Welcome Back!

Last Thursday I had the day off and did what most lazy people do with their free days, I slept late, lolly-gagged, and told everyone on Facebook what I was doing as I did it.(I know I'm that guy that updates you that I'm eating a Boston Creme donut in my underwear while watching Maury Povich, sorry!) Anyway, on this particular day I noticed that my friend HBO boxing has updated their status to; HBO Boxing wonders what you think: will Floyd Mayweather come back to boxing?

I immediately put down the Boston Creme, and did some research. Dan Rafeal of espn.com was reporting that Floyd was indeed making a comeback and an HBO date of July 11th had been bandied about for a tune-up fight. The Sweet Science.com and Maxboxing both had similar reports, saying that Floyd wanted to return and was looking to take on all comers.

Once I caught my breath I finished the donut and starting thinking about all the possible great fights Floyd could get into. It's not that I am the biggest "Pretty Boy" fan, or that his fights are overly exciting, it's just that fact that he is the best boxer in the game, and I want to see if he can be beaten. Here are the five I want after his tune-up:

1. MANNY PACQUIAO (48-3, 36ko)

This is the most obvious fight, and seems to be the fight that has brought "Money May" out of retirement.  This is a great match-up between the former pound for pound champ and his replacement. This fight will happen, I just hope Mayweather doesn't pull a Bobby Fisher and go back into hiding after beating the number one guy, there a few number two's I would like him to face as well.

2. JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ (50-4, 37ko)

Juan Manuel Marquez is arguably the second best fighter on the planet, and the only argument you could give for that statement would be, he's actually the best. Jimbobaroo once told me "Juan Manuel Marqeuez is the essence of dodge and punish".   I will be honest, I don't know what Jimbob was talking about, but I think it meant that JMM is a smart, solid fighter that shouldn't be doubted against anyone, even the pound for pound best.  If you saw his fight with Juan Diaz he looked as if he was getting pushed around by the younger man, but he was landing pin point punches(Alliteration!) the whole time. If he did miss it was almost like he did it just to set up a better punch.  I would like to see how Mayweather matches up with this counter-punching wizard. Would Mayweather seem as fast if he was being timed? Does timing really beat speed? Who is the best fighter in the world, Mayweather, Pacquiao, or Marquez? I don't have the answers, but I sure would like to find them!

3. SHANE MOSLEY (46-5, 27ko)

This would be such a good match-up between the guy who didn't think Antonio Margarito was anything special, and the guy who proved it. After watching Mosley put on a clinic against Margarito, it seems like he hasn't lost much off his fast-ball(that's for all you baseball nerds reading this). I would love to see how Mayweather would handle Sugar Shane's speed and power. Zab Judah looked like he gave Mayweather some fits early on in their fight, and I don't see Mosley fading or getting knocked out.

4. MIQUEL COTTO (33-1, 27ko)

If these two fighters were military weapons Miquel Cotto would be a tank, and Mayweather would be a Ninja.(OK, I know a Ninja isn't a military weapon, but come on, Ninjas are cool.) I personally think Cotto is a guy with the perfect style to beat Mayweather. He is a relentless, powerful fighter who chops his opponents down until they crumble. I would love to see if the vicious body puncher could slow down the slick defensive dynamo.(Another alliteration, where do I get these?!)  I have a feeling that this is one guy that "Money Mo" will avoid.

5. PAUL WILLIAMS (36-1, 27ko) 

I'm not sure if I really even want to see this fight.  I respect Paul Williams. but am just not that big a fan. I do enjoy that the guy moves up and down he weight classes to fight, but I just don't find him all that entertaining for some reason.(I really can't figure out why!) I just want to see Mayweather square off with a guy who has a 5 inch height advantage and a 10 inch reach advantage, talk about David vs. Goliath.   After this one I would then put him in with Valuev!

Let's admit it, Mayweather will never please everyone in the boxing world, but he sure can try a little harder.  I think he needs to fight at least 3 of these 5 to quiet the critics and not end up like Roy Jones, chasing the fights he should have had in his prime.

LOCAL UPDATE:

I found out that a few good local fighters will be filling out the April 25th Jermain Taylor-Carl Froch card, both Edwin Rodriquez and Danny O'Connor.  Edwin is coming off of an impressive outing, last Thursday he stopped veteran Patrick Thompson(15-13-1) in the second round, Rodriquez is only the second fighter to stop Thompson.  O'Connor's last victory was a first round TKO of Charles Wade(4-7-0) in Dorchester on March 14th.  There are still $50 and $75 seats available, and this is turning out to be a solid card.

LOCAL LEATHER

Over the next month New Englanders have a chance to see three full fight cards, two of their best up and comers, and one title fight that could be a pretty good brawl. Seeing as how I am a true fan of the sport and try to recruit new fans as well as make other fans aware of fights in the area, I am going to tell all about the local leather flying over the next month.


Saturday March 14th
The National Guard Armory
70 Liberty Ave.
Dorchester,MA

I will be honest, I only know about one fighter on this card, Framingham's Danny O'Connor. You may remember Danny from his stint on Friday Night Fights a couple weeks ago or Danny's pro debut which was featured on NESN.com. Danny has been busy since he turned pro in September, going 4-0 with one knockout. He should have a crowd rooting for him Saturday, since he's close to home, and it could be a fun night to see him perform.

There are several other locals on the card and many are making their pro-debuts:

Dan Conway - pro debut
Super Middleweight
Dorchester, MA

Alexis Santos - pro debut
Cruiserweight
Lynn,MA

Eddie Caminero (5-0, 5ko)
Super Middleweight
Lawrence,MA

Mike Reyes - pro debut
Light Middleweight
Roslindale,MA

Derek Sylveria (1-0, 1ko)
Light Middleweight
Byfield,MA

Jimmy Leblanc (12-15, 4ko)
Welterweight
Boston,MA

I will be honest other than Danny and maybe Jimmy Leblanc,who I saw lose once, I don't know much about anyone on the card. I do know that it's a pile of local kids and if you can you should show them some love. You never know, one of these guys could be the next Mickey Ward.


Thursday March 19th
Mechanics Hall
321 Main St.
Worcester,MA

Another up and comer I have blogged about before will be lacing up the gloves in his home town Thursday night for his first fight with his new promoter. Worcester native Edwin Rodriquez(9-0, 6ko) just signed a contract with Lou Dibella (Dibella Entertainment) and looks to be ready to do some big things in the next couple years. Edwin has fought 9 times in the past year is facing his biggest test yet, Patrick Thompson(15-13, 5ko) who despite his record is a solid fighter. His 13 loses have come against solid competition like John Duddy, Joe Greene, Vanes Martirosyan, and Alfonso Gomez. Thompson has a sturdy chin and doesn't lose to soft competition, so Rodriquez should be in for a pretty good fight.

Other locals on the card:

Dustin Rinehold - pro debut
Welterweight
Providence,RI

Valar Boise - pro debut
Light Heavyweight
Providence,RI

Ryan Kielczewski (3-0, 0ko)
Lightweight
Quincy,MA

Of course don't hold me to this as all bouts are subject to change.


Saturday April 25th
Foxwoods MGM Grand
Ledyard, CT

Here is the grand daddy of all the cards within driving distance. Jermain Taylor and Carl Froch will be facing of for a the WBC Super Middleweight title at the brand new MGM Grand-Foxwoods casino. Jermain Taylor(28-2, 17ko) is coming off a near shutout performance against former Olympic teammate Jeff Lacy. Froch(24-0,19ko) has decided to come over to the United States for only the second time(he fought in Cali once in 2005) to defend the belt he won via Unanimous decision against Canada's Jean Pascal(21-1,14ko). Many who saw that fight believed to be in contention for fight of the year.(Me, I youtube'd it, it's a pretty good scrap). The fight between Taylor and Froch should be good one, both guys have something to prove, Froch is looking for his first exposure to an American audience, and Taylor needs let everyone know he can compete with the elite 168 pounders. Taylor has only two losses, both at the hands of Middleweight titlist Kelly Pavlick and Carl Froch hasn't lost yet in his career. No matter how you cut, this could be a fight you want to be at.

The only other fight announced for this card is also a good one. another Super Middleweight bout, Allen Green(27-1,19ko) taking on Carlos Deleon Jr.(21-2,14ko). From what I've been reading on the numerous boxing message boards I check daily,(I'm a boxing nerd, what can I say?!) it sounds as if Green needs to impress and then could land some bigger money fights. He is line to take on former gold medalist Andre Ward(18-0,12ko) or maybe even the winner of the Taylor-Froch fight.

These are the only two fights announced so far, but with a month left before the fight, I'm sure a pile of others will be added. Fight cards like these are usually filled out with local guys who can sell tickets, so I'm sure there will be a few locals you've heard of filling out the night. I will be sure to keep you up to date.

Well, there you have it, if you are feeling a bit frisky(please don't take that the wrong way) go check out a fight, and support your local boxing community. You might even catch the Bryguy there(that's me, by the way).