V8: Mayweather, Pacquiao, Bradley, Pavlik/Chavez, JuanMa and More

"THE DECISION": Floyd Mayweather jr - Friday 11:59pm EST

Last week, the NBA world sat holding a collective breath, eager to find out where LeBron James would decide to call home for the next few years. After months and months of speculation, at approximately 9:27pm, the verdict was read, as he announced my home, sunny South Beach would be his home too. Here we stand a week later, and suddenly, another group of sports fans find themselves holding their collective breath, awaiting a "Decision". Only this time, it's Floyd Mayweather jr. who must decide if it's time for us to finally see "Undefeated vs Undisputed" - 2 Legends, 1 Night, No Excuses! Everything from drug test protocol, to money, to glove size and beyond has been agreed to; yet for reasons unknown, we still haven't been able to get Mayweather's autograph on his copy of the contract. I would stop short of saying there's a fear factor involved, but the lengthy delay certainly gives his critics room to tee-off of on ole 'Prettyboy' Floyd! As the world awaits, the clock winds down, and even though this isn't the NBA, no question, the ball now sits squarely in Floyd's court! That word "ball" is the operative term, because without doubt, he'll need quite a few (balls) to keep the world from seeing this fight.......AGAIN! Stay tuned...

Pacquiao vs Williams: Pound-for-Pound or Foot-for-Foot?

With Floyd Mayweather jr. on the fence and presumably (for whatever reason) not moving forward with the showdown against Pacquiao, the focus has somewhat diverted to the next men in line. Bob Arum has done everything he can to sell the public on seeing one of his 'horses' entered in the race (Margarito or Cotto), but if Goosen can have his way, that could all be about to change. Goosen has recently gone on record telling everyone within earshot why Paul Williams would be a better opponent. Considering that these are two of the only men in the sport that have literally gone division to division seeking out opportunities, it would be hard not to understand the importance of bringing too men of this rare capability together. Where the disconnect comes is the fact that Williams stands nearly 8 inches taller, and has a reach advantage that extends well over a foot greater. Pacquiao edges him in all other pertinent categories (experience, resume strength, etc) but those advantages don't seem to be enough for Arum to even give the notion a chance. In theory, the height issue seems to be a very real one, but in reality, if both men will enter the ring at 147lbs, where's the edge? It's a winnable fight for Pacquiao and would truly seal the deal in the history books, as this mountain would be his toughest to climb and would remove all doubt in the minds of his critics. Just a thought....Mr. Arum!

Chavez Jr. vs Pavlik: Ghost vs Ghost

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum recently stated that fight fans can look forward to a showdown in December that only a few months ago, few felt we'd ever see. On one side, you have Kelly Pavlik, a man whose suddenly quiet career has given new meaning to the nickname he bears (Ghost); and on the other side, you have a man who never used the name, (Ghost), but based on mainstream anonymity, probably could have. The cool thing about this fight is that by the end of the night, two terms will be clearly be redefined. Not only will one GHOST go from being invisible, to once again visible; but one of these Top Rank fighters will have earned that distinction by beating a very capable and worthy opponent. Who do I like in the proposed showdown? The 'Ghost'. Which one? Well, in a world known for imitations, lets just say the one that's for real!

Timothy Bradley: Durable Enough For Carlos I-Break-U (Abregu)?

This weekend, jr. welterweight challenger Timothy Bradley is set to take his show on the road.....north to be exact....when he goes up to the welterweight division to take on the power punching Carlos Abregu. Granted, Abregu has never faced anyone of Bradley's caliber, but to his credit, he has knocked out 2 fewer people than Bradley has faced in his entire career. Expect Bradley to bring his A-game and make things interesting, but it's what some don't expect that may be the biggest story when the night is over. Abregu has great resolve and is known to get off the deck and use his power to earn some respect. He has the power to keep Tim honest, but Timothy doesn't exactly have the power to do the opposite. Are we in for a shocker Saturday night, ladies and gents? Soon enough we'll know!

Zab Judah Returns: Now What?

This coming Friday night, Zab Judah will return to the ring against Jose Armando Santa Cruz. To some, it's an occasion to watch out for. For others, well, lets just say not so fast! Sucks to see the reduced level of interest in some fight fans regarding Judah, but truthfully, you don't necessarily have to ask yourself why? Judah once possessed a skill set which nearly put him on par with Floyd Mayweather jr. The ONLY difference between the two was three-dimensional (Defense, Discipline, and Determination). That 3-D description is very intriguing, because without question, the way Judah sees himself, I'm afraid many out there don't! At age 32 and facing the proverbial 'westside' of his career, this latest run at the big time could very well turn out to be his last. That reality prompts the very title of this particular segment. With Judah returning to the ring knowing his 9 lives (at the mega plateau) are practically gone, the big question....(once again)....NOW WHAT? Stay tuned to find out....

Shannon the 'Cannon'?

Is Brooklyn in the house? We know Zab Judah is. We know many others are. Well, apparently Shannon Briggs has decided to join the ranks and represent once again himself. Word has it that he's been lined up to face Vitali Klitshchko here pretty soon. In an era of super-heavyweights, Briggs is perhaps the only American born contender with the sheer size and mass to truly be competitive. Trouble is, his critics believe good ole Shannon is now a 'cannon'. Sounds good in theory, but maybe not. I mean think about it....the last cannon I saw that sat idle for a while was eventually SHOT! Is Shannon a 'shot' fighter? My mind says no...But only time will tell!

Wladimir Klitschko to David Haye: Money Talks!

Seems that most of us aren't the only ones tired of David Haye. Wladimir Klitschko has apparently gone public with his dismay, making it very clear that Haye is in many ways far from worthy of the accolades some have bestowed him. All the talk, all the noise, all the antics; and when it comes down to it, no trace of Haye! If my opinion counts at all, I'd like to let Haye know that even though Povetkin is the next man in line for Wladimir Klitschko, it's time to put his money where his mouth is.....literally! Fighting contenders like Audley Harrison, he won't make those big dollar bills. So, Haye needs to finally stop the B.S. and consider Wladimir for (a) change!

JuanMa, TwoMa, ThreeMa, Floored!

Last Saturday night, we saw JuanMan win against Bernabe Concepcion. The win was spectacular, but it's what happened prior to the win that I think really made the story. For the longest time, many have noted that JuanMa seems to have great power, but limited skills, and very little help to make with making them better. His power makes him seem invincible, and the fundamentals he lacks are not totally understood because his power typically bails him out before those limited skills haunt him. Concepcion almost exposed this flaw by landing a flush shot when the mechanically incorrect JuanMa failed to protect himself by covering up. This isn't the first time that JuanMa has touched the canvas, and with the likes of Marquez, Gamboa and company looming, I doubt it's the last.


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