boxing-blog

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Has Already Exceeded the Hype

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:49:20 +0100

Neither fighter has thrown a punch, and there hasn’t been any blood spilled.

Moreover, the fight is still not a guarantee.

But ironically, the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight has already exceeded the hype.

To begin with, negotiations for this fight have been wild and problem-filled from the beginning.

The first dilemma was who would take the bigger share of the purse.

Both fighters claimed they deserved the bigger share of the purse. However, that was settled and both agreed to an even split.

Fair deal.

With the money settled, location was now the bigger problem.

Las Vegas, New Orleans and Dallas were in a three-way race to see who would get the honors to host the biggest fight of the decade.

Bob Arum and Richard Schaefer were expected to meet with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to begin negotiations and bids for this fight. Schaefer, at the last minute, refused to meet with Jones and, on behalf of Mayweather, decided a stadium was not appropriate.

Jerry Jones was undaunted by this and made an alleged bid that sparked interest in both Mayweather and Pacquiao camps to take a look at Dallas.

Nevertheless, Las Vegas turned out to be the final winner.

On top of all this, Mayweather Sr. and Freddie Roach commenced in a verbal war. Mayweather Sr. has his doubts about Pacquiao’s achievements and claims Pacquiao must be on performance enhancement drugs. Roach responded by saying “he would knock Mayweather Sr. out” (Seriously).

This will surely be a highlight on HBO’s 24/7 series.

Head trainers throwing jabs at each other and a possible $50 million dollar purse for each fighter. I know. It’s overwhelming.

Despite the bumpy road, the fight was deemed to be reality. Fight fans dreams would become true.

There was just one, major obstacle in the way.

Recently, Mayweather demanded an “Olympic Style” drug testing. Apparently, Pacquiao would have no part of this, prompting Bob Arum to declare the fight “dead”.

Now the boxing community has gone crazy over this debacle.

Some are saying Pacquiao should man up and take the test if he has nothing to hide.

Some say he has no reason to do so and is part of a psychological warfare Mayweather is trying to instill.

Is there racism behind all this?

Is Pacquiao hiding something?

Is Mayweather trying to make an excuse to avoid Pacquiao?

What exactly is going on is beyond me, but it has led to highly debated arguments fueled by articles and comments written all over the boxing community.

It may or may not happen on March 13, 2010, but it will be made some time next year.

In regard to the whole testing and performance drug testing, I have yet to fully analyze all the factors to make an educated opinion, so I will refrain from that to avoid any controversy or hateful comments.

Talks about meeting other opponents are just tactics used by both sides to get negotiating leverage. So you can tell Shane Mosley, Yuri Foreman and Paulie Malignaggi not to get their hopes up.

As you can see, negotiations and drama are going back and forth. Even if the fight is lackluster (which it won’t), the pre-negotiations leading up to the fight have been so wild that the fight has already exceeded the hype.

Remember we still have press conferences, interviews, predictions, and HBO’s 24/7 to keep it going.

Without a doubt, this fight is already becoming an epic battle.

A look at 2010: Analysis & Predictions

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:59:18 +0100

2009 was a great year for boxing. Manny Pacquiao made history by becoming a champion in seven weight divisions. Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto made back to back million sale pay-per-view fights. Showtime made an unprecedented tournament featuring some of the best Super Middleweights of the world. All this and more went down in 2009. 2010 will be an even bigger year for boxing. Therefore, let’s take a quick look at some matches already scheduled for the upcoming year.

Shane Mosley vs. Andre Berto

2010 will kick off the year with a great match-up between Shane Mosley and Andre Berto. It is the classic young undefeated fighter against the savvy veteran. This bout has early fight of the year candidate written all over it.

Let’s hope it lives up to the hype.

Prediction: Will we see the birth of a new star or the continuing dominance of the future hall of famer?

I’m following my heart on this one (not always wise) and picking Berto to start the boxing year with a huge upset. Wouldn’t it be ironic if Mosley were to lose though? I mean he fought roughly a year ago against an opponent many didn’t give him a chance against. Even more ironic is if Berto won.

Why?

Well he would be in the similar position Mosley was in 2009. You never know.

The World Boxing Tournament

The first fight of Group Stage One will take place on March 6, 2010. This bout will feature Arthur Abraham vs. Andre Dirrell.

Arthur Abraham is riding in with 3 points, while Dirrell is trying to get his first points. Dirrell proved in his fight with Carl Froch that he has great boxing skills but his lack of experience cost him dearly. Abraham is the complete opposite of Dirrell by coming in with a demolition of Jermain Taylor and the leading favorite to win this tournament.

Prediction: Abraham will start off slow as always and let Dirrell gain some points and confidence. Dirrell will also frustrate Abraham at certain points in the fight. With that said Abraham will loosen himself up and roll into a unanimous decision or late knockout. However, Dirrell is a very live underdog in this fight.

