THE notion of being ‘ringside’, particularly at a big stadium fight, can be a falsehood. Doctors, judges, trainers, timekeepers, inspectors and photographers are generally the only ones who can really claim to be immediately beside the ring, with the lead broadcasters’ commentary team generally close enough too. However, the Boxing News reporter is usually in a privileged position, if not always strictly where your ‘ringside’ byline insinuates you were.
When representing BN, efforts are made to be in our seat before the sound of the opening bell. This involves: Not being late, working out where the media entrance is, successfully identifying yourself to the person manning the accreditation desk, having your bag checked, navigating a winding corridor or two, and hoping that the burly security guard blocking the route to the seats on the ground floor has been briefed on the media seating situation.
“You’re in what area?” burly security guard asks as you show your wristband and attempt to explain that you’re kind of a big deal.
“I’m in area B, ground floor, row two, media.”
“What I think you need you need to be, which is just behind his right shoulder. “Go up those stairs, through the double doors at the top, keep walking until you see the burger stand, turn left and keep going until you pass the gents, get in the lift on your right, go to floor six, ask for Benny; he’s a lovely bloke, and he’ll be able to show you to your seat.”
