Sunday, December 27, 2009
Boxing Results: Kelly Pavlik vs Miguel Angel Espino. - TheOnlineWire.com
Boxing Results: Kelly Pavlik vs Miguel Angel Espino. - TheOnlineWire.comSo I'm glad for Pavlik in his predictable 5th Round TKO victory over Victor Espino. Predictable or not, it's still boxing and anything could happen? Who hasn't caught the big punch you never saw, literally or figuratively?
Mayweather Vs. Pacquiao Fight on Hold from Drug Testing Disagreement, Page 2 of 2 - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com
Mayweather Vs. Pacquiao Fight on Hold from Drug Testing Disagreement, Page 2 of 2 - Associated Content - associatedcontent.comLooking for the epic Mayweather - Pacquaio fight? Here's what's happening by that by one of my internet pals, Jake Emen, one of the best boxing writers of our day...
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Let the Games Begin: Pacquio Vs. Mayweather
The Pacuiao - Cotto fight had a scripted ending. I've always liked Cotto but Manny Pacquiao was riding the crest of a wave. His triumphs in the boxing ring raised him to godly heights, and his resilience in bouncing back from disappointments guided his path to future conquest.
I'm angry with Antonio Margarito for putting a question mark or shadow over Cotto's career. We'll never know whether the gloves were loaded but it is likely they were, making the Cotto defeat even more tragic. That's not to say that Pacquiao wouldn't have won against Cotto anyway. Pacquiao is a superb competitor with a take-no-prisoners attitude. His boxing skills, ring savvy, and control of physical space have developed to a point where Floyd Mayweather Jr. has to be thinking about Pacquiao in the way an up-coming new and hungry fighter thinks about his first chance at a title.
Mayweather, of course, is a great champion. Beneath the obligatory flamboyance, trash talking, and in-your-face attitude demanded by a peculiar boxing tradition, Mayweather is as far better guy than the media gives him credit for. But that works in his favor, too, and builds the gate for another Superfight.
There is also another thing "beneath it all," and it is that Mayweather has the seasoning not only of his own generation of fighters--he has the seasoning of several generations. In spite of whatever public shenanigans he's planning to amuse himself and fight fans, expect Mayweather to be as serious beneath it all as the soldier who marches at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
I'm angry with Antonio Margarito for putting a question mark or shadow over Cotto's career. We'll never know whether the gloves were loaded but it is likely they were, making the Cotto defeat even more tragic. That's not to say that Pacquiao wouldn't have won against Cotto anyway. Pacquiao is a superb competitor with a take-no-prisoners attitude. His boxing skills, ring savvy, and control of physical space have developed to a point where Floyd Mayweather Jr. has to be thinking about Pacquiao in the way an up-coming new and hungry fighter thinks about his first chance at a title.
Mayweather, of course, is a great champion. Beneath the obligatory flamboyance, trash talking, and in-your-face attitude demanded by a peculiar boxing tradition, Mayweather is as far better guy than the media gives him credit for. But that works in his favor, too, and builds the gate for another Superfight.
There is also another thing "beneath it all," and it is that Mayweather has the seasoning not only of his own generation of fighters--he has the seasoning of several generations. In spite of whatever public shenanigans he's planning to amuse himself and fight fans, expect Mayweather to be as serious beneath it all as the soldier who marches at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Broadway Boxing Brings You the News
I've been AWOL on boxing for rather a long time, but I haven't forgotten about the sport. I tune in once in a while, though I've missed the recent "big fights." I'm looking forward to Cotto-Pacquiao and whatever's beyond that with Floyd Mayweather, but I'm often happy to watch the uknowns, the lesser knowns. I like Broadway Boxing for that, because it's almost local. I like the concept of the unknown, breaking out and moving to the next level. Or languishing, dying, never to be heard from again.
While they produce the occasional snorer, I find most of Broadway Boxing's promotions to be highly entertaining. There are things to be learned from boxing superstars like Mayweather but there are things to be learned from the up-and-coming fights you see on Broadway Boxing, too. The Broadway cards are less distracting, absent the big-fight glitz.
Chris Algieri took on a game (Henry?" White up on Long Island tonight. Algieri's from there. He has a job as a lab tech. He's working on his Master's degree, having graduated from a New York state college. He's 25, wants a title (who doesn't?) and says he walk after he gets one. Then, it's off to Medical School, he says.
The interesting background doesn't stop there. Algieri's a former kickboxing champion, a fact which might have you think he'd do a lot of bouncing around. He didn't, at least with White he didn't. The odd thing was that he threw no jabs. I'm crazy about the jab but for this kid I'm making an exception. In place of a jab, Algieri fires as many left hooks as there are cars on the Long Island Expressway. He doubles the hook, triples it, hitting up high and on the body.
