Carl Froch Won't Even See It Coming

As you might be able to tell from the title of this entry, I am indeed calling the winner in this match up. Carl Froch has no chance this Saturday, December 17 in Atlantic City versus the thoroughly skilled Andre Ward. Froch brings nothing more than his mouth to this match up. Grant it, he's tough and very durable, but, we know that because he is also very hittable. Andre Ward is the best 168 Pounder in the world and in my book second only to Floyd Mayweather, Jr. as the best Pound for Pound fighter on earth.

If this tournament has done anything it has silenced the Ward detractors. Andre Ward has proven to be a solid fighter, with an array of tools. He simply knows how to win. He understands and respects the sport for what it is, but, most importantly he knows himself. Every single opponent he's faced in this tournament has had a come to Jesus moment upon facing him. They found out how exceptionally crafty he is, as did the heavily favored Mikhail Kessler. They found out how strong and powerful he is, as did the once menacing Allan Greene. They come to respect how poised and tough he is, as did the wild swinging Sakio Bika; and they found out how intelligent he is, as did the dangerous Arthur Abraham.


"But let patience have her perfect work, that you maybe perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.*"This has been the Andre Ward way all along. When the critics wanted to rush him; when the detractors thought he was too soft or that his handlers were being too careful, they failed to see he was being perfected. Now the eyes of the masses are open. In perhaps the most hotly contested (and underrated) event in the sport Andre Ward emerges, not only as the leader of the pack, but, the most sound and complete of all its combatants. Not a single contest has even been remotely close. Look for Saturday versus Carl Froch to yield the exact same results. A good, tough, yet, severely limited Carl Froch versus the total package in Andre Ward.


*St. James 1:4


Copyright 2011

No Sport For Old Men

The events which transpired this past Saturday were yet another blight on the already massively marred face of the Sweet Science. Once again, during a major Pay Per View event official incompetence has been the culprit. Who's to blame? Referees who are far beyond their prime. Referees whose officiating of late might cause one to think they are the ones taking the shots instead of the fighters. Pat Russell's hideous officiating is the latest in hideous or at least mediocre officiating that has affected the outcome of a fight, by referees who have obviously over stayed their welcome. Be it Kenny Bayless calling Shane Mosley's near body slam of Manny Pacquiao, a knocked down, in the 10th round of their otherwise uneventful confrontation, Joe Cortez' ADHD style of officiating which aided in the demise of a green Victor Ortiz vs. Floyd Mayweather, to Pat Russell's obvious bout with professional dementia this past Saturday night in calling what was clearly a foul, however unintentional (and I don't believe Dawson's actions were intentional) a TKO, it is becoming abundantly clear that not only is boxing in need of a heavyweight renaissance, but, an officiating one as well. Someone please call Sparkle Lee and Arthur Mercante, Jr.

The greatest offense however is the almost unanimous apathy of the sports world in this matter. Suddenly Bernard Hopkins' conspiracy theory of "them" wanting him out of the game doesn't sound so far fetched after all. Saturday was a travesty for the sport of boxing. Why there are not shouts of outrage from the highest to the lowest rungs of the sport are beyond me. Clearly Hopkins was not faking and for anyone, especially Dawson to make such a claim is absurd. Have we forgotten Hopkins' rematch against the heavy handed Antwon Echols? That was a vivid display of Hopkins' will and courage. After having been picked up and slammed on his shoulder by Echols, who also accused him of faking, Hopkins literally rose to his feet with hell in his eyes and proceeded to punish and eventually knockout Antwon Echols, with one hand. In this mediocre world of ours men like Hopkins are a rare treat. A throwback to men of unapologetic grit. So, no Chad Dawson, Bernard Hopkins was not putting on an act. His balls are firmly embedded on his resume, and if you're half the champion you claim to be or wish to aspire to, it would be advisable that you schedule a rematch expeditiously. Because no matter how much Gary Shaw and his minions whisper in your ears that you don't need him, no matter how silent the press or the California State Athletic Commission attempts to be around this egregious offense, you're a fighter; and try as you might, you cannot lie to yourself. You and every fan knows that this is not how you want to be known for regaining that strap. No matter what Pat Russell and his spectacular idiocy might have ruled, you know full well in places that only God visits you're only a champion on paper. Do the right thing, reschedule a rematch, and erase all doubt.

