I was going the rounds of the boxing blogs to check on the results of the Abraham - Direll matchup of the Super Six and was disgusted by the number of people who accused Dirrell of faking it when he took a big right hand from Abraham after he slipped to the mat. Those people are either pouring on the hate or are really ignorant of what happens when you're down and your hands are down and any kind of puncher takes a whack at you. Check out the vid. Dirrell's got his left glove on the floor and is steadying himself, hardly the kind of position you want to be in to take a home-run shot. Of course, most of the people criticizing Dirrell couldn't take a shot from a 100 pound amateur female fighter and get up, let alone a pro.
But what's up with Abraham? It wasn't like that punch was begun as Dirrell slipped to the mat. Take a look--Dirrell's already hit the deck once and is on his way to a second bounce when he puts out an arm to steady himself. Then Abraham winds up like he's on the gold course and Pow--hitting Dirrell with a powerful sideways shot while his jaw is relaxed. When Andre Golota did such things, the world went wild, but Abraham's bum's rush is cool, especially as it comes from those deperate European fans who read the British Sun.
Abraham will say he started the punch already, probably meaning he was thinking about it in the first round. Definitely a desperation act--probably pissed at being on his *ss in the 4th....
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Mosley - Mayweather: The Brave Ones
Gotta' tell ya' I wasn't impressed when Pacman took on Clottey and the result was sclerotic. This has caused me to lose just a little respect for Pacquiao, whom I know to be a terrific fighter. If Clottey had brought some fight instead of some survival skills, I might feel differently.
As a result, my allegiance went immediately from neutral to Mayweather. Mayweather's always been criticized for one thing or another but that shit should be so over with his pick of Mosely to replace Pacquaio that's it's ridiculous to think otherwise. Mosely is far more dangerous than Joshua Clottey, and to my mind, far more dangerous to Mayweather than Pacquiao.
Now this should put to rest anyone who questioned Mayweather's "heart," something I never did. Where does this questioning come from? Mainly, it's because Mayweather is so flextible and so capable of adjusting his fight around every type of circumstance and around every type of fighter. Sometimes he hardly seems to be making an effort and this frustrate some fans--but not me. The point is to win, isn't it? Dem fools was thinking Fatty Ricky Hatton (a very determined and capable boxer when facing ordinary opposition) actually had a chance with Floyd Jr. but that was a preposterous notion, I've always said. The way Hatton went out during that fight was classic Class B fighter against Class A fighter. Charging into a corner to get knocked out--it was a thing of beauty.
So this is the fight of 2010. Mayweather v. Mosely--two great champions. And both fighters are okay to take whatever Olympic or whatever tests are required to get ti done, son. Something Pacquiao refused to do, an act which will forever haunt him.
Mayweather v. Mosely. In this time of turning junk fights into PPV, this will be one worth buying. Floyd Jr. undefeated. While Mosely lost 2, it was to the same guy and now he is a mature fighter, still at the top of his game.
This one's the bitch.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Mayweather-Mosley Better Than Pacman-Mayweather
Too bad Pacman needs to blow up in size before he'd fight Mayweather...
James Toney Signs with UFC
After following Dana White around the globe to get a match with the UFC, the UFC impresario has finally agreed to give Toney a shot. Toney’s over the hill as a boxer but you can bet he’s still got the wiles and the smack in his punch. I don’t know how he does at wrestling but, if he can keep to his feet, the UFC boys are going to be surprised as they wade in with their wide air-flailing punches.
There are some UFC guys who can punch, but most can’t. The UFC guys who know what they’re doing in the punch zone usually have had experience in boxing. James Toney is the consummate boxer—rather was--- I saw him in his heyday when he was around 147 pounds (believe it or not) and he seemed to have absorbed historical, almost mythic skills.
Okay, he’s a character. I think Mike Tyson had picked up a few trash talk items from Toney. Frankly, I wish James Toney had gone off into his retirement before he ballooned up to his current weight. I hope he gets a somewhat even matchup in the UFC. It would be fun to see the UFC guys get smacked around in a boxing lesson.
It’s not that I don’t have a great amount of respect for their toughness, but the UFC fighters need to develop some skill before they’ll pick up the true boxing fans. Of those “other” martial arts sports, I tend to favor that Japanese thing—what’s it called?....K-1….like Korean kickboxing, except the punching is better than what you get from the UFC.
We’ll see. Lights Out!...the UFC!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Antonio Escalante Vs. Miguel Roman
Last night on ESPN was a candidate for Fight of the Year, if not for Fight of the Century. It was in the 126 pound class but you’d never know it. Non-stop action and more fury than a combat zone. Escalante emerged the winner but this was one of those fights when there were two winners.
Miguel “Mickey” Roman advanced like General Patton the whole night through to ten rounds. Apparently, these guys knew each other since they were little kids in Juarez, Mexico. They had street fights then—it must have been like unrequited love the way they went at it.
You’ve got to love both these warriors. Escalante is a beautiful fighter, a champion with all the tricks, and some bad punching to boot.
Miguel Roman ought to be nicknamed something more than “Mickey” –unless that references “slip you a Mickey”…one of those Knockout Drops they used to lay on you in those old-time crime flicks. Man, what a furious little beast, determined and powerful, going at the body with both hands on the inside.