White was a good fighter, with a lot of grit. He punched up inside with short pops and had decent power that didn't connect enough through Algieri's high guard. Few body punches from White--he was on the receiving end of same and wore down.
Another thing to like about Chris Algieri is the way the punches flow naturally, one from the other. No right hands without a left hook to follow and the other way around, too. Algieri has a great chopping right, too, though he oftened missed the elusive White who seemed aware of it. White seemed not aware of the hard straight rights that hammered in from overhead angles.
It was interesting, a good match, but Algieri remains undefeated, now at 10 and 0.
While they produce the occasional snorer, I find most of Broadway Boxing's promotions to be highly entertaining. There are things to be learned from boxing superstars like Mayweather but there are things to be learned from the up-and-coming fights you see on Broadway Boxing, too. The Broadway cards are less distracting, absent the big-fight glitz.
Chris Algieri took on a game (Henry?" White up on Long Island tonight. Algieri's from there. He has a job as a lab tech. He's working on his Master's degree, having graduated from a New York state college. He's 25, wants a title (who doesn't?) and says he walk after he gets one. Then, it's off to Medical School, he says.
The interesting background doesn't stop there. Algieri's a former kickboxing champion, a fact which might have you think he'd do a lot of bouncing around. He didn't, at least with White he didn't. The odd thing was that he threw no jabs. I'm crazy about the jab but for this kid I'm making an exception. In place of a jab, Algieri fires as many left hooks as there are cars on the Long Island Expressway. He doubles the hook, triples it, hitting up high and on the body.
White was a good fighter, with a lot of grit. He punched up inside with short pops and had decent power that didn't connect enough through Algieri's high guard. Few body punches from White--he was on the receiving end of same and wore down.
Another thing to like about Chris Algieri is the way the punches flow naturally, one from the other. No right hands without a left hook to follow and the other way around, too. Algieri has a great chopping right, too, though he oftened missed the elusive White who seemed aware of it. White seemed not aware of the hard straight rights that hammered in from overhead angles.
It was interesting, a good match, but Algieri remains undefeated, now at 10 and 0.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Gladiator: "Sugar" Shane Mosley - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com
Gladiator: "Sugar" Shane Mosley - Associated Content - associatedcontent.comThis is a bio about Shane Mosely by a boxing historian I know via internet contact.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Kelly Pavlik denying Paul Williams, boxing fans - ESPN
Kelly Pavlik denying Paul Williams, boxing fans - ESPNHaving met up with Paul Williams earlier this year in Canastota, NY, I was looking forward to the planned Pavlik - Williams matchup. According to ESPN's crack boxing reporter, Dan Rafael, the fight has big problems. Cancellation, in fact. You can read Rafael's column on the details right here but it's still anybody's guess what's going to happen.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Golden Boy Promotions Hosts ESPN Friday Night Fights with RJ Sockwell
:: Golden Boy Promotions Inc. ::Golden Boy Boxing is promoting a fight card tonight featuring the one and only R. J. Sockwell vs. Martin Vierra. R.J has a 4 and 0 record with three KOs but, of course, the peeps at BoxRec have mixed up the name and posted Vierra's opponent as Robert Stockwell. It's an easy mistake to make, but poor Vierra--he thinks he's going to fight a guy with an oh and oh record.
Vivian Harris is at the top of the card at the Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson, Arizona. Also featured on the card is Philadelphia' Danny Garcia with a no-loss record and lots of KOs.
Keith Thurmond, up from Florida, is also a guy to watch. There are a couple of females on the card, too, and they're probably happy that Women's Boxing is back at the next Olympics.
Vivian Harris is at the top of the card at the Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson, Arizona. Also featured on the card is Philadelphia' Danny Garcia with a no-loss record and lots of KOs.
Keith Thurmond, up from Florida, is also a guy to watch. There are a couple of females on the card, too, and they're probably happy that Women's Boxing is back at the next Olympics.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Alfredo Angulo Rises up from Cintron Loss
Lots of fight fans favored Angulo to win but it didn't turn out that way, so then it was Angulo's turn to stage a comeback fight. He told the ESNPN interview he was going to bring it and that's exactly what he did when he faced Gabriel Rosado.
Philadelphia boxer Gabriel Rosado wasn't paying attention in a half clinch with Alfredo Angulo in their Friday Night Fights Match on ESPN August 7. Both fighters had a hand free but Angulo fired a bomb that sent Rosado to the canvas. Rosado protested the knockdown and seemed okay but was distracted as Angulo closed in,determined to crush his opponent. Referees tell boxer to "protect yourself at all times" and that's advice that Rosada should have followed. Another crashing right hand put him to the canvas a second time. At that point, Rosado was wobbly, an impression that didn't escape Angulo's notice.
Angulo wasn't going to be nudged out of the game, not by a long shot. A third knockdown and the referee decided against a continuation. Rosado wasn't happy, but his chances of surviving were pretty slim.
Anthony Direlle Continues Serial TKOs
It was a matter of time before Alfreda Contreras would have hit the deck for the 10 count. Direlle's from Flint, Michigan and is not as well known as bro Andre Direlle but he's a hard hitter and 18 people retired from the ring against Direlle with only one decision and that one, unamimous.
Direlle is also notable because he returned to boxing after a long battle with cancer. He was out of the ring from 2006 to 2008 when he was cleared by his doctors to return to the sport.
Contreras was tough and had game during his match with Direlle on Friday Night Fights. Direlle opened up early with hard shots. Contreras has some moves but he's not a hard puncher and Direlle posted up and blasted back confidently. The referee wisely stopped it in seven.
Direlle is also notable because he returned to boxing after a long battle with cancer. He was out of the ring from 2006 to 2008 when he was cleared by his doctors to return to the sport.
Contreras was tough and had game during his match with Direlle on Friday Night Fights. Direlle opened up early with hard shots. Contreras has some moves but he's not a hard puncher and Direlle posted up and blasted back confidently. The referee wisely stopped it in seven.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
International Boxing Hall of Fame: - Associated Content
International Boxing Hall of Fame: - Associated ContentClick on the headline--this is an article I wrote for an Associated Content website--tells you about the Boxing Hall of Fame in Canistota, NY.
International National Boxing Hall of Fame, Canistota, New York
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Pro boxer Vernon Forrest fatally shot in Atlanta | ajc.com
Pro boxer Vernon Forrest fatally shot in Atlanta | ajc.comIt kind of really sucks that we lost Gatti to a murder and now, Vernon Forrest. Vernon was a genius kind of fighter who could figure out the other guy and make him pay. What else could account for his two wins over the great Shane Mosely? Also notable is the way he took on Mayorga and made him look rough (which he is) and unschooled (which he was, last time I looked).
To me, those were greater accomplishments than his win over Sergio Mora, which brought him more notoriety because of Mora's participation on Ray Leonard-Sly Stallone Contender Series.
My condolences to Vernon Forrest's family and friends, as little as that may help.
To me, those were greater accomplishments than his win over Sergio Mora, which brought him more notoriety because of Mora's participation on Ray Leonard-Sly Stallone Contender Series.
My condolences to Vernon Forrest's family and friends, as little as that may help.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
In Memoriam: Arturo Gatti
Late in his ring career, Gatti was soundly defeated by Floyd Mayweather, Jr. but exhibited the highest standards of courage and determination in his three battles with the legendary Irish Mickey Ward. Gatti was one of a kind, and while the media has not paid as much attention to him as it has to football stars like Michael Vick or the late Brian McNair, the boxing world mourns the death of this great champion.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Christy Brunner : Victor in Battle of Lancaster
This girl Christy has a winning personality and a fighting spirit. She didn't let a previous setback stop her from making Catherine Beck wish she were somewhere else this night. Christy was always strong and athletic, but looks hard to beat as she uses her boxing skills to outclass and outpunch an opponent who showed great heart.
Ivan Matute -- Fast and Furious
I met Ivan in two different gyms. He's currently at Brian Pedone's where I had a chance to work with him just a little. He's coming along very well under Brian's excellent tutelage and positive influence. Ivan came to the PA gyms with some experience in the sport from when he lived in New York. Check him out...he's nice...
Josh Rivera--Young, Well-Schooled, and Determined
I don't know if the young Mr. Rivera is 14 or whether he's turned 15, but he's shown steady improvement, a great work ethic, natural athletic talent, and fierce determination. The opponent was no shrinking violet and brought a lot of fight to this match.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Pacquiao KOs Hatton--Who Knew?
I did, and so did a lot of other people. I didn't pay for the fight and didn't see it yet but Hatton is unidirectional. He could probably beat a guy who just stood there and didn't punch back. Punching back against Pacquiao was probably a little bit like punching a puff of smoke. In this case, the smoke punched back. If you've seen Manny Pacquiao fight, you've seen he is capable of volcanic explosion.
If you looked at the Hatton-Mayweather fight, you would see Hatton lunging toward Mayweather in a corner. In my memory, I keep thinking I see Mayweather grinning. Then boom, it's over!
Freddie Roach must have seen Mayweather grinning before he knocked Hatton out. In the pre-fight hoopla, I saw Freddie Roach grinning, too. And this time I wasn't day-dreaming.
I'm glad Ricky Hatton made 7 or 8 million from the fight. Not bad for what Mayweather calls a good "class-B fighter."
If you looked at the Hatton-Mayweather fight, you would see Hatton lunging toward Mayweather in a corner. In my memory, I keep thinking I see Mayweather grinning. Then boom, it's over!
Freddie Roach must have seen Mayweather grinning before he knocked Hatton out. In the pre-fight hoopla, I saw Freddie Roach grinning, too. And this time I wasn't day-dreaming.
I'm glad Ricky Hatton made 7 or 8 million from the fight. Not bad for what Mayweather calls a good "class-B fighter."
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Broadway Boxing from B.B. King's in New York
I'm at a burn-out crossroads with boxing so it's refreshing to watch the new young guns (and some older ones) on Broadway Boxing. Interesting matchups last night. I liked the 4-rounders by virtual unknowns--that's sometimes more exciting than the "big names." Put me on your mailing list--we're in Pennysylvania but fully intend to make it over there on some fine evening...
BTW, what's up with Curtis Stevens. I've heard nothing lately.
BTW, what's up with Curtis Stevens. I've heard nothing lately.
Monday, April 13, 2009
HBO Saturday Night: Paul Williams Decisions Winky Wright
It was the type of fight that appeals more to inveterate boxing fans than the World's Best KOs Crowd. Wright is a specialist, one of boxing's top surgeons, but it looked a bit as if he'd been suffering from a hangover when he faced a busy Paul Williams.
Seeing Paul Williams in fast action was almost enough to make you forget about his whipping against an inspired and much shorter Carlos Quintana a while back. Williams was looking like everything they say he is against Wright, who may have been sluggish due to a long layover, but had his stuff working as usual. It was the famed Wright defenses which kept him from getting KOd but his face looked battered at the end. The thing I liked about Williams is that he seemed to be enjoying himself in the ring, and smiled amiably several times while walkig toward his corner. Williams' athleticism is akin to that of Jermaine Taylor's but "The Punisher" seems to have developed a great deal of restraint after his upset by Quintana. He knows when to hold 'em and knows when to fold 'em. Meanwhile, Williams pivoted fluidly out of tight spots and left Wright looking like he needed a GPS to track him.
Winky didn't look bad at all, I thought, just slower and much less productive as you would expect from a 37 year old. Williams, meanwhile, knew where he was in the ring all the time and delivered speedy combinations with a great deal of authority. I look for Paul Williams to do great things so long as he stays focused on boxing and doesn't let the peripherals get to him. The boxing life has its own particular hazards, as most people know.
Winky Wright's story is a great story and he's one of the ring legends you hope would retire though he's not going to. In this fight against Williams, he showed heart, spirit, and determination up to the final rounds. I'm glad it went to a decision with Wright keeping his feet and his dignity intact.
Such as it is...
Seeing Paul Williams in fast action was almost enough to make you forget about his whipping against an inspired and much shorter Carlos Quintana a while back. Williams was looking like everything they say he is against Wright, who may have been sluggish due to a long layover, but had his stuff working as usual. It was the famed Wright defenses which kept him from getting KOd but his face looked battered at the end. The thing I liked about Williams is that he seemed to be enjoying himself in the ring, and smiled amiably several times while walkig toward his corner. Williams' athleticism is akin to that of Jermaine Taylor's but "The Punisher" seems to have developed a great deal of restraint after his upset by Quintana. He knows when to hold 'em and knows when to fold 'em. Meanwhile, Williams pivoted fluidly out of tight spots and left Wright looking like he needed a GPS to track him.
Winky didn't look bad at all, I thought, just slower and much less productive as you would expect from a 37 year old. Williams, meanwhile, knew where he was in the ring all the time and delivered speedy combinations with a great deal of authority. I look for Paul Williams to do great things so long as he stays focused on boxing and doesn't let the peripherals get to him. The boxing life has its own particular hazards, as most people know.
Winky Wright's story is a great story and he's one of the ring legends you hope would retire though he's not going to. In this fight against Williams, he showed heart, spirit, and determination up to the final rounds. I'm glad it went to a decision with Wright keeping his feet and his dignity intact.
Such as it is...
Monday, April 6, 2009
King, McCain seek pardon for boxer Jack Johnson -- Newsday.com
King, McCain seek pardon for boxer Jack Johnson -- Newsday.comArizona Senator John McCain's been involved with boxing for a long time. He boxed for the Naval academy before he entered the Naval Air Corps. I learned something new in reading this story. I knew "of" Peter King, from New York and rather liked him. What I didn't know about was his own involvement in boxing.
Jack Johnson was one of the most riveting figures in boxing history and his prosecution under the Mann Act was the direct result of WAIC, that dangerous affliction of people unwilling to face the facts. In his prime, Johnson was the best American fighter around. I've always thought of him as the "inventor" of modern boxing. Before Johnson, boxers always moved around the ring straight up in the manner of robots.
