Mayweather/Marquez: Get Your Popcorn Ready...
Goldenboy Promotions has kicked it up a few notches again in an effort to bring a new experience to the fight public. When Floyd Mayweather Jr. returns to the ring against Juan Manuel Marquez on September 19th, he'll be larger than ever...literally, as GBP has arranged to showcase his talent in local movie theaters around the country on a giant high definition screen that - to use the words of the legendary Bert Sugar - will help fight fans to feel "everything but the sweat". The surround-sound, the action, the adrenaline.....What could be better? Now, of course there's that contingent out there that would still rather watch a fight over some brews and cigars, but hey, look at the bright side....at least the fellas who chose not to bring their significant others along for this experience will now have a bonafide reason to attend the after party. Gotta light those Arturo Fuente cigars up somewhere, right?
Roy Jones Jr.: Don't Call It A Comeback!
Roy Jones Jr. has recently reminded many of us why we fell in love with him in the first place with an electrifying performance against Jeff Lacy. Some are still going to hold his losses against him, but truthfully, what's the real significance of an "O"? We saw Ali, Louis, Robinson, and Tyson each walk away from the ring with their heads down in defeat at least four times (or more). Now, who in their right mind would tell me that Calzaghe was better than ANY of those guys in their primes? And to take it a step further, we don't know what Mayweathers gonna do against Marquez, but prior to that fight he maintained an "O", yet constantly falls to criticism about the way he got it. So case in point, the "O" is pretty, but similar to the girl next door, those looks don't always show the big picture. The guy (Jones jr.) is talented, and few in the sport truly have comparable talent...Even at his ripe age of 40. He may not win another title, but he'll be great to watch. I wouldn't call it a comeback...Despite his losses in recent years, I think its safe to say that he never left!
Malignaggi/Diaz: Hostility in Houston
The sport of boxing just can't seem to get it right. As we look back this year to the Berto/Collazo, Cotto/Clottey, and now Malignaggi/Diaz fights, it's ok to debate the closeness, but to hear some of the wide margins assembled by the various referees is absolutely pathetic. It seems the sport can't win for losing and it's only getting worst. Some say it (the politics) has always been this way...my response...that doesn't make it right. With a ton of big fights on the slate for the Fall season, one can only hope we can scrap the black eyes and hit the bulls-eye! With all of the sport and much of the world watching, could you imagine what a Cotto/Pacquiao fight with a foul ending would be like?
Nate Campbell: Justice Served...
The California State Athletic Commission has finally gotten it right. Better yet, the sport has finally gotten it right. After watching the Malignaggi/Diaz showdown and the others previously mentioned, there's no secret that the trend of bad calls around the sport is not only growing, but spreading like wildfires. This move by CSAC was truly a step in the right direction, and more importantly, served as poetic justice, because few in the sport have worked as hard as Campbell to land a well deserved shot on a grand stage. Actually, with both Glen Johnson and Luis Collazo also headed into rematches against men previously believed to have gotten 'gift' decisions over them (Dawson and Berto), perhaps Campbell's shot at redemption could be the latest notch in a trail of change. I surely hope so.
Kelly Pavlik: Still No Word From The 'Ghost'...
In recent weeks we've heard from his promoter, his trainer, and his manager, but we've yet to hear from Kelly Pavlik regarding the once tentatively scheduled showdown between he and Paul Williams. To hear a Pavlik camp member recently say in so many words that it's OK for Williams and his camp to seek other opponents spoke volumes. It should be duly noted that Pavlik is by no means obligated to clear the air in the media about his absence, but when reports surface that he has missed more than 3 medical appointments relative to his latest "injury" and previous reports surfaced about alcohol related challenges, you would think Kelly would feel the need to address the rumors, if for no other reason, to clear his name. The fact that he hasn't done so is quite bizarre. Everyday that passes by sees this Pavlik saga grow weirder and weirder. At this point you have to ask "does it even matter, anymore"? For a guy that once loved to see perform, suddenly, to me, it doesn't.
Evander Holyfield Wants A Piece of the 'Rock'?
News up in the Rochester, NY area is that buzz is growing for a potential farewell showdown between Evander Holyfield and Hasim Rahman. It's been years since either man was truly considered relevant, and it's a wonder why anyone would really care to see such a match. What would it prove? What's even sadder about this potential showdown is that as punch drunk as Holyfield has sounded lately, judging by more recent appearances, he actually seems to be the fresher of the two. Rahman has an intriguing story and it was great to see him make a splash in the sport, but truthfully, I can't see him doing much to derail Holyfield, even in his old age. But, then again, that's just my opinion. Perhaps you feel different. And bearing that in mind, that minor difference of opinion alone is why I would not be surprised to see this match actually happen. Enough people with those contrasting views will lead the promoters to make one last payday off of two men who have very little else to give. Mark my words.
No....Haye It Ain't So!
First David Haye was set to face Vitali Klitschko. It didn't happen. He had previously spent much of his initial time as a heavyweight contender-in-waiting preparing to face Wladimir Klitschko. That fight never happened either. Now, only weeks after agreeing in principle to face Nikolay Valuev, word has percolated about this fight being canceled as well, based on the fact that John Ruiz is said to be the WBA #1 ranked contender and he isn't planning on relinquishing that role. That means that despite being in the heavyweight ranks for two months shy of one year, he has only faced one contender in the division, and the level of talent that opponent mounted was barely recognizable, which means we still don't truly know if he can hang with the big boys. Haye hasn't been able to solidