Let's see if I can make up for my despicable prediction last week. I completely embarrassed myself with the thinking that Vargas would beat Mosley. This week there is one prediction I can guarantee, Gatti-Baldomir will be much more entertaining fight. I've seen a few people predicting Baldomir to take this one. I have to disagree. Although I give Baldomir major respect, not just for beating Zab Judah in January, but also for not losing a fight since 1998. He is a tough opponent who has a solid chin and will keep coming forward. I just don't see a guy like this beating Gatti. Maybe the Gatti of old, but recently he has gone back to boxing rather than brawling.(Of course you need to excuse his appearance against Mayweather.) If Zab had been prepared and not such a head case he could have beaten Baldomir. I've never seen Gatti not prepared. Zab also thought he needed the knockout to lock down the Mayweather deal, going for it probably hurt him in the end. Gatti doesn't need to look fancy in this performance, he's proved everything he needed to over his career. All Gatti needs to do is leave the ring with the belt.
PREDICTION: GATTI UD
Friday, July 21, 2006
GATTI - BALDOMIR PREDICTION
Sunday, July 16, 2006
WRONG AGAIN!
Once again "The Bryguy" got it wrong. Instead of a back and forth battle btween two guys not wanting to slip into oblivian. We saw a 6 round trouncing by "Sugar" Shane Mosley. I don't know who he was fighting, must have been a last minute replacement for "Ferocious" Fernando Vargas, because he didn't show up. The guy in his place decided the best way to win this fight was take as much glove to the face as possible. Not to take away from Shane, he put on quite a show. He proved he still belongs and is not over the hill as some have speculated. The rematch left no question about Vargas' career. The younger guy in the ring looked like the one closing in on forty. A few too many battles have left "Ferocious" shop worn. From the opening bell it seemed as if he just couldn't get his shots off. His performanc reminded me of some of Holyfield's most recent trips to the ring. After the fight their was talk of perhaps a Mosley - Mayweather matchup. I for one would be interested. I would have to give the nod to Floyd, but Shane is fast and would have the size atvantage so you never know. I mean who thought Mosley would walk through Vargas the way he did. Not me, that's for sure. All I can say is, my B.
Once again "The Bryguy" got it wrong. Instead of a back and forth battle btween two guys not wanting to slip into oblivian. We saw a 6 round trouncing by "Sugar" Shane Mosley. I don't know who he was fighting, must have been a last minute replacement for "Ferocious" Fernando Vargas, because he didn't show up. The guy in his place decided the best way to win this fight was take as much glove to the face as possible. Not to take away from Shane, he put on quite a show. He proved he still belongs and is not over the hill as some have speculated. The rematch left no question about Vargas' career. The younger guy in the ring looked like the one closing in on forty. A few too many battles have left "Ferocious" shop worn. From the opening bell it seemed as if he just couldn't get his shots off. His performanc reminded me of some of Holyfield's most recent trips to the ring. After the fight their was talk of perhaps a Mosley - Mayweather matchup. I for one would be interested. I would have to give the nod to Floyd, but Shane is fast and would have the size atvantage so you never know. I mean who thought Mosley would walk through Vargas the way he did. Not me, that's for sure. All I can say is, my B.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
MOSELY VARGAS PREDICTION
Most people are thinking that the rematch between these two will very similar to their first encounter. I tend to agree with one exception. I think Vargas now knows he can overpower Mosely. In the late rounds of the first fight Vargas started to imposs his will on Mosely and control the fight. Let's not forget that was with one eye. I think Fernanado will start much faster this time and wear down Mosely as the fight goes on. He will not stop Shane or dominate but he will win by a slim decision.
Most people are thinking that the rematch between these two will very similar to their first encounter. I tend to agree with one exception. I think Vargas now knows he can overpower Mosely. In the late rounds of the first fight Vargas started to imposs his will on Mosely and control the fight. Let's not forget that was with one eye. I think Fernanado will start much faster this time and wear down Mosely as the fight goes on. He will not stop Shane or dominate but he will win by a slim decision.