A little boxing history there, kids. And if you get a chance to read about an interesting time in boxing history, read an autiobiography or two about Jack Johnson. You'd be in danger of learning something...
Jack Johnson was one of the most riveting figures in boxing history and his prosecution under the Mann Act was the direct result of WAIC, that dangerous affliction of people unwilling to face the facts. In his prime, Johnson was the best American fighter around. I've always thought of him as the "inventor" of modern boxing. Before Johnson, boxers always moved around the ring straight up in the manner of robots.
A little boxing history there, kids. And if you get a chance to read about an interesting time in boxing history, read an autiobiography or two about Jack Johnson. You'd be in danger of learning something...
Sunday, March 22, 2009
How to Get That Multi-Million Dollar Job: Help Wanted in Heavyweight Division
Yesterday, I watched the Heavyweight boxing match between returning Vitali Klitschko and a certain Cuban Cruiserweight Mr. Gomez and I wondered why no one is applying for the job of Heavyweight champion of the world.
The ranks in the lighter weight classes are brimming with talent, but the Heavyweights of our era are clumsy behemoths who prefer the bludgeon to the scalpel. I'm not one of those people who doesn't appreciate the Kitchscko brothers, and their varied talents and interests. As boxers, they're not bad. But what irritates me in the Heavyweight ranks is that there is a lack of brilliance in the division.
In yesterday's match, Gomez was a beefed up Cruiserweight who took a shellacking at the hands of a six foot seven inch mesomorph with a powerful right hand. The best you could say of Gomez is that he was tough and brave and tried his damndest to make a fight out of it, largely without any special talent. He was a strong guy and tried to get close but was battered in every attempt. Gomez fought with his head straight up most of the time, didn't attack the body, and marched forward to deliver an occasional power shot, most of which fell short of the taller man's head.
There was a paucity of jabs from both boxers, who pawed at each other's forward hands to create openings. That's a legitimate tactic when you have a southpaw in the mix but you've got to have a real jab, too, if only to please the purists if not to hurt your opponent with it.
So Kitschko won, stopping the smaller guy within 9 rounds and I was glad for the end. Klitschko did pretty well for his tuneup, and the big question is what was the tuneup for? If there is to be a battle of behemoths, then he might fight Valuev. However, the safer choice for Klitchko's return may be Maskaev, another case where the tall stature and size may figure greatly.
I'm just wondering why there are such few applicants to the million dollar job. Surely, there's someone out there. Help wanted: Heavyweight Division.
The ranks in the lighter weight classes are brimming with talent, but the Heavyweights of our era are clumsy behemoths who prefer the bludgeon to the scalpel. I'm not one of those people who doesn't appreciate the Kitchscko brothers, and their varied talents and interests. As boxers, they're not bad. But what irritates me in the Heavyweight ranks is that there is a lack of brilliance in the division.
In yesterday's match, Gomez was a beefed up Cruiserweight who took a shellacking at the hands of a six foot seven inch mesomorph with a powerful right hand. The best you could say of Gomez is that he was tough and brave and tried his damndest to make a fight out of it, largely without any special talent. He was a strong guy and tried to get close but was battered in every attempt. Gomez fought with his head straight up most of the time, didn't attack the body, and marched forward to deliver an occasional power shot, most of which fell short of the taller man's head.
There was a paucity of jabs from both boxers, who pawed at each other's forward hands to create openings. That's a legitimate tactic when you have a southpaw in the mix but you've got to have a real jab, too, if only to please the purists if not to hurt your opponent with it.
So Kitschko won, stopping the smaller guy within 9 rounds and I was glad for the end. Klitschko did pretty well for his tuneup, and the big question is what was the tuneup for? If there is to be a battle of behemoths, then he might fight Valuev. However, the safer choice for Klitchko's return may be Maskaev, another case where the tall stature and size may figure greatly.
I'm just wondering why there are such few applicants to the million dollar job. Surely, there's someone out there. Help wanted: Heavyweight Division.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
AFP: Boxer Hatton plans to shock Pacquiao with speed and moves
AFP: Boxer Hatton plans to shock Pacquiao with speed and movesMy fight guy in Nevada, David Rosetti, tells me Hatton is the sure-fire winner. Size and power will be too much for Pacquiao at 140 lbs, Rosetti says. Rightly or not, though, the Pacman has the wildness factor going for him. Hatton may be too workmanlike, lacking in passion, and uninspired. Contrast that with wild-eyed and wild-punching Phillipino. I'm going against the Nevada odds here, and I'd say to look for the unexpected in this fight.
Monday, March 2, 2009
ESPN Friday Night Fights: Glen Johnson Conquers Daniel Judah (again)
It was the classic Glen Johnson script. The man on a hinge bobbed and weaved, slipped and punched with the precision of a fighting machine. In the end, there was no doubt as to the outcome as Johnson had a bit to much for the game Judah. Judah fought the wrong fight much of the time and was unable to use his height or to keep Johnson away.