As for Pat Russell and other officials like him, it is time to hang it up. These are hard financial times for everyone and no fan wants to spend their hard earned cash on a ticket or Pay Per View just to have some official who is clearly not adequate spoil the night. Without a doubt Mr. Russell is one of the greats, but, the party's over, let the lights dim, let the sun set, your time Mr. Russell is up; and if the California State Athletic Commission has any ounce of integrity they will do what is just and strike the loss from Bernard Hopkins' record. The only losers this past Saturday night were the fans.

Copyright 2011

What's Eating Larry Merchant?

Photo by Holger Keigfel

Larry Merchant, like, Andy Rooney, 92 is by many accounts a grumpy old man who has over stayed his welcome. But, for some odd and fantastic reason this so called relic of yesteryear manages to hang on to a job that for many feel would be far better served by a younger analyst. One might say Merchant is a verbal narcissist who loves the sound of his own words and witticisms. He is HBO Boxing's sordid sage, their skeptic oracle. He says what he means and means what he says. No matter how aggravating it might be to fighters, viewers, or his fellow commentators. If honesty is the best policy, then this might very well explain why Merchant in all his geriatric glory has managed to hang on to his HBO post. 

In his defense, Larry Merchant is the only honest voice among that sorry bunch at HBO. To listen to the HBO Boxing telecast is to listen to a diatribe of delusion. Even the once respected Harold Lederman has fallen victim to the fantastic illusions of Jim Lampley's blow by blow commentary. This is what keeps the old man's ticker ticking. This is what actually makes the grumpy old Merchant relevant. While Lampley and friends are literally hoping to talk a fighter into victory, quick draw Merchant actually bothers to see things as they really are and has no problem chin checking his supposedly expert co-commentators. Hark back to Oscar De la Hoya vs. Fernando Vargas, when then HBO commentator, heavyweight great, George Foreman seemed dead set on not crediting  De la Hoya's then trainer, Floyd Mayweather, Sr. with Oscar's obvious improvements, his newly found right hand, defense, and jab. The same thing occurred when HBO commentators refused to accept Bernard Hopkins utter destruction of Felix "Tito" Trinidad while it was happening right before their very eyes. Again, Merchant emerged as the voice of reason and reality.

So, what in the world was Floyd Mayweather thinking when he leveled a tongue lashing upon Merchant, reminiscent of James Toney’s verbal thrashing and near physical thrashing of Jim Gray? Exactly what he said. Indeed, Merchant has a problem with Floyd Mayweather. In fact, Merchant tends to have a problem with most fighters who seem not to grant him a Rocky movie. Merchant has long been one of the leading voices in this ridiculous campaign to question Mayweather’s legacy. If you’re not a human high light reel, ala the late Arturo Gatti, Merchant like many would rather not be bothered. Mayweather’s undefeated record and plethora of accolades seem not to impress Merchant. The fact that he makes world class fighters look mortal merely welcomes more skepticism from the old man. So, when Mayweather knocked out the younger, bigger, supposedly more powerful Victor Ortiz one would think, finally. Not so. Granted the manner in which the knock out came was considered by Mayweather detractors as dirty, but, that is utter and complete nonsense. Victor Ortiz’ incompetence is not his opponent’s problem. “Protect yourself at all times.” Following Ortiz’ point deduction referee Joe Cortez clearly said, “let’s go!” Victor still felt the need to hug and kiss once more, Floyd Mayweather, the professional, proceeded to remind young Victor that he was in a fight. Oddly, the usually honest Merchant seemed to want to play the faux controversy up in his interview. Odd, when you consider that at the time of the knock out he so accurately described it for what it was. It was disappointing to watch Merchant suddenly turn “song and dance man” and play to the crowd, thus, incurring the wrath of Mayweather. I always thought such a thing to be beneath him. Perhaps, it’s the warning signs of dementia or maybe, he’s become a bit too comfortable with the zombies at HBO.