PRDICTION: VARGAS UD
Friday, July 07, 2006
HEAVIES DESERVE CREDIT
We are about half way through the boxing season and I would say I'm satisfied so far. We have already seen a few fight of the year canidates. (Brewster - Lyakhovich, Cintron - Estrada, Rivera - Garcia, Bell - Mormeck, and Barrera - Jaurez). We've seen a legend end his career with a masterpiece(Hopkins beating Tarver). And we've seen more relevant action in the heavyweight divivsion than we have in years. Of course it has had it's up and downs in the past six months, but remember we're talking about a division that was irrelevant this time last year.
The heavyweights started off with a possible fight of the year canidate. Lamon Brewster and Serguei Lyakhovich put on a see-saw battle for twelve rounds. Both fighters showed heart and some skills proving they belong in this division. Then came an absolute disaster. A draw between James Toney and Hasim Rahman. This fight was supposed to send one guy to the front of the pack and the other packing. Instead it left them both right where they were before, full of question marks. Finally, a front runner was spotted. Wlad Klitchsko put on an show when he trounced Chris Byrd in 7. Wlad showed the skills needed to be seen as the leader of the pack. Along the way we have seen a few contenders be eliminated as well. Dominic Guinn finally made people see that Audley Harrison just doesn't have the heart to compete with the rest of this division. Then Guinn himself was embarrassed by Tony Thompson ending his short lived comeback. We've realized that one prospect is not as exciting as once thought in Calvin Brock. And the best thing about the heavyweight division so far this year is we haven't heard much from John Ruiz.
It looks like the second half of the year could be shaping up quite nicely for the big dogs as well. Some interesting fights have been put together for the fall, and I for one am excited. I'll give my picks later right now let's just go over what's happening.
1. Hasim Rahman (41-5-2) vs. Oleg Maskaev (32-5) II August 12
Rahman will be dealing with some demons when he faces off against Maskaev on the 12th. The last time he met "The Big O" he was knocked out cold and almost crushed Jim Lamply on his way through the ropes. Rahman not only needs to win this fight, but he needs to look good doing it. In his last fight he gave a lackluster performance against a far overweight, smaller James Toney.
2. James Toney (69-4-2) vs. Samuel Peter (26-1) September 2
This is a very interesting matchup. These two guys couldn't be more different. Sam Peter is easily the hardest puncher in the heavyweight division, but is still very raw when it comes to his boxing skills. Toney is by far the most skilled boxer in the division, but lacks punching power and size. Both guys need a win here to get a title shot. If Toney should get knocked out people will say he was a middleweight who doesn't belong. If Peter loses people will say he doesn't have the boxing skills to keep up with the elite in the division.
3. Wladimir Klitschko (46-3) vs. Shannon Briggs (47-4-1) November 11
This could be the most exciting heavyweight fight in years. These two guys are knockout artists. Both have good boxing skills, and both have something to prove against each other. Wlad needs to show the world that his chin is sturdy. There were still some questions left unanswered from the Peter fight. If Peter wasn't such a reckless boxer could he have finished Wlad? Briggs needs to show the world this time around he's taking it seriously. He's been talking a lot since his comeback but has yet to step in the ring with a top level opponent. This fight is what the heavies need. Two guys getting in the ring with the sole purpose of knocking the other one out.
4. Chris Byrd (39-3-1) vs. O'neil Bell (26-1-1) TBD
This fight would be at cruiserweight, but I thought it deserved mentioning. The fight is still in the talks stage, but if it gets put together could be a fun one to watch. This would be the first time Byrd has fought under the heavyweight limit since 1994. Bell is the first unified cruiserweight champ since Evander Holyfield. I would love to see Chris Byrd go down to cruiserweight, it would give that division the boost it needs and I think after Bell there are a few more matchups that would be interesting to watch. I'm not saying Byrd would or wouldn't win, either way it's a fight I'd like to see get put together.
Some notables:
Unfotunatley Evander Holyfield is back. He has lost three of his last four, and is scheduled to fight Jeremy Bates. This guy has a record of 21-11, and years ago wouldn't have even been allowed to sit ringside for a Holyfield fight. Now, he probably has a good chance to beat him. I wish Evander would just hang em up. Axel Schulz is slated to make a comeback. That's all this division needs another guy closing in on forty getting into ring for a comeback, don't we have enough already. Speaking of comebacks, Tommy Morrison is talking about a comeback. If it isn't bad enough the man has AIDS, he hasn't fought in ten years. Last but not least Kevin McBride is getting a title shot against Serguei Lyakhovich, I don't think I need to say anything about this. I just hope after this fight we get to see a rematch with Lyakhovich and Brewster.
