Story by: Gail Nobles
Cover Art by: Gail Nobles

Alright folks, listen up! This is Gail Nobles, ringside commentator extraordinaire, and we are talking about a fighter, a force, a phenomenon that deserved more of the spotlight than she ultimately received. I am referring to Leatitia Robinson, a Chicago whirlwind born not of privilege, but of the harsh realities of Cabrini-Green!

Born in 1980, this young lady learned to fight not in some gilded gym, but in the brutal school of the streets. At 14, boxing became her lifeline, a shield against the constant battles for survival. And survive she did! She didn't just survive, she *dominated*. Beating up grown men in street brawls? I repeat! Grown men. Large men. This wasn't about skill alone, this was about heart, about grit, about a deep-seated fire that burned brighter than any street corner bonfire!

Now, let's get into the pedigree! Four-time Golden Gloves champion! 1996 Citywide Tournament Champion! Those aren't participation trophies. Those are badges of honor, earned through blood, sweat, and tears! Her record, a testament to her prowess: 17 fights, 16 victories, a single, solitary loss! And of those 16 wins, NINE by way of KNOCKOUT! A devastating knockout artist!

And here's where it gets interesting! Remember the name Mónica Núñez? She was a stepping stone, a quickly dispatched opponent, finished in the first round! 30 seconds! A blink of an eye and it was all over! Robinson displayed raw power, the kind that sends shockwaves through the entire middleweight division!

But the real drama, the fight we all wanted to see, the fight that *should* have happened, was against one Laila Ali! The daughter of the greatest! A fight that would have been electric, a true clash of styles, a test of wills, a potentially defining moment for both women!
And here's the rub! The mystery! Why, oh why, did this fight never materialize? Negotiations stalled? Conflicting schedules? Fear? *FEAR*? Perhaps. We may never know the complete story. But let me tell you, I saw the fire in Robinson's eyes! She *wanted* that fight! She *believed* she could win!

And in the end, that's the real tragedy. We were robbed of a potentially legendary matchup. A battle that could have elevated women's boxing to new heights. It's a reminder that in this brutal, beautiful sport, sometimes, the best fights are the ones that never happen. And that is a dog-gone shame.

So, we are left to speculate, to wonder, to yearn for a return to the ring. Retirement can be a long and winding road. We can only hope that, in the twilight of their careers, these two titans of the sport will hear the roar of the crowd, feel the itch to lace up the gloves, and give us the fight we were denied! Until then, we can only dream! And that, my friends, is the name of that tune!

I’m Gail Nobles! Thank you for listening to Rox Sports!

Story by: Gail Nobles
Cover Art by: Gail Nobles

Hey everyone! Let’s talk about the amazing world of basketball, especially the excitement of a slam dunk! The one-hand dunk, the two hand dunk, the windmill dunk, the 360 dunk, the between the legs dunk, the reverse dunk, the Tomahawk dunk, - the free throw line dunk. There might be other styles coming. It’s a thrilling moment that combines power and beauty. And one name stands out when we think of incredible dunks: Vince Carter!

When we mention the greatest dunkers, Vince Carter is a true legend. His dunks were a mix of strength and style. When he went up for a dunk, it was like a beautiful performance, showcasing his athletic skills! Who could forget his unforgettable moments in the 2000 Dunk Contest, where he seemed to fly and made the court feel like his stage?

But we don’t need to only look back at the past—there's a new star in the game: Ja Morant! This young player is breaking through defenses with an energy that reminds us of Vince Carter, but he also brings his own exciting style. Ja doesn’t just dunk; he puts everything into it, making every slam feel intense and powerful, and getting the crowd on their feet!

In today’s NBA, where every highlight competes for attention, Ja is making his mark not just with raw power but with a unique flair that fans love. When he goes up for a dunk, the excitement builds; you can feel the crowd cheering from Memphis to Manhattan for his fearless moves.

The amazing world of slam dunks! From the unforgettable legacy of Vince Carter to the thrilling performances of Ja Morant, we’re witnessing a sport full of incredible moments and artistry.

Cheers to the slam dunk, the signature move of our favorite game, where every player hopes to make their mark in basketball history. In this exciting sport, the sky is where legends take flight!

