tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110946782024-03-14T04:09:21.648-07:00JE BoxingThe latest boxing news and commentary.
All articles and comments by JE Grant unless otherwise noted.
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Copyright Reserved.JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.comBlogger218125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-36040227892701654482013-10-13T05:21:00.002-07:002013-10-13T05:22:51.364-07:00Bradley defends, scores clear decision over Marquez<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It was a clear victory for Timothy Bradley over Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas last night. The crowd, which was overwhelmingly backing Marquez, of course saw the decision a different way as did one of the judges.<br />
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Bradley threw and landed more punches. He was also effective throughout in pulling Marquez out of position. Just as importantly, he displayed defensive skills that he abandoned in recent fights.<br />
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All things considered, Bradley is now top level fighter and if Floyd Mayweather intends to return to welterweight, he now has a logical opponent.</div>
JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-72053756922374851332012-06-09T15:38:00.002-07:002012-06-09T15:38:26.269-07:00Pacquiao vs. Bradley: Top level welters clash in the desert<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
By JE Grant<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPcMKXv0lJkWJvmWSZKu10-9JyaA04rxd1-t14aw6og65Wwve0xqZailpkgvj6p0UMMINTUndV9q6nCFYWsytv6bNqLNCHSA6FzRMEGSXYWwEcChC_7KceyLG84t1igBnZvqImA/s1600/artwork-pacquiao-bradley290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPcMKXv0lJkWJvmWSZKu10-9JyaA04rxd1-t14aw6og65Wwve0xqZailpkgvj6p0UMMINTUndV9q6nCFYWsytv6bNqLNCHSA6FzRMEGSXYWwEcChC_7KceyLG84t1igBnZvqImA/s320/artwork-pacquiao-bradley290.jpg" width="213" /></a>The buzz on Twitter on this day of the biggest fight not involving Floyd Mayweather is that Manny Pacquiao may be vulnerable against the determined Timothy Bradley.<br />
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To be sure, Bradley is a strong champion in his own right. As the true junior welterweight champion with an undefeated record, he is at once proven and somewhat unknown at this new weight class. He's been here only once before.<br />
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What is known about Bradley is that he has a big motor that can keep chugging. It is equally clear that punching power has never been his major strength.<br />
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His appearances on HBO's 24/7 have convinced some that he is on a crazed mission to success. As he whips through long runs in the desert and crushes himself in maniacal gym workouts, one cannot help but be impressed by his ethic. Just as it should be for a world champion.<br />
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But, we've seen this before -- from Manny Pacquiao. His dedication and bruising training camps are legendary, and none of that has disappeared for this contest. Despite his 24/7 appearances that emphasized his religious awakening, focus is still likely there.<br />
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The difference in this fight will come down to power. Pacman has seemingly had the edge taken off his power at 147 and 154 in recent fights. But in each of his recent bouts, it was more than obvious that his opponents had to strategize a bit to work around his considerable power.<br />
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Bradley is a workhorse. While he's scored his share of knockdowns -- ask Junior Witter -- he's not a particularly renowned hitter or finisher after hurting an opponent.<br />
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His style is punches in bunches and is basically straight ahead (although one of my Twitter experts Tom Gray @tgraysecondsout points out that Bradley does indeed show some angles). Nonetheless he won't be running from Manny.<br />
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That fact will be the difference in this bout. Manny's fast pace consisting of sharp punches will force Tim out of his game. While Bradley does not have an ounce of quit, he will have to resort to tactics (i.e. movement, holding) to see the final bell.<br />
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PREDICTION: Bradley makes a fight of it and lives up to his reputation for toughness and effort --- and gets knocked out by Pacquiao inside 10 rounds for his trouble. No one can discount Bradley because any fighter that works as hard as he does always gives himself a chance. He won't win on this night but we'll hear from him for years to come. Pacquiao by KO in 9.</div>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-25623897533412009732011-11-11T07:27:00.000-08:002011-11-11T07:43:30.474-08:00Pacquiao to solve the Marquez puzzle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UvIHJrIoO-p86kNDyVw-iLflb4DMa4suOAbb-W332aucn0P2RN7lnfTD2UWkU687mBprYErwCvT5ooQdeV_oGmXYEBtcKJbrLLqimumkzJ9Xp6XFYbCFrMBHdSpZlx_Esps1IA/s1600/images-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UvIHJrIoO-p86kNDyVw-iLflb4DMa4suOAbb-W332aucn0P2RN7lnfTD2UWkU687mBprYErwCvT5ooQdeV_oGmXYEBtcKJbrLLqimumkzJ9Xp6XFYbCFrMBHdSpZlx_Esps1IA/s1600/images-1.jpg" /></a></div>By JE Grant<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">The fabled HBO prelude to major pay-per-view fights, 24/7, is built around the premise that two giants of boxing are to meet in a bout that is really too hard to predict. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As the HBO follows the teams of Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez in preparation for their third meeting, that task is ostensibly made easier. After all, the first two engagements resulted in crazed efforts by both that led to controversial decisions.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The key differences in Saturday’s encounter center on weight and time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pacquiao, now age 32, and likely to weigh in very close to the catch-weight 144, is seemingly at his prime in speed, power, and skill. His five fights at or above the welterweight limit have cemented his legend as he dominated much of the recent who’s who of recent welterweight fame – except of course Floyd Mayweather.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Marquez, 38, will push himself to get near the contracted weight. He is still clearly a lightweight. He last attempted a welterweight contest against Mayweather and appeared the much smaller of the two.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As a welterweight, Pacquiao, 53-3-2 (38 KOs), used a combination of power and finesse that were not present in his first two bouts with Marquez. His weights for those bouts, 125 and 129 respectively, were perhaps indicative of the power differential evidenced more recently. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Marquez, now 53-5-1 (39 KOs), has a long and storied career at weights south of lightweight, never mind welterweight. Indeed, his first venture at lightweight took place only three years ago when Juan Manuel was already 35.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Questions remain. Is Marquez on the way down? As a lightweight he is still king and despite his age appears hard to beat for anyone campaigning in the division.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Does Marquez simply have Manny’s number? Archie Moore called fighters who, for unknown reasons, maybe because of their style or some other quality, cause all kinds of problems for a “cousin.” Archie’s “cousin” was Ezzard Charles, a fighter he never figured out in their three bouts, losing all of them. Moore of course would go on later to win the light-heavyweight title and hold it for nearly ten years, and challenge twice for the heavyweight title.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite drawing in the first contest and winning their last, Pacquiao, has yet to completely put the Marquez puzzle together. Both decisions were razor close and both fighters could make arguments for winning.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">PREDICTION: Pacquiao’s problems with the Marquez of old notwithstanding, he will finally solve the equation. It won’t be advanced technique that wins it for Manny; brute power and the ability to fight hard every minute of every round will make the tilt the odds in his favor. He is now a real welterweight. He is in his prime. He is as fast as ever. Juan Manuel is legendary for his resourcefulness and toughness. In this fight he’ll need to muster all of his considerable abilities just to stay in the fight. Manny is a better boxer and a two-fisted banger. Juan Manuel was able exploit Manny’s propensity for being off balance and over using his left hand – both problems Manny has addressed in a major way. This bout won’t be close. The iron-willed and iron-chinned Marquez will miss seeing the final bell for the first time in his career.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Manny Pacquiao will win by KO in 9.</div> <br />
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</div>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-47542539350941807432011-07-30T16:55:00.001-07:002011-07-30T17:47:22.970-07:00World Boxing Council – The second stripping of Timothy Bradley<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">By JE Grant</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The recent second stripping of Timothy Bradley’s WBC portion of his <a href="http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/wbc-buzz-91261">junior welterweight title</a> is merely the latest example of an organization that is boldly acting in an anti-boxer mode that has no bounds.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In media reports, president-for-life (apparently) Jose Sulaiman took the belt due to Bradley’s “inactive” status since winning the title in January, his stated “desire to move up in weight,” and “legal issues surrounding his career.” These factors led the “Board of Governors” to make him a “Champion in Recess” whatever that means.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://wbcboxing.com/wbcVersEng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87%3Areglas-7&catid=13&Itemid=6">According to WBC rule 1.28</a>, <span class="titreglanum">“</span><span class="parraforeglas">A champion or an interim champion not defending his title within one (1) year will lose his title, which will be declared vacant, unless special circumstances approved by the Board of Governor's in its discretion.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="parraforeglas">Does that mean that Bradley can somehow petition for a fight with whoever wins a vacated title that is filled with an interim “champion since he has held the title only six months?” Vagaries abound. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As a consequence of this stripping, <a href="http://www.badlefthook.com/2011/7/28/2301288/morales-vs-barrios-wbc-title-mayweather-vs-ortiz-undercard">Erik Morales and Jorge Barrios </a>were selected to <a href="http://ringtv.craveonline.com/blog/168311-manager-bradley-considering-legal-action-against-wbc">compete on the Mayweather vs Ortiz undercard in September</a> for the newly vacant title. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As of July 30, 2011, on the <a href="http://wbcboxing.com/wbcVersEng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=124%3Asuperligero&catid=15&Itemid=12">WBC website</a> Morales was ranked number 3 and Barrios was not mentioned in the top 40. Yes 40.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The number 1 contender is Devon Alexander and number 2 is Ajose Olusegun. Not to mention the fact that Ali Chabeh, ranked number 6, is set for a September bout with Olusegun billed as a <a href="http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=46606&cat=boxer">WBC Light Welterweight Eliminator</a>. I guess we should not even ask about why number 4 Humberto Soto and number 5 Kendall Holt are left out of the title sweepstakes altogether.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is impossible to reconcile these facts with the decisions made by the WBC.</div></div>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-16994389482166209462011-06-27T19:17:00.000-07:002011-06-27T19:17:03.549-07:00Klitschko may be Goliath but is Haye David?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIXXQ5BipiLW5EPKrlRX6Md5_9kEVNllenjK0Dy-3Kk64n78Z8-hi8y4uy-iin-JPUp2fI7_IX8JoF3ZRWw_wf64HzrMS56qROIriCR45Boht7t8Thj7gc0UydmjiURbi-MLgwA/s1600/2s0iw5e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIXXQ5BipiLW5EPKrlRX6Md5_9kEVNllenjK0Dy-3Kk64n78Z8-hi8y4uy-iin-JPUp2fI7_IX8JoF3ZRWw_wf64HzrMS56qROIriCR45Boht7t8Thj7gc0UydmjiURbi-MLgwA/s320/2s0iw5e.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">By JE Grant</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Saturday’s bout in Germany is billed - maybe hoped is the right word - to be Wladimir Klitschko’s first real challenge in a long-time as he faces a verbally combative David Haye.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Haye, once the undisputed cruiserweight champion, feasted on opponents of assorted talent levels early in his career, losing only to Carl Thompson. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Displaying above average speed and power, he toppled the talented Jean Marc Mormeck and Enzo Maccarenilli to garner all the available belts at cruiserweight.<span> </span>Seeing no discernible big-money challenge he did what top cruiserweights tend to do – he moved to the promised land of boxing, the heavyweight division.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">His first heavyweight venture had mixed results. Facing a shopworn, one-time fringe contender, 37-year-old Monte Barrett, Haye punched furiously knocking down his opponent multiple times. However, Barrett, despite being hurt, also dropped the free-swinging Haye, though it was erroneously ruled a slip, before he emphatically ended the fight with a knockout.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">That single win in the division propelled him to a date with Nikolay Valuev, the lumbering 7-foot tall, 316-pound 36 year-old Russian who held a dubious claim to one of the many belts in boxing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Haye turned in a solid effort, jumping in with quick punches and just as quickly moving out of range of the ultra-slow and not-so-nimble big man. Haye also clearly hurt Valuev in a way no one else had, enroute to a convincing decision (despite one judge laughingly scoring the bout even).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He followed with a defense against the depleted former belt-holder, 38-year-old John Ruiz who entered the ring 3-3 and 1 NC (in his loss-turned-to-gold bout against James Toney) in his previous 7 bouts. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Haye battered Ruiz from beginning to end before stopping him in the 9<sup>th</sup> round. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And finally, he pounded a hapless 39-year-old one-time prospect Audley Harrison for 3 rounds with almost no return fire.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is this record that now leads to a fight in which Klitschko is thought to be at risk for the first time in a long time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Four heavyweight bouts against modestly talented opponents, still results in a big money payoff – and Klitschko, despite his good looks, eloquent multi-lingual speech, and clear intelligence is not the cause. Haye is.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Haye has promoted his career and this bout with vulgar, taunting language, odd visuals (recall the t-shirt with decapitated Klitschko brothers) and bizarre pullouts from previously contracted bouts. His mouth runneth over - but in a good way for promotions.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The belt he holds is meaningless – a fact he knows to be true. The real prize is Klitschko. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Make no mistake, Haye thinks he can win – maybe his KNOWS he can win.<span> </span>In Klitschko he sees the path to the real heavyweight championship and greatness. He's right.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For his part, Klitschko has never wavered from the path.<span> </span>No sideshows, no skipping over legitimate foes (ok except for his brother), and, in his wins, no controversy. The former Olympic gold-medalist has fulfilled his promise (no matter what result comes Saturday).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is old information by now about his losses to Ross Purrity, Corrie Sanders, and Lamon Brewster (later avenged). However, it is those losses that fuel some glimmer of hope for Haye. He feels if he can get to Klitschko’s chin with explosive, quick punches he can turn the bout in his favor in a hurry.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Klitschko’s 16 wins in some form of a heavyweight title bout have been one-sided. To be sure, his title-bout losses to Sanders and Brewster were equally as clear as the younger Klitschko fell apart in each bout.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Since that loss to Brewster in 2004, Klitschko has proven dominant, rarely losing a round much less engaging in close contests. And, despite his reputation as a “boring” fighter, his 49 knockouts in 55 wins speaks to a level of power that Haye has certainly never seen. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The obvious physical differences also matter. Klitschko is a 6’6”, 240-pound power-hitter who makes the most of his gifts. Haye, who in generations past would be considered a solid heavyweight at 6’3” and just over 210-pounds, is not just giving away size but he’s giving it to a man who is skilled at using it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One physical reality is also age – Klitschko’s. At 35, he is almost certainly on the decline. Changes in speed and reflex can come on suddenly especially for a 58-fight veteran who had many amateur fights at a high level. Haye is speedier than most, and maybe all, of Klitschko’s previous opponents.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">PREDICTION: Wladimir Klitschko will one day meet the man who can figure out his mammoth jab and absorb his crunching right hand. But, that day will not come against David Haye. Do not expect Haye to attempt to resurrect his Valuev strategy. He cannot run from Klitshcko and win. While he’s quick and powerful, his fundamental boxing skills are lacking. He gets away with fantastic looping shots because he is so fast. One thing is clear, fans should not underestimate Haye’s desire. He will come to win and win big, not simply survive.<span> </span>That desire will also result in his demise. As he tries early to get to the bigger Klitschko, he will see that he cannot surmount the jab with simple technique. He will try to jump in to land a big shot and feel the right hand of Klitschko for his trouble. He will get hurt early and often and still try to win before being beaten down for a full count.<span> </span>Haye is a warrior and in this fight he will prove it by going out on his shield.<span> </span>He does have a chance to win, and that big early punch possibility is it. He cannot outbox the more skilled and patient Klitschko.<span> </span>On this Saturday night none of it will work.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Klitschko wins by KO in 4.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div></div>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-37864440465214908492011-06-04T08:51:00.000-07:002011-06-04T08:51:52.844-07:00Froch and Johnson clash in Super 6 semis – Froch’s title on the line<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid14CG73BbWmyco111gmAAlH43eQC0_0GB1XxtvCyvxmiArLjG9s_TiuiaoujCW7k9DWXgA2vo-Jv2wP0LO-fIT1xaM_doxvPkdLy4SOCjVoLv_q4s1aVXqWcoocwF1ZW4nkLiWg/s1600/Poster_04.06.2011_Carl_Froch_vs._Glen_Johnson_Kopie-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid14CG73BbWmyco111gmAAlH43eQC0_0GB1XxtvCyvxmiArLjG9s_TiuiaoujCW7k9DWXgA2vo-Jv2wP0LO-fIT1xaM_doxvPkdLy4SOCjVoLv_q4s1aVXqWcoocwF1ZW4nkLiWg/s1600/Poster_04.06.2011_Carl_Froch_vs._Glen_Johnson_Kopie-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">By JE Grant</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The great outcome of the Super Six tournament is that top-level fighters are facing each other repeatedly and with some unexpected results.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Carl Froch is the top beneficiary of the tournament’s design.<span> </span>Before the tournament, some critics, saw his awkward style as indicative of limited ability. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The fact that he possessed one of the many title belts did not bolster his case. Such is the state of boxing today that even a title belt often indicates very little.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Of course he did have a significant come-from-behind knockout of former middleweight champion Jermain Taylor; and what later was seen as a big win over Jean Pascal who would himself go on to win a belt at 175. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nonetheless, few picked him to show up in the finals.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In Super 6 Froch won a clear, if ugly, decision over the very talented Andre Dirrell. He lost a close, but equally clear, decision to Mikkel Kessler. He dominated the once-mighty Arthur Abraham.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Before this tournament Abraham was seen as one of the favorites with his brute power and granite chin. Dirrell was viewed as a slick technician – many thought he would box circles around Froch. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What we have learned about Froch is that his will, conditioning, and, yes, skill are much more important factors than many believed.<span> </span>Without Super 6, it may have taken years – if ever – to flesh-out the division and allow us to discern Froch’s relative abilities.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Super 6 allowed him to prove it all in the ring, as it should be.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In Glen Johnson, Froch meets a fighter with a similar awkwardness. Johnson, however, has had mixed results.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Although he won a title at 175, his record is sprinkled with close decision losses: including a shot at then-168 pound titlist Sven Ottke. In his only stoppage loss, Johnson suffered an 11<sup>th</sup> round TKO at hands of then-middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins (astoundingly almost 14 years ago).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In his most recent crack at some kind of “world” title, Tavoris Cloud handily won a decision in defense of his 175-pound belt.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Cloud bout should have also meant the end for a 40-something ex-champ.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then came the unexpected.<span> </span>With drop outs from the Super 6 tournament came an odd offer – drop back to 168 and enter with a chance to become not only the tournament winner but ultimately a multi-belt titlist.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A successful drop in weight for a 40+-year old fighter, more than 10 years removed from the division, seemed an unlikely venture. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In his first tournament bout, Johnson astounding many by not only making weight, but by knocking out Allen Green in stunning fashion. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Johnson, now 42, constantly forces the action whether in winning or losing effort. Not considered a huge puncher, he still has accumulated 35 knockouts in 51 wins. His chin and willingness to mix have long made him a highly regarded opponent by his peers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">PREDICTION: Carl Froch presses as hard at Johnson, and is constantly on the hunt. His power and speed are sufficient to take advantage of mistakes. Much like Johnson, he throws punches at unusual angles – but he does it at a much higher volume. Look for both fighters to crack hard early in close quarters. The difference, and it will be slight in the earlier rounds, will come to light at the fight progresses; Froch will only edge out Johnson early but dominate the second half of the fight. Johnson’s chin and determination will ensure he remains to the final bell, but this fight will not end in a controversial decision. Froch has too much speed, too much skill, and too much of everything else.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">FROCH by clear 12 round decision.</div></div>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-44224524758030490502011-05-20T19:00:00.000-07:002011-05-21T07:24:57.767-07:00Hopkins faces Pascal and history in Montreal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">By JE Grant</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOEnEd1EYwl99uiCqnMtZF0oF8vM5u1AyX_z1WSf0_veWCFGaNz9B_NUtS1YvcJDBZazGf3XCiH1Fg9C8_rQXVC3B8BVGlet6RtFjYTm5tpaboxCMuKJPiADpP1zqQIKZSdWlEw/s1600/hop-pas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOEnEd1EYwl99uiCqnMtZF0oF8vM5u1AyX_z1WSf0_veWCFGaNz9B_NUtS1YvcJDBZazGf3XCiH1Fg9C8_rQXVC3B8BVGlet6RtFjYTm5tpaboxCMuKJPiADpP1zqQIKZSdWlEw/s1600/hop-pas.jpg" /></a>Philadelphia’s Bernard Hopkins seeks to not only overcome light-heavyweight champion Canadian Jean Pascal in Montreal Saturday night but also Pascal’s friend Father Time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">With a victory Hopkins, 46, will become the oldest man to ever win a title, surpassing George Foreman’s record set in 1994 with his knockout of defending heavyweight champion Michael Moorer. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Most boxing observers once believed that with back-to-back middleweight title losses to Jermain Taylor that the natural downturn had come in the career of a champion who successfully defended his title 20 times. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Though both losses were by close decisions, it was clear, we thought, that the ravages of time and a long career slowly, but inevitably, put him past the elite level.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Instead we were entertained by a comeback that seemed improbable at so many points.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Following Taylor, Hopkins immediately moved to light-heavyweight and promptly out-thought and out-fought a listless title-holder, Antonio Tarver. Another win over a one-time big name Winky Wright at a catch-weight put Hopkins on the road to another title defense run.