ShermanAlexie.com: Poetry Bout 2001

Sherman Alexie v. Saul Williams
June 16, 2001 — Taos, NM
World Heavyweight Championship Poetry Bout

In his fourth and final bout, Sherman faced Saul Williams (of the film Slam). Alexie and Williams tied and Alexie was crowned the champion, per poetry bout rules. He is the only four-time champion in the bout's history.

Sherman announced his retirement from the poetry bout in Sept. 2001.
Read the official 2001 bout press release from the World Poetry Bout Association.
Buy audio and video tapes of the fight.

SEATTLE - Poet Sherman Alexie is setting aside his sparring words. After four years as the reigning World Heavyweight Poetry Bout champ, Alexie is retiring from the World Championship Poetry Bout competition, which is held each summer as part of the Taos Poetry Circus in Taos, New Mexico.

"I’ve had a great time dancing in the ring, verbally sparring with some amazing poets-it’s an exhilarating experience," Alexie said. "But I feel I've passed my prime as a contender. All fighters have to hang up their gloves at some point, and I recognize it’s time for me to step aside and let some new voices come forward and take their place in the ring."

Alexie is the first poet to hold the Heavyweight Championship title for four years in the twenty-year history of the Bout. Since he will not be returning to Taos to defend his title in 2002, the World Poetry Bout Association (WPBA) will soon announce its plans to move ahead with a Bout between the top two contenders.

"I wish WPBA the best in continuing to put together a forum in which poetry is always the winner," Alexie said.

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	poetry bout 2001

Search site web home books movies recordings essays calendar biography awards articles features road trips store gallery academic center press center links contact news	Sherman Alexie v. Saul Williams June 16, 2001 — Taos, NM World Heavyweight Championship Poetry Bout In his fourth and final bout, Sherman faced Saul Williams (of the film Slam). Alexie and Williams tied and Alexie was crowned the champion, per poetry bout rules. He is the only four-time champion in the bout's history. Sherman announced his retirement from the poetry bout in Sept. 2001. Read the official 2001 bout press release from the World Poetry Bout Association. Buy audio and video tapes of the fight. Sherman Alexie Retires as World Heavyweight Champion Poetry Bout Contender Press release, September 7 2001 SEATTLE - Poet Sherman Alexie is setting aside his sparring words. After four years as the reigning World Heavyweight Poetry Bout champ, Alexie is retiring from the World Championship Poetry Bout competition, which is held each summer as part of the Taos Poetry Circus in Taos, New Mexico. "I’ve had a great time dancing in the ring, verbally sparring with some amazing poets-it’s an exhilarating experience," Alexie said. "But I feel I've passed my prime as a contender. All fighters have to hang up their gloves at some point, and I recognize it’s time for me to step aside and let some new voices come forward and take their place in the ring." Alexie is the first poet to hold the Heavyweight Championship title for four years in the twenty-year history of the Bout. Since he will not be returning to Taos to defend his title in 2002, the World Poetry Bout Association (WPBA) will soon announce its plans to move ahead with a Bout between the top two contenders. "I wish WPBA the best in continuing to put together a forum in which poetry is always the winner," Alexie said. back to bouts

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