Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali, the Parking Attendant & Regular People Who Are Special
Posted: Monday, October 18, 2010
by Steve Kovacs
The Kovacs Perspective
A few times a week, usually in the evening, I go to work in one of the busier areas of a crumbling downtown Cleveland, Ohio. The city and private sector are working hard to beautify the area and are doing a pretty good job. There's a huge arena directly behind where I work which holds 15,000 people. In another direction, right across the street, a popular nightclub hosts national bands. Together, they draw many people, parking is at a premium, and established parking lots are frequently booked to their capacity.
There is an African American man who has a deal with some businesses in the area to mange those wishing to park their vehicles behind their businesses for cheaper prices than established parking lots. As an example, sometimes lots will charge 20 dollars and he charges half that amount to park in a dark alley next to the established lots. It's a good bargain and the attendant, Abdul Rachman does a nice job. Abdul looks to be about 60, 200 pounds, with a gray beard, usually wearing simple clothes to match his worn blue jeans. Quiet and polite, he exudes a quiet confidence as he works in the alley. The area has "street people" some of whom will abuse you if given the chance.
I would usually talk to Abdul while walking to my car at night. One night while talking about the weather we somehow started talking about boxing. Boxing was one of my favorite sports most of my life and I knew a ton about it. In the last few years, my interest in the sport waned but I still enjoyed talking to Abdul about it. During our conversation, he told me he had fought all the great heavyweights of the last 30 years. He said he had fought the infamous but during his prime, "baddest man on the planet" Mike Tyson, and had sparred with George Foreman, Tim Witherspoon, Joe Frazer, Buster Douglas and even Muhammad Ali in preparations for fights they were going to have. I took it all in with a grain of salt. I have heard people in the past say they were big shots in the boxing world when they were nothing but fabricators.
When I went home that night, I had some time to kill so I "googled" Mike Tyson's fight record. Just as I had thought, according to Tyson's record, he never fought an Abdul Rachman. Now, googling someone is not a sufficient way to investigate anyone but like I said I had some time to kill and pretty much did it for lack of anything better to do.
I never said anything to Abdul and kept talking to him just as I had before. Sometimes he would show some boxing moves and he really looked like he knew his stuff but I never gave it much thought. A few months later one of the security guards were I work ran up to me and said he had just watched a You Tube video with Abdul fighting Mike Tyson. I said, "Tyson never fought an Abdul Rachman." The guard said, "Abdul's real name is Rick Spain" apparently changing it after leaving boxing.
When I went home, I found the You Tube video on-line and there he was, in 1984, fighting Tyson. He looked like a young Abdul, which is exactly what he was, there was no mistaking him. It was Tyson in his prime, his fourth fight. Abdul lost, but he was right there! So, after all, Abdul was telling the truth.
Since, we have talked more in depth about fighters he mixed it up with and to me, being such a huge fan, it's like candy for a kid. I consider Abdul a friend and I think he thinks of me similarly. One early evening as I left my shiny nice car to go to work I said aloud that I hope no one steals it. Abdul heard me and simply said, "No one will steal it." I said, "What do you mean?" He looked at me with steely eyes and said, "No one's going to steal your car" and I immediately knew what he meant. He would not allow anyone to touch it. I thanked him and walked in not thinking twice about my vehicle.
We should respect everyone. As an example, we really never know whom the man or woman is that we might be sitting next to on a bus. Alternatively, that elderly man who can hardly walk and see anymore may have been a war hero who deserves all the respect in the world. Or, that average looking man in the store who may be an outstanding father. It pays to respect everyone until you really have no alternative, especially if his name is Abdul and is likely to have one hell of a punch.
I would usually talk to Abdul while walking to my car at night. One night while talking about the weather we somehow started talking about boxing. Boxing was one of my favorite sports most of my life and I knew a ton about it. In the last few years, my interest in the sport waned but I still enjoyed talking to Abdul about it. During our conversation, he told me he had fought all the great heavyweights of the last 30 years. He said he had fought the infamous but during his prime, "baddest man on the planet" Mike Tyson, and had sparred with George Foreman, Tim Witherspoon, Joe Frazer, Buster Douglas and even Muhammad Ali in preparations for fights they were going to have. I took it all in with a grain of salt. I have heard people in the past say they were big shots in the boxing world when they were nothing but fabricators.
When I went home that night, I had some time to kill so I "googled" Mike Tyson's fight record. Just as I had thought, according to Tyson's record, he never fought an Abdul Rachman. Now, googling someone is not a sufficient way to investigate anyone but like I said I had some time to kill and pretty much did it for lack of anything better to do.
I never said anything to Abdul and kept talking to him just as I had before. Sometimes he would show some boxing moves and he really looked like he knew his stuff but I never gave it much thought. A few months later one of the security guards were I work ran up to me and said he had just watched a You Tube video with Abdul fighting Mike Tyson. I said, "Tyson never fought an Abdul Rachman." The guard said, "Abdul's real name is Rick Spain" apparently changing it after leaving boxing.