Johnson is either age 40 or pushing it but age hasn't caught up with him. I wish, therefore, that Chad Dawson had taken a rematch with Road Warrior Glen Johnson instead of taking the easy fight against Antonio Tarver. I have great respect for Tarver, but he's already accomplished what he would as a fighter and it's time for him to geton with it.
Johnson is the people's champion and, if Dawson is to be really "bad Chad" instead of "half-bad-Chad", he's got to get to Johnson before old age does.
Johnson is either age 40 or pushing it but age hasn't caught up with him. I wish, therefore, that Chad Dawson had taken a rematch with Road Warrior Glen Johnson instead of taking the easy fight against Antonio Tarver. I have great respect for Tarver, but he's already accomplished what he would as a fighter and it's time for him to geton with it.
Johnson is the people's champion and, if Dawson is to be really "bad Chad" instead of "half-bad-Chad", he's got to get to Johnson before old age does.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Marquez KOs Diaz in 9th Round
The action was non-stop and brutal with Diaz putting maximum pressure on Marquez who was rocked and wobbled in the early rounds. There was no doubt in the opening seconds that it would be a fight to the finish. If the heat wasn't enough in the first three rounds, it became unbearable in the fourth and blisetering in the fifth as both fighters delivered sharp and powerful combinations.
Diaz kept marching forward, rarely being forced backward. Marquez backed to the ropes and blasted away from there with short rights and body shots. Blood began to ooze from Marquez right eye in the 5th and the cut men worked to close it. Marquez' corner told him he was winning, winning by a very little.
In the sixth, Marquez went back to the ropes and Diaz worked at a pace only slightily slower than the buzz saw speed of the first 5 rounds. Blood began to flow from Marquez again in the sixth. Marquez showed small signs of weakening but punched like a madman, sometimes throwing three shots with the left hand, uppercuts and hooks, landing clean blows.
It was an even battle as Shields told his fighter, Diaz, not to ease up on the pressure, not to let Marquez rest. The corner worked on Marquez's bloody face. Marquez is tough as he fights off the ropes and idiot Lederman with his nasty voice tells the world that Diaz is up 2 rounds at the 7th. Which I thought was bullshit.
Marquez worked more in the center ring and landed hard combinations but Diaz pushed him to the ropes and fought like a modified Joe Frazier, body shots and hooks and straight punches, jabs mostly. There's no pressure like Diaz pressure and Diaz' back is dry, no sweat, and Maruquez has to be tired at the end of the round.
What's happening here is that both fighter are great, beyond great. This is going to come down to a contest of body and will and Diaz seems just a tad freshers. Marquez corner tells him to work in the middle of the ring, not the ropes--"you're beating him in the middle", they say.
In the next round Diaz is astill the bull moving forward, catching and cutting Diaz with uppercuts from both hands. Marquez works miracles with multiple lefts as Diaz surges in the 8th and Marquez pivots out of the corner and lands a piston left.
There's blood all over both faces, blood in the ring. It's a bullfight and a dogfight combined Marquez works the middle,rocks Diaza with lefts, left hooks, Diaz wobbles, stumbles, goes down. The bell rings with everybody going crazy and Diaz' face smeared with blood.
"Listen Juan...you're not moving your head," says Diaz corner. "Use your feints on him now. Dont stand in front of this man."
The replay shows Marquez landing big uppercuts and left hooks as Diaz staggers.
Marquez makes a mid-fight stand and now the announcers begin to talk of Marquez being the bigger puncher. This is a reversal out of nowhere, out of hell. Has Diaz lost his way in the 9th?
Diaz pushes Marquez into the corner. Diaz can't miss with the left jabs but Marquez suddenly explodes with a 4 punch combination that drops Diaz to the canvas . He gets up but Marquez moves in like a Matador trying to kill the beast. He's a finisher, stepping in with the certainty of an executioner, advancing on angles, landing the kill shots. Diaz is down, hard down, on the canvas barely moving. It's over, an unbelievable KO in an unbelievable fight.
I'm speechless. Viva Mexico! Unbelievable!
Diaz kept marching forward, rarely being forced backward. Marquez backed to the ropes and blasted away from there with short rights and body shots. Blood began to ooze from Marquez right eye in the 5th and the cut men worked to close it. Marquez' corner told him he was winning, winning by a very little.
In the sixth, Marquez went back to the ropes and Diaz worked at a pace only slightily slower than the buzz saw speed of the first 5 rounds. Blood began to flow from Marquez again in the sixth. Marquez showed small signs of weakening but punched like a madman, sometimes throwing three shots with the left hand, uppercuts and hooks, landing clean blows.