We are about half way through the boxing season and I would say I'm satisfied so far. We have already seen a few fight of the year canidates. (Brewster - Lyakhovich, Cintron - Estrada, Rivera - Garcia, Bell - Mormeck, and Barrera - Jaurez). We've seen a legend end his career with a masterpiece(Hopkins beating Tarver). And we've seen more relevant action in the heavyweight divivsion than we have in years. Of course it has had it's up and downs in the past six months, but remember we're talking about a division that was irrelevant this time last year.
The heavyweights started off with a possible fight of the year canidate. Lamon Brewster and Serguei Lyakhovich put on a see-saw battle for twelve rounds. Both fighters showed heart and some skills proving they belong in this division. Then came an absolute disaster. A draw between James Toney and Hasim Rahman. This fight was supposed to send one guy to the front of the pack and the other packing. Instead it left them both right where they were before, full of question marks. Finally, a front runner was spotted. Wlad Klitchsko put on an show when he trounced Chris Byrd in 7. Wlad showed the skills needed to be seen as the leader of the pack. Along the way we have seen a few contenders be eliminated as well. Dominic Guinn finally made people see that Audley Harrison just doesn't have the heart to compete with the rest of this division. Then Guinn himself was embarrassed by Tony Thompson ending his short lived comeback. We've realized that one prospect is not as exciting as once thought in Calvin Brock. And the best thing about the heavyweight division so far this year is we haven't heard much from John Ruiz.
It looks like the second half of the year could be shaping up quite nicely for the big dogs as well. Some interesting fights have been put together for the fall, and I for one am excited. I'll give my picks later right now let's just go over what's happening.
1. Hasim Rahman (41-5-2) vs. Oleg Maskaev (32-5) II August 12
Rahman will be dealing with some demons when he faces off against Maskaev on the 12th. The last time he met "The Big O" he was knocked out cold and almost crushed Jim Lamply on his way through the ropes. Rahman not only needs to win this fight, but he needs to look good doing it. In his last fight he gave a lackluster performance against a far overweight, smaller James Toney.
2. James Toney (69-4-2) vs. Samuel Peter (26-1) September 2
This is a very interesting matchup. These two guys couldn't be more different. Sam Peter is easily the hardest puncher in the heavyweight division, but is still very raw when it comes to his boxing skills. Toney is by far the most skilled boxer in the division, but lacks punching power and size. Both guys need a win here to get a title shot. If Toney should get knocked out people will say he was a middleweight who doesn't belong. If Peter loses people will say he doesn't have the boxing skills to keep up with the elite in the division.
3. Wladimir Klitschko (46-3) vs. Shannon Briggs (47-4-1) November 11
This could be the most exciting heavyweight fight in years. These two guys are knockout artists. Both have good boxing skills, and both have something to prove against each other. Wlad needs to show the world that his chin is sturdy. There were still some questions left unanswered from the Peter fight. If Peter wasn't such a reckless boxer could he have finished Wlad? Briggs needs to show the world this time around he's taking it seriously. He's been talking a lot since his comeback but has yet to step in the ring with a top level opponent. This fight is what the heavies need. Two guys getting in the ring with the sole purpose of knocking the other one out.
4. Chris Byrd (39-3-1) vs. O'neil Bell (26-1-1) TBD
This fight would be at cruiserweight, but I thought it deserved mentioning. The fight is still in the talks stage, but if it gets put together could be a fun one to watch. This would be the first time Byrd has fought under the heavyweight limit since 1994. Bell is the first unified cruiserweight champ since Evander Holyfield. I would love to see Chris Byrd go down to cruiserweight, it would give that division the boost it needs and I think after Bell there are a few more matchups that would be interesting to watch. I'm not saying Byrd would or wouldn't win, either way it's a fight I'd like to see get put together.
