The story was supposed to end there, but a few months ago that all changed. Bill usually sent people who were interested in the progress of his career emails called “Boxing Updates.” A surprise one went out in June, letting everyone know that he planned “…to rewrite the ending of Million Dollar Maybe by creating a new ending.” For a while now, something stuck with him that he couldn’t let go. It was a comment some annoying reviewer gave him during a detailed critique of his book (one who didn’t know a lick about boxing). He wrote about the Nevada Athletic Commission’s decision, “They had absolutely nothing to gain by denying my application.” The comment suggested a different viewpoint, “They had absolutely nothing to gain by accepting the application.”
That comment was enough for Bill to admit what had troubled him all this time - the commission had acted in their own best interests. He spent most of 2008 preparing for one last fight. He reconnected with his former manager in Louisiana and got a plan in motion. The Louisiana Athletic Commission approved his application after he satisfied a lengthy list of medical requirements, and a fight was scheduled.
After the quick fight on that night in July, Bill sent another update, expressing his disappointment with the short outcome, but at the same time stating, “It wasn’t the ending I hoped for, but it was definitely the ending I chose.” It was the best time he had in years and he’s happy with the overall balance of the entire adventure. Now he can finally rewrite a more fitting and in character ending for his story, in the boxing ring instead of a hearing room.
After all his sacrifices, that ending finally sounds like the stuff dreams are made of.
If anyone is interested in purchasing a copy of Million Dollar Maybe, or at least wishing to inquire when the updated story will be out, Bill can be contacted at milliondollarmaybe@earthlink.net. A website is in the works.
Article comments
1 - Gordon Hauptfleisch
Thanks for an engrossing, well-written read.