The most recent news about top contender Fernando Vargas taking steroids before his last title match against Oscar De La Hoya, was not surprising to me. A youngster so obsessed with the power of the muscle and "machismo" in boxing may not hesitate to try anything in order to enhance his beliefs. In fact, my choice of Oscar to win was provoked precisely by "the ferocious" continuous statements suggesting that physical strength was the most important ingredient in ring victories. He repeatedly appeared to ignore the fact that muscle and strength will never defeat character and intelligence in boxing contests, particularly in a championship match.

Ken Nahigian, the latest self-styled boxing "expert" in these United States, has a little list he carries around in his back pocket. Written on this piece of paper are the names of his preferred candidates to take the role of "national boxing administrator" (otherwise known as the 'boxing czar'), a position that would be created if the "Professional Boxing Amendments Act of 2002" is passed by Congress.