In April, we will get the final two matches of Group Stage 2. Carl Froch will square off against Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward against Jermain Taylor.

Both matches are very interesting to analyze.

Kessler is coming off a loss, while Froch is riding with a win against Dirrell. Although Kessler is the overall better boxer, how much will the loss against Ward affect Kessler? For that reason Froch has a very good chance at upsetting Kessler.

On the other side, Ward was the biggest surprise by beating one of the tourneys favorite to win; Mikkel Kessler. Jermain on the other hand was brutally knocked out by Arthur Abraham. Many expected, myself included, that he would drop from the tournament. Taylor is a fighter and refuses to go down; it may be a bad idea.

However, Ward is not a huge puncher like Abraham which may favor Taylor.

Predictions: Unless Kessler is still suffering from his defeat at the hands of Ward, look for Kessler to outbox Froch whose style is made for him.

Taylor will give Ward a more competitive fight than Kessler. However, it will not be enough and Ward should either knock him out late or win a decision by wide margins.

Israel Vasquez vs. Rafael Marquez IV

I love their trilogy and I consider it one of the best in modern boxing history. However, I am not that excited to see them go at it again.

Not because it won’t be a good fight, but because of their health.

Vasquez required nearly a year to recover from an eye injury and did not look too good in his returning bout. Marquez on the other hand easily defeated his opponent but left lingering questions about what he has left in the tank.

As a result, they have dropped from many P4P lists due to their inactivity.

But you can’t blame them for seeking a fourth fight; fighting each other is their best payday for both of them.

Prediction: It will be an even match like all their other fights. However, Marquez looks like the fresher fighter and should beat Vasquez in a split decision.

Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao

For now I am going to refrain from any analysis or predictions. I know it sounds lame but I want to dedicate a whole article to this fight. I mean it is the least it deserves since it will be the biggest fight of the decade!

Feel free to leave a comment if you disagree with any prediction.

Check this article at bleacher report.

Though It's Close To Christmas, Boxing is still Exciting

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:58:12 +0100

Usually by the time Christmas is around the corner, the boxing enthusiasm wanes down and pugilists are getting ready for their presents and eggnog.

This year was an exception.

Let’s take a look back at past events that have been buzzing around the boxing community.

Kessler vs. Ward

I figured Pacquiao’s destruction of Cotto would steal thunder from the last fight of the World Classic Tournament, however, its results shook things up in the tournament.

The last match of Group Stage one featured Mikkel Kessler vs. Andre Ward. Kessler was not only the favorite to beat Ward, but the favorite to win the tournament as well. Furthermore, many expected a clean sweep from the European fighters. However, Andre Ward balked at the idea and opened up his present early by dominating and beating Kessler in a huge upset. Not only did Ward establish himself as an elite fighter, but shook the tournament in the process.

Stage one featured a knockout, a controversy, and an upset. Stage two can’t come soon enough.

Lucian Bute vs. Librado Andrade

The rematch between Librado Andrade and Lucian Bute was up next, coincidentally in the Super Middleweight division. Let us now take a look at a small recap of their first match.

Bute thoroughly outboxed Andrade until he faded in the final seconds of the fight and was knocked down. What followed was boxing’s “modern long count.” Whether or not Bute was assisted by a long count was irrelevant because of his amazing victory in the rematch.

Many expected two scenarios in the rematch between Bute and Andrade. Either Bute would prepare himself better and have enough stamina to outbox Andrade for twelve rounds or Bute would wilt under Andrade’s pressure. However, few expected the granite-chin Andrade to be knocked out by Bute.

As a result, Bute not only erased the ghost of his first fight, but can arguably be one of the best super middleweights of the world. Like I mentioned before, I figured Pacquiao vs. Cotto would steal some of the tournament’s spotlight. Yet, it was Bute’s dominating victory that stole some of the tournament’s spotlight.

Maybe Bute should replace Jermain Taylor?

Jones vs. Danny Green

Speaking of incredible knockouts, Danny Green did exactly that. He scored an improbable TKO against Roy Jones in round one.

Maybe it was time for Jones to let go, but I unlike many, was looking forward to Hopkins vs. Jones II.

Paul Williams vs. Sergio Martinez

Two upsets and two unlikely knockouts, it can’t get any better than this right?

Wrong.

To increase the drama towards the end of the year, Paul Williams and Sergio Martinez faced off and created a fight of the year candidate in the process. Round one opened up with Williams knocking down Martinez, who amazingly rallied back and knocked down “The Punisher.”

Is anyone thinking round of the year?

What followed was toe-to-toe action, blood, and more punishing blows. In the end, Williams was given the decision. However, the fight could have gone either way and their matched proved why they are some of the most avoided fighters in the world.

