Heavyweight Greg Page Dies at 50
Following a successful amateur career, Page went 58-17-1 during a professional career that began in 1979 and included wins over Jimmy Young, James Tillis, Renaldo Snipes, Gerrie Coetzee (for the WBA title), James 'Bonecrusher' Smith and Tim Witherspoon. Page's losses read like a who's who of heavyweights of the 1980s: Trevor Berbick, Witherspoon, Tony Tubbs, Buster Douglas, Joe Bugner, Orlin Norris, Donovan 'Razor' Ruddock, Bruce Seldon, Monte Barrett and Jorge Luis Gonzalez.
In his final bout, on March 9, 2001, the 42-year-old Page faced Dale Crowe in Erlanger, Kentucky for a $1,500 payday. Page, who was stopped in the 10th and final round, suffered a traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for nearly a week. With no ambulance on site, Page was down for an unconscionable 45 minutes before finally being taken to a hospital. During post-fight surgery, Page suffered a massive stroke that left him permanently paralyzed on his left side.
In 2007, Page won a $1.2 million settlement from the state of Kentucky over the lack of medical personnel at the fight. At least some good came out of Page's tragedy as it highlighted how backwards Kentucky was in terms of boxing safety and oversight. The state was forced to revamp its essentially non-existent boxing regulations and make them more consistent with federal standards. Under terms of Page's settlement, Kentucky also agreed to designate the new regulations as the "Greg Page Boxing and Safety Initiative."
Comments
Even though Greg Page is the type of heavyweight that comes to mind when you think of 80s heavyweights, this guy was ALWAYS a favorite of mine. I didn’t think it was a good idea for him to be fighting that late in his life and career but he’s a man who made his own decision. I was pulling for him at the end of his career and then at the end of his life.
I’m not surprised of his passing as his health was always being reported as deteriorating little by little. I didn’t know Greg but he really seemed like an everyday kinda guy. Down to earth, one you’d like to know.
My hearts and prayers are with the Page family and loved ones.
RIP, Louisville Rage
RIP, Champ
On site medical help should be mandatory.
I recall seeing Page fight on several occaisions when I was a kid. He had speed and moves and class. It is sad to see a life end so sadly and once again makes the effort of Teddy Atlas for a National Boxing Commission with standard rules so important. How many more stories like this do we need before the deal is done.
Sad momment. RIP champ.