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once again, however, a second defense, this time to a real light heavyweight, Hopkins looked old as Joe Calzaghe sped past him. More importantly, Hopkins faded badly down the stretch, something that simply never happened to him. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In Hopkins’ next bout, Kelly Pavlik was supposed to finalize his career by applying big power. Instead, the craftsman went to work in exposing Pavlik’s less than firm grasp on the finer points of the sweet science. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hopkins assured himself of at least one more payday. A tuneup win against underpowered Enrique Ornelas setup his long-awaited rematch with a faded Roy Jones Jr.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The rematch proved disastrous for both fighters. Jones was only a shell of his former self and Hopkins, though winning clearly, fought as if he were underwater. The fight was an embarrassment and appeared to spell the end for Hopkins as a serious contender.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The seemingly faded Hopkins still had one commodity that sells tickets – a big name. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jean Pasqual, who, despite his clear win against Chad Dawson to gain wide recognition as the legitimate titleholder in the division needed more than a win – he needed that big name.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Other than Dawson, in his only other fight against a member of the boxing elite, Carl Froch, for a super-middleweight belt, was a disappointment as Froch thoroughly dominated him and defended his title.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Of course we know he that in Quebec City last December Pascal got far more of big name Hopkins than he wanted. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In that fight, Hopkins eschewed the awkward, frustrating style that won fights but led observers to wonder how much fight he really had in him. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Although knocked down twice by Pascal (one knockdown was questionable), Hopkins came on strong in the middle and late rounds to gain an apparent win only to hear the scorecards yield a majority draw. The disappointing verdict did prompt an immediate rematch and gives Hopkins one more chance to set the age record.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">PREDICTION: Hopkins decided on an aggressive strategy in the first fight. By pressing, Hopkins exposed the limits of Pascal’s ability. It also exposed Pascal’s one considerable strength – the punching power of a real light heavyweight. Pascal was unable to make adjustments while Hopkins adapted and applied the lessons from the early rounds. There is no indication that Pascal has the diversity of skills that Hopkins possesses and can call on. Although not slow, Pascal does not punch well in combination. He also faded after the middle rounds against an opponent who was not throwing thunderous punches. Not a good indicator. Hopkins will eventually get old, for real, and not be able to reach into his vast toolbox to find a solution. Unfortunately for Pascal, Hopkins found the tool in December and he will put it to work from the opening bell. Bernard will not suddenly find power; so don’t expect Pascal to crash to the canvas. Instead, Hopkins will methodically win round after round, leaving little doubt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hopkins wins by clear 12 round decision.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></div>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-85543371741012062872011-05-13T15:22:00.000-07:002011-05-14T07:44:57.249-07:00Abraham and Ward clash in Super-Six semi-finals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">By JE Grant - http://twitter.com/jeboxing<br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/JEHutton"> </a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjR3DWDz3DYVQ5Zm1LdF9tO7OTB_ILK3tTB0Fk9LPp1puB7pE9eNQTi153bjp6XwzPVdIl38ThI5jo_SbvfwMsESch99EvhmS1YU6-oi4j6lRL-x7U8R6SjX6PL-LieUGXCHHsQ/s1600/250px-WardVsAbraham_580-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjR3DWDz3DYVQ5Zm1LdF9tO7OTB_ILK3tTB0Fk9LPp1puB7pE9eNQTi153bjp6XwzPVdIl38ThI5jo_SbvfwMsESch99EvhmS1YU6-oi4j6lRL-x7U8R6SjX6PL-LieUGXCHHsQ/s1600/250px-WardVsAbraham_580-2.jpg" /></a>The brilliance of Super Six is that it has generated stiff tests of our judgments about each of the participants. Amazingly corrupt sanctioning bodies often allow the top echelon fighters to never cross paths, all the while defending “world” titles of rapidly diminishing value.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fighters, promoters and managers of the Super Six richly deserve credit for working through the complexities of international boxing politics to push these men into a series of clashes that expose strengths and weaknesses of champions and contenders alike. Without it, various title-holders would have continued to wade through meaningless mandatory defenses against unworthy competition.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Saturday night’s semi-finalists Arthur Abraham and Andre Ward exemplify why Super Six is to be prized. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Entering the tournament Abraham, 32-2 (26 KOs), Germany, was seen as a ruthless powerhouse who withstood a tremendous beating at the hands of Edison Miranda. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">His second round knockout of former champion Jermain Taylor in the first stage of the tournament seemed to solidify both his menacing persona and his reputation as punishing, relentless predator.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But something happened along the way to the big cup. In his meeting with Andre Dirrell, the normally in-control Abraham became unhinged by the mobile and crafty American. His inability to adapt to a high-level boxer-puncher led to him being knocked down and frustrated – which he demonstrated when he blatantly slugged a defenseless Dirrell who had fallen to the canvas. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The ensuing disqualification loss was merely a footnote to the real story: “King” Abraham suddenly seemed one-dimensional. He punched one shot at a time. He covered up frequently between those single punches. He simply could not adapt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Some thought perhaps Abraham was merely the victim of a bad night. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">His next opponent, Carl Froch, though not nearly as mobile or slick as Dirrell, was awkward but also very intent on winning and adaptive. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Again, Abraham when faced with a top athlete who presented something other than a headlong rush forward, would not or could not make adjustments. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Making adjustments has not been a problem for Ward, 23-0 (13 KOs), Oakland. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Unlike the seemingly established Abraham, coming into Super Six Ward was widely still seen as very good, but barely proven upstart. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes he had good skills and Olympic pedigree. He had at least one notable win, ironically over the puncher Miranda in a fight which saw him put his boxing skills to good use. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He was not fully tested and maybe not ready – and besides he drew what appeared to be the toughest opening opponent, the once-beaten and pre-tournament favorite, Mikkel Kessler.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In one fight, Ward zoomed from prospect to titlist and more importantly he dominated an able and fit Kessler. In virtually every department, from speed, to skill, to stamina he was one big step ahead of the Dane.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ward’s complete mastery over Allan Green and Sakio Bika – both fights in which he essentially won every round – has now pushed his name out front as the favorite. Despite having scored no knockouts in Super Six, his lopsided wins presented powerful evidence of major talent.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Still, Abraham has proven he has power and is rugged. Just as Super Six has allowed Froch to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Kessler, Abraham is now afforded a similar chance.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The question remains as to whether his style and strength will expose a major flaw in a fighter who, to date, has shown no major weaknesses. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">PREDICTION: Unfortunately for Abraham, the genie is out of the bottle. Go straight at him guns blazing and he will knock you into next week. Give him a little movement, a jab, and defensive skills and, well, he becomes ordinary. Young Andre Ward presents a nightmare for the one-trick Abraham. No one in the tournament moves better, punches with greater variety, or exhibits better concentration throughout his bouts. Perhaps more important is his proven ability to adapt and overcome – a skill that makes him the Super Six tournament’s only special fighter. Abraham will go after Ward hard early and then the frustration will set in. Ward will pile up the rounds and before we all realize it, the fight will end after 12 rounds and he will have captured all of them. This fight may turn out to be a one-sided yawner.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Ward wins by a clear 12 round decision</span> </div>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-75517810671934759872011-04-09T09:30:00.000-07:002011-04-09T09:30:40.528-07:00Adamek faces a giant in the path to Klitschko<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_OcwxDI2Ml4bNA1QmYJ5z_ft9Q3HdHrnV9j3iRRqnxN5oWYQnxdU-2seCv9zPdnvUQ4LIp3tEU1-H1Xj1bSzlvA9FXnGmO7VoIEWqKhzRsf5h9k4rCet_sXkGjD9IQr06XfLjQ/s1600/adamek_mcbride_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_OcwxDI2Ml4bNA1QmYJ5z_ft9Q3HdHrnV9j3iRRqnxN5oWYQnxdU-2seCv9zPdnvUQ4LIp3tEU1-H1Xj1bSzlvA9FXnGmO7VoIEWqKhzRsf5h9k4rCet_sXkGjD9IQr06XfLjQ/s320/adamek_mcbride_front.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">By JE Grant</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Poland’s Tomasz Adamek’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>march to the brothers Klitschko continues tonight as he faces giant Irishman Kevin McBride in Newark’s Prudential Center. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A win means a certain shot later this years against someone named Klitschko.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Whatever one considers his chances when he clashes with one of the brothers – presumably Vitali first – no one can doubt his resolve. In previous title reigns in the light-heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions, his grit and determination have remained undiminished.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Adamek, 34, 43-1 (28 KO’s), Gilowice, Poland, enters the ring at a fit 215. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Let’s make no mistake, despite the vast size difference; no person entering the arena believes McBride can capitalize on his advantage – despite his past glory in ending Mike Tyson’s career almost six years ago. Since that shining moment he is 2-4 including a loss in England’s Prizefighter and a loss to a fighter with a decidedly losing record.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">McBride’s role in this bout is to be big – very big like, say, a Klitschko. At slightly over 6’1”, Adamek will be dwarfed by the 6’6” former-fringe contender McBride, 37, 35-8-1 (29 KO’s), Clones, Ireland, 285, – befitting this era of the giant heavyweight.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Adamek’s promoter, Main Events, has moved him methodically through the land of big men such as Andrew Golota, Chris Arreola, and Michael Grant with distinct eye toward a possible showdown with one or both of the Klitschkos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">His team is keenly aware of the potential pitfall of what amounts to a tune-up for a major contest.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">"This is a very important fight and we've seen lots of fighters in this situation look past the guy in front of him,” said Kathy Duva, head of Main Events. McBride, “pretty much made a name for himself by scoring one of the biggest upsets ever and ending Mike Tyson's career. We are not taking that lightly at all and nor should anyone else."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Despite the considerable odds against his success, McBride is aiming for a repeat of his upset of Tyson.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“I'm going to upset the world and especially the Polish people because I'm here to win,” he said at his final press conference Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">At that same press conference, Adamek made his mindset clear .<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">"Before my big fight in September I must beat Kevin. I respect Kevin and I am ready. I will give all my fans a good show, because I am a warrior. This is my destiny."