Thursday, June 10, 2010

STADIUM SLUGFEST WAS A HIT(PUN INTENDED)


On a normal Saturday in June, Yankee Stadium is home to one of the best offensive teams in baseball. However, last Saturday, the fairly new ballpark may have boasted more hitting than all the Yankees' games thus far.

Miguel Cotto (35-2, 28 KOs) squared off against Yuri Foreman (28-1, 8 KOs) in the first fight at the new Yankee Stadium, the first at a Yankees park in 34 years.

Entering this fight, many believed Cotto’s best days were behind him and Foreman’s awkward style would win out (this writer included). Instead, Cotto looked like the fighter of old -- the fighter that used to chop down his opponents with a vicious body attack, cut off the ring and suffocate his victim with punishment. Foreman did what he usually does -- dance, change direction and get off in quick bursts -- but he just didn’t have enough to keep the power-punching Puerto Rican off him.

Cotto had control from the opening bell. He cut the ring and he was scoring regularly with his jab, and he was successful landing hard-thudding shots throughout the night.

Foreman slipped in the seventh round and got up hobbling. According to The Associated Press, he tore his meniscus and stretched ligaments in his right knee.

His corner decided to continue with the fight into the eighth round only to suddenly have a change of heart partway through, throwing in the towel.

In a strange twist, referee Arthur Mercante Jr. decided that the towel was unjustified and the fighters could continue. So after ushering the crowd out of the ring, the fight went on.It was a strange move -- but not as surprising as when referee Frank Santore Jr. counted Kermit Cintron out against Sergio Martinez

TO READ THE REST VIST NESN.COM/BOXING

2 comments:

gum grafting said...

I will take it from the professionals of course.

Tanit Phoenix said...

Great post! Keep it up!