They were it

Boxing and Horse Racing ran the show, they were the Kings

There is no way to really understand it unless you were alive back then

Especially now when we walk around with computers in our pockets

Information is available on any subject 24/7 and that includes sports

Those where the days when the Heavy Weight Champion of the World was the most famous athlete on the planet

It was a different time not only with sports but with life in America

Bach then radio ruled, newspapers were important and TV was in its infancy

Look at all the classic movies that involve gambling

So many of them have scenes from the races or the ring

Patrons in a bar listening to a fight call

Waiting until the next day for their newspaper to tell and show them what happened

When you get a chance Google up pictures from Rocky Marciano and Jersey Joe Walcott

Then look at those faces

Same thing with horse racing which for years led all sports in attendance

Triple Crown races were really important then too but back then they had special horses that ran for years

Seasonal stake races that were so big they reminded you of what time of year it was

Not any more

These two great institutions that help tell the history of our country are also-rans

An article on line looked at the greatest fights of all time and, before Saturday’s magical matchup, the last one was 2005

Ten years is a long time to go in any aspect of life without having something special happen

The ponies aren’t doing much better

Four horse fields, 3 year olds retired to stud and horses dying on the track have all diminished the sport of horse racing to a position it may never escape

Saturday both get at least one day to shine

Hopefully we’ll make a couple bucks too