It was an even battle as Shields told his fighter, Diaz, not to ease up on the pressure, not to let Marquez rest. The corner worked on Marquez's bloody face. Marquez is tough as he fights off the ropes and idiot Lederman with his nasty voice tells the world that Diaz is up 2 rounds at the 7th. Which I thought was bullshit.
Marquez worked more in the center ring and landed hard combinations but Diaz pushed him to the ropes and fought like a modified Joe Frazier, body shots and hooks and straight punches, jabs mostly. There's no pressure like Diaz pressure and Diaz' back is dry, no sweat, and Maruquez has to be tired at the end of the round.
What's happening here is that both fighter are great, beyond great. This is going to come down to a contest of body and will and Diaz seems just a tad freshers. Marquez corner tells him to work in the middle of the ring, not the ropes--"you're beating him in the middle", they say.
In the next round Diaz is astill the bull moving forward, catching and cutting Diaz with uppercuts from both hands. Marquez works miracles with multiple lefts as Diaz surges in the 8th and Marquez pivots out of the corner and lands a piston left.
There's blood all over both faces, blood in the ring. It's a bullfight and a dogfight combined Marquez works the middle,rocks Diaza with lefts, left hooks, Diaz wobbles, stumbles, goes down. The bell rings with everybody going crazy and Diaz' face smeared with blood.
"Listen Juan...you're not moving your head," says Diaz corner. "Use your feints on him now. Dont stand in front of this man."
The replay shows Marquez landing big uppercuts and left hooks as Diaz staggers.
Marquez makes a mid-fight stand and now the announcers begin to talk of Marquez being the bigger puncher. This is a reversal out of nowhere, out of hell. Has Diaz lost his way in the 9th?
Diaz pushes Marquez into the corner. Diaz can't miss with the left jabs but Marquez suddenly explodes with a 4 punch combination that drops Diaz to the canvas . He gets up but Marquez moves in like a Matador trying to kill the beast. He's a finisher, stepping in with the certainty of an executioner, advancing on angles, landing the kill shots. Diaz is down, hard down, on the canvas barely moving. It's over, an unbelievable KO in an unbelievable fight.
I'm speechless. Viva Mexico! Unbelievable!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Which Boxer Had the Best Hook? - Associated Content
Which Boxer Had the Best Hook? - Associated ContentI kind of agree with commentator Rich Thomas. When I think of a hook from a "regular" fighter I think of a left hook. A right hook from a southpaw. Of course, I agree with that guy, Moeursalen, whomever he is...
Monday, February 23, 2009
Robert Guerrero Fight in San Jose
Interview with Two-Time Featherweight Champion Robert Guerrero
I spoke with former IBF featherweight champion Robert Guerrero about his upcoming bout on HBO, his future plans, his wife's health and how it feels to be fighting at 130 lbs.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1501550/interview_with_twotime_featherweight.html
I spoke with former IBF featherweight champion Robert Guerrero about his upcoming bout on HBO, his future plans, his wife's health and how it feels to be fighting at 130 lbs.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1501550/interview_with_twotime_featherweight.html
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James Moore Lacing Up
Moore seems to have faded from the boxing scene and looked like a shadow of his former self during his last outing. Is he overmatched, or was it his recent marriage that affected him? I guess that's cruel...and misognyny, too...SAT Word!.... But I always liked the guy and hope he can make a comeback.Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Boxing Profile: Riddick "Big Daddy" Bowe - Associated Content
Boxing Profile: Riddick "Big Daddy" Bowe - Associated ContentRiddick "Big Daddy" Bowe is a Brownsville Boy who was heavyweight champion once but who could forget the parachutist dropped into the Bowe-Holyfield fight?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Boxing promoter Irish Ropes moving on without John Duddy
Boxing promoter Irish Ropes moving on without John DuddyA while back, Middleweight John Duddy took a sparring workout at Jesse Harris's then Lower Main Street Boxing Gym. Gentleman John seems to have struggled a bit more than he should have in his last outings and it will be interesting to see what he comes up with under new management. Here's the story, written by someone else.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Arce Vs. Darchinyan: The Sparks Are Flying Feb 7
Darchinyan's got the punch in this 115 pound battle but he's very unorthodox in his approach. Unless he gets to Arce early with power, he's going to make mistakes, and Arce will capitalize on them. Arce's nickname is "El Travieso"--that describes him to a "T." Travieso means "trouble." Jorge bristles with trouble, an enfant terrible of the boxing ring, and is inclined to enter the ring riding stallions with a lollipop in his mouth. My greatest nightmare is to have Ricardo Mayorga and Jorge Arce show up at my house for dinner unannounced. I'd need lots of Valium. Darchinyan toutes his win over Christian Mijares as the main reason he'll beat Arce. Remember that it was Mijares who upset Arces earlier on. But Arces doesn't like that sort of fan base calculation and isn't giving an iota of respect to the Armenian:
"Darchinyan's greatest strength is his mouth. I am not intimidated by the devil; why would I be intimidated by him? His biggest weakness is his chin. When he gets hit flush, he doesn't get up."
