By Dylan Butler
His image was plastered on posters outside of the Roseland Ballroom in Midtown Manhattan last Thursday night, but that would be as close as the near-capacity crowd would get to seeing Monte “Two Gunz” Barrett. The Queens native was forced to pull out of his scheduled 10-round main event against John Sargent because he failed a medical examination.
“The [New York State Athletic] Commission reviewed Monte’s blood platelet count and it was a little low,” said promoter Joe DeGuardia. “He went to a specialist and there are no problems. His platelet count has always been somewhat low.”
Barrett said his blood platelet count has always fluctuated and the New York State Athletic Commission had a letter from his doctor dated in 1996 explaining his condition. However, because of the recent death of Beethavean Scottland resulting from a bout on board the cruise ship Intrepid June 26, Barrett said the commission requested a new letter from Barrett’s doctor. When Barrett could not reach his doctor in time to get the letter, the fight was canceled.
“I was looking forward to getting back in the ring, I felt good, I boxed 30 rounds during the week,” Barrett said. “I’m 100 percent healthy, mentally and physically, but things happen for a reason.”
Barrett’s absence last Thursday at Roseland further fueled the rumors swirling for weeks about a possible bout between him and the former undisputed heavyweight champion “Iron” Mike Tyson.
According to sources close to Barrett, there has been no discussion between Barrett’s manager, Nick Garone, and Tyson’s manager, Shelly Finkel.
“We would love to fight Mike. We’d love the opportunity to show the world if we have the chance to get to the next level,” said Garone, of Excel Sports. “He’s one of the best in the business.”
Barrett (25-2), who is scheduled to battle Sargeant (22-3) at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City Aug. 24, would also love the chance to battle the Brownsville, Brooklyn native.
“I think they’re looking for a sure win,” said Barrett, who is ranked 12th in the world by the International Boxing Federation and 18th by the World Boxing Council. “But I won’t be a sure thing. They would get a hell of a fight my way.”
Tyson, who has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Big Bear City, Calif., is slated to take on Brian Nielsen on Sept. 8 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Barrett and Tyson are no strangers. After the former all-city outside linebacker on the 1987 John Adams city championship football team and former two-time Golden Gloves champion turned pro, Barrett was recruited by Tyson to sign with Don King. Barrett turned down the offer.
Tyson also reportedly offered Barrett $1,850 a week for sparring before Tyson’s first battle with Evander Holyfield. But when Tyson’s handlers told Barrett he couldn’t bring his longtime manager and Hollis native Al Davis, Barrett pulled out.
“We’ve had some contact,” Barrett said. “But that was 4 1/2 years ago. I haven’t talked to him lately.”
Reach Associate Sports Editor Dylan Butler by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 143.
