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

Bernard Hopkins: The Defiant One

Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins is a stubborn man. He's a forty five year old competing in what many deem a young man's sport. Forty five years of age is ancient for any sport, especially boxing; and when you consider the fact that Hopkins still competes at a high level against men nearly half his junior, you realize you're not merely dealing with a stubborn man, but, a defiant one.   

It is said that America loves a comeback. Nothing in the States is more coveted than a second chance. After all "a second chance" or "a comeback" is what many would say the United States of America not only thrives on, but, is deeply rooted in. Stories of heroism and sacrifice, liberation and redemption run far and wide across the pages of American history. Men and women who braved the tyranny of distant lands for a chance at a new life in America, have their stories told to their children's children. Great and stirring accounts that are a clarion call to all the whole world, that in America, all things are possible. But, alas that is the Walt Disney version of the United States. The Gangsta Rap version is this, America was built on defiance. The defiance of a rag tag band of patriots who dared the vast British empire to give them liberty or death.  The defiance of immigrants who refused the oppressive limitations of their respective homelands. The defiance of men and women who refused and continue to refuse to allow America to break her promise of justice and liberty for all. That spirit of desperate defiance is what has guided Bernard Hopkins from Graterford State Penitentiary to boxing immortality.

Few sports, if any, can spin a roster of redemption tales as does the Sweet Science. Stories of the street kid or convict steered straight by the ring permeate the sport; and not just for the athletes. Donald King, a numbers runner from Cleveland, OH, would serve time for stomping a man to death, but, would go on to become the greatest, if not the most charismatic promoter the sport has ever seen. The Bernard Hopkins' story stands as one of boxing's most intriguing. Last week the former inmate stood across the ring from Light Heavyweight champion, Jean Pascal, a man eight-teen years his junior, in an attempt to become the oldest fighter in boxing history to win a championship. "Only in America" can a man go from roving thug to the pages of history. The fight with Jean Pascal was a microcosm of Hopkins' extraordinary journey from criminal to pugilistic great. Even before the first bell the fight was captivating. The referee actually had to make the fighter's touch gloves. 

Like Hopkins' early years, the early rounds of this fight would be treacherous. For the first time in sixteen years he would get knocked down, in the first round nonetheless. Two rounds later, he would go down again. It was clear that the younger man's speed, power, and counter left hook were giving the worn warrior some issues. A sound defensive technician his entire career, Hopkins was taking punches he normally would not. For the first few rounds one might believe the end had finally come for the legend. As a teenager Hopkins would sadly fulfill his mother's prophesy and end up behind bars for strong armed robbery. But, Hopkins is as defiant as they come. As he did behind those prison walls over twenty five years ago, he would do in the ring versus Jean Pascal, he decided to turn the tide. From round four to the final bell of round twelve, Hopkins would mount a comeback so furious and inspiring it would have his younger opponent back pedaling and holding for the remainder of the fight. America holds the distinction of having the world's largest prison population. A population which is maintained by, among other things, its high recidivism rate. But, Hopkins is a defiant one. He refused to return to the very element that got him incarcerated; and thus, began a journey that has crafted a life story worthy of a Hollywood biopic.

Hopkins' gallant efforts against Pascal would be rewarded with a majority draw, which immediately drew criticism from fans and the media that Hopkins was "robbed." Nevertheless, whatever one's opinion of Hopkins' most recent outing, and for the record I stand with the critics, no one can deny this great American story of perseverance, discipline, and defiance. His was a life that could have easily been a "statistic." He could have shared in a legacy of youth sacrificed to the penal system. For many young men like him were expected if not guaranteed a destiny of death and incarceration. Even the travails and struggles that accompanied his rise to the boxing elite could have easily derailed him. But, fortunately for himself, for fans of the sport, and more importantly, as an example to those young men and women who stand at the crossroads of life and death, Bernard Hopkins is a testament to the power of defiance.

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