The Mayor picks a fight, plus, More fighting in Downtown Memphis. On TV.

I've never been a big boxing guy, but it's caught my interest lately. Here's the Commercial Appeal story about ESPN bringing "Friday Night Fights" back to downtown Memphis.

ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights will originate live from the Pepsi Pavilion at Handy Park on June 16, one day before Jermain Taylor defends his middleweight titles against Winky Wright at FedExForum. A press conference to officially announce the development — promoted as "Throw Down in M-Town 2" — is scheduled for Thursday afternoon at 1 at Handy Park.

That's great, and I'm happy for downtown, but here's the best part of the boxing story. Our own Mayor Willie Herenton (who has not been recalled) wants a piece of the action. Somehow I missed it the first time, but I read about it on Blake's Blog this morning.

I must say that I'm really surprised about some of the negative reactions people have had to Mayor Willie Herenton's plans to box former heavyweight champ Joe Frazier.

Some people view this as another example of the mayor's ego getting out of hand, or just a distraction from more pressing items of business at City Hall.

But I think the critics need to see this for what it could be: A terrific opportunity to unify our community.

You know what would be even better? Willie Hereton vs. Thaddeus Matthews. There will be blood.