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.

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.

Shane Mosely Demolishes Antonio Margarito in Sold Out Staples Arena - Associated Content

Shane Mosely Demolishes Antonio Margarito in Sold Out Staples Arena - Associated Content

How Good is Yuriorkis Gamboa? - by Jake Emen

How Good is Former Cuban Olympic Boxer Yuriorkis Gamboa? - Associated Content

Mike Tyson Early History by Rich Thomas

Mike Tyson Crashes the Party - Associated ContentClick here for some early Mike Tyson history...

"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.

How to Become a Boxer - Associated Content

How to Become a Boxer - Associated Content

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.

Danny Sandoz' Dominating Performance at Sherman Theatre Boxing Show

No pictures available since I was the fight announcer, but then again, I was close to the action as Danny Sandoz at 115 lbs swarmed over opponent Joes Martinez of Harrisburg Boxing in the last event. Danny has always been a talented boxer and a student of the game, but it’s sometimes hard for him to get sparring with people at that weight class. The result is that Danny has mostly had to spar with immensely bigger sparring partners. It’s something most of us wouldn’t want to do but it comes with the turf when you’re in that weight class.

A key difference in this match was that Danny managed to get some good sparring in with Giovanni Acosta, who weighs in at 132 lbs. That’s still a significant weight difference but it’s better than sparring with middleweights.

Danny was a switched on fighter as he came forward firing punches from all angles for three rounds. It was a dominating performance, and Sandoz said later he wasn’t taking any chances. Danny’s got a great win record but has sometimes boxed more cautiously than he did at the November 8 match with Martinez.

Martinez was strong and landed an occasional power shot but was frustrated and missed with a lot of his punches. Meanwhile, it must have felt, from Martinez’ side, that he’d been overmatched. Martinez seemed not to have an answer for Sandoz’ relentless barrage and elusive movement.

For more coverage of the November 8 Boxing Show, hit up on Brian Pedone's Heavy Hitters Website at http://phhboxing.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=35

Boxing Returns to Sherman Theatre in Stroudsburg: Pedone's Heavy Hitters Host Tournament

Amateur boxing returned to the Sherman Theatre November 8 hosted by Brian Pedone’s Heavy Hitters Gym of Stroudsburg. There were 15 scheduled bouts scheduled in weight classes ranging from the 110 pound class to a super-heavyweight division—upward of 201 pounds. The overall event was successful and there was lively audience interest in the show. Boxing fans are the most passionate of all fans in any sport, and that is often a mixed blessing. In any case, I don’t have time to cover each individual bout but I’d like to mention some of the highlights. We had great participation from boxing clubs both inside and outside the Middle Atlantic Region. We’re grateful to the coaches who made such a great effort in getting their boxers to the event. Unless you know the sport from inside, you have no idea how much time, effort, dedication, and money it costs to get your boxers prepared for the ring. Ring referee Wendell Holmes deserves a shout-out for great officiating and a long trip far away from home. And Dr. Dunleavy. And Brianne Schanenberger. And Christi-Christi. And Katie-Katie. And the sound guys from the Sherman Theatre. Middle Atlantic officials were also a great help in getting our show on the road. So…the highlights….

Brian Pedone’s Heavy Hitters didn’t have a dog in every fight. In the fifth bout, Jack Buchinsky represented Extreme Fitness Gym of Wilkes-Barre in the super-heavyweight division against Anthony Morrison of Fast Lane Boxing of West Philadelphia. The Great Zahir always brings it whenever he comes to town. The Bruiserweight Morrison cranked up his game to land thudding blows against the advancing and very durable Buchinsky. Buchinsky had some new stuff as he began to dominate in the second and third rounds, landing short hard punches inside and a crashing left hook that might have crushed rock. Buchinsky prevailed in this battle of the big dogs. I’d have no interest in fighting either man. I'm too little and too scared.

RJ Sockwell Turned Pro in 2008

 

Shadow Boxer

 

Alone in the Ring

 

Girl Fight: Christi and Brianne

 



Boxing buddies Christi and Brianne are working out the rules of engagement. They're pretty good at keeping it real and keeping us from thinking too highly of ourselves. Remember, man, that thou are dust and it's women who do most of the dusting.

Vaughn "Razor" Edwards

 Vaughn's a classy young man, solid, and methodical in his approach. When he gets his game going on, it keeps you busy, and then comes the shot from nowhere. Some people at the gym call him "KO". Oh, and he takes pride in being a good student at his local high school.

Smilin' Josh

 Josh is quiet, but happy quiet. He's a student of boxing, and takes the grueling workouts in stride. He's a strong kid and getting stronger.

Brian Pedone Warms Up His Fighter

 
 
 

Jordan "Dempsey" Demko

 

Jordan's friendly, really. Doesn't he look friendly? Come to the fights November 8 and see Jordan be friendly. Friendly, and focused.

Yeah, Ron--You Box With Your Hands Up

 
 
 

Danny Sandoz: Big Hair, Big Heart

 

 

 

With so much fight packed into a 112 pound frame, Danny's a sure bet to get to the top of the pyramid. Danny's a quick study, a student of the game. His brain, like his body, moves in fast motiion.