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">ANALYSIS: Unfortunately for McBride, even at his best, never proved adept at catching quick-fisted, quick-footed opponents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adamek is both. McBride is also not a particularly brutal puncher despite his size and his knockout record. Other than his stoppage of a sadly faded Tyson, he has no other knockout wins over rated fighters. Adamek has adapted his style since moving to the division. As a light-heavyweight willing to go engage every minute of every round, Adamek excited the crowds and depended on an especially sturdy chin to pull him through. It is clear that in adding to his arsenal of boxing skills, that he knows major exchanges with the likes of Grant, Arreola and especially the Klitschkos are not healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adamek is throw-back fighter who has met the future and has learned to meet and overcome new challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Adamek will pick apart McBride from the opening bell; confusing and frustrating the bigger, much slower man throughout. While not a big puncher himself at heavyweight, he carries enough sting to slow attempts to rush and overwhelm him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>McBride will taste those stinging punches and have no answer. Don’t be surprised to see him bleeding early --- and seeing that bleeding leading to the end of the fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adamek wins every minute of every round enroute to a stoppage of his lumbering foe.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">PREDICTION: Adamek wins by KO in 7.<o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment--> </div>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-53272656454339938792011-03-19T06:36:00.000-07:002011-03-19T06:36:55.154-07:00Klitschko – Solis: Battle of the Ages or Marking Time?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">By JE Grant</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-jBsAKFTBJ82lIBEESMXs1ttIr9x2J0I0COFT0WiykxdyzGmpw2_WSqBohW_UcjYyHHaVDiJ1MhaW4QjhIRILxwvJRVC9uVGBty2mUuuM0A1mLSVrLG06k1bdJcP3_Rptg3yAQ/s1600/Boxing_Special_playerposters_41723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-jBsAKFTBJ82lIBEESMXs1ttIr9x2J0I0COFT0WiykxdyzGmpw2_WSqBohW_UcjYyHHaVDiJ1MhaW4QjhIRILxwvJRVC9uVGBty2mUuuM0A1mLSVrLG06k1bdJcP3_Rptg3yAQ/s320/Boxing_Special_playerposters_41723.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Vitali Klitschko, the elder of the increasingly fabled Klitschko brothers, continues to defy odds as he creeps ever so close to 40 in a sport in which that age is considered ancient. Nevertheless, when he meets 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Olanier Solis Saturday in Cologne, he enters as a decided favorite.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When one considers the drubbing a 38-year-old Muhammad Ali took from Larry Holmes in 1980 or the crushing stoppage of 40-year-old Evander Holyfield by James Toney in 2003, one has to wonder when Klitschko will meet his inevitable fade.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Of course Klitschko has something that only a few great heavyweights possess: Immense power. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Power is the last asset in the inventor of a fighter to fade. While Klitschko is the not a one-punch killer like Earnie Shavers or George Foreman, he punches with what boxing insiders would call heavy hands. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Every punch he throws --- though they appear to be arm punches --- lands with a thud, taking a toll on the body and spirit of his opponents. Even his fights that have gone the distance, his opponents have chosen to either go into survival mode (Kevin Johnson), or have incurred tremendous damage as the price for a willingness to trade blows to the final bell (Shannon Briggs).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Solis, with history as a vague guide, should be the man to come along who can dethrone the aging titlist. Talented, as accomplished as almost any amateur in history, and as comfortable in the ring as any veteran fighter, he will enter the ring Saturday not in awe but with the expectation of victory.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He also enters with a puzzling professional history. He’s beaten the usual suspects, but not brilliantly. Victories over faded fringe contenders Ray Austin and Monte Barrett represent the only bouts that come close to separating him from the crowd.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He also has the habit of showing up with a decided spare tire around the mid-section. Solis weighed in yesterday at 246 ½, his lowest weight as a professional, yet the thickness remains obvious. Is it simply his natural body type? Or is it indicative of a less-than-vigorous training regime. Surely Klitschko will test Solis’ resolve.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Solis exhibits heavyweight power, and, at 30, is likely in his prime. If ever it is his moment, now is the time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately for Solis, Klitschko has one more weapon. His chin. Unlike his brother Wladimir, no one can dispute Vitali’s ability and willingness to take punishment. Big hitters such as Corrie Sanders and Lennox Lewis landed big but Klitschko did not go down. In fact as a professional he has never been on the canvas.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">PREDICTION: Solis will come to Klitschko with combinations, something the big guy has not endured in a while. Solis will also pay the price for staying too close. Klitschko’s jab will work overtime on the charging Cuban. The giant height and reach advantage will require Solis to take large amounts of punishment to get to Klitschko often enough to win rounds --- (and when is the last time Klitschko actually lost a round?). Look for Solis’ conditioning begin to haunt him in the middle rounds and Klitschko to keep up a pace that Solis has never seen. Heavy hands will prevail.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Klitschko by KO 9.</div></div>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-11559445440941631402010-12-19T08:19:00.000-08:002010-12-19T08:21:51.648-08:00Hopkins races past Pascal, stuck with draw<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HJn4b2hhwGSMqIia9P2VQy60Y4UPSKhnf6iFlQyDYoS__W1bOnsVTMu8g9FmaFmuEgnk1E8Lnhp4S5lYOOOoE4c_v7MZujT3M8CjZt-CAMYm-rCOF58xnrbt8bzbVIsnwF68mQ/s1600/pascal-hopkins.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HJn4b2hhwGSMqIia9P2VQy60Y4UPSKhnf6iFlQyDYoS__W1bOnsVTMu8g9FmaFmuEgnk1E8Lnhp4S5lYOOOoE4c_v7MZujT3M8CjZt-CAMYm-rCOF58xnrbt8bzbVIsnwF68mQ/s200/pascal-hopkins.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>By JE Grant<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Ageless wonder Bernard Hopkins delivered his best performance in years against reigning light-heavyweight champion Jean Pascal Saturday night in Quebec City only to be denied the title by a puzzling draw.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The 45-year-old Hopkins did make the scoring difficult by twice hitting the deck. One of those official knockdowns, toward the end of round one, was dubious at best. He was clearly cuffed behind the head and the trip to the canvas should have been ruled a result of an illegal punch and nullified. Instead, it became the deciding factor in the scoring.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hopkins was more active and inclined to take the lead in any fight since his stoppage of Oscar De La Hoya in 2004. Many were expecting another night of stalling and grappling as was the case in his horrible showing against long-time rival Roy Jones. In that bout it appeared father time had finally made his appearance as both fighters participated only in spurts and fought in slow motion --- something expected of a pair of 40-somethings. Against Pascal, Hopkins seemed rejuvenated.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pascal offered little except the knockdowns. His work output was far below Hopkins’ – odd given his youth and prior propensity to pour out the punches – and he never took over control of the fight. His chin, always a strong suit, was never really tested but Hopkins’ body punching clearly had an impact on his willingness to mix on the inside.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It was Hopkins fight down the stretch and he was pulling away at the final bell.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The announcement of the majority draw hinged completely on the knockdowns. Without them, Hopkins would have been unanimous winner. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">JEBoxing scored the bout 114-112 (8 rounds to 4) with two point rounds going to Pascal in each of the knockdown rounds. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For Pascal, it seems that only an immediate rematch can restore the luster of his title and a potential place in the running for big name matches. Of course Chad Dawson holds a rematch card and may in fact bounce back from his lackluster performance in their first match.</div>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-57129940825321311772010-11-24T12:53:00.000-08:002010-11-24T12:57:33.559-08:00Froch, Abraham meet in 'Super Six'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35U3WCIaQdas6gA_u8YfoMMkdCNa89Yit3D5-tfraMzL5Cxmf2oWsREXwRKMa44XUppg5V3Tg8HNw7EymFzmLLx_-20YEoj8B7jG_NOJAIZLRbEWMM9N5HcYI7BOgkQJgCkfh-A/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 189px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35U3WCIaQdas6gA_u8YfoMMkdCNa89Yit3D5-tfraMzL5Cxmf2oWsREXwRKMa44XUppg5V3Tg8HNw7EymFzmLLx_-20YEoj8B7jG_NOJAIZLRbEWMM9N5HcYI7BOgkQJgCkfh-A/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543222676575848754" /></a><p class="MsoNormal">By JE Grant</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Super middleweights Carl Froch and Arthur Abraham continue their struggle to remain in the ‘Super Six’ tournament and capture a belt along the way Saturday in Helsinki.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Englishman Froch, 26-1 (20 KOs), a quirky, odd-punching former belt-holder, looks to redeem himself after falling (way) short against skilled Mikkel Kessler in a decision loss in April. With the loss, Froch also dropped a belt --- which will likely prove as less valuable than winning the tournament. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Strangely, the sanctioning body in charge of that belt, stripped Kessler after he announced that medical issues would preclude him from fighting for an extended period. Of course the sanctioning body being what it is (a greedy, cancerous infection on the sport…Sorry, I digress) wants to continue to make money so they declared that Froch’s bout with Abraham would be for their title (for a big fat fee… but again I digress).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Froch has parlayed his awkward style by ensuring he is always in top condition, is willing to suffer, take chances, and continue to believe despite being noticeably short on physical talent. His pre-tournament win over former middleweight champion Jermain Taylor provides testament to his complete confidence in his ability to win at any moment. In that bout, he was hopelessly behind going into the last round, yet pulled off the upset with a stunning knockout.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In Arthur Abraham, the Armenian-born German, 31-1 (25 KOs), Froch finds an opponent who also has a strong belief that he will win and will suffer to do so if necessary. His 2006 win over 12 rounds against hard-punching Edison Miranda was display of iron will, as Abraham’s jaw was broken early in the bout. The wound was obvious, yet he persevered, winning a unanimous decision.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Like Froch, Abraham is coming off a tournament loss. Going into his bout with Andre Dirrell, he was leading the tournament with his own crushing knockout of Jermain Taylor. The knockout gave him the points lead. Dirrell was behind in the tournament having been outpointed by Froch.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Having learned his lessons from the Froch bout, Dirrell took advantage of his considerable speed and skills to flummox the charging Abraham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Throughout the bout Dirrell pulled Abraham out of position as the latter set to throw his bombs even sending him to the canvas after catching him off balance. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Going into the championship rounds it appeared Dirrell was fading but still able to dictate the terms of the bout while looking vulnerable. In the 11<sup>th</sup> round Dirrell slipped to the canvas and Abraham inexplicably belted him as he knelt on the canvas. While Abraham seemingly disputed the damage done, it soon became clear that Dirrell was severely disoriented (and may still have related medical issues). </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Abraham, for his part, refused to acknowledge defeat and appears undaunted going into the bout with Froch.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">PREDICTION: While Froch beat Dirrell while Abraham struggled, almost no conclusions can be drawn from their respective meetings. Neither Froch nor Abraham bears any resemblance in style or speed to Dirrell. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Both men have the power of will. Neither fighter is particularly fast or clever, though Froch’s awkwardness is almost a skill in itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This bout will likely come down to power. Abraham has it in big supply, while Froch is only slightly above average. Look for Froch to attempt to box and give angles while Abraham stalks. When hurt Froch will revert to form and attempt to swarm, all the while exposing himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This night will end in a knockout with no odd-ball decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Abraham by knockout in 8.</p> <!--EndFragment-->JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-50465674206766581402010-11-11T17:16:00.000-08:002010-11-11T17:18:58.851-08:00Haye to take on Harrison for ‘other’ heavyweight title<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64zKh6ba1jWKNJW5dJWtbK8B6CSWR7LuDQMLegYjTE3VZUNuiWopBpHSsvsSg4ti1qrsn_8T3X8Q35vJhd5Xo621yrc57jpCVnDrBaULSgaN39R4m3Z2VDOEFbstIdqqaMyHhjw/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64zKh6ba1jWKNJW5dJWtbK8B6CSWR7LuDQMLegYjTE3VZUNuiWopBpHSsvsSg4ti1qrsn_8T3X8Q35vJhd5Xo621yrc57jpCVnDrBaULSgaN39R4m3Z2VDOEFbstIdqqaMyHhjw/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538466537486562770" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">By JE Grant</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Saturday David Haye, considered by the WBA to be the world heavyweight champion, faces fellow Brit Audley Harrison in defense of his title in the M.E.N. arena in Manchester, England.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Let’s be clear, this is a mildly interesting bout between two men who in decades past would not be vying for a championship, at least not against each other.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Haye was a highly successful cruiserweight that mouthed his way to a so-called world title match against giant Nikolai Valuev and proceeded to run past his ponderous opponent, stopping only to flick enough punches to win a decision. (The fact that the belt was inexplicably stripped from Ruslan Chagaev, who himself had defeated Valuev to win it, only to be regifted back to Valuev is an article for another day – but suffice to say here that Valuev had a dubious claim to his belt).</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Instead of trying to solidify his position, as Mike Tyson would say it, as the “Baddest Fighter on the Planet,” Haye chose the safest path the WBA would allow. He followed his win over Valuev with a blasting of way over-the-hill John Ruiz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Haye is now 3-0 as a heavyweight.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Proposed bouts with Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko never materialized as the boxing world now realizes because Haye wants no part of the brothers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">For his part, Harrison, the 2000 Super-Heavyweight Gold Medalist in the Sydney Olympics, was the one-time heir apparent to the great Lennox Lewis. Possessed with tremendous size, mobility, and power, he was a sure thing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">His career path was, to say the least, unusual. After turning pro at 29, he fought relatively infrequently for someone needing to make the most of his prime years. Puzzling losses to Danny Williams, a big, rugged, but limited heavyweight; Dominick Guinn, a talented fighter with his own set of peaks and valleys; a brutal knockout loss to Michael Sprott; and club-fighter-level Martin Rogan seemingly ended any hopes of real contention.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So what qualifies him for a title now? A rematch win over Sprott, in a bout he saved with a final round knockout after falling way behind, and three bouts against novices in the British ‘Prizefighter’ contest --- certainly not the credentials of a world-beater.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">What we’re left with is a bout with one skilled, though largely untested heavyweight titlist in David Haye, against a once-golden prospect in Audley Harrison who fizzled every time he came close to moving up the ladder of heavyweight success.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Despite what would appear to be an easy payday for Haye against a “name” opponent, Harrison, because of his size and power has a chance of walking out of the ring with a new belt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>His left-handed stance will prove awkward for Haye to handle. If his right handed jab is flowing, Haye’s chin make get a real test in the heavyweight division from an opponent who can end a fight with a single shot --- ask Michael Sprott about that.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately for Harrison, those distinct advantages will likely not be enough on Saturday. Haye is clearly faster and enters the ring with confidence and power of his own. Harrison has routinely faltered as he approached stardom and his own chin has let him down<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>-- again ask Michael Sprott about that.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Haye will get to Harrison early and often, and we will see if, when the heat is on, Harrison can for the first time in his career rise to the occasion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Don’t count on it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">PREDICTION: Haye by knockout in 5.</p> <!--EndFragment-->JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-63848325300596404952010-10-23T07:49:00.000-07:002010-10-23T08:30:22.072-07:00Vitali Klitschko -- At 39 Still A Force<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG-zKMQvMMFiNIdF1SVZc-SREjOwZLxcluQFpaqXTIkGRcObsthKcJ3mfHm3TomLg8q6uTNsMGrwc-pYcx2mAYA4ZodOM5DbkRryEaxEmWLWY_I6YDGmy2Ya7gQ1Yya9pfxu_hw/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG-zKMQvMMFiNIdF1SVZc-SREjOwZLxcluQFpaqXTIkGRcObsthKcJ3mfHm3TomLg8q6uTNsMGrwc-pYcx2mAYA4ZodOM5DbkRryEaxEmWLWY_I6YDGmy2Ya7gQ1Yya9pfxu_hw/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531254099466646210" /></a>Vitali Klitschko's clinical destruction of iron-chinned Shannon Briggs last Saturday provides mounting evidence of his and his brother's case for more than just a little respect.<div><br /></div><div>Klitschko, 41-2 (38 KOs), won every round and virtually every moment of every round. For his part, Briggs came with the idea he could win and he tried every moment of every round. What he found and what much of the boxing world is finally recognizing is that not only is it ultra difficult to move inside of Klitschko's mammoth reach it is virtually impossible for most to fight him at all from the outside.</div><div><br /></div><div>His power is not the one-punch variety, he has what we may see as heavy hands. Every punch has something on it and his ability and willingness to throw often and accurately disrupts his opponent's ability to mount an offense.</div><div><br /></div><div>Vitali and his brother Wladimir will not likely change the minds of American fans who suddenly believe the heavyweight division is in decline simply because there are no American fighters dominating the scene. Nevertheless the stadiums they fill (with as many as 61,000 fans) and European TV contracts they possess as both fighters and often as the promoters, certainly fills the void.</div><div><br /></div><div>What is lost in the argument is the fact that after the Berlin Wall fell, it took a number of years for amateur programs in eastern Europe to make the adjustment to the professional game. Add in the great promotional teams in Germany and England and you see a rejuvenation of boxing in the European markets. </div><div><br /></div><div>Some claim that top American athletes now are in American football, hockey, basketball etc... and have moved away from boxing. Of course those same sports had thriving business in the eras of Ali, Holmes, Tyson etc... The primary difference is now fighters from places such as Ukraine, Russian, Poland, Romania, and others are fully vested in the professional ranks. They are willing to suffer to win. </div><div><br /></div><div>We'll see another major adjustment if or when Cuba opens itself up to the professional game. We already see hints at such a future as some of the fighters who have defected in recent years have found their way into the championship ranks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Vitali Klitschko is the real thing and has real talent that would have enabled him to be effective in virtually any era. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now is the time to come to terms with the changing of the guard.</div>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-85496659012230239692009-11-15T06:53:00.000-08:002009-11-19T11:42:12.382-08:00Mikkel Kessler vs. Andre Ward Prediction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRojHan_5_Q0Et1yW6jA-HmyWsNvb7jGchFDBpzWScHK_bLKxIvjUdcE4K9mzFVtmF4cVPMkPkzahAxGN-g7nENxyPv7WuZk9q8PZ-VNDBWo_gfvLQn9MIOkA_mnjsBKX41_ZOw/s1600-h/boxplakat_21.11.09_Mikkel_Kessler_vs.__Andre__Ward.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRojHan_5_Q0Et1yW6jA-HmyWsNvb7jGchFDBpzWScHK_bLKxIvjUdcE4K9mzFVtmF4cVPMkPkzahAxGN-g7nENxyPv7WuZk9q8PZ-VNDBWo_gfvLQn9MIOkA_mnjsBKX41_ZOw/s320/boxplakat_21.11.09_Mikkel_Kessler_vs.__Andre__Ward.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404355568700604578" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">By JE Grant</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Super-Six tournament has already proven a stunning, innovative success. By taking in six top fighters in one division, various promoters are working toward a common goal has not really been seen since the alphabet organizations began proliferating in the 1970s.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward are super talents that would not have met for at least a couple of years (if ever) had it not been for the Super-Six. Ward may have very well captured one of the various belts and been forced, as Kessler has been, to engage in meaningless mandatories ad nauseam.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So, it is with particular relish that we get to see this bout come to fruition Saturday night. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Kessler, 30, 42-1 (32 KOs), Denmark, is clearly in his prime years. The tough loss to Joe Calzaghe notwithstanding, he has resided at or near the top of the division for years. Wins over the likes of Markus Beyer, Eric Lucas, and Anthony Mundine, among others, has solidified his place as an elite fighter. What none of those names have given him, however, is the breakout victory that he needs to become an international figure. This tournament, with Andre Ward first on the menu, gives him that opportunity.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">His crisp and precise punching has enabled him to adjust to a variety of opponent styles. In his most recent title defense, Kessler demonstrated that he had little trouble adjusting to the tall southpaw </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Gusmyr Perdomo. While Perdomo does not have nearly the talent level of Andre Ward, he was a useful warmup for the switch-hitter Ward.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Ward, 25, 20-0 (13 KOs), Oakland, came to the pro ranks with an Olympic Gold Medal pedigree -- a rarity for American fighters of late. In amassing his undefeated ledger, he has not been in any hurry to climb the ladder. Whatever doubts fans and pundits may have had about his development had their questions answered earlier this year when he outpunched and outboxed the hard punching Edison Miranda. In that fight Ward show that he could take the big shot and use a range of skills to decision a dangerous opponent.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">PREDICTION: Kessler and Ward are possibly the most talented and versatile fighters in the tournament. Kessler has an edge in experience with big fights, having performed in front of huge crowds. That is offset by the fact that they are fighting in Ward's hometown. Kessler is also a proven knockout puncher while Ward tends to wing his right and relies on accumulated blows to cause stoppages. Ward's clear advantage is his hand and foot speed. Calzaghe gave Kessler problems with his ability to punch at blazing speed and move around the ring. On this night, however, it will not be enough for Ward. Kessler has been in the deep-end far more often than Ward and he knows how to adapt. Ward's game plan will likely call for him to rely heavily on jabs and giving Kessler unique angles. If he can keep Kessler off-balance he could sneak a decision win. This fight will go to the fighter with the bigger tool kit and that is Kessler. Both fighters are elite competitors -- don't be surprised to see the two fighters meeting multiple times.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Kessler by 12 round decision.</span></span></div>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-86902014386766475412009-11-11T05:11:00.000-08:002009-11-11T05:39:49.243-08:00Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto: Fight Prediction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22_pHnYpj0Su0z7ReYc11YYzoP6bJP0c-vHEUFOFjn0_kuuKlSxprSTKYQLM0cVdK79Bf1DvI0xh3V4sZcT9UwrserFMkqQRqq315t8gC18sbHf91jtuFDmGKEIR0Y1ZhgIHh9A/s1600-h/Pacquiao-vs-Cotto-Poster.