V8: Mike Tyson, Pacquiao, Margarito, Mayweather, Berto, and More!

Mike Tyson: A 'Slim' Chance?

"Iron" Mike Tyson has been spotted in public recently sporting a new look. This time around, it isn't a facial tattoo, or one of the other fashionably incorrect statements that he was once known for flashing. Rather than dropping big dollars to show his lust for more, the former "baddest man on the planet" decided to go with less. A lot less. Remember the sloppy, 270+ pound Mike Tyson that we saw on television a few months back? Well, lets just say SOMETHING has motivated Mike enough to get him to shed down to a hey-day prime weight of 217lbs! The last time we saw "Iron" Mike that light, he was getting his hand raised high after knocking Spinks out in a flash. Conspiracy theorist (like me) would sure as hell love to hear that he's coming back to take another shot at the big leagues; but in accordance with the slimmer appearance, according to the former champion, the odds of a potential return are even slimmer. Woulda been nice, but to quote L.L. Cool "J"...."DON'T CALL IT A COMEBACK"!

Andre Berto: 2 Steps Forward, 3 Steps Back!

Haitian sensation, Andre Berto recently showed a lot of heart and skill in defeating a very talented Carlos Quintana. Not only did he take a few good shots, but he landed several better ones, proving his mettle for those the many critics who continue to question him. After such a performance, one would expect Berto to capitalize by stepping up his level of competition, but seems that's not quite what's about to happen. Apparently, locked in the sights of Berto and promoter DiBella is a young, undefeated, yet vastly untested Mike Jones of Philadelphia. In record, it would seem that Jones is a solid test, but considering that Berto is a champion in one of the sports deeper divisions, the last name you'd expect at this point would be the one that appears to have been drawn from the hat. It'll be interesting to see what he and his team comes up with next. But one thing for sure, as talented as the young Jones is, Berto can expect the questions to surface again if solidifies this move. I know he's the owner of the famed 'green' belt, but this move is just plain ole 'green'!

Pacquiao/Cotto/Margarito - The 'Square' Triangle

Seems no matter what the topic is, every discussion in the sport of boxing now days includes the stables of Top Rank. In the midst of another setback in negotiations between Mayweather and Pacquiao, the hunt for a new opponent is on, and yep, you guessed it......all names on the tab go right back to the same stable. Margarito is said to be gearing up for another licensing run, and Cotto came out this week and stated that "he's not afraid of Pacquiao". Both men are intriguing matchups for Pacquiao, but seems Gary Shaw hit it on the button recently when he spoke of Arum's tendency to pin only his men against the fightin' Filipino. With so many other notables out there in waiting, seems this particular triangle of cast members continues to run circles around the other quality options, making for a very 'square' scenario. Like it or not, I don't see that changing anytime soon. Hope you're ready for another Top Rank card....Heavy odds say it'll be Pacquiao against one of these men!

Floyd/Roger Mayweather: Father Knows Best

Over the last few weeks we've all patiently waited to hear what's the hold up in the pending Mayweather/Pacquiao negotiations this time. First it was the testing issue. After falling to that obstacle time and time again over the past 6 months, it appears we've finally gotten beyond it. Next, it was the possibility of a tax related gaff with Team Mayweather. That alibi was later shot down, stated to be nothing more than another "vicious rumor". The most recent story is said to be the pending trial of Uncle/trainer Roger Mayweather, scheduled to begin August 2nd. Many have taken note of the fact that Floyd Sr.'s role in fight camp has increased more and more, and if Roger is in fact apprehended, Team Mayweather won't necessarily skip a beat. By Floyd Sr.'s own admission, Floyd Jr. can practically coach himself at this point in his career. Obviously, we don't expect him to do that, but with a mega fight looming and all terms said to be agreed to in principle, I can't help but think about something else Floyd Sr. recently said about the looming mega fight. ("You would have to be stupid to leave that kinda money on the table")! Surely, no one hear is "stupid", but all parties involved would be more than qualified if they let this golden opportunity slip away. Pacquaio can lose, retire, or get hurt. Tomorrow isn't promised, so someone better figure out something to help Team Mayweather figure this out today. Floyd Sr. is no genius, but in this case, clearly, Father knows best!

JuanMa Lopez: Homecoming, Away-Going

This weekend, Puerto Rico's Juan Manuel Lopez will again attempt to test his mettle against a very seasoned pro, in the solid Bernabe Conception. If the past is any indication, JuanMa's slight lead on the betting lines won't make him an automatic lock to get the "W". Conception will bring his best game, and depending on who you ask, it could very well be enough to spring a shocker. Lopez's native island of Puerto Rico will host the fight, which will be quite interesting to see how he responds in front of his locals. Many of them already find room to be critical of the rising star. I could be alone here, but somehow, I get a strange feeling this 'homecoming' may turn out to be an away-going; because one more bad showing (or definitely a loss) could be enough to see some walk away from supporting Lopez for good. Stay tuned.

Antonio Margarito: 3rd Time's The Charm?

Suspended Mexican great Antonio Margarito is said to be set to try again to have his now revoked license reinstated for a potential showdown with either Pacquiao or Cotto in the Fall. Last time around, this same effort didn't work out too good. Representatives for the state of California have basically gone silent, rarely even mentioning the status of his license. Most feel he needs to go through the state that suspended him (California) prior to being licensed elsewhere. Known to do things his way, Margarito has decided to buck the system and try to apply in Las Vegas. Both California and Texas seemed far less than open to re-licensing him. Las Vegas is the new option. They say 3's a charm, but I'm thinkin' baseball, as this potential 'charm' could result in being a last shot. Las Vegas or LAST Vegas? We'll know soon enough.

HBO: Out With The Ditched-ko Brothers!

HBO recently made the decision to drop the Klitschko brothers from their lineup. Reasons cited ranged from a weak state of the division overall, to the fact that all of their fights take place primarily overseas, and due to the time differential, the time delay hurts viewership. Seemed like an honest business decision, but many supporters of the K-bros have taken the move personally. As dominant as they've been, you'd think the support would be more prominent, but you have to respect the perspective of HBO, as there's nothing like a fight that isn't live or interesting enough to watch in a delayed format. Sucks for the K-bros, but hey, they always said "good guys finish last"!

Sturm/Cintron: Dancin' in September?

Kermit Cintron has found a new dancin' partner. Seems he may taking his act overseas to face Felix Sturm. Interesting match, here. Very interesting. Cintron has very good power, but Sturm is a better boxer than most give him credit for, and although he doesn't have the same type of power, his skill level could make for a long night for Cintron. As of now, the money and logistics have to be worked out, but I'd suggest while those things are being considered, Cintron take a long deep look at where he is and where he wants to be. Another suspect performance and he may end up lookin' for a backup gig. With a few months til the projected fight time, my advice to Cintron is to "stand up", or when he goes to 'dance' in September, his hot Summer could be replaced with a last and final Fall!

(Vivek Wallace can be reached at vwallace@8countnews.com, Youtube (VIVEK1251), Twitter (VIVEK747), Facebook, and Myspace).