Sadly I have to report that one of Cleveland’s most popular fighters, Neeko, “Nick” Pappas passed on February 2nd. He was only 54. Nick was a GG and Tough Man Champion and fought briefly as a professional Cruiserweight with a 6-3-1 record. In August of 1995, after a heated sparring session at Marciano’s Gym on Cleveland’s westside, Nick collapsed in the shower and fell into a coma. He was rushed to the hospital for surgery but after that and a massive stroke he was confined to a wheelchair and the use of a walker the rest of his life. Neeko was known locally as the “Golden Greek”. I will never forget the time someone mailed me a fan letter from overseas for Nick. I called him up and he drove over in his little sports car. It was summer and he was shirtless and tan and looking the part of the ladies man, the “Golden Greek”. He was a genuine nice guy, liked and loved by many. He will be missed. May he Rest in Peace always.

Jerry Fitch