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McEnroe Reveals He Wanted To Punch Out Connors: ‘I was gonna do it”
3 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Bios
While doing research for “Facing McEnroe” (due by July) I found an old interview John did with New York City TV broadcaster Bill Boggs in the 90s. Boggs asked John if he ever got so upset on court that he wanted to assault his opponent…
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“Yeah, yes,” said McEnroe. “Quite a few times actually. And as I’ve said there were probably a couple occasions the opponent felt the same about me. There were a couple of exhibitions where we threatened each other. (Who?) Well me and Jimmy (Connors). I know I can beat that guy. He’s littler than me. I don’t care what happens. After this match I’m gonna kick his ass. And I was convinced of it. I was gonna do it. Absolutely dead set. And then after the match you have to sort of answer a question or two if it’s on TV. You go to press. You sort of cool down a little bit. You have a few friends there. Next thing you know: Ahhh the hell with it. It’s not worth getting suspended X amount of time. And I sort of miss that. I think it would be nice in some way if the option was available – you step into a ring.” ————————————
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Thomas Tung · April 29, 2016 at 1:05 pm
I’d take Connors in a fistfight any day over McEnroe (during their playing days; not now with Connors’ multiple hip surgeries!) — Jimmy’s grandfather was a boxer (Golden Gloves champ), and some of Jimmy’s training routines were adaptations of boxing ones (due to said grandfather’s influence). It’s all in Connors’ autobiography. Also, Jimmy’s brother was a rough dude who was involved in some “tough stuff” and got a reputation of never going away from a fistfight (and made sure that Jimmy did the same).
Scoop Malinowski · April 29, 2016 at 3:47 pm
TT: ABout the shoes here is the note I got about it: We’re not selling our tennis shoes in the USA at the moment. However, it is possible to order them from http://prodirecttennis.com . They offer shipping to the US: http://ow.ly/4nevr2 Hope this helps!
Thomas Tung · May 1, 2016 at 1:15 pm
Thanks, Scoop!