Both earned themselves into Santa’s good list, except for that one judge who scored it 119-110 in favor of Williams. I know for a fact he’s going on the bad list!

More to Come: Early presents are coming this year through great matchups featuring Timothy Bradley vs. Lamont Peterson, Vitali Klitschko vs. Kevin Johnson, Victor Ortiz vs. Antonio Diaz, Vic Darchinyan vs. Thomas Rojas, Kelly Pavlik vs. Miguel Espino, and the rematch between Juan Diaz and Paulie Malignaggi . I am still befuddled on why people say “boxing is dead.”

A look at the Welterweight division: Part 2

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:57:31 +0100

My previous article he major players in the welterweight division. Now I will take a look at the potential stars in the division and the “gate keepers” of the division.

Potential Stars

Andre Berto: I think Berto has the highest possibility of becoming a key star in this division. He is undefeated, carries power and speed that can give any fighter a run for his money. Some critics point to his chin and lack of experience, but time will soon tell if that will be any major factors in his development. At the moment, he faces his biggest test in 2010 against Shane Mosley, which should be a great fight.

Possible Scenarios in 2010: Berto will kick off the year with a fight against Mosley. A win against Mosley sets him up for several options. He could follow up his victory with a fight against either Mayweather or Pacquiao. If he were to lose to Mosley, then he could attempt a rematch against Collazo to build his momentum right back up. However, the way he loses or wins could also determine what he does next. Let’s assume he does the impossible and knockouts Mosley! Ironically, he may set himself in a position Mosley was in when he did the impossible and knocked out Antonio Margarito. Berto might look so good that fighters like Pacquiao or Mayweather may avoid a fight with him. Unfortunately, sometimes in boxing those scenarios happen.

What if Berto were to lose by knockout? It would be a devastating loss for Berto. Talks would begin about being exposed or a frail chin he seems to have. It’s funny how the media will set you up as the next big thing, then one loss turns you into fringe contender...boxing is a tough sport!

Joshua Clottey:It must be frustrating to be Clottey. He’s had unfortunate luck throughout his career. He was beating the then feared Antonio Margarito until he “allegedly” broke his hand which forced him to lose a decision to Margarito. He had another chance to make himself a star with a fight against Cotto. Many believe he won, while others believe he cruised too much in the final rounds which gave the decision to Cotto. After the fight he immediately told Bob Arum that he couldn’t take it anymore and wanted to retire. However he took it back and was scheduled to fight Mosley (it was cancelled). No problem; he was re-scheduled to face Carlos Quintana (that was also cancelled). Poor Clottey....

Possible Scenarios in 2010: Let’s say this is the year Clottey can redeem all his misfortunes and shortcomings. He might be able to land a fight with the winner of Mosley vs. Berto, assuming they are not able to get a match with either Pacquiao or Mayweather. He has the skills and potential to defeat either Mosley or Berto in a fight of the year candidate. One must also take notice that this would be Clottey’s last chance to set himself up into a major player in the welterweight division. So a loss would probably send him down the rankings with less meaningful fights that just wouldn’t grab his attention. Overall, Clottey is a very interesting fighter to look for in 2010.

The Gatekeepers

Kermit Cintron : Kermit Cintron revived his career with an upset of Alfredo Angulo in the light middleweight division. As a result, Cintron may decide to continue campaigning at light middleweight instead of welterweight. However, tempting fights may bring him down to the welterweight division.

Possible Scenarios in 2010 : I don’t know why but I have a sneaky feeling Cintron might fight Cotto in Madison Square Garden. It would be a great opportunity for Cintron to ascend himself into a major star in the division but this fight is a dangerous fight for Cotto as his ring return. He could also fight Berto, Clottey or Quintana but I think either of these foes would give him trouble and beat him as a result. Who knows Cintron might improve, but I see him staying as a gatekeeper and not doing much in 2010.

Zab Judah : Awe...the most dangerous five round boxer in the sport. Well that may be an overstatement but Judah seems to have a problem with his psyche and as a result has lost many of his big fights. Judah is a very well known fighter with strong skills and is somewhat odd to have him labeled as a gatekeeper. However, he hasn’t done much lately and seems to be at the end of his career. Furthermore, he plans to go down in weight and try his luck there.

Possible Scenarios in 2010 : More than likely, I see Judah moving down in weight to see if he can establish himself at the light welterweight division. He still carries a notable name that could get him a meaningful match to turn his career over. Plus, there isn’t much at welterweight for him anymore so this would likely be his move in 2010.

Final Note : Stay tune for Part Three, where I will examine the wild cards in the welterweight division (Cotto and Margarito) and potential prospects that the boxing world will soon buzz about. Check this article on bleacher report.

