A Sad Day Indeed: The Neutral Corner Goes Off The Air

Today is a sad day. That's because I am listening to the final broadcast of Rich Marotta's Neutral Corner on AM 570 here in Los Angeles.

If you've never had the opportunity to listen to Marotta's radio show I urge you to listen to one of Rich's broadcasts on the Internet before they leave AM 570's site.

http://www.am570radio.com/common/podcast/single_page.html?podcast=KLACShows

Today's show has already included Steve Kim of Max Boxing, James Toney, Carlos "Famous" Hernandez, Jimmy Lennon, Jr., and right now Juan Diaz is saying goodbye to Rich. I'd like to say this is unusual, but it's the norm.

Rich has had them all on, from the greats of the 60's, 70's, and 80's to the very best of today and even tomorrow. He turned boxing fans on to the up and comers and he reminded them of the sport's storied past. 

Marotta is one of those boxing commentators that boxers love because he loves boxing. So much so that Rich could criticize fighters and they would still come on and chat with him.

I didn't always agree with Rich on individual fights, but I always respected his opinion. He knew boxing as well as anyone around.

The show itself was bounced around the schedule which made it hard to keep track of sometimes. Most recently its position at 8AM on Sunday mornings has forced me to debate the advantages of sleeping in over listening to Rich's insight and knowledge.

All too often sleep won out. But fortunately with the Internet I could still listen to the show on Internet and catch up. 

Now I won't even have that option. Starting next week, I won't be listen to the Rich Marotta's Neutral Corner at all and I will truly miss it.