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22_pHnYpj0Su0z7ReYc11YYzoP6bJP0c-vHEUFOFjn0_kuuKlSxprSTKYQLM0cVdK79Bf1DvI0xh3V4sZcT9UwrserFMkqQRqq315t8gC18sbHf91jtuFDmGKEIR0Y1ZhgIHh9A/s320/Pacquiao-vs-Cotto-Poster.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402840267743339250" /></a><br />By JE Grant<div><br /></div><div>Manny Pacquiao has emerged as boxing's most popular international figure. As the only fighter to win lineal titles in four weight classes, his popularity is more than matched by solid achievement. In destroying Oscar de la Hoya (even a diminished version), and spectacularly knocking out a strong Ricky Hatton --- and doing so in weight classes in which he had not ventured --- "Pacman" exceeded all expectations of stardom. </div><div><br /></div><div>Miguel Cotto is a star in his own right. His wins over top competition such as Shane Mosely, Zab Judah, and Carlos Quintana, should not be overshadowed by his own devastating knockout loss to Antonio Margarito. Indeed in light of Margarito's subsequent scandal involving hand-plastering prior to his fight with Shane Mosely, one has to view his fight with Cotto with some skepticism.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both fighters are strong, quick-fisted (though Pacquiao has a clear edge), exhibit punching power (with perhaps a slight edge to Cotto), and come to every fight to win with their shields held high or on them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pacquiao holds an advantage in his corner with the legendary Freddie Roach at the helm. Cotto's history with cornermen is also legendary by in a negative sense. A round-robin of cornermen for Cotto may prove crucial in a close bout down the stretch.</div><div><br /></div><div>PREDICTION: Pacquiao knows only one gear -- fast. He will attempt to overwhelm the more methodical Cotto from the opening bell. No one should expect Cotto to fold early, even if he hits the deck --- again, he's in this to win it if he can. Pacman's vulnerabilities come with his swarming style. His wide punches, though delivered with lightning speed, can allow a well-positioned Cotto to sneak in his sharp, short right hands to the chin. Cotto has been on the deck and, except for the Margarito bout, rose to win. Hitting him is not especially difficult, though he often make opponents pay for the privilege. On Saturday Pacquiao's machine, however, won't be denied. While Cotto will fight to the fullest of his ability, he won't slow Pacman's advance. He'll get hit more often than ever and from more angles than ever. His chance lies in his power and he'll need to go for the big punch early or risk being hopelessly behind and exhausted late in the fight. </div><div><br /></div><div>PACQUIAO BY TKO IN 10.</div>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-73556242452576134072009-10-29T14:34:00.000-07:002009-11-03T14:25:53.179-08:00Valuez-Haye Prediction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswNANxdnT38jkJxD8-2iLTJp-_hoOuSCZWhyXMT7Gz6wSwXCuD3MuYPQNtLj6Zs6lJfKDuVtygUFrNHveWiRwmWXrlIK9P007pOf5xEJpAerwqTlvurlZuEqFgBLFGpI8UJEERw/s1600-h/Valuev-HayePPV1b.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswNANxdnT38jkJxD8-2iLTJp-_hoOuSCZWhyXMT7Gz6wSwXCuD3MuYPQNtLj6Zs6lJfKDuVtygUFrNHveWiRwmWXrlIK9P007pOf5xEJpAerwqTlvurlZuEqFgBLFGpI8UJEERw/s320/Valuev-HayePPV1b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400007165729570210" /></a><br />By JE Grant<div><br /></div><div>Heavyweight belt-holder Nikolai Valuev will go into his defense against former undisputed cruiserweight champion, David Haye, with his usual 80-plus pound weight advantage as well as his towering height differential. <div><br /></div><div>He will see something in Haye that he has not seen in quite sometime, an opponent with excellent hand-speed. Haye can rip quick punches with some authority over at least the first half of his fights. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can forget Haye's vaunted cruiserweight power --- as a heavyweight he is at best a slightly above-average hitter. Valuev has never been on the deck and it is likely not in Haye to produce the first knockdown.</div><div><br /></div><div>Haye's bet course of action is to punch in quick combinations, not allowing the bigger man to establish a jab or to set for his own ponderous one-two combinations. Haye, while possessing a suspect chin, should not have to worry too much about Valuev's punching power. Despite his great size, Valuev pushes his punches and counts on wearing down his foes with constant pressure and a jab that is better than one would think.</div><div><br /></div><div>The difference in the fight will be what happens after round six. Haye has a habit of showing signs of fatigue as his fights move into the later stages. If he stops moving, curtails combination punching, or allows himself to languish on the ropes, a highly motivated Valuez will get to him and carry the late rounds.</div><div><br /></div><div>PREDICTION: For all of his constant blather, Haye does not have the goods to succeed against the best of the heavyweight division. Fortunately for him he won't be facing the best in Valuev -- so he has a chance at a victory and a belt (though let's be clear, this belt is of dubious value). Unfortunately for him, he has some weaknesses that were not exposed by the cruiserweights he faced or the over-the-hill gang of heavyweights he has faced more recently. Valuez won't be intimidated and won't drop at the first big right hand that lands flush --- in fact he won't drop at all. Look for Valuev to keep pushing forward, throwing his above-average jab and occasionally mixing in his slow rights. Haye will sweep the first 4-5 rounds and then he'll fade. By round 10 he'll be on the defensive and Valuev will keep marching ahead. </div><div><br /></div><div>Valuev by unanimous 12-round decision.</div></div>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-23337373441639584482008-08-30T12:41:00.000-07:002008-08-30T15:41:11.017-07:00Valuev-Ruiz II Prediction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnK3HgT5oVtZIvhJLV2gJFhIv6XLWF7U6yU0gLxW6zgihJay6Q6hvCw6HleZsFUy0u00IoYmMIUrGHbH2yZdNZq7X46Q0K-vHErx-bX48Al1BPW1N86tGmeIF6Wux83lrAOPLyQw/s1600-h/valuev2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnK3HgT5oVtZIvhJLV2gJFhIv6XLWF7U6yU0gLxW6zgihJay6Q6hvCw6HleZsFUy0u00IoYmMIUrGHbH2yZdNZq7X46Q0K-vHErx-bX48Al1BPW1N86tGmeIF6Wux83lrAOPLyQw/s320/valuev2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240398710452985618" /></a><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">By JE Grant</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Nikolay Valuev, the hulking Russian heavyweight meets American John Ruiz in Berlin Saturday night in a bout that has had as little fan interest as any rematch for a heavyweight title perhaps ever.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">It’s not as though Valuev, 48-1 (34 KOs), 318, or Ruiz, 43-7-1 (29 KOs), 239, are inferior fighters. Both have significant wins over highly ranked foes. Both are reliably durable heavyweights who can go the distance against strong opposition.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">This matchup is troubling more for the fan unfriendly manner in which Ruiz, a stabber and grabber, approaches his craft. He’s willing to stink up the place by throwing a few combinations and then laying in on his opponent, fighting just enough to steal the round. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">(If you find this style satisfying just replay any fight that took place during the Beijing Olympics. International boxing officials reward slappers who get on their bikes after doing enough to capture a round).</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">This fight figures to be a repeat of the first. And there’s where the second half of the problem comes in. As Ruiz stabs and grabs, unfortunately, Valuev, despite his massive frame, does not punch hard enough to crack Ruiz’ shield. If he punched with the force of a David Tua (who knocked out Ruiz in one round) maybe he could end the crowd’s misery. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Don’t count on it.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Valuev will push out a fairly effective jab with an occasional right that will keep Ruiz at bay most of the time. Ruiz with rush under a few of those long jabs and land a shot or two followed by a clinch. Over and over and over this cycle will repeat. Valuez will land the most effective punches and at a higher volume. It won’t be enough to end the fight in one fell swoop but the judges will see it for the Russian giant.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Valuev by 12-round decision.</span></p>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-41561885817197303822008-07-06T06:57:00.000-07:002008-07-21T20:18:15.484-07:00Klitschko - Thompson Prediction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgcRYEbZXvqbAYEz3kiErc1lR4q8NUOEjyO2zldUOxJcNc6yn1VhLCbanzHQfDiSOTL83X7xNLqPuRZu-P0G_4tWUkqnGTmaIyueFzE6ik3uzz84dYHnuL0kBSvo22EqXp-DL0g/s1600-h/482x316.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgcRYEbZXvqbAYEz3kiErc1lR4q8NUOEjyO2zldUOxJcNc6yn1VhLCbanzHQfDiSOTL83X7xNLqPuRZu-P0G_4tWUkqnGTmaIyueFzE6ik3uzz84dYHnuL0kBSvo22EqXp-DL0g/s320/482x316.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219903962925997810" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">By JE Grant</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Wladimir Klitschko is boxing’s closest thing to a real heavyweight champion. Entering the Color Line Arena in Hamburg, Germany Saturday he will face the top American heavyweight fighter. While boxing history suggests that means he’s fighting the best of the best, all is not as it seems.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">It’s true, Tony Thompson, 31-1 (19 KOs), Washington DC, represents the best among American campaigners. But in reviewing the “Tiger’s” record there's a clear hint of the changed tide of modern heavyweight boxing. His most significant victories have come against German Luan Krasniqi and Uzbeki Timor Ibragimov. His best victory over a fellow American came against Dominck Guinn. It certainly doesn't conjure images of the heavyweight scene of 20 years ago.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Today’s top heavyweights, including Klitschko, are decidedly not American: Sam Peter (Nigeria), Nikolay Valuev (Russia), Ruslan Chagaev (Uzbekistan), Alexander Povetkin (Russia), Sultan Ibragimov (Russia)...and the list goes on. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">That’s not to say Thompson does not belong among <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">that</span> group. He does. From his southpaw stance, the 6’5” Thompson works behind a steady jab. He usually stands tall and ably uses height and reach advantage to keep opponents at bay. His strong chin and confidence have served him well, and he achieved a top rating despite the lack of a glittery amateur pedigree. He earned his position fighting on the road -- including at the Color Line Arena (vs. Krasniqi).</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Against Krasniqi and Ibragimov, he pounded away with a sharp right jab, but his use of his left hand revealed a flaw that appears to play into Klitschko’s decided strength. On almost every occasion he threw a left hand he dropped the hand nearly to his hip following the punch. He also rarely turns over the left hand making it an arm-punch, perhaps explaining his lack of explosive power.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Klitschko, 50-3 (44 KOs), and his brain-trust, Emanuel Steward, undoubtedly plan to exploit Thompson at every turn.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Klitschko’s own sharp jab has been key to his recent major wins against S. Ibragimov, Lamon Brewster, Chris Byrd and Peter. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">He will likely seek to negate the southpaw Thompson’s right jab by doubling his own. If Thompson resorts to his straight left, Klitschko’s booming right hand may prove the retaliatory weapon that ends the night early.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The Klitschko of the four years since the first Brewster bout, if at times hyper-cautious, has dominated. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Thompson's mission will likely be that same as all Klitschko opponents -- taking him late into the fight in the hopes for another meltdown. Thompson knows only one way to fight, jab, jab, jab, and occasionally lay in with an often-ponderous left hand and in that strategy he will invest is efforts.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">It's a long-shot but that's what he is left with. One thing that Klitschko has conclusively proved in his career is that if you can't hurt him you can't beat him. No one has ever out-boxed him.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">PREDICTION</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Klitschko carries almost all the advantages into this fight. Though he his the younger of the two, Klitschko, (32 to Thompson's 36), is far more experienced. Thompson’s usual height-reach advantages are zeroed out -- Klitschko is slightly taller and his reach essentially matches Thompson’s. Thompson usually fights at a heavier weight than Klitschko but it leaves him looking a bit pudgy. Klitschko is always rock-solid. Power decidedly tilts to Klitschko with either hand. Stamina may prove Thompson’s strong suit. He rarely appears flustered and his relaxed manner (okay sometimes he appears to sleep in parts of rounds) may help him carry Klitschko into the later rounds.