In 1980, Title Bout: the Game of Professional Boxing made its debut as the newest addition to Avalon Hill’s Sports Illustrated line of sports simulations. I was 30-years old and teaching high school English, doing game design and writing boxing articles on the side, when the game made it to the market.
Today, 44-years later, Title Bout has morphed into any number of formats over the years (decades), from Lance Haffner’s DOS computer version to Out of the Parks Title Fight Championship Boxing, and ultimately to Title Bout II. But as we all know, nothing lasts forever, even something good. In a way, that’s what is now taking place with Title Bout. It’s time for me to step away.
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I say “in a way” because if everything goes as planned, the only difference will be that I will, due to continuing health and age-related problems, move behind the scenes. Title Bout will remain available and continue to evolve and improve under the leadership of “two guys named Bill” (sounds like a road show movie, doesn’t it?)
Bill Salm will continue heading the computer version of the game. Bill plans on turning his attention to Title Bout II for Windows soon, and he intends to make any needed changes or additions to the simulation at that time. Bill will, of course, continue to add any new fighters introduced to the board game to the computer version as well. And this is as good a time as any to remind all of you that any problems or potential add-on modules you wish fixed or added to Title Bout for Windows needs to be made known. Provide us with your wish list via Email or by adding to the discussions that take place on the Title Bout II Facebook group page.
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The bulk of Title Bout II’s continuation will fall on “the other Bill”, Bill Zahn. Bill, like many of you, has travelled with Title Bout through all its variations. I have complete faith in Bill to maintain the standards that have been set for the game through the years, and he might well raise the standards with his work ethic and enthusiasm. After talking to Bill Zahn at length over the last few months, I get the distinct impression that his goal is not only to keep the game moving forward, but also improving it in various ways.
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Mr. Zahn has already put together and designed cards from existing templates that correct all errors in the Premium Heavyweights: Sets 1-5. The cards will be offered free of charge as a PDF download. Printed cards will be available, too, for $1.00 (which I must charge via DriveThruCards) plus postage. This isn’t a “must buy” but if a purist out there wants a pristine set of premium heavies, it will be available. Once Bill finishes the corrected cards layout, I know he has some exciting plans of his own.
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Before anyone panics, Title Bout II will remain the same game and not require re-purchasing anything, at this point. If the game would change significantly down the line and with my approval, that possibility exists, however, that’s quite some time away. Changes could be made to certain rules, could be cosmetic, or could be a new concept added to the existing Title Bout II. For example, I know Bill has an alternative card layout that he believes has some advantages to the existing designs.
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At this point in time, as Bill Salm, Bill Zahn, and I go through the transition period, the Facebook group will remain intact, now and for the foreseeable future. Likewise, the website and webstore are stable, and the relationship with DriveThruCards is ongoing. Eventually, Bill Zahn is going to redo and “modernize” the website, making it easier to navigate. He’ll also deal with content and continue to run the online store.
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Okay, now it’s time to go. I don’t quite know what to say. I wanted to go out with a bang! The game in a retail box, board, every bell and whistle. Instead, I’m very limited in what I’m permitted to do and for how long I can stay on task. Add to that, the fact that I’m caregiver to my wife as she battles breast cancer, and I just don’t have much left to give the game.
The truth is the longer I go on, the more mistakes I’ve either been making or failing to catch. I will be 75 in a month and I need therapy to prevent or at least slow up a gradual descent into short term memory loss. You deserve better.
I often said that I had the best customer base going, and I meant it. I’ve learned so much from all your comments, suggestions, praise and complaints. The Facebook Straight Jab Media Group has almost 800 people; but there is a core group of several dozen dedicated boxing fans who have kept things going. Your enthusiasm, your patience, and your generosity have moved me more than once.
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I promise to pop up now and then after the transition is completed, which should be before the beginning of 2025). I would still enjoy providing 20 – 30 more cards per division. As soon as I get approval from my doctors to push myself a little, I’ll get on with it. I’ve also thought about reviving my Role-Playing module if it becomes practical from both a health and game perspective.
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I wish all Title Bout II enthusiasts to give both Bills the chance to not only keep the Title Bout II legacy intact, but also bring about a new perspective that might well lead to a better product.
With all the sincerity I can muster, thank you for literally decades of enjoyment, allowing me to share my love of boxing with you.
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Jim Trunzo
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Creator of Title Bout and Title Bout II
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