Roman went down once in a flurry of punches—in the late rounds. Escalante staggered at times, looked a little woozy. I got a little woozy just watching it. There was no layoff in intensity, not for a brief moment. The boxing people got PPV all wrong—where people pay good money for ho-hum fights when you can watch action like this for free.
The arena was packed. Two guys fighting for heart and pride. Enough cannot be said for the two of them..
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Yuri Foreman Fights Miguel Cotto and a Bar Mitzvah
Does Yuri Foreman have a chance against Miguel Cotto? Sure, he does but it depends on how much Cotto has left from his earlier battles. I would guess that a guy like Cotto has plenty in reserve to take on the undefeated 28-0 Foreman. The reason the fight is attractive is because Foreman is another in a long line of Jewish fighters who gained notoriety.
Foreman’s quick, tireless, and energetic but, having no more than 8 KO’s in his 28 wins, you’d have to say he depends on volume not power to dispatch opponents.
I expect Cotto will be effective burrowing inside, muting the snap of Foreman’s punches. Should be great for Cotto fans—the fight is on June 5 at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Man, I wish I was a rich Boricueno…. I wouldn’t mind being there…
I hope they get that Bar Mitzvah thing straightened out. Foreman’s sin slate would look tarnished if the kid being Bar Mitzvah-ed couldn’t have that booking date. Foreman’s strongest desire, right up there with being a champ is to be a Rabbi. A Rabbi you wouldn’t want to argue with….
Foreman’s quick, tireless, and energetic but, having no more than 8 KO’s in his 28 wins, you’d have to say he depends on volume not power to dispatch opponents.
I expect Cotto will be effective burrowing inside, muting the snap of Foreman’s punches. Should be great for Cotto fans—the fight is on June 5 at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Man, I wish I was a rich Boricueno…. I wouldn’t mind being there…
I hope they get that Bar Mitzvah thing straightened out. Foreman’s sin slate would look tarnished if the kid being Bar Mitzvah-ed couldn’t have that booking date. Foreman’s strongest desire, right up there with being a champ is to be a Rabbi. A Rabbi you wouldn’t want to argue with….
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Travis Kauffman Heads Feb 27 Allentown Fight Card
Heavyweight Travis Kauffman heads a fight card February 27 at the Rodeway Inn in Allentown. This should be interesting as the 18-1 son of Reading trainer Marshall Kauffman sustained his first setback against Tony Grano last year. That explains the "1." Kauffman has some flash, has good size, moves wel, and exhibits sharp punching. The issue with comeback fights, however, is how well a guy can get back from a loss, how well they can put the psychological damage behind them.
The fight card also features Jason Cintron, brother to Kermit "the Killer" Cintron. It gets a double plus because it's got an amateur boxoff as an added attraction. Amateur boxing programs are very important, and from personal experience, Travis Kauffman spares no efforts in bringing his young amateur teams to maturity.
The fight card also features Jason Cintron, brother to Kermit "the Killer" Cintron. It gets a double plus because it's got an amateur boxoff as an added attraction. Amateur boxing programs are very important, and from personal experience, Travis Kauffman spares no efforts in bringing his young amateur teams to maturity.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Mosely Says Mayweather Vs. Pacquiao Dead Even
Doghouse boxing interviewed Shane Mosely about Pacman and Floyd Jr. and asked him which of the two was the better boxer.
"I am," said Mosely.
He may have a point there. Mosely had 2 losses to Vernon Forrest, 2 to Winky Wright, and 1 to Miguel Cotto. I can't remember the one with Cotto but it's likely Mosely was lured into a punching match at close range. Mosley's losses to Wright and Forrest were "technical." By that I mean they went the full 12 rounds and went to a decision, which tells me he's got a solid chin. Cotto couldn't knock him out either and that one went to a decision.
Judging by the Mayorga fight and then later the demolition of Margarito, its likely that we're looking at a different Shane Mosely. Mosely's attack on Margarito was merciless, a bombardment of monuymental proportions at a time when everybody believed Margarito was invincible.
It was the plaster gloves that were invincible, unfortunately. So I think Mosely may be the best fighter of all, in spite of his 5 losses. He's 38 now, and if not for errors of strategy,and advancing age, few people would argue with that.
"I am," said Mosely.
He may have a point there. Mosely had 2 losses to Vernon Forrest, 2 to Winky Wright, and 1 to Miguel Cotto. I can't remember the one with Cotto but it's likely Mosely was lured into a punching match at close range. Mosley's losses to Wright and Forrest were "technical." By that I mean they went the full 12 rounds and went to a decision, which tells me he's got a solid chin. Cotto couldn't knock him out either and that one went to a decision.
Judging by the Mayorga fight and then later the demolition of Margarito, its likely that we're looking at a different Shane Mosely. Mosely's attack on Margarito was merciless, a bombardment of monuymental proportions at a time when everybody believed Margarito was invincible.
It was the plaster gloves that were invincible, unfortunately. So I think Mosely may be the best fighter of all, in spite of his 5 losses. He's 38 now, and if not for errors of strategy,and advancing age, few people would argue with that.
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)