Some notables:
Unfotunatley Evander Holyfield is back. He has lost three of his last four, and is scheduled to fight Jeremy Bates. This guy has a record of 21-11, and years ago wouldn't have even been allowed to sit ringside for a Holyfield fight. Now, he probably has a good chance to beat him. I wish Evander would just hang em up. Axel Schulz is slated to make a comeback. That's all this division needs another guy closing in on forty getting into ring for a comeback, don't we have enough already. Speaking of comebacks, Tommy Morrison is talking about a comeback. If it isn't bad enough the man has AIDS, he hasn't fought in ten years. Last but not least Kevin McBride is getting a title shot against Serguei Lyakhovich, I don't think I need to say anything about this. I just hope after this fight we get to see a rematch with Lyakhovich and Brewster.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
WINKY THE WHINER
I had nothing but respect for both fighters leading up to this fight. They handled themselves extremely well. They both showed up to all the press conferences and never spoke a bad word about their opponent. They behaved like professionals. In the sport of boxing that is rare. After the fight I gained respect for one fighter and lost respect for another.(I have lost respect for some writers as well.) First of all, I will say I scored the fight 115-113 for Taylor. There were a couple rounds that easily could have gone the other way so I can see anyone giving the fight to Winky, or even calling it a draw. My Problem isn't with the fight or even the scoring. For once I think they actually got it right. My problem is with Winky storming off and crying about how he was robbed. In no way shape or form was he robbed. Robbery is when you clearly have a fight won and they take it from you. DeLahoya beating Sturm was robbery, Roy Jones not getting a gold metal is robbery. Winky not getting a thin decision that could go either way, is a close fight. After the fight Winky stormed out of the ring as if he had won all 12 rounds and they still gave the fight to Taylor. That's not the case and Winky should have known that. In the end Taylor got to keep his belts. I think he deserved to, after all he was the only guy who fought for all 12 rounds. I gained a major amount of respect for Jermain following the fight. He was the first one to admit if Winky had fought at all in the last round he probably would have won the fight. My other problem is all the media screaming about how Winky was robbed. If you can't watch the fight and see how close it was you're blind. Several of those rounds could have been interpreted differently. I hope there is a rematch, even though both camps say they don't want one. For the record Taylor will win the second by UD. He has gained more experience and confidence the same way he did in the first Hopkins fight.
Monday, June 12, 2006
WEEKEND WRAP-UP
This past weekend we had two dueling PPV shows, a few exciting fights, and a legend walked off in to the sunset.(we hope he walks off anyway.) I made predictions about the Malignaggi-Cotto fight and Hopkins-Tarver FIGHT. let's see how I did.
HOPKINS vs. TARVER
As I sat at the Sports Depot watching the fights with a few cohorts I realized a couple of things:
1. The Depot is a cool place to catch a PPV fight. $10 at the door is way cheaper than the $50 PPV price tag. There is an atmosphere that is almost as good as being there(slight exaggeration). The beer is cold, TV's are big, and the sesame chicken is delicious.
2. Most people don't know boxing at all. A guy sitting next to me asked my opinion about who he should put his money on, I told him Hopkins and gave my reasoning. He replied "ya, I'll put my money on the dog." The "dog" he was referring to was Bernard Hopkins! I'm sorry future hall of fame boxer Bernard Hopkins, I stopped talking to him after that.
3. My boy B-Hop is the man. Bernard Hopkins on Saturday night was like a painter painting his masterpiece. From the 1st round to the 12th B-Hop dismantled Tarver and made him seem like a boxer in his pro debut. Tarver the 3-1 favorite didn't have any sort of answer for Hopkins crafty attack. If B-Hop was a few years younger I think he even could have knocked out the "Magic Man". I know that Hopkins is usually not a very exciting fighter to watch, but knowing this would be his last fight you couldn't help but get excited as he thoroughly outclassed the bigger man. I hope Hopkins keeps his word to his mother and stops fighting, this fight would be such a nice exclamation point on his already great career. If he does fight on I will be there at the Depot cheering him on and explaining to the moron next to me that he is not a dog.