© 2011

Thanks For Nothing: The Aftermath of Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye

You would think I'd know better. I'm in the world of show business where hype often outweighs substance. From air brushed starlets to lip synching pop stars to shows that promise you a living Unicorn only to reel you in with a disfigured goat. Some how someway I should have seen the disappointment that was Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye coming. How in the world did we miss this? Even some of the fight game’s brightest luminaries were caught hook, line, and sinker. The question that we must ask ourselves is why in the world did we think David Haye would be any different than Klitschko's previous foes? What exactly did he ever bring to make us think he would topple the champion? Hope, that's what. Our deep and secret hope that finally someone with a personality would lift the reigns of domination from Wladimir Klitschko and usher in an era of excitement. All the while knowing, despite his rhetoric and the highlight reels, David Haye had no business in the same zip code as Wladimir Klitschko. Needless to say he had no business receiving the mountain of money he managed to swindle, pardon me, get paid. But, hey “don’t hate the player, hate the game,” I ain’t mad atcha. Any boxer who manages to garner a huge payday for what they put their body through, I say more power to you. Our need, or rather our obsession with finding the next glorious heavyweight led us to this mirage. Why else did we endure the pomp and circumstance which preceded yet another boring Klitschko showcase? We wanted, no, we needed Haye to give us what we've all been craving, EXCITEMENT! 

The Klitschko brothers are ideal sportsmen. High athletic prowess matched with massive intelligence. They just so happen to rule the most lack luster division in all of boxing. Maybe not, but, because it is the heavyweight division which is the standard for all sports, the expectations are far greater. Unfortunately, not only would David Haye fall ridiculously short, with his "I hope to land one lucky punch" tactic, his excuse for his lack of pugilistic engagement vs. Klitschko has got to go down in the pantheon of Sorry Ass Excuses in Sports. "My toe...see!" Heavyweight hopes foiled by a broken toe. Who would have thought? I just assumed he was engaging in a new and innovative method of cowardice. He even had the temerity to take off his shoe and show the world what kept him from living up to his mouth. Pathetic! Sadly for fight fans the heavyweight division continues in the dark cold shadows of obscurity and irrelevance waiting desperately for a Savior. Thanks for nothing David Haye.

© 2011

Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye: Finally, A Heavyweight Fight to Write Home About!

We needn't recount the waste land that has become the heavyweight division in recent years. Everyone knows that the little men, like the Mayweathers and Pacquiaos have sustained the sport in a manner that was once exclusive to the heavyweight division. The heavyweight championship of the world was once deemed the most coveted title in all of sports whose champions were household names. The heavyweight division was the matinee idol of all sports. Today its fighters are the least recognized and hardly revered. Talent is not so much the problem as is the lack of that star quality that generates interest. Everything is showbusiness.

It is an interesting misfortune that Wladimir Klitschko has not evoked any passion whatsoever within the sport. He certainly possesses the attributes we so long for our athletes to have. He and his brother, Vitali are multilingual and highly educated. How many athletes, particularly boxers, do you know with doctorate degrees? Also, they have never been caught up in the kind of controversy and scandal that plagues the American athlete. Klitschko comes with no frills, no entourage, no reality show, no trash talk, he just goes about his business; and that may very well be the problem. No matter how much we claim to appreciate the down to earth, blue collar guy - who do we all inevitably pay to see? Not Mr. Blue Collar. Accept it or not, the world of boxing is just violent theater. We want a show and a show needs a star! the public craves a heavyweight that ignites their imaginations. Wladimir Klitschko, like Lennox Lewis before him suffers from an acute form of Larry Holmes Syndrome. This is when a fighter, despite his talents, despite a will to fight anyone put in front of him, despite being a model sportsmen, through no fault of his own has the misfortune of following one of the most thrilling eras of his sport. For Larry Holmes, a tragically underrated champion, it was Muhammed Ali. For Klitschko, the shadow of Mike Tyson still looms far and wide. Just ask Lennox Lewis. Even after Lewis viciously vanquished Tyson, Iron Mike was still the talk of the sport. Indeed, if timing is everything, then time has been particularly unfriendly to the likes of Klitschko.