Thursday, February 5, 2009
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Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Vic Darchinyan Vs. Jorge Arce Fight Preview - Associated Content
Vic Darchinyan Vs. Jorge Arce Fight Preview - Associated ContentFlyweight matchup set for Feb 7. I expect to see "El Travieso" live up to his nickname, which means "troublemaker," according to my Mexican-American-Italian bro-in-law. My colleague, Jake Emen, writer of this piece, thinks the Vic will win by TKO, mostly because Vic beat Christian Mijares who beat Jorge Arce. I don't believe in triangulations--styles make fights. Vic's definitely a hitter,though, but the Mexican Arce is a high-voltage current who is sure to light up Darcinyan's life.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Shane Mosely Deserves the Big Money Fight
Friday Night Fights had Brian Kenney with Shane Mosely last night and, of course, everyone wanted to know about the business of the gloves. Mosely rightly absolved the boxer and said that only the trainers should be held accountable. He told Kenney that Margarito had hand problems which required a "special" wrap. Just how special, we don't know, but the California Athletic Commission is looking into it and both Margarito and his Corner have been suspended.
So Mosely's at the top of the welterweights, just where he should be, given his performance against Margarito. And looking around for oppponents. There are only two obvious places to look: the retired Mayweather or the active genius of Manny Pacquaio.
I'd like to see Mayweather lured out of retirement, but that would have to be like right now. Waiting until Mosely gets older is not going to endear him to fans.
So Mosely's at the top of the welterweights, just where he should be, given his performance against Margarito. And looking around for oppponents. There are only two obvious places to look: the retired Mayweather or the active genius of Manny Pacquaio.
I'd like to see Mayweather lured out of retirement, but that would have to be like right now. Waiting until Mosely gets older is not going to endear him to fans.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Top Five Rising Stars in Boxing - Associated Content
The Top Five Rising Stars in Boxing - Associated ContentStory by Jake Emen, sportswriter/entrepreneur and former boxer.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
"Half-Bad" Chad Dawson Rematch with Antonio Tarver Ducks Road Warrior Glen Johnson - Associated Content
"Half-Bad" Chad Dawson Rematch with Antonio Tarver Ducks Road Warrior Glen Johnson - Associated ContentClick on it...and I'm sure you won't hesitate to comment.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Half-Bad Chad Rematch with Tarver Ducks Real Champ Glen Johnson
Boycott HBO’s Tarver – Dawson II
I have to weigh in on this one. Last night I watched a ShoTime replay of Glen Johnson’s matchup with “Bad” Chad Dawson in April of 2008. The victory went to Dawson but so did the beating he got at the hands of a 39 year old fighter who appeared to be at the top of his game. Dawson’s a good fighter alright, but he was severely hammered by the veteran Johnson, who has to be America’s most ripped off fighter of all time. Win or lose, I’ve never seen Johnson fail to press his case and deliver brilliant boxing performances most of the time. Even at his worst, Glen Johnson is a highly efficient boxer-puncher capable on any given night of beating anyone in the division. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to beat the wily coyotes who promote the fights and the judges who are swayed by the spotlight, the hype, and the television twilight of professional boxing.
Dawson is about a foot taller than Johnson and scored points in the early rounds, but not decisively. Johnson knows how to move forward, has an ample defense, and is willing to absorb blows to close the distance between himself and the opponent. His punches are slick, straight, accurate, and well-timed. Dawson ate enough leather that he could have made a sofa out of it. Rocked several times, Dawson refused to go down. Dawson’s a good fighter, and trainer Eddie Mustafa Muhammad wanted him to box and box and box, but Johnson had the key even as Dawson tried to lock the door. The Road Warrior Glen Johnson bored in punching to the body, doubling left hooks, uppercuts in close, and clean straight rights. Johnson’s punches were so well-timed and accurate that Dawson’s face took on a dispirited look around the middle of the fight, a look that lasted to the end when he was interviewed.
Dawson’s a nice fighter alright, but he was reduced to the role of a U.N diplomat when he tried to explain that he “dominated” Johnson. Almost nobody was fooled, yet HBO just announced a Tarver-Dawson II, which is tantamount to an insult to your boxing IQ. Tarver looked feeble against a lead-footed and plodding Clinton Woods in the inappropriately named Main Event. HBO’s attempt at humor with a rematch of Dawson-Tarver should be replaced with a match between Road Warrior Johnson and Half-Bad Chad.
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