win and fight a few more times in representation of his country.
Had he lost then he would have had a lot more money at his disposal than he did after being blacklisted by Bulgaria. The blacklist and his subsequent destitution flow in part from that fated decision to spur the professional contract. Two roads traveled, two starkly and financially divergent results. See how that works?
Had he lost then he would have had a lot more money at his disposal than he did after being blacklisted by Bulgaria. The blacklist and his subsequent destitution flow in part from that fated decision to spur the professional contract. Two roads traveled, two starkly and financially divergent results. See how that works?
3
“I coulda been a contender...” It’s is a grim, treacherous and most often corrupt sport which has been destroying a majority of the lives it engages for centuries. Yet, it and its exeptional men like Todorov still hold the power to move us.
5
Todorov isn't exceptional. He's a never was!
Great piece!
5
Floyd can rescue this man from this life if he wants to. And now that would be a good story.
Nice guy - I hope Todorov's fortunes turn around really soon. Talent like that should not go to waste.
Nice guy - I hope Todorov's fortunes turn around really soon. Talent like that should not go to waste.
33
I find myself wishing Floyd would show some redemptive quality, and lend an assist where possible. It doesn't mean giving him money, but certainly his wealth and influence counts for something, other than gloating Instagram photos. I'm not a fan of Mayweather, but neither do I seek to demonize him, we all have our issues. It would just be nice to see him do something for a fellow warrior.
4
Why is it Mayweather's responsibility to correct Todorov's mistakes? I turned down a job at google 10 years ago because I didn't want to commute. Do my friends who were smart enough to accept jobs there owe me anything? No. People make poor choices all of the time. It's not someone else's duty to correct them.
20
@Catchupwiththetimes... browse the two preceding comments and see if you can find where anyone suggested it was Mayweather's "responsibility" to do anything. RIF.
4
Superb sports writing. A knockout.
9
A salutory lesson in the often murky world of boxing - Many others far less talented than Todorov have achieved fame and riches, they played the game, he didn't. I think he had all the attributes to be a fantastic professional boxer.
6
Who among us is without regrets?
56
That is a very sad story. I guess there is no way to guaranty honest scoring in any Olympic event other than ones where there is a clear winner ie. running events, rowing (except of course if there is a photo-finish subject to a judgement call.) The political (and economic) agendas of all the countries are in conflict with each other. We never really learn why Mr Todorov quickly said "No" to the offer to turn pro. Was it national pride? A fleeting 15 minutes of fame opportunity to feel superior to the capitalists and keep himself for himself? Being prideful is no substitute for using your brain.
8
This story makes no sense. There is absolutely no reasonable explanation of how losing would have helped Todorov. There is also no explanation of why he turned down the chance to go pro.
Poor reporting/editing.
Poor reporting/editing.
48
Totally agree - I thought I had missed something. Both he and Mayweather were approached by promoters after the fight. Mayweather accepted (then or later) and this guy didn't. He made a bad decision that had nothing to do with the Mayweather fight (or the next fight) being fixed.
5
He mentions however that had he lost to Mayweather, he would not have hung up his gloves and instead gone for another Olympic title, in which maybe he would have received another chance to go professional.
4
In terms of reasoning; why/how Todorov's life turned out the way it did, there is likely more to it than his decision to turn down american promoters way back when. The world is littered with people that never reach their potential- for a variety of reasons. In an unfair world, you have to be really on your game, take advantage of support to rise above your circumstances. In a more forgiving world, one may get away with indescretions and still prosper
8
An excellent article, and a reminder to be ready when opportunity comes knocking.
17
Neanderthals make some of the best boxers
4
Shoulda, woulda, coulda.
The story of a loser's life.
The story of a loser's life.
5
Excellent story. In many ways, this is the history of boxing...
7
History of life...
3
Excellent reporting!
2
There has long been vast corruption throughout the "Olympic Movement", but the worst cesspools have been the subjective sports--boxing and figure skating in particular.
2
My Brother-in-Law Charles Nwokolo, aka Young Dick Tiger, knocked his opponent down twice in the quarter finals of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and yet he lost the fight. Nigeria threatened to pull out of the Olympics and they were appeased when their next fighter lost and yet was "given" a Win. The apparent fear was that Nwokolo would meet the American in the Finals and beat him. What a difference that Win would have made to him, his country and his career.
2
KOs are not subjective.
1
What a sad story...sad because this man made so many bad decisions, from drinking heavily to not continuing doing the only thing he knew - fighting. No mention of why he can't hold a job, but perhaps liquor plays a part?
Boxing has always had a reputation for corruption, so I guess it's no surprise that it even existed on the Olympic level as well.
The NYTimes loves to print these stories about poor, mistreated victims. I'm not sure that does anyone any good, as victimization is as deadly as poison. I'd much prefer to read about someone who turned their life around, to ruined it due to poor choices.
Boxing has always had a reputation for corruption, so I guess it's no surprise that it even existed on the Olympic level as well.
The NYTimes loves to print these stories about poor, mistreated victims. I'm not sure that does anyone any good, as victimization is as deadly as poison. I'd much prefer to read about someone who turned their life around, to ruined it due to poor choices.
12
Reminds me On the Waterfront: "You don't understand. I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am"
55
Surely Floyd Mayweather could part with one or two of the wads of bills he walks around with in order to help a fellow boxer fallen on hard times. As for the last man to defeat Floyd, review their first fight and talk to Jose Luis Castillo. If any professional can be said to have filed the elusive "blueprint for beating Mayweather," it's Castillo.
4
Boxing as a sport is a misnomer. The spectacle inside the ropes inspires and disheartens as fast as the flurry of punches, meanwhile other combatants fighting to a favourable result are generally outside the ropes. Surprisingly, the game continues to capitalize with these realities intact.
1
A one-way ticket to palookaville!
3
What a sad tale. Missed opportunities, lies, cheats, frauds...welcome to the Soviet era of life. Total corruption. Athletes, artists, writers, film makers all suppressed.
Todorov also needs to look in the mirror and see the "why" of it all as well. He was "played" and he made every possible bad choice.
Todorov also needs to look in the mirror and see the "why" of it all as well. He was "played" and he made every possible bad choice.
13
...the Soviet era? By which you mean 1996?
2
Very good article. Hope NYTimes keeps its coverage of the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight going.
3
Sad story. Maybe Mayweather could drop him a half a million.
8
Todorov's misfortune is regrettable but one is hardly surprised by the tale itself, which is likely echoed in other parts of the world. After all this is boxing that is being discussed.
4