Enter WBA Champion, David Haye, the handsome and brash Brit with quick hands and serious power, who promises to wallop the reigning Ring Magazine Champion, Wladimir Klitschko. According to a number of accounts, Klitschko's among them, Haye merely talked his way into this fight. If so, then indeed, "the power of life and death are in the tongue." There is an underlying hope that July 2nd in Hamburg, Germany will mean the "death"of the otherwise somber reign of Wladimir Klitschko and the"life" of a new and exciting era in boxing ushered in by the charismatic David Haye. This kind of excitement in the heavyweight division is long overdue; and despite the cries of "Haye's mouth got him this fight," Haye is a legitimate challenge. At least for this particular encounter I will reserve my penchant for predictions. After all, this is the heavyweight division for which one punch can change the fortunes of any fighter, no matter how accomplished they might be. I, like most are on the fence. "The heart says Haye, but, the mind says Klitschko" has been the general theme through out the boxing world. Which is to say, a Haye win would be great for the sport, but, Klitschko is a fantastic hurdle to overcome if that is to happen. Anyway you might call this fight, the heavyweight division, at least for this moment in time has finally recaptured our imaginations and that's very good news for the Sweet Science.



Copyright 2011

Saul Alvarez: Great White Hype?

Here we go again. The boxing world is all a buzz, as HBO tries desperately to "push" another fighter into superstardom. Can you blame 'em? With the rise of Mix Martial Arts and the absence of a charismatic heavyweight, boxing, though far from dead does need a resurrection of sorts; and who better to be our great Messiah than Mexico's Great White Hope, Saul "Canelo"Alvarez. In a sport saturated with the usual suspects, i.e. Black and Brown fighters, a White boy with serious talent peaks our interest. Please don't do the, but we're supposed to be in a post racial society nod. We're not! Let's get real Saul Alvarez generates the interest and hype from the networks he does, based solely on this curiosity which has led to some serious bank for both the box office and the telecast of his fights. By those standards, and we know money is king, the handsome red head is a big star.

Now on with the substance. Alvarez is talented. In fact, he possess a maturity that belies his 21 years. We are told that he is entertaining, but, from what I've seen thus far, he hasn't set the world on fire. He has power, but, as Teddy Atlas also observed he seems to lack that killer instinct we've grown accustomed to seeing from Mexican fighters. Much like Julio Cesar, Jr., (who I hear Saul has challenged) who also comes to us via a grand deal of hype, we have yet to see this greatness, that HBO commentators have so shamelessly proselytized to the boxing masses, actually emerge. Ryan Rhodes and Matthew Hatton, though full of heart, are not of the stock that conjures greatness. Rhodes is in the twilight of his career at 34, and Hatton was a blown up Welterweight. Surely, there are some serious competitors between 160 and 154 that can test this burgeoning superstar? Mind you I don't doubt Alvarez' potential. I just haven't seen the reason for all the hype, save for the fact that he's a White Mexican. There's a novelty to it all. He's very talented, very poised, but, against who? As far as I'm concerned the jury is still out, until the Alvarez camp decides to step it up.

Copyright 2011

Jean Pascal Has A Date With A Mean Old Man

During the last encounter between Jean Pascal and Bernard Hopkins, howls of "Hopkins was robbed" amidst a disputed draw, echoed about many corners of the boxing world, and rightfully so in this writer's opinion. Sometime after the fourth round Pascal seemed to become engulfed by the pugilistic wizardry of the much older Hopkins, even after putting him down twice. In the latter rounds Pascal looked like he was the older opponent. Critics had always questioned Pascals conditioning and against Bernard Hopkins, a man nearly 20 years his senior, he did not fail to dispel the criticisms.

What excites us about rematches is that both fighters are far more familiar with one another than before. Bernard Hopkins should know right off the bat that the power and speed advantage belong to Pascal. Pascal should understand that as well. For the early portion of their fight it looked as if he did. Hopkins is as crafty and skilled as they come, even at 46 years old. However, you are what you are and styles make fights. Speed, particularly unorthodox speed that comes from odd angles has always befuddled "The Executioner." Be it Joe Calzaghe, Roy Jones, Jr. (they're first encounter), or even Jermaine Taylor, speed bothers Hopkins. Not only is Pascal fast, he has the power to gain Hopkins' respect; and he will have Hopkins' respect in that regard. However, none of it will make a difference to a ring wizard like Hopkins if Pascal can't stay the course. Pascal will need to fight every second of every round and not give Hopkins a second to think.Hopkins has a gift for targeting his opponent's flaws and exploiting them; and as we all witnessed, Pascal's lack of conditioning granted Hopkins a great many targets. Pascal will need to come ready for a long night, thus, for his sake I would hope he has nipped his conditioning issues.

