Holmes Has a Columnist Thrown Out

LAS VEGAS —  Larry Holmes, who has refused to talk to the print media since arriving in Las Vegas last month to train for his rematch with Michael Spinks, had members of his entourage forcibly remove New York Post columnist Dick Young from Holmes’ public workout Tuesday.

On Saturday, Holmes will try to win back the International Boxing Federation title he lost last September to Spinks.

The argument with Young began when the columnist was talking to Holmes’ brother, Lloyd.

“Don’t talk to him, he’s a member of the press,” the boxer told his brother. “These guys hate me, I wouldn’t give them the time of day.”

Young answered with a profanity, and Holmes told his handlers, “Throw him out.”

After more words were exchanged, Holmes told the rest of the media, “If you want Dick Young to stay he can stay, but I won’t go to the press conference tomorrow.”

When the reporters agreed to let Young stay, Young made another comment. “Carry him out,” Holmes shouted, and three members of Holmes’ camp then picked up Young and carried him out of the room.

“You’re going out in style, Dick Young,” Holmes yelled.

Holmes stopped talking to the print media after remarks he made at his postfight press conference last September. After most of the reporters left Tuesday, Holmes carried on his tirade to the public.

“These guys come in here to aggravate me,” Holmes said. “He says he has a right to be here, but not to aggravate me.

“He’s 69 (actually 68), and if he keeps messing with me, he won’t make 70. Most of these writers are not decent human beings.

“I don’t mean Dick Young or any of the writers any harm. But I ain’t gonna let anybody mess with me with my bodyguards around. If they didn’t throw him out, I’ll fire them.