A look at the Welterweight division Part 1

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:57:45 +0100

Boxing throughout its years was led by the Heavyweight division. From Jack Johnson to Mike Tyson, the Heavyweight division was the face of boxing. Ironically, it’s the little guys who are now carrying the sport of boxing, with the Welterweight division being the new face of boxing.Therefore, let’s take a look at the current welterweight division, its mainstream stars and possible scenarios in 2010.

The Mainstream Stars

Manny Pacquiao : Not only is he the face of the welterweight division, but he is the face of boxing (although Mayweather will surely argue that). His recent historical victory against Miguel Cotto has established him as the man to beat in the welterweight division and sets himself up for another legendary matchup, this time against Floyd Mayweather.

What might he do in 2010: Can you believe Pacquiao may have his best year ahead of him if he manages to stage a fight with Mayweather? That is a huge statement, taking into consideration that Pacquiao has won in seven weight divisions, beating opponents such as Barrera, Morales, Marquez, Oscar de la Hoya, Hatton and Miguel Cotto.

Why will 2010 then be his best year?

2010 can be the best year for him because a win against Mayweather will elevate him as the greatest boxer of this decade and serious consideration as a top-10 all-time great. That is pretty amazing, isn’t?

What if he loses to Mayweather?

Well, a defeat would be terrible considering Pacquiao carries the dreams and hopes of his country. Yet, a loss to a fighter of Mayweather’s caliber would be nothing to be ashamed about and he could certainly look for a rematch. If not, Pacquiao could go down to defend his lineal jr. welterweight title against the likes of Timothy Bradley, Amir Khan, or Devon Alexander (all intriguing matchups). He could also look to end his rivalry with Juan Manuel Marquez.

Other possible scenarios: Believe it or not, there is also the possibility that Pacquiao may go up to chase a world title in the light middleweight division, making it eight divisions Pacquiao would attempt to be champion in. The most likely opponent seems to be Yuri Foreman. Will the Pac-Man finally lose to the scales or keep on making boxing history?

Floyd Mayweather : Success is the best way to define Mayweather. He thoroughly outclassed the lineal lightweight champion of the world, Juan Manuel Marquez, in vintage fashion and is in talks with a showdown with Pacquiao. His ego will tell you that he is best pound-for-pound fighter and that he will thoroughly outbox Pacquiao...easier said than done.

What might he do in 2010: Mayweather has won in five weight divisions and defeated opposition such as Corrales, Castillo, Judah, Hatton, Oscar de la Hoya, and recently Marquez. Impressive, but just like Pacquiao, his best year may be just around the corner. Defeat Pacquiao and he will regain his p4p crown, will be an all-time great and the best fighter of this decade. It doesn’t get any better for him.

Lose to Pacquiao? I find it difficult to envision Mayweather losing since I’m accustomed to seeing him win all the time. However, a loss to Pacquiao might lure him into retirement. I know it sounds crazy, but I mean what more can Mayweather do? At this point he is fighting for legacy and wouldn’t want to expose himself into high-risk low-reward fights. Although he may continue, but only if there is a huge payday involved.

Other scenarios: Well lets pretend Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is done some time after March and Mayweather decides to take a tune-up fight. More than likely he could fight the winner of Mosley vs. Berto, but by no means is either man a tune-up fighter and could pose a serious threat to Mayweather's perfect record. Nevertheless, Mayweather vs. Berto or Mayweather vs. Mosley are both magnificent fights. But until then we can only ponder these possible scenarios.

Shane Mosley : Mosley had a career-defining win against Antonio Margarito. Although an underdog, Mosley fought like the favorite and knocked over the “biggest tower in boxing." Unfortunately, Mosley never fought again in 2009 and is now set to fight against young and dangerous Andre Berto.

What might he do in 2010: It could be a make or break year for Mosley. He faces an inexperienced fighter in Andre Berto. He will undoubtedly be the favorite but many factors go against Mosley. He is 38 and will go into the fight with a roughly 53-week layoff. Secondly, Berto possesses incredible speed, power and tenacity proven in his fight against Collazo. However, this may all be irrelevant if Mosley soundly defeats Berto. So if Mosley gets past Berto, then he will hopefully attempt to get into the sweepstakes of fighting the winner of Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. Now let’s assume he gets that winner and wins. Well then what a way for Mosley to turn his career and reassert himself as the p4p champ. Simply Incredible!

On the other hand, he might be avoided by either Pacquiao or Mayweather and may possibly rematch Cotto in order to avenge his loss.

Final Note: Some scenarios mention above may or may not happen. Just a friendly reminder though, this is boxing and anything can happen. Plus it's fun just to think of all the possibilities. Also, stay tune for Part Two coming soon. Therefore, let’s take a look at the current welterweight division, its mainstream stars and possible scenarios in 2010.