COTTO vs. MALIGNAGGI
For this fight I had predicted that Paulie Malignaggi would be able to outpoint Cotto in a unanimous decision, I was wrong. I thought Malignaggi would use his footwork and handspeed to confuse Cotto and potshot him all night long. The night started off badly for Paulie when in the first round he got a cut above his eye. This forced Paulie to stand in a little more with the ferocious punching of Cotto. In the second Paulie took a left to the chin that put him down, not the start Malignaggi was looking for I'm sure. He did seem to find a groove in the middle rounds and even rocked Cotto twice in the ninth. Had it not been for the cut in the first I think Paulie would have found a groove earlier. In the end Malignaggi had taken so much punishment that he couldn't keep up the pace in the last few rounds. I think this fight was a win-win for both fighters. Cotto proved he could keep up with a slick boxer, Paulie proved he could hang in there with a world class athlete. Cotto surprised me with how fast his hands were, he seemed more mobile than he has in his past fights. I'm still concerned about his chin, Paulie rocked him twice in the ninth and he only has 5 KO's in 21 fights. Malignaggi should get better fights after his performance, 1st off he showed that he is an exciting fighter with a big heart. 2nd he he proved that he can promote a fight. After reading all the trash talking form Paulie how could you not want to watch this fight.
TOMMY Z
I for one am excited about heavyweight Tommy Z. I know it's tough to tell a lot about a guy after his first fight, but I have a good feeling about this one. For a big guy he seemed very light on his feet, rather than the usual plodding fat guy. Also he had very good hand speed and showed some combinations right away, most heavies early in their careers just fire off big bombs. Tommy was throwing straight fast punches that found their target rather easily. I expect big things from this guy, but I've been wrong before.
This past weekend we had two dueling PPV shows, a few exciting fights, and a legend walked off in to the sunset.(we hope he walks off anyway.) I made predictions about the Malignaggi-Cotto fight and Hopkins-Tarver FIGHT. let's see how I did.
HOPKINS vs. TARVER
As I sat at the Sports Depot watching the fights with a few cohorts I realized a couple of things:
1. The Depot is a cool place to catch a PPV fight. $10 at the door is way cheaper than the $50 PPV price tag. There is an atmosphere that is almost as good as being there(slight exaggeration). The beer is cold, TV's are big, and the sesame chicken is delicious.
2. Most people don't know boxing at all. A guy sitting next to me asked my opinion about who he should put his money on, I told him Hopkins and gave my reasoning. He replied "ya, I'll put my money on the dog." The "dog" he was referring to was Bernard Hopkins! I'm sorry future hall of fame boxer Bernard Hopkins, I stopped talking to him after that.
3. My boy B-Hop is the man. Bernard Hopkins on Saturday night was like a painter painting his masterpiece. From the 1st round to the 12th B-Hop dismantled Tarver and made him seem like a boxer in his pro debut. Tarver the 3-1 favorite didn't have any sort of answer for Hopkins crafty attack. If B-Hop was a few years younger I think he even could have knocked out the "Magic Man". I know that Hopkins is usually not a very exciting fighter to watch, but knowing this would be his last fight you couldn't help but get excited as he thoroughly outclassed the bigger man. I hope Hopkins keeps his word to his mother and stops fighting, this fight would be such a nice exclamation point on his already great career. If he does fight on I will be there at the Depot cheering him on and explaining to the moron next to me that he is not a dog.
COTTO vs. MALIGNAGGI
For this fight I had predicted that Paulie Malignaggi would be able to outpoint Cotto in a unanimous decision, I was wrong. I thought Malignaggi would use his footwork and handspeed to confuse Cotto and potshot him all night long. The night started off badly for Paulie when in the first round he got a cut above his eye. This forced Paulie to stand in a little more with the ferocious punching of Cotto. In the second Paulie took a left to the chin that put him down, not the start Malignaggi was looking for I'm sure. He did seem to find a groove in the middle rounds and even rocked Cotto twice in the ninth. Had it not been for the cut in the first I think Paulie would have found a groove earlier. In the end Malignaggi had taken so much punishment that he couldn't keep up the pace in the last few rounds. I think this fight was a win-win for both fighters. Cotto proved he could keep up with a slick boxer, Paulie proved he could hang in there with a world class athlete. Cotto surprised me with how fast his hands were, he seemed more mobile than he has in his past fights. I'm still concerned about his chin, Paulie rocked him twice in the ninth and he only has 5 KO's in 21 fights. Malignaggi should get better fights after his performance, 1st off he showed that he is an exciting fighter with a big heart. 2nd he he proved that he can promote a fight. After reading all the trash talking form Paulie how could you not want to watch this fight.
