Boxing’s good guy - Iceman John Scully

Former world title challenger, and now highly respected trainer, John “Ice Man” Scully, is getting recognized for being exactly what he is - a good guy!

The Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) recently gave out their 2023 awards and a host of talented and deserving boxing people were recognized. 

They included the “Sugar Ray Robinson Award” for “Fighter of The Year” to Naoya Inoue, the “Muhammad Ali – Joe Frazier Award” for “Fight of the Year” to Jaime Munguia’s W 12 over Sergiy Derevyanchenko, the “Eddie Futch Award” as “Trainer of the Year” to Bud Crawford coach Brian McIntyre and the “Cus D’Amato Award” for “Manager of the Year” to Devin Hayney’s pop Bill.

Others included the “Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism” to ESPN’s Tim Bradley, the “Barney Nagler Award for Long and Meritorious Service” to former Showtime Senior Vice-President Gordon Hall, and the “John McCain-Bill Crawford Courage Award” to co-winners Lisa (Gerald’s sister) McClellan and esteemed photographer Ed Mulholland.

And last, but by no means least, the “Marvin Kohn Good Guy Award” to former world-rated light heavyweight John Scully.

Scully has long been the flag bearer as the fundraiser for many people, past and present, in the fight game who find themselves in difficult circumstances. If the above-mentioned Lisa McLellan’s last name rings a bell to fight fans, it should. She is the sister of former middleweight Gerald McClellan who suffered a severe brain injury years back fighting Nigel Benn in England. Since that tragic bout, sister Lisa has been his sole caregiver, 24/7.

Hers is the story of many who require help to support loved ones who are in dire straits due to injuries suffered in boxing.

And that is where Scully steps in.

John keeps it at a grassroots level doing everything himself. From auctioning off boxing memorabilia like fight posters and signed gloves to soliciting donations from anyone in the fight game who can spare a dollar or two, every single dime goes directly to the fighter or their caregiver.

Scully, part of Team Artur Beterbiev, who just returned from a successful title defense of the knockout king in Montreal, does this philanthropic and heartfelt fund-raising work in a quiet, humble fashion. He doesn’t seek any recognition for the great work he is doing in providing all the financial support he can; he is simply a good man doing a great thing.

Scully was an excellent light heavyweight contender through the 80’s and 90’s. He twice challenged for a world title and faced a host of top-rated world contenders in a great career.

Reached at home in Connecticut, Scully was pleased and flattered by the award. However, in true championship fashion, he quickly shifted the focus to the people in need.

“It was kind of surreal,” said Scully. “I had always read about the big dinner and now I get a chance to go and be among those great people”, he continued. “I’m honored to be recognized for this and I’m hoping that it will bring a lot more awareness to the situation that faces our sport that doesn’t get talked about enough”, he said.  

Long after Scully was a championship-caliber fighter in the ring, he continues to be a champion too many out of it.

Scully doesn’t seek recognition for his great work, but I am glad he is getting it.

He has more than earned it.