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Wladimir Klitschko will start cautiously, throwing jabs non-stop. The jab will begin to deteriorate Thompson’s ability to mount any successful attacks. In an attempt to land hard shots, Thompson will throw his left hand only to be met with hard rights in return. Although he has never been stopped, Thompson’s streak will end on this night as is pummeled by the younger, stronger, and more experienced champion.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Klitschko by KO in 7.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">--</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Editor's Post-Fight Note: Though Thompson proved awkward and rugged, Klitschko dominated the bout. He also did something no one else had done previously, he knocked out Thompson. Still, as usual now, Klitschko was criticized for not being even more dominant and crushing. I'm sure he now recognizes that for some boxing scribes and fans alike he will never gain a full measure of respect as a champion. Despite a record that is filled with the era's top fighters, his country of origin and his three losses by stoppage will not allow a cold look at the facts. Klitschko is a talented fighter who gained not only an Olympic Gold Medal but also thoroughly respectable heavyweight title reign equalled by few. He does not need a unification bout to prove that he is this era's one true champion (just as Larry Holmes did not need the WBA belt in his). Wladimir Klitschko is the one.</span></span></p>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-23450243801040590302008-06-22T09:04:00.001-07:002008-07-06T14:23:28.947-07:00Diaz - Pacquiao Prediction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkm9I2kxBTy-E2Nw6dt3pvtYMh7ii73Zf5LftU0P6aiNtKLTGR5OBPsvDHZYvwkdE4RwXWC7rCk64QW-luXT4updFsr2BigDuKKlFhL8xYXa-tIfI04l5FGxNaHWMJq3tPf4Yb3g/s1600-h/_wsb_252x347_pacman+diaz+poster.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkm9I2kxBTy-E2Nw6dt3pvtYMh7ii73Zf5LftU0P6aiNtKLTGR5OBPsvDHZYvwkdE4RwXWC7rCk64QW-luXT4updFsr2BigDuKKlFhL8xYXa-tIfI04l5FGxNaHWMJq3tPf4Yb3g/s320/_wsb_252x347_pacman+diaz+poster.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214737631164004402" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">By JE Grant</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Saturday in Las Vegas boxing megastar Manny Pacquiao attempts to gain a belt in a fourth weight division when he meets David Diaz at lightweight. <br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Pacquiao’s most recent outing, a tough split decision over Juan Manuel Marquez. The bout gained revenge for a previous draw but did little to indicate Manny’s prospective success at lightweight.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">When Pacquiao, 29, gained his first belt, in 1999 against Chatchai Sasakul, he weighed-in at a sharp and ready 112 pounds. In his 51 bout career “Pac Man,” 46-3-2 (35 KOs), has in fact never exceeded the junior lightweight limit of 130 pounds and as recently as 2005 had not weighed-in above the featherweight limit of 126 pounds.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">No one can question why he wants to climb yet another mountain. His victories over Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera (twice), Erik Morales (twice), Oscar Larios, represents a virtual sweep of every south of 135. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Yet in his recent victories over Barrera and Marquez went limit, perhaps suggesting his punching power may have peaked at the lower weight classes.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">His bona fides as a fighter are not in question. His ability to handle a career-long lightweight may prove another matter.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">In Diaz, 34-1 (17 KOs), he faces a fighter who has never fought <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">below</span> the lightweight limit. His only loss, a stoppage at the hands of junior welterweight Kendall Holt, has been followed by a 9-fight unbeaten streak. A fellow southpaw, Diaz, 32, is not an especially hard hitter (perhaps the reason Pacquiao is targeting him). He is a well-rounded tactician with a proven ability to fight well late into a fight.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Diaz’ record isn’t populated by names as recognizable as the stars on Pacquiao’s, and his 12-round decision win over Morales came on the heels of a Morales’ 3-fight losing streak. After the bout Morales retired.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">PREDICTION</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Undoubtedly Pacquiao’s trainer Freddy Roach is fully aware of the pitfalls that may haunt his fighter. Pacquiao will start fast and seek to outwork Diaz from angles. Despite their careers being at different weight classes, both are about the same height (about 5’6”) and have similar reach. Diaz will press the attack and will try to establish that he is the physically stronger fighter. Manny is sometimes given to reckless attacks but is often able to avoid trouble because of his overwhelming speed and high-volume attack. In this bout Pacquiao will jump in often and Diaz will be there with an answer more often than not. Diaz will learn early that he can take whatever Pac Man brings and he will stay close to take advantage of Manny’s mistakes. It won’t be easy, but Diaz will counter-punch his way to a lop-sided decision win.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Diaz by 12-round decision.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">---</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Editor's Post-Fight Note: Couldn't have been more wrong on this one. Pacquiao dominated throughout and destroyed a very solid fighter in David Diaz. I'm note sure I've seen Pacquiao as sharp --- at any weight.</span></span></p>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-64295404671818733402008-06-14T07:10:00.000-07:002008-06-14T08:13:35.076-07:00Abraham - Miranda Prediction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrElEhFZooZGHud7-8yqsFCge_GsAsA2eLr4BJ3TsofqcOVx59IQfa10rNUdkvL6CbTWoCLXcGp661jbFWIZxJ8Yz1k70v4KItaoGVK8kxIT_g69c5w1763N8V1478gF_4Qu_b2w/s1600-h/200px-Abraham_Miranda_II_poster.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrElEhFZooZGHud7-8yqsFCge_GsAsA2eLr4BJ3TsofqcOVx59IQfa10rNUdkvL6CbTWoCLXcGp661jbFWIZxJ8Yz1k70v4KItaoGVK8kxIT_g69c5w1763N8V1478gF_4Qu_b2w/s320/200px-Abraham_Miranda_II_poster.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211755272473683042" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">By JE Grant</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Highly ranked middleweight Arthur Abraham revisits his toughest challenge to date in an over-the-limit bout with power-punching Edison Miranda June 21st in Florida. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">In amassing a 26-0 (21 KOs) record, Abraham proved his worth in the middleweight division in his 2006 meeting with Miranda, 30-2 (26 KOs), regardless of the controversial nature of the outcome. While outworking Miranda for much of the bout, he also suffered a broken jaw and was fouled on multiple occasions. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The five points deducted from Miranda (headbutts, low blows), made the scoring appear one-sided when the bout was anything but. Abraham controlled the early action but as the fight progressed Miranda gained momentum and landed hard with both hands. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">If Abraham-Miranda I proved anything it was that Abraham has as much determination and grit as anyone in the division and his work-rate is brutal. “King” Arthur’s big knockout total is, however, somewhat misleading in determining his power. In fights with Ian Gardner, Howard Eastman, and Miranda --- the only recognizable names on his record --- he was unable to put away the competition. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Miranda also proved his mettle in his losing effort. No one, perhaps especially Abraham, will question “Pantera’s” considerable power. His lapses in technical skill are more than overshadowed by a knockout reel that excites crowds and makes prospective opponents wince.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Both fighters seem to bring out the best and worst in each other. Miranda landed on Abraham to some effect but did not sustain a mixed attack. Abraham turned up the heat on Miranda with a high-volume effort but received the slugger’s big shots while standing directly in front of him on too many occasions.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Much has transpired since their first meeting. Abraham is 4-0 (4 KOs) all in defense of a meaningless belt. He seems to have recovered from broken jaw and appears as determined as ever.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Miranda is 4-1 (3 KOs) following the Abraham bout. That one loss, a devastating knockout at the hands of Kelly Pavlik, caused Miranda to abandon the middleweight division and move up to super-middleweight. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b>PREDICTION</b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Abraham has likely learned more from the first meeting. While not a defensive master, he does slip punches and finds angles to land his numerous punches. He knows that simply trading with Miranda does not give him his best opportunity to win. Miranda is a pure two-fisted puncher. He expects to win by knockout not only in every bout but with every punch. Unlike many big hitters, Miranda can go deep into a bout and remain dangerous. If he selected a jab more often he could breakup the game plan of Abraham but that is not indicated by his record to date. Abraham will punch in flurries and move his head to consistently frustrate Miranda. Round after round will go to Abraham as Miranda’s desperation increases. Although this bout represents Abraham’s first venture outside Europe, he is a proven veteran who won’t be rankled.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Abraham by a lopsided 12 round decision.</span></p>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-32394432798887584782008-06-01T12:54:00.000-07:002008-06-14T08:14:49.515-07:00Pavlik - Lockett Prediction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiLIf21IgzvCoD8B8AkCKpKjUwkFHr7-0NxpMgHhzLN_cFvZR8orw90hrMm4GWX2EOzQVBfYVF_jozCHL1DtVsQhHs3Oc7nmGccXtYil_Z8JTYn3krhP734J4WpSv61X462WYLA/s1600-h/pavlik_lockett_poster_190.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiLIf21IgzvCoD8B8AkCKpKjUwkFHr7-0NxpMgHhzLN_cFvZR8orw90hrMm4GWX2EOzQVBfYVF_jozCHL1DtVsQhHs3Oc7nmGccXtYil_Z8JTYn3krhP734J4WpSv61X462WYLA/s320/pavlik_lockett_poster_190.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207004373696597234" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">By JE Grant</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Budding superstar, Ohio’s Kelly Pavlik, is putting more than his <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Ring</span> Magazine World Middleweight Championship on the line when he faces number one alphabet contender "Rocket" Gary Lockett Saturday in Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall. He knows that ultra-lucrative dates with boxing’s elite abound with a victory over the untested and likely overrated Lockett.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Despite having beaten no middleweight fighter resembling top-ten status, Lockett has "rocketed" to the top of one of the organizations whose belt Pavlik owns. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Thus, another in the latest series of “mandatories” in boxing that have to be taken care of while a champion awaits bouts with fighters actually deserving of a title opportunity. Interestingly, while one of the alphabet sanctioning bodies sees Lockett as "number one" the other organization that recognizes Pavlik as champion lists Lockett at number fifteen. Fortunately, the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Ring</span> is not hindered by the influences of any of the numerous (and clearly illegitimate) so-called "world" sanctioning organizations.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">That’s not to say that Lockett is without some talent. He sports record of 31-1 with 21 knockouts which suggests he possesses some power. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The operative word is “suggests” because many of Lockett’s knockouts have come against the likes of his most recent opponent, Kai Kauramaki. The 40-year old traveler left his 4th round knockout loss to Lockett with a record of 13-14 including 8 knockout losses.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Conversely, in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">his</span> most recent outings, Pavlik knocked out and decisioned Jermain Taylor, and stopped big punching Edison Miranda. The collective upshot of those wins, in addition to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Ring</span> world title, has been to push Pavlik to the front for American boxing fans looking for an exciting hitter with genuine skills.