For Hopkins, history is within his grasp once again. Already a pugilistic immortal, Hopkins will further sear his name into the pages of boxing lore with a victory that will make him the oldest boxer in history to win a title. An accomplishment which ought to be lauded throughout the world of sports. Often the deciding factor between two gallant foes is not so much skill or guts, as it is, why. Why, is the fuel of the will. Hopkins why is clear. History is always a motivating factor. Pascal must find a why that exceeds not wanting to lose against a man old enough to be his dad. His why must be of such depth that it allows him to overcome those latter round energy drains. He will need to dig deep come Saturday night and impose his will upon Hopkins early and often; and remind the great pugilist of his age. Perhaps Pascal's why ought to be the fact that he does not want to be the name on the other side of Hopkins' historical feet. Such a lose would resonate through the remainder of Pascal's career. A convincing loss to Hopkins would be far more devastating than Jean Pascal could ever know. Getting a beat down by A Mean Old Man is career changing, just ask Felix Trinidad and Kelly Pavlik.






Copyright 2011

Andre Ward: Rock Steady

Boxing is an impatient sport propelled by anxious networks, commentators, and scribes, all clamoring to anoint the next big thing, i.e. the latest cash cow. We've seen this anxiety at work in almost shocking detail. Fighters being exalted to "most dangerous man in the sport" status, because they make for great high light footage. In many ways boxing has become like the music industry, where original composition and well thought out lyrics are ignored for hooks, beats, and samples. Nothing of substance is even regarded. That takes patience. That takes careful and sound planning. In an ADHD culture such a thing is blasphemy. And thus, we are fed a steady diet of "human highlight reels." They may draw the an audience for a time, however, in the long run both their careers and the sport are short changed.

The United States, until recently has had a proud pugilistic history. Our champions, like Joe Louis, Ray Robinson, Rocky Marciano, Mohammed Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard,  and Mike Tyson, were and are more than fighters they are world figures. Our amateur programs are among the world's best. Thus, the Olympic stage, has traditionally been a clarion call to the the sports world of the next big thing. To win a gold medal is not only the very apex of a boxer's amateur career, it is often the best start to a professional career. So, naturally expectations are high, especially if you have that "It" factor that made the likes of Ali, Leonard, and De La Hoya so appealing and profitable.

Andre "S.O.G" Ward entered the ranks upon that well paved yellow brick road; great talent, stellar amateur record (110-5), and of course, a gold medal. Yet, with great accomplishments come great expectations, naturally. The critics started early and were relentless. Haters, from boxing insiders to the internet message board all declared Ward soft. Many believed his handlers were being too careful, by not pushing him faster. After all, he was the only boxer to win gold during the 2004 games in Athens, Greece. He was to be the next "Golden Boy." As one can imagine it requires a great deal of self assurance to stay the course or stick to one's vision, in spite of the naysayers; and from the looks of it, from where Ward stands now, as the run away star of the Super Six Super Middleweight Tournament, that vision has paid off. There is something very methodical and well paced about Ward's career for which we can now appreciate. The evidence is clearly in how he has managed to completely dominate everyone that has stood in front of him during this very exciting tournament. He has proven himself a complete fighter. Whether it was boxing the shorts off of the highly touted Mikhail Kessler, who was favored to win the tournament. In that fight Ward displayed spectacular ring generalship, movement, and combination punching. Whether it was his complete demolition of the heavy handed Allen Green, against whom, Ward showed intelligent aggression, by, smothering and pounding his supposedly stronger and more dangerous foe. Green was out of that fight by the third round when he realized Ward was far more than he could handle. Perhaps Mr. Green listened to one too many "experts?" Ward also showed that he could keep his cool in the midst of the ugliest matchup, when he faced off against the  unorthodox and rugged Sakio Bika. This Saturday night Andre Ward will take on the hard hitting, yet, robotic Arthur Abraham. In my opinion this bout should be a culmination of his previous fights, in which the audience will see the various gifts of Andre Ward. I cannot imagine this fight being remotely competitive. Dangerous, absolutely. Abraham packs a hellacious whallop. But as Karl Froch and Andre Dirrell clearly displayed in their respective victories over him, all he has is a puncher's chance. However, it is a big chance and I can't see Ward taking him lightly despite his obvious advantages. Besides Abraham is desperate. He lost his last two fights, badly. That being said, unless Ward gets caught with something unexpected, he is not losing this fight. In fact, I predict a fashionable and runaway shut out, where we will witness Ward's full arsenal.

