The Neutral Corner

We caught up with Escalade, AKA Troy Jackson, from Queens, cousin of former New York Knicks guard Mark Jackson. Escalade has been a fixture on the wildly popular And-1 streetball hoops tour. Escalade was ringside at a recent fight with four-time Golden Gloves champ Brian Adams.

The Neutral Corner: With both men in their prime, who wins, Ali or Tyson?

Escalade: Wow. Wow! I'll go with Ali. I'm from New York, born and raised and Tyson is my boy. But I played at Louisville in college and Ali came by and gave us some pep talks. So I say Ali.

The Neutral Corner: Who wins, Tyson or Escalade?
Escalade: (Laughing) Me. I'm from the city, I don't back down. I know one thing, it would end in a knockout either way. I told Junior Jones and Brian Adams if they want to make a comeback, I'd fight either one at a catch weight of 225 pounds.

The Neutral Corner: Who wins, an MMA fighter or a pro boxer?
Escalade: If it's MMA rules, an MMA fighter. If it's boxing rules, a boxer would win.

The Neutral Corner: How about Floyd Mayweather Jr. against Sugar Ray Robinson?
Escalade: I think Floyd would win. Athletically you can't keep up with an athlete from 2008. He has advantages in training, in dieting. It's a whole different ballgame. Athletes today are stronger and faster.

The Neutral Corner: What is the best fight you've seen in person?
Escalade: Terry Norris vs. Sugar Ray Leonard at the Garden. I was like 16. The other one would be Oscar de la Hoya vs. Sugar Shane Mosley, the first fight.