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Pavlik proved in his rematch with Taylor that he is not wed to blasting out opponents early. He showed a disciplined attack working behind a sharp jab that did not allow Taylor to threaten a repeat of his early knockdown of Pavlik in their first meeting. It’s apparent the 26-year old champion continues to improve.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The confidence gained in those bouts spells trouble for Lockett at every turn. Pavlik, 33-0 with 29 knockouts has seen power greater than Lockett’s (see Miranda and Taylor) and not only survived but thrived.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The 31-year old Lockett has moved his career along slowly to this point, moving between 154 and 160 pounds and never fighting outside of Europe. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">He will find some solace in the recent major win by fellow Welshman Joe Calzaghe who for years was dogged by criticism for being matched with questionable competition and never fighting in America. Calzaghe answered critics by smacking around Jeff Lacy and Mikkel Kessler before storming to the U.S. and defeating the legendary Bernard Hopkins.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Of course the major difference is that Calzaghe had more than 20 title defenses against a distinctly higher grade of opponent than has Lockett. Their shared Welsh heritage, and common trainer Enzo Calzaghe, notwithstanding, the comparison is not fitting.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">PREDICTION</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Lockett is out to prove two things: 1. His power is real, and 2. He can absorb the power of Pavlik. While his power is likely real, it is not nearly at the Miranda or Taylor level. He is also unlikely to comprehend the volume and pacing Pavlik has so ruthlessly used against the best his division has to offer. Lockett will land early and for his trouble he will find wicked shots in return. He has no history of hotly contested bouts and that fact will not serve him well when Pavlik comes pounding away. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Pavlik will lead patiently with his jab and allow the one-trick Lockett to blow off some steam before scoring big shots. The pace will increase steadily and Lockett will find himself left behind as Pavlik turns on the jets.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The right hands will rain on Lockett after round 5 and he won’t have a sufficient answer to keep Pavlik away.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Pavlik by KO in 7.</span></p>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-68810789397293721902008-05-23T15:46:00.000-07:002008-05-24T16:42:42.516-07:00Hatton - Lazcano Prediction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61Zl9h-odfAZbJr3W2dFPd4F91OOLoencCKIfNr528UTRbypLGB2D3UEtyWs5t269nYUot46CvdAptFG6TPlQgJUMAvSkBx2aRxTOJf8tiPMGaN6UEiF5xMeMMlKCCEV2iXmL-w/s1600-h/BoxerswStadium2_852563-2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61Zl9h-odfAZbJr3W2dFPd4F91OOLoencCKIfNr528UTRbypLGB2D3UEtyWs5t269nYUot46CvdAptFG6TPlQgJUMAvSkBx2aRxTOJf8tiPMGaN6UEiF5xMeMMlKCCEV2iXmL-w/s320/BoxerswStadium2_852563-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203708810930638050" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">By JE Grant<br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Juan Lazcano knows his part of the script calls for his early departure Saturday night in Manchester against the monster hometown hero Ricky Hatton. Of course there is no script and Lazcano would just as soon change the ending considerably.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Hatton, coming off his resounding knockout loss to the superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr., is expected to get back on track as he moves down from welterweight to what is considered <i>his </i>junior welterweight division. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">He holds the <i>Ring</i> belt (the only one that really matters) and another trinket belt --- but more importantly he holds the attention of legions of British boxing fans and a growing international following.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">At 140 pounds Hatton has crushed all comers including his brutal body attack that left Jose Luis Castillo in a heap from a single left-hook to the liver.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">It has proved somewhat treacherous for the 5’6” Hatton when he ventured to 147 as evidenced by his narrow 12-round win over Luis Collazo and of course his stoppage at the hands of “Money” Mayweather.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Whether Lazcano can avoid Hatton’s dominance at 140 probably depends on the after-effects of the Mayweather bout. Will the high octane attack be replaced with caution? </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Lazcano meanwhile has his own baggage. He lost his last fight too. He was edged out by Vivian Harris over 12 rounds in February 2007. Will the 15 months of inactivity, at age 33, reduce whatever edge he could have had if he was finely tuned? </span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Lazcano has been on fringes of the division's elite, but his attempts at the top (Harris and Castillo) have not been successful. Lazcano has proven himself sturdy (only one stoppage loss in a 42-fight career) and has gone more than 10 rounds six times (compiling a 3-2-1 record).</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Chances are that promoters (Golden Boy among them) and local fans are interested only in their Ricky’s successful return to his winning ways. Lazcano's reliability and ruggedness will allow Hatton to show his considerable arsenal on a willing opponent.</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">PREDICTION</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Hatton will attack quickly in an effort to establish (or reestablish) his image as the unstoppable force. Lazcano will not step back or attempt a survival-first strategy. Look for the “Hispanic Causing Panic” to fire back hard early and often. Hatton may show some ill effects of the early punches --- even a flash knockdown is not out of the question.<br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The telling effect of what makes Hatton extraordinary at 140 pounds will come after round 5 as the pressure and the power accumulate on Lazcano. He will fight back as long as he can but the energy differential will tilt in Hatton’s favor.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The bout will prove competitive in spots but one-sided down the stretch as Hatton powers his way to a clear-cut “Homecoming” victory.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Hatton by a clear 12 round decision. </span></p>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-71781056178000771082008-05-17T20:35:00.000-07:002008-05-17T21:08:18.104-07:00'Young Guns' Sling It<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnynsnQKriazyWEwhERaXa0Tq_THDIcdCaLJgmuPRybrIST5fFY7SklAske_sPfUYTAht9URPo5q6MVX7uZ40fn-mHsXUCjX1g2zqDw3-ETWRYQCT-B-sJydQ_AADAAqwyNb9RA/s1600-h/08_05_17_angulo_gutierrez.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnynsnQKriazyWEwhERaXa0Tq_THDIcdCaLJgmuPRybrIST5fFY7SklAske_sPfUYTAht9URPo5q6MVX7uZ40fn-mHsXUCjX1g2zqDw3-ETWRYQCT-B-sJydQ_AADAAqwyNb9RA/s320/08_05_17_angulo_gutierrez.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201564697301899634" /></a>By JE Grant<div><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Olympic Gold Medal winner, Yuriorkis Gamboa headlined a sneak-peak HBO card showcasing potential stars in Primm, Nev. Saturday night.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Gamboa, 10-0 (9 KOs), Miami (via Cuba), 128 1/2, used obvious raw professional talent to score a one-sided 10-round unanimous decision over solid pro Darling Jimenez, 23-2-2 (14 KOs), Dominican Republic, 131. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Gamboa’s quick hands and feet allowed him repeatedly beat Jimenez to the punch from the opening bell. Jimenez remained in the bout throughout, however, landing left hooks and right hands with a frequency that should give Gamboa’s handlers some pause when charting out a wanted meteoric rise to a world ranking.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Jimenez, despite losing 9 of the 10 rounds, was able to clip the hands-down Gamboa in round 4, dropping him in the process. Gamboa did not seem hurt but it was clear that his own bravado led to the knockdown.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">While Gamboa has clear physical gifts, his recklessness will not bode well should he meet the elite of the 130-135 pounders. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Scoring of the bout was all for Gamboa: Judge Raul Caiz, 97-92; Patricia Jarman, 97-92; and Dalby Shirley 99-91. JEBoxing scored the bout 98-91.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">---</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Alfredo Angulo, 13-0 (10 KOs), Mexico, 154, stopped talented Richar Gutierrez, 24-2 (14 KOs), Colombia, 152, at 2:48 of round 5 of a scheduled 10.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Angulo, a former amateur star, used a high-volume attack punctuated with thudding right hands to the body and head of Gutierrez. He also weathered a strong 4th round attack by Gutierrez and by round’s end turned the tide.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">In round 5, a series of strong combinations led to a well-timed stoppage as Gutierrez stumbled around the ring clearly stunned.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">JEBoxing scored the bout 40-36 Angulo for the 4 completed rounds.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">---</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">James Kirkland, 22-0 (19 KOs), Austin, Texas, 154, knocked out former Olympian Eromosele Albert, 21-2 (10 KOs), Nigeria, 152 1/2, at 1:06 of round one of the first televised bout of the evening. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The southpaw Kirkland attacked immediately at the bell forcing Albert to exchange. Kirkland scored the 1st of 2 knockdowns in the round before a minute had passed. Albert was disoriented from the knockdown and was quickly belted to the canvas for the second and final time. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Referee Joe Cortez stopped the bout seeing that Albert could not continue.</span></p></div>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11094678.post-11416761581642482882008-05-16T20:26:00.000-07:002008-05-16T21:06:13.946-07:00Requiem for a Light-Heavyweight<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUjmTqUamcuudRGQo96-WZwTdc86jlRZ9iKK7qhpO2UNYS9pXG59z4TmWw1ejJECrW92UoKSd32RASlr1tZYeJJY2RX4uj6_eNyRwOrI6Q93-kf-Y1A7NRaSSfZMnCZk0RIuEGg/s1600-h/Byrd-vs-George-700x175.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUjmTqUamcuudRGQo96-WZwTdc86jlRZ9iKK7qhpO2UNYS9pXG59z4TmWw1ejJECrW92UoKSd32RASlr1tZYeJJY2RX4uj6_eNyRwOrI6Q93-kf-Y1A7NRaSSfZMnCZk0RIuEGg/s320/Byrd-vs-George-700x175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201186027215280482" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">By JE Grant</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Former heavyweight belt-wearer Chris Byrd found that at 37-years of age he couldn’t go home again --- home that is to the light-heavyweight division were he began his career in 1993.<br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Shaun George, 17-2-2 (8 KOs), Brooklyn, 175, found an early home for his right hand to the chin of Byrd, 40-5-1 (21 KOs), Las Vegas, 174, dropping him early in round one and pummeling him throughout their contest enroute to a 9th round stoppage win.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Byrd was flat from the opening bell. Fighting at his lightest weight since his second bout as a pro, none of his infrequent punches slowed George at any point. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">George hurt Byrd in the opener with a straight right and put him down with a quick follow-up. Despite rising quickly, it was clear Byrd was off balance and in trouble throughout the round.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Each succeeding round was merely a repeat of the first minus the knockdown. As George circled, landing sharp right hand counters, Byrd simply followed in almost a plodding way.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">In the ninth, Byrd sported markings to his face --- something that was rare in his long heavyweight tenure. George sensed the opportunity to end the night and did so with strong combinations. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">A George right hand to the head caused Byrd to lose control of his back foot. He landed in an awkward manner on his left side as his left leg shot oddly to the right. It was apparent after the bout that he also injured his left shoulder in the fall.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Byrd made the count but was in no shape to continue. George pounced, raining blows as Byrd crumpled in a corner ending what is likely final moment in an otherwise remarkable boxing career. Time of the knockout was 2:45.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 12.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">JEBoxing scored the bout 80-71for George through the eight rounds completed.</span></p>JE Boxinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15815644738255594784noreply@blogger.com1