It’s difficult living in your father’s shadow, especially when that shadow is cast by golf legend Jack Nicklaus.  But Gary Nicklaus, the third of Jack’s four sons, who never came close to matching his famous father’s success on the links despite carrying the Nicklaus name, is attempting a comeback on the PGA Tour.  But to do so, the younger Nicklaus has to do it the hard way, by going back to qualifying school.  The former PGA card-carrying member, who has 100 pro tournaments under his belt, hasn’t played on tour in six years.  But the draw of the game was …read more

Image details: Paul Spadafora served by picapp.com
Last week here at jabandgrapple.com we remembered the “Pittsburgh Kid” Paul Spadafora and wished him luck on his second comeback to the ring. His Friday bout in Erie versus punching bag Shad Howard went well.
Spadafora, now sporting longer hair, many more tattoos and, according to the Meadville Tribune, a torn knee ligament destroyed his overmatched opponent outscoring Howard 80-72 on all three judges scorecards in the eight round bout. Click here for a snazzy audio slideshow of the fight.
Sadly Spaddy didn’t have much time to enjoy his victory. Four days later he was …read more

Image details: Paul Spadafora served by picapp.com
Paul Spadafora begins his second return to boxing Friday night at Erie, Pennsylvania’s Avalon Hotel against journeyman Shad Howard. Since relinquishing his IBF lightweight title in 2003 Spadafora has been in and out of prison, emerging in 2006 to begin a comeback but swiftly violating parole and sinking further into despair and anonymity.
Just five years ago, at 28, the awkward southpaw was on top of the world. He had held a world title from the time he was 23. He had fought two fights on HBO. He was a likely big money opponent for …read more