When I went home, I found the You Tube video on-line and there he was, in 1984, fighting Tyson. He looked like a young Abdul, which is exactly what he was, there was no mistaking him. It was Tyson in his prime, his fourth fight. Abdul lost, but he was right there! So, after all, Abdul was telling the truth.
Since, we have talked more in depth about fighters he mixed it up with and to me, being such a huge fan, it's like candy for a kid. I consider Abdul a friend and I think he thinks of me similarly. One early evening as I left my shiny nice car to go to work I said aloud that I hope no one steals it. Abdul heard me and simply said, "No one will steal it." I said, "What do you mean?" He looked at me with steely eyes and said, "No one's going to steal your car" and I immediately knew what he meant. He would not allow anyone to touch it. I thanked him and walked in not thinking twice about my vehicle.
We should respect everyone. As an example, we really never know whom the man or woman is that we might be sitting next to on a bus. Alternatively, that elderly man who can hardly walk and see anymore may have been a war hero who deserves all the respect in the world. Or, that average looking man in the store who may be an outstanding father. It pays to respect everyone until you really have no alternative, especially if his name is Abdul and is likely to have one hell of a punch.
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Top-level comments on this article: (7 total)If I recall correctly, about a half century ago a young and smallish Hungarian was walking down the street of a not so nice area of Cleveland. He was minding his own business when he was suddenly confronted by three larger thugs. He warned them to leave him alone or they would get hurt. After they were through laughing they decided to get down to business. As they approached the littler guy they were stunned when he suddenly became a little tornado. A few minutes later the thugs were nursing injuries from the barrage of kicks and punches from the little man. When the story hit the news, everybody wanted to learn martial arts techniques from the little guy. Frank Kovacs still teaches Minna-Jiu-Jitsu at Mayfield Academy of Self Defense. That's right! Frank Kovacs is the father of Steve Kovacs, who is also proficient in the martial arts. Frank Kovacs agrees and is proud of his son for all his accomplishments, though he professes that his sons would still have difficulty taking on the old man. As a practicing martial artist myself, I can only warn people that they better think twice before messing with anybody despite age, size, sex, or nerd scale level. Look what happened 50 years ago when three big guys decided to mess with a little Hungarian.Hi Mike, you have a good memory! And as for your comment about "nerd scale" it is so true. I saw a nerd get bullied/attacked in high school by a big biker kinda guy. I couldn't believe my eyes when the nerdy guy who never bothered anyone, knocked the other guy down three times--like a pro. You never know....
Especially in the age of equalizers. However, if we could all just learn to treat each other with respect as if they were our brothers or parents, this all could become a mute point. I try to treat everyone with respect regardless of their background or place in life, and seem to be a lot less worried about retribution or aggression, for I have, or try not to have given anybody any reason to resent my presence. Still, not going to enter that dark alley without my equalizer, amen. Another great article Steve.Dave,
You so impress me with your comments--they are so well thought out, kind, and "real" for lack of a better word. Your family must be lucky to have you in their lives. A dark alley can be intimidating for sure as is the one where Abdul works. Your line cut me up...,"Still, not going to enter that dark alley without my equalizer, amen."
Also, I agree that if you respect people there is a definitely less aggression/retribution mindset from them to you. People have no need to have their strength guard up and you really are off their radar, so to speak. I think in school (elementary--high school) it may be a little different but as adults, I agree with you. I like how you said you don't give anyone a reason to resent your presence. Thanks.
Steve
There's nothing to add Steve. Your last paragraph summed it up nicely. Treat everyone with respect and kindness, everyone is someone, everyone matters. Great article, wonderful message everyone should read.Thank you Brianna & I appreciate that you read it and commented.
Steve
Great story Steve. I love it when we get a chance to meet people who have great stories to tell and just from looking at them we would never be able to figure out their backgrounds. Thanks for sharing.Thanks Linda and surprisingly so many have great stories behind those "average" faces.
Steve
Great article, Steve. I was just thinking a couple of hours ago about how often the people who aren't "valued" by society can be so interesting and have depth. You painted the picture of Abdul so well, I can see him very clearly.Great compliment Jennifer--thank you and I want to hear some more singing!!
Steve
Excellent, interesting how the world connects, great writing and an thanks for sharing how safe your car is. In addition I love my bargains I think we all do. Great message here going out to pensioners and ex pats which extends out to online networking as we take people at face value, trust and believe is a big one for me too. The world needs fighters not worriers, good job Steve.Thanks for reading and writing and your compliments Robert.
Steve
Well that's really something knowing someone who fought with Mike Tyson, Ali and all.Good article SteveYeah Dave that's what I thought! Thanks for commenting.
Steve
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