I'm Gail Nobles, & you're listening to Rox Sports

Story by: Gail Nobles
Photo: Wikipedia 
Usage: CC BY 3.0

We’re going to revisit the storied journey of one Laila Ali—a name that resonates with power, grace, and an indomitable spirit in the boxing world! Now, let us not mince words: Laila Ali was not just your average female boxer; she was a veritable whirlwind of talent, striking prowess, and, dare I say, a lethal elegance inside that squared circle.

When you think about her career, you can't help but admire the strength and determination she showed in every fight. Those who stepped into the ring with her faced a real storm - a barrage of punches—strong, unforgiving shots that could take down even the toughest opponents. Yes, people, let me say it again: Laila wasn’t just boxing; she embodied it. With every heavy thud that rang out in the arena, and every time her fists connected with her opponents, you could see the fear in their eyes as they realized they were up against a powerful force—She Bee Stinging, for sure!

Now, let's speak candidly about those who sought to challenge her—women like Letitia Robinson and Ann Wolfe—where were they in the ring with our girl Laila? The tantalizing "what-ifs" of life, a bitter cocktail that sometimes leaves us parched for the matchups that could've changed the landscape of women’s boxing. Time marched on, and while some of these bouts never came to be, Laila's legacy was solidified with each resounding victory and each opponent left bruised in her wake.

But let’s not forget the pivotal moment—her retirement. Was it premature? In hindsight, perhaps it was a prudent decision. In this brutal sport, longevity often trumps ambition, and one must cast a wary eye not just toward the awards of glory but the long-term health and spirit of a fighter. Who could blame her? At the highest point of her prowess and popularity, she exited gracefully, leaving us to speculate what might have been.

Now, looking at today: Could she put the gloves back on? I believe yes! With her strong spirit still alive, it’s clear that Laila Ali could return to the ring and show us her amazing boxing skills if she wanted to. While she may not be as physically strong due to age, her determination and passion are just as strong as ever! Laila Ali Could step back into the ring and deliver yet another master class. She’s still young - Older, but still young - still strong.

So, in conclusion, while Laila Ali may have hung up her gloves with dignity, let us not forget the legacy of a champion who not only redefined women's boxing but also put the world on notice. A comeback? It would electrify the sport! Whether she returns or not, her indelible mark remains—an icon, a warrior, and forever, She Bee Stinging!

I'm Gail Nobles, and you're listening to Rox Sports.

Story by: Gail Nobles

Welcome to Rox Sports. Today’s topic is: The Historic Showdown: Laila Ali & Christy Martin. I’m your host Gail Nobles.

Lend me your ears ladies and gentlemen, for I am about to take you on a trip back to a momentous occasion in the annals of sports history—a moment that still reverberates through the annals of boxing lore! It was August 23, 2003, at the Mississippi Coast Colosseum, the stage was set. Two titans of the squared circle, two champions in their own right, collided in a battle that would forever change the landscape of women’s boxing. I can only be speaking of the electrifying show-down between Laila Ali and Christy Martin!

Let us take a moment to appreciate the monumental significance of this matchup. Laila Ali, the daughter of the one and only Muhammad Ali, strutted into that ring with a confidence that could outshine the brightest lights. And in the opposing corner, we had Christy Martin— a warrior’s warrior, a pioneer in her own right, who had bravely carved her name into the history books as one of the fiercest competitors in the sport.

When Laila Ali came on the scene, I heard the term "beatdown" that was truly redefined that fateful night! Watching the fight online, I can tell you that the atmosphere was charged with energy; you could feel the tension in the air as the two gloved gladiators exchanged blows! Each punch was a battle cry, each jab a declaration of intent, and when the dust settled, Laila Ali became the embodiment of unyielding spirit and prowess in the ring.

Indeed, my friends, there have been fights that have captured our imaginations, but few, if any, have encapsulated a beatdown quite like this one. The fans, the pundits, and the whole boxing world stood witness to a glorious display of athleticism that cemented Laila Ali’s legacy, not just as a daughter living in the shadow of a legend, but as a legend in her own right!

So let us commemorate that unforgettable night, where strength met strategy, grit met grace, and ultimately, one indomitable spirit reigned supreme! Ladies and gentlemen, history was made that day, and as we look back on the fight that made waves across generations, let us remember that Laila Ali and Christy Martin didn’t just showcase boxing—they elevated it! And with that, my friends, I bid you good day!