By: Sean Crose
“Boxing misplaced a brave man with passing of former commentator Alex Wallau,” Prime Rank Promotion’s Bruce Tampler said on social media this previous weekend “pricey pal of many within the enterprise. Alex confronted loss of life threats after exposing crooked Don King match, was the mind behind Howard Cosell and later president of ABC TV for Bob Iger. Needs to be HOF.” Certainly, the gentlemanly Wallau was one of many nice faces of the game throughout it’s 80’s period golden age. But the broadcaster additionally proved himself to be a fighter outdoors the ring, one who challenged corruption and efficiently battled most cancers for many years.
Wallau was working for ABC within the mid 80s when he was provided the prospect to broadcast skilled boxing stay for the community. Earlier than that he was recognized for having fought in opposition to the printed of a farcical struggle match. He might have regarded too polished to be an integral a part of boxing broadcasting, however Wallau excelled at his job earlier than the cameras, lodging himself completely into the minds of these of us who adopted his commerce. His profession was sidelined, nonetheless, when he was identified with throat most cancers. Even from the start of his well being battle, nonetheless, Wallau proved to be a fighter. ”After three months, 25 p.c of the individuals who have this are lifeless already,” he mentioned early on, “I’m doing effectively. It’s like a 15-round struggle. You don’t know if you are able to do it till you attempt. I’m prepared to present it a shot.”
The community TV man additionally had a capability to maintain issues in perspective. ”I’ve at all times felt that issues even up in life,” he informed informed the Chicago Tribune (in a quote posted by Ring Journal). “I’ve had an unbelievably fortunate life, an amazing household, pals, spouse. So I determine that is my robust time, however lots of people have robust occasions their complete life. I keep in mind telling my spouse as soon as, ‘I can’t at all times be this fortunate.’ So, in a means, I used to be ready for it.”
As if his braveness wasn’t proof sufficient of his gutsiness, the person died Friday on the age of 80 – having efficiently battled most cancers for many years. “Alex Wallau,” said famed coach/podcaster Teddy Atlas, “was a Boxing skilled as a Commentator & Tv Government, & a fighter who survived Most cancers, & lived as a Gentleman. R. I. P.” Briefly, whereas Wallau was an necessary a part of the struggle recreation – he turned much more necessary in exhibiting the world how he confronted adversity.
The person will definitely be effectively missed, in each boxing circles and past.
RIP.
