V8: Valero, Mayweather/Mosley, Martinez, Arreola, and more

Edwin Valero: Undefeated, Unfulfilled

In yet another tragedy in the world of boxing, Venezuelan native Edwin Valero made the news several times, each story being worst than the one prior, unfortunately going from the possibility of being admitted to a rehab center, to murdering his wife, to ultimately taking his own life. When you think of the talent, the passion, and the drive of Valero, from the outside looking in, one can only ask why? 27-0 with 27KO's speaks of pure perfection, but this perception couldn't be any further from the truth, as this undefeated fighter was clearly unfulfilled, leading to substance and alcohol abuse that in many ways helped tear precious pages from his book of life. May he and his wife rest in peace, and may their children find a better path in a life that clearly doesn't come with a handbook for the future.

Mayweather/Mosley: No Title, No Problem

Floyd Mayweather jr. has made it very clear for the longest time that he prize fights for a prize. Not for the limelight, not for the ladies, but for the prize. Never has this been more evident than recently when he decided not to pay the sanctioning fee for the Mosley's WBA strap, which could have actually been used as a negotiating tool if and when he finally sits down to talk business with Arum and Pacquiao. Initially, this move was a major question mark, but at the end of the day, you have to realize that the biggest negotiating tool he needs for any edge (if such a thing exist between these two legends) is the one he's almost certain to solidify against Mosley. That edge is strong PPV#'s, which will almost certainly outweigh those of Pacquiao/Clottey. No title, no problem. All Mayweather needs to do is defeat Mosley.....Now THAT's the problem!

Martinez: Does A Good Big Man Always Beat A Good Little Man?

Arguably the oldest adage in the sport says "a good big man will always beat a good little man". That adage was not only put to a test last weekend when Argentinean Sergio Martinez fought American Kelly Pavlik, but it was also proved incorrect. Martinez used a solid ring generalship to prove that he was the better fighter, and despite the power punches he took, by the end of the night, the fact that he was able to evade far more sealed the deal and opened quite a few doors for him. It'll be interesting to see where he goes from here, but with guys like Pacquiao and Martinez dispelling this old adage, I think it's safe to say where we can put that........(just a thought, fight fans)!

Arreola: No 'Slim Jim', Just A 'Fit' Chris

Heavyweight contender Chris Arreola has been ridiculed for the longest because of his inability to stay away from the fridge. With a warrior spirit, a solid chin, and a great work rate, the biggest downside to Arreola was an appetite that never seemed to fade away....well, at least until now. Arreola has recently answered the proverbial question of "what's more important in his life", by ditching the taco's, and saving his career. Recent pictures show the new trim and slim version of Arreola to be quite fit, which should help him squeeze his way right back into heavyweight contention. With the winner of his scheduled showdown with Adamek getting a shot at one of the divisional straps, perhaps there's no better time than the present to say no to 'slim jim's', and yes to being a 'fit' Chris. Saturday night we'll get to see the modified version of Mr. Arreola in action. Stay tuned.

James Toney: B-Hop's A Flip-Flop.....Or Is He?

James Toney is one of the most gifted fighters of this era, but in his absence from the ring, he's also being recognized as one of the most gifted talkers as well. The interesting thing about Toney when he talks is that whether you like the guy or not, you'd be hard-pressed to identify an inconsistency in him, as it relates to purposely leaving anyone out. Friends, colleagues....whomever....the man simply doesn't care, and he tells it like it is. His recent topic of choice is the legendary Bernard Hopkins. Toney pointed out the fact that Hopkins has made a history of calling one name, yet asking for another. He cited the request for Adamek, yet ultimately choosing Roy Jones jr. Then he cited the request of Haye, yet now swapping to Bute. All of these thoughts were quite thought-provoking, but the more I think about this, I have to ask myself how much of it was Hopkins swapping out, as much as it was these men not necessarily opting in? Both Bute and Haye are aware of his request, yet neither man has responded favorably, with Haye flat out saying "NO". With so many potential opponents opting out, it'll be interesting to see where this 'flipper' flops next.

Sergio Martinez to Antonio Margarito: Remember Me?......

In light of his recent victory over Kelly Pavlik, several doors have opened up for Sergio Martinez. Not only does he have the option of facing Paul Williams in a highly coveted rematch, but he also has the option of a nice payday in a rematch against Pavlik, or if all else fails, he has the outside shot against the "only man" (to use his words) to ever decisively defeat him in Antonio Margarito. Bernard Hopkins recently showed us what a decade of preparation can be good for. A fighter like Martinez who has evolved quite a bit over that time frame can surely do some amazing things if given another shot. As good as it would be to see these two men go at it again, truth is, losing Valero, watching Pavlik lose, knowing that Cotto is a major question mark and not knowing Pacquiao's future, Arum won't be nearly as eager to put Margarito in the ring with Martinez. But that could all backfire. Few seem to remember, but Margarito wasn't getting a crack at too many people prior to the glove incident. Now that he's a proven cheater, to think that things will be easier is wishful thinking. I don't know what marquee fighter will finally give Margarito another shot, but if Martinez doesn't get the nod, he can forget about happy huntin!

'NO' Says Joe (Calzaghe)

Recent rumors swirling around the sport had Joe Calzaghe considering a return to the ring if it could come against the right opponent for the right sum of money. Several sources have confirmed this, but within the last 24hours, the source that counts finally decided to speak. That source is none other than the source himself....Mr. Joe Calzaghe....who stated in a recent interview that he "has no interest" in returning to the ring. With so many 'sources' out there, you never know what to expect, and you never know who to listen to. With many of these 'sources' saying that this scheduled return could be soon, perhaps in a short time we'll know for sure. Until then, Joe says 'No'!

Carl Froch: R-E-S-P-E-C-T....That Is What I Need To See!

Carl Froch recently spoke of his lack of exposure in the U.K., citing that America's "Showtime had to come to his rescue". When you think of the support Ricky Hatton, and even the moderately proven David Haye have gotten, it is a bit intriguing when you consider that Froch does have Dirrell, Taylor, and Pascal on his resume; three men who were all tested and proven in the sport at the time he faced them. No one in the British media seems to have the answer relative to why Froch has failed to get that extra support, but it doesn't take a critic to tell you what the 'answer' will be to get that to change. A victory over Denmark's Mikkel Kessler could be a helluva start, but it'll take a helluva effort, because he's a helluva talent! If you haven't guess it yet, yes, he's gonna have to go through 'hell' before things begin to feel like heaven!

(Vivek Wallace can be reached at vivexemail@yahoo.com, www.vivekwallace.com, Youtube (VIVEK1251), Twitter (VIVEK747), Facebook, and Myspace).