With the small talk pushed aside, Elijah beckoned everyone to submit a small service tip for the waitress who had attended to them before swilling back the remainder of his ice tea and heading back towards the casino, snatching a customary toothpick from the cashiers cage as he passed by. Both Finger twins lagged behind to look in the resorts overpriced gift shop whilst Steve Jaye appeared more curious of a nearby craps table. I hung back to watch what had interested the heavyweight and noticed the huge amounts that were being wagered on each dice roll. Jaye, a smooth featured black fighter smiled and shook his head as the gamblers celebrated yet another successful victory at the green felt jungle. We slowly strolled back to Elijah’s ride and carefully merged onto Las Vegas boulevard rolling south. “We’ve got an appointment with Kings people fellers, we gotta lay down some foundations, make good impressions. “ we pulled into an employee entrance of the MGM grand which swung into a private yard, often used for large productions and premier events, Don King productions had put together a plaza of mobile trailers which served as an office base for the Tyson v Holyfield promotion, occupying the whole plot. Elijah pulled into the only parking space and flashed his headlights at the nearest trailer, as he cut off the engine Carl King appeared from the trailer door, smiling with his arms spread wide. “Chi Town” King called out, in reference to Elijah who had worked with King with a number of Chicago based fighters, including McCall. “How’s life Elijah?” Shouted King Jr, the adopted son of the extraordinary Promoter.. “I’m fine junior, my money isn’t up.. but i survive..” King invited us all into the trailer where it appeared they had been toiling feverishly in the final preparations of the following days huge event. Elijah offered brief introductions as we filed in and sat uniformly at a desk opposite Carl. It appeared to me that Elijah had planned to introduce his young heavyweight to the promoter in a strategic attempt to network his way back into the picture, unfortunately the immature Jaye was completely oblivious as to the importance of first impressions, slouching, still wearing his headphones, completely inattentive to the promoter. Carl a shrewd and switched on operator took a sideways glance at the heavyweight and didn’t appear impressed at his attitude, he acknowledged me with a smile having met me on a number of informal occasions, before enquiring about Elijah and his current health. Elijah played down his own shortcomings but mentioned that he was struggling to make ends meet in the boxing business these days. Carl laughed nervously, “Damn Elijah. No one wants that spot…. Who are the brothers? “ Elijah introduced both of the twins individually and made it clear that they were free agents, offering an opening for King to view them as potential cash commodities. Elijah glanced at the completely ignorant Jaye, who showed no social gravity towards such an important opportunity, sitting with his head to the side, pulsing to the beat of his music. After a few moments of small talk Carl and Elijah began to reminisce about fighters and events they were involved with together. “Who was the tall brother from Chicago, long rangy mothafucker, he fought Mike over at the plaza.. “The Fonz.. Alfonso Ratliff” offered Elijah, yeah a nice dude, a righteous brother. He held the Cruiserweight title didn’t he Elijah.? Yeah man, he was slick, beat the brakes off Deleon.
“Hey Elijah do you remember him boxing that tough fucker, another Chicago boy.. the guy with the fake leg.. “ Elijah laughed as did both Finger twins at such an outrageous claim.. Elijah continued, “yeah Ratliff gave him his first loss at the Pavilion on one of Cedric’s shows, yeah real tough dude..” I knew this guy and politely offered his name “Craig Bodzianowski.” That’s him.. exclaimed King.. The Alligator, that’s what they called him.. I remember him boxing on national Tv and that motherfuckin fake leg dropped off causing the referee to halt the fight whilst they reattached that thing.. King, both Finger twins and Elijah all bust into laughter, Jesus.. A beautiful but large black lady politely entered the trailer to ask if anyone wanted any refreshments, Elijah passed, stating that we didn’t want to hold them too long on the eve of such an epic fight. “He ready?” Asked Elijah, referring to Tyson on the eve of the fight.. Oh he’s ready, assured King, he’s perfect. I just know when those officials knock on Holyfield’s dressing room door “TIME!!! (Knocking on the trailer wall..)” imitating the moment to come to the ring.. That brothers ass gonna be twitchy.. He knows what’s coming.. Eric Brown, one time Tyson business aide entered the room and handed King some paperwork, along with Robert Ritchie, a long term DKP employee, both finding the theatrics highly amusing. Elijah and myself shook Carls hand before we offered our pleasantries and all filed out of the office towards the car park. Carl stood on the steps of the trailer and waved us off as Elijah sternly chastised his heavyweight.. “You should have paid more attention, this business is built on first impressions and connections. “ Elijah shook his head and drove off onto the strip..
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