TOMMY Z
I for one am excited about heavyweight Tommy Z. I know it's tough to tell a lot about a guy after his first fight, but I have a good feeling about this one. For a big guy he seemed very light on his feet, rather than the usual plodding fat guy. Also he had very good hand speed and showed some combinations right away, most heavies early in their careers just fire off big bombs. Tommy was throwing straight fast punches that found their target rather easily. I expect big things from this guy, but I've been wrong before.
JOHN DUDDY
If you have read my blog at all you know I am a big fan of John Duddy. I have been to a few of his fights and enjoy his style and KO power immensely. What I say from this past Saturday concerned me a little. He seemed flawed in many ways, dropping his hands, backing straight up, and not moving his head. If Freddy Cuevas was a few years younger I think he could have given him serious problems. Like I said I am concerned only a little. He seems to have a good team around him and they are bringing him along slowly. So hopefully this will be another learning experience and he will only get better.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
JUST MORE RANDOM THOUGHTS
OK, so I made my predictions for June. I am now just crossing my fingers hoping that they at least come close. I have had second thoughts about one prediction, Jermain Taylor vs. Winky Wright. I watched the HBO Countdown to Taylor-Wright last night and I'm starting to lean towards Dan Birmingham. That dude is scary! If you haven't seen the countdown yet you should check it out, Dan Birmingham(Winky's trainer) is one bad ass mother...shut yo mouth! Every time he speaks it seems like he's ready to whoop some ass. In all seriousness I have already had second thoughts about the fight. I probably will second guess myself again before fight time. Winky is pretty nasty and his jab is great. He could confuse Jermain all night long and shut him out the way he has so many others. I don't know, I think I'll just flip a coin.
One thing I am very sure of is that I will be ordering the Cotto-Malignaggi PPV. I think that Paulie has done an amazing job of selling this fight. He has talked so much to every boxing website that I have to watch to see what happens. On one hand I need to see if he can back it up(I have a feeling he can) and if he can't I'm dying to see what his reaction will be. Will Paulie be a sore loser or will he be gentleman and give Cotto the respect he didn't before. Also has anyone seen the pictures of Cotto from the presser? If you ask me he looks pretty dehydrated, that could be a major advantage for Paulie, and could be the reason why he's been rocked so easily in his last couple of fights. If problems making 140 is the reason his jaw is so shaky, he could be a force at 147.
Speaking of HBO Countdowns I watched Hopkins-Tarver as well. By the time I finished I thought Hopkins looked like the better man. He looks healthier and more focused, but last night on Wednesday Night Fights Tarver made an appearance and looked pretty darn fit. I still go with B-Hop, but the fight could be more interesting than I originally thought.
OK, so I made my predictions for June. I am now just crossing my fingers hoping that they at least come close. I have had second thoughts about one prediction, Jermain Taylor vs. Winky Wright. I watched the HBO Countdown to Taylor-Wright last night and I'm starting to lean towards Dan Birmingham. That dude is scary! If you haven't seen the countdown yet you should check it out, Dan Birmingham(Winky's trainer) is one bad ass mother...shut yo mouth! Every time he speaks it seems like he's ready to whoop some ass. In all seriousness I have already had second thoughts about the fight. I probably will second guess myself again before fight time. Winky is pretty nasty and his jab is great. He could confuse Jermain all night long and shut him out the way he has so many others. I don't know, I think I'll just flip a coin.
One thing I am very sure of is that I will be ordering the Cotto-Malignaggi PPV. I think that Paulie has done an amazing job of selling this fight. He has talked so much to every boxing website that I have to watch to see what happens. On one hand I need to see if he can back it up(I have a feeling he can) and if he can't I'm dying to see what his reaction will be. Will Paulie be a sore loser or will he be gentleman and give Cotto the respect he didn't before. Also has anyone seen the pictures of Cotto from the presser? If you ask me he looks pretty dehydrated, that could be a major advantage for Paulie, and could be the reason why he's been rocked so easily in his last couple of fights. If problems making 140 is the reason his jaw is so shaky, he could be a force at 147.
Speaking of HBO Countdowns I watched Hopkins-Tarver as well. By the time I finished I thought Hopkins looked like the better man. He looks healthier and more focused, but last night on Wednesday Night Fights Tarver made an appearance and looked pretty darn fit. I still go with B-Hop, but the fight could be more interesting than I originally thought.
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