A patient and meticulous regard for one's craft often produces such success. No fighter is perfect, but, Ward is among the few fighters today whose flaws are minimal at best. He has clearly positioned himself to be recognized with that class of fighters who are master craftsmen. A victory on Saturday night will move Ward into the finals, where a victory there will more than vindicate he and his handlers rock steady approach to his career; and perhaps serve as a model for up and coming fighters. A win might even cool the anxious networks, commentators, and scribes causing them to appreciate the science of the Sweet Science.


Copyright 2011

Manny Pacquiao: "It Ain't Necessarily So..."

Courtesy of BoxingScene.com

Rack up yet another big win for the Filipino strong man. On this past May 7th, Manny "Pac Man" Pacquiao not only dominated the great Shane Mosley, he entrapped him in a cocoon of terror, which had Mosley playing the role of survivor. Anyone who saw that 3rd knockdown knows exactly what I am talking about. Boxing is a nude sport. Who you are and what you are going through are laid bare for all the world to see; and all the world saw a look on Mosley's face that made it clear, that indeed, he bit off much more than he could chew. Nothing can be more traumatic for a fighter and his fans than to see his confidence literally evaporate in the blink of an eye, or rather the constant blinking of the battered combatant's eyes. Simply put, Shane Mosley, who felt insulted by his underdog status going in, realized via Pacquiao's vicious left hand that the odds against him were perfectly legitimate.

So where does Manny go from here? No fight will satisfy the boxing public like a showdown with Floyd "Money" Mayweather. No matter how loud the howls for Marquez maybe among some fans, the truth is nobody cares. Pacquiao has been there and done that, and if I am his advisor I would advice him to veer elsewhere. Let's keep it real, and I made this clear in a previous post, Freddie Roach is a greater match maker than he is a trainer. Nothing made that clearer than the archival footage of Pacquiao's earliest fights. He's the same explosive fighter he was back then. Not much has changed at all. What has changed is the wisdom of his match makers. The illusion is that because Pacquiao is stepping up against bigger competition (bigger in name and body), this means he is fighting better competition. But, thus sang the drug peddling Sportin' Life of George Gershwin's classic Porgy and Bess, "It ain't necessarily so..." Styles have and always will, make fights. Has anyone else noticed that amidst the coronation and chants of the second coming, the great eight time champion has not been in the ring with a boxing technician since Juan Manuel Marquez? The closest he's come is Oscar De La Hoya; and when one considers De La Hoya's pugilistic schizophrenia which has plagued him his entire career (you can't go through 5 different trainers and expect to master your craft) it is almost laughable that I even mentioned him; and no, Oscar did not lose because of age.

Make no mistake whenever the much anticipated showdown with Mayweather is finally confirmed, there will be much sweating and anxiety in the Pacquiao camp. I know, I know "Man, you're crazy...Mayweather is ducking him...you don't know sh*t about boxing go back to the circus." Believe me I understand. I, too came dangerously close to sipping that Filipino laced Kool Aid. I concede this will be a dangerous fight for Floyd Mayweather. Despite being undefeated, Mayweather has not had the easiest time with southpaws. In fact, his biggest ring scares outside of Mosley's right hand in the second round of their match up, have all come against southpaws, and not a single one of those southpaws were of the caliber of Pacquiao. So, I will reserve any predictions. However, there are far more bewitching weapons and tools Mayweather brings to a fight against Manny Pacquiao, than Pacquiao brings against Mayweather. Pacquiao's defense is in his movement and offense. Like vintage Roy Jones he's fleet of foot, with hand speed so overwhelming it causes his opponents to take a posture of fear. Few have found the mark when they dared to open up and actually punch with him (review the Joshua Cloty fight and the first round of the Cotto fight), however, their efforts were timid at best. Pacquiao still falls in when he punches and throws himself off balance when he fires that left hand (Marquez capitalized on this flaw brilliantly), which is target practice for a counter punching aficionado like Mayweather. As for Pacquiao's almost miraculous punching power (miraculous when you consider he started his career at 106 lbs. and has managed to maintain his speed and power nearly fifty pounds later), it affords him nothing if there is nothing there to hit. We shall soon see, we hope.



Copyright 2011

Manny Pacquiao Vs. Shane Mosley: My Two Cents

First and foremost I am no expert. But, then again who really is. Years ago while attending a fight at New York's famed Madison Square Garden, attired in full Ringmaster garb I was asked by a reporter, what I thought circus had in common with boxing. The question, at the time caught me off guard and my answer, I thought, was insufficient. However, as I grew in my position the answer revealed itself. In boxing, like circus you can always expect the unexpected. Therefore, no one, no matter how well versed has a crystal ball. In the words of the great Joe Frazier, "any man with two hands has a chance."

The build up to this match has cast the legendary Sugar Shane Mosley as the under dog versus boxing's present day Golden Boy, eight divisional champion, Manny Pacquiao; and for good reason. He is the older fighter, and in his last two outings he was uncharacteristically lack luster. Perhaps signs of aging. Few sports wear the body down as does the Sweet Science. And if Mosley's last two fights, particularly his most recent outing versus the feather fisted Sergio Mora, whom he fought to an unimpressive and some even say controversial draw, there is definitely some wear and tear. The Mosley of old, who once enjoyed the heaping praise that came with being considered the Pound for Pound best in the sport, was a speed demon capable of explosive combinations and foot speed, now perfected in none other than his opponent this Saturday night, Manny Pacquiao. Mind you, the speed, though it has slowed a bit is still there, as well as, the power. However, for the most part Mosley has become a set puncher, he is no longer able to punch on the move (as he once did so brilliantly versus Oscar De La Hoya during their first encounter), instead he must plant his feet and then punch. You can clearly see Mosley telegraphing his punches and if you haven't noticed, he's not hard to find and versus the likes of Pacquiao that could spell disaster for the once great pugilist.

The adage in show business is that "you are only as good as your last show." Boxing is not a show and as we have seen on a number of occasions, a fighter is not as good as his last fight and to craft a fight plan in accordance to an opponent's recent history could be very dangerous. Thus, there maybe some hope for the aging lion. Despite his age and reduced skills, Mosley is still the most dangerous fighter Pacquiao has faced in his entire career. Freddie Roach is a great trainer.  His handling of Manny Pacquiao is something very special. However, Roach is an even better match maker. While padding Pacquiao's resume with big name fighters such as Antonio Margarito, Miguel Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya, and Ricky Hatton, we forget, styles make fights. Although those fighters were bigger, seemingly stronger, and more powerful, they were all easy targets; and against a fleet footed, swift fisted, unorthodox power puncher,  like Pacquiao, who attacks opponents from the most absurd angles, they were mere prey. The shear dominance and brutality of each respective victory is proof of that fact.

However, Shane Mosley is not those men. In fact, he has victories over De La Hoya and Margarito; and fought to a stand still versus Cotto. Mosley's hope lies in his speed, timing, and ruggedness. He's a credible counter puncher and that will be a major factor versus the iconic Pacquiao. Mosley must bait Pacquiao into a  dogfight, which must include a murderous body attack if he is to have a chance at beating him. Mosley is at his best when an opponent engages him. However, even that comes with risk because Pacquiao is no shrinking violet in close quarters combat as the likes of the much bigger Margarito learned. That being said, I wouldn't recommend Pacquiao engage Mosley in such a manner, but, use sound boxing skills and ring generalship while getting his respect with well timed power punches and combinations to break Mosley down, push him back and possibly go in for the kill in the latter rounds. Pacquiao's right jab and movement will be  significant keys to victory.

I don't see this fight going the full twelve. Someone will fall.The mighty Pacquiao hopes to add to his already historical legacy with a knockout win over Mosley who has never been stopped. But, the old dog may have some new tricks that might very well befall the great Pacquiao and shock the world.



Copyright 2011