WAZ HAPPNIN' IN '06

Things in 2006 are starting to look hot. We are going to see the end of a trilogy(Corrales-Castillo III), the second fight in what could turn into a trilogy(Pacquiao-Morales II), and a mega-fight that could be one for the ages(Judah-Mayweather). Also along the way we'll get to see two Legends (Jones-Hopkins) square off in a long awaited rematch.(some may disagree, but I say better late than never.) Let's not forget what could be the best match-up so far Jeff Lacy is finally going to face off with Joe Calzaghe. And this is all by early APRIL!

Of course in boxing, there are always major ups and major downs. We'll have to see Miguel Cotto go up against another fighter who will not test him. No one wants to see, Tarver fight Tyson. Shane Mosley and Fernando Vargas will charge PPV. And don't even get me started about the heavy-weights.
I have a few predictions, wishes, and brief remarks for the new year.

PREDICTIONS:

ZAB JUDAH VS. FLOYD MAYWEATHER:

I know I stated two days ago in a blog entry that I wouldn't make a prediction, but It's my blog and I'll change my mind if I want too. I think Judah has more power and the ability knockout Mayweather. The reason people haven't been able to do damage to Floyd is because they can't catch him. My friends I think Zab is just fast enough to do it. Judah KO 9

WARNING: THIS PREDICTION MAY FLIP-FLOP FROM NOW TILL THE END OF THE FIGHT ON APRIL 8TH.

DIEGO CORALLES VS. JOSE LUIS CASTILLO III:

I have said right along that Castillo can beat coralles. I think he was winning the first fight with Coralles until the tenth. I think even without weightgate he would've beaten him in the second. The only chance Coralles has is to step back and use his jab. I think he is too proud and too much of a tough guy to do that. Castillo: KO 8

ROY JONES JR. VS. BERNARD HOPKINS II:

I, unlike most think that this fight is more interesting now than it would've been in both fighters primes. I think they are both more vulnerable, and each feels they need this win more than any other to go out on top. This fight could turn into a snooze fest like Taylor-Hopkins or could be a good fight between two guys desperate to reclaim their dominance over the sport. I still feel Jones is just too fast, and Hopkins won't be able to put enough on his punches to slow him down. Jones: UD 12

MANNY PACQUIAO VS. ERIK MORALLES II:

This fight will no doubt be another exciting brawl.(I don't think either fighter knows how to do anything else.) In this one however I don't think the Pac-man will let Moralles dictate the action as much. Pacquiao has learned from his mistakes and will be more of well rounded fighter this time, rather than a knockout puncher looking too impose his power. That and I'd like to see this turn into a trilogy. Pacquiao: UD 12

JEFF LACY VS. JOE CALZAGHE:

Jeff Lacy has been eating up competition ever since he turned pro. It seems as if he's been getting better and more ferocious in each fight as well. It reminds me of Mike Tyson back in the day. People are starting to wonder if he is unstoppable. Joe Calzaghe is one of those guys across the pond that many feel is a protected fighter with a fictional record. I've never seen a full Calzaghe fight just a few highlights. I am totally biased in this prediction because Jeff Lacy is by far my favorite fighter to watch. My only fear is that Calzaghe will be to Lacy what Holyfield was to Tyson, a reality check. I doubt it Lacy is a much smarter person and boxer than Mike was. But the potential is there. Lacy: TKO 10

WISHES:
I have few wishes for 2006.

1. That Ricky Hatton does indeed sign with Golden Boy Promotions. It seems as though Oscar is the promoter of the future and he may be able to get Ricky the fights he deserves and I want to see him in.

2. I would like to see Miguel Cotto step up and fight a real contender no more fringe guys. I want him to take on guys like Hatton, Witter, and even Mayweather.

3. Speaking of Mayweather, after his fight with Judah, move back down to 140lbs. He has some unfinished business by the names of Hatton and Cotto.

4. I would love to see the heavywieght division get off it's ass and put together some fun fights. They don't have to be for titles, just make them entertaining. I would like to see two old pros face off Shannon Briggs and David Tua. I'd love to see Lamon Brewster with his new found confidence go at Wlad Klitchko again. I might even start a petition for the two of the more crafty heavyweights to square off, Chris Byrd and James Toney.(hey if Toney beats Rahman that could be for a title.)

BRIEF REMARKS:

1. HBO and Showtime need to stop booking the same dates for fights. Boxing has enough problems getting fans, you don't split the small audience it does have. Plus, most of the time both cards are shitty anyway, why not put your heads together and do one great card?

2. A lot less PPV! I'm sick of not watching fights because I feel they are trying to rip me off. Although I didn't mind the $20 Hatton fight.(well, I get half off so it was only $10.) I enjoyed watching a $10 fight while I ate dinner, and then had the rest of the evening to enjoy my beers!(Coronas are so good when they hit your lips!)

ZAB"SUPER"JUDAH vs. "PRETTY BOY" FLOYD MAYWEATHER

It was starting to sound like this fight was never going to happen. I was as happy about this fight going down as I was the Hopkins-Jones rematch. These are two of the most naturally talented fighters in the game right now. Mayweather can beat just about anybody in boxing, but I would love to see him get tested. Zab has a suspect chin and that is the reason I'm giving Floyd the edge. Although Zab can slap and Mayweather got stunned against Chop-Chop Corley(who isn't known as a big puncher). I would never bet against "Pretty Boy", but I think people aren't giving Judah enough respect. Zab took less money than he had to for this fight, which means he considers it personal. So we won't be seeing Zab "the clown" Judah, he'll show up and mean bussiness the way he did in the second Spinks fight. Also, Mayweather did beat up on Sharmba Mitchell in his last fight, but got hit quite a bit in the process. If he does that against Zab he'll pay dearly. I love this fight and it could be the best for 2006, I only hope that Mayweather goes back down in weight after to clean up the 140lbs. division. I am also eager to see him fight Hatton, and Cotto. I won't make a prediction in this fight. It's too easy to say Mayweather and too risky to say Judah. All I'll say is nothing is going to surprise THE BRYGUY.

HOPKINS - JONES II
March 11, 2006

It is kind of crazy that I write an article saying one fight I would love to see is Hopkins-Jones II and one week later it happens. I wonder if they got the idea from the BRYGUY. If so do you think they want to be a part of B.G.N.S.?(See previous blog entry.) Any way I must say I am a big fan of this fight for numerous reasons. First, They both need this fight. Jones looked like a clown in his last fight against Tarver. As for Hopkins he has never been exciting to watch but with the two Taylor fights he hit a new low. Second, as I said in my previous article these two guys still match up similarly to the way they did 12 years ago. In fact they are both more vulnerable now. Which I think makes it a much more interesting fight. Third, I love a fight with hype that has the possibility of crossing into the mainstream. ESPN will do more on this fight than they would any other. Fourth, it makes me look cool for writing about it last week! I think Jones will win the fight. He showed glimpses of his old self in the Tarver fight and he knows Hopkins can't knock him out. Also Taylor proved that if you don't get sucked into a typical Hopkins fight you can beat him. There aren't any titles on the line, just something far more important LEGACY. Each guy would love to ride off into the sunset with a big win, and it wouldn't get any bigger than this. It's a $50 PPV and the BRYGUY will gladly fork over the money and you're all invited. If it's a close fight could we be looking at a trilogy? OOOOOOOOH! I'll save that for next time. I gotta go drinking.