WBC USNBC Super Welterweight Champion

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Clarence “Sonny Bono” Taylor has become one of the most popular personalities in the state. Fans who attend his boxing matches or watch him on television are always treated to a guaranteed display of what the“Sweet Science” is all about – great action, drama and skillful execution. While a tiger inside of the ring, Sonny Bono is a champion of charity in the community. His humble beginnings have taught him how to relate to everyday people. There is nothing pretentious about Sonny Bono. He knows that nothing comes easy and that if one is going to obtain success, doing so will require patience, courage, faith and plain old hard work.

Delaware Boxing Homework Assignment

By Michael J. Riley (December 9, 2007)

One thing baffles my mind… How can anyone mention boxing in Delaware and not include Clarence "Sonny Bono" Taylor in the conversation? Recently, to pass a little idle time, I picked up a copy of one of Delaware's most popular magazines. Pictured on the cover were two Delaware fighters. Okay, I thought… So, "Bono" didn't get his picture on the cover, but surely he will be mentioned in the story. WRONG! There was nothing said about Wilmington's own champion.

Unless these new bi-focals are failing me, and that is a possibility, people are playing the same old favorites game. I read about Dave Tiberi, Henry Milligan and the Elsmere Boxing Club. These two well-known fighters are doing great things for fighters, the sport and the community. That is all well and good, but they are not alone. What about Mr. Thornton and the West Center City Gym, home of the reigning WBC USNBC Super Welterweight Champion, Clarence "Sonny Bono" Taylor? Even if I missed mention of Mr. Thornton and Bono, it is still unacceptable for that to have been a possibility, as they both should have been prominently featured in the publication. Was there not "room in the inn" for them? Are they irrelevant?

While I cannot control what or whom these local publications consciously or unconsciously choose to write about, I can report and share my opinion regarding the lack of diversity in their coverage. I hope they actually listened to Mr. Tiberi during the interview when he said, "In every area of our lives, we need accountability." I'm not sure they heard him, though. I have nothing against Dave Tiberi or "Hammering Hank" Milligan. I am a fan.

However, this fan says that today, Clarence Taylor is "Mr. Boxing" in Delaware and the rest of the town should be rallying behind him as well. As they have often done, some of these local publications are falling asleep on the job and reporting only half a story. Again, this seems to indicate a failing commitment to diversity. Next time a local magazine or newspaper decides to proclaim that it is presenting the sport of boxing from a Delaware perspective, they might want to consider covering both sides of the track. Make sure that your homework is complete before you hand it in, because if you don't, then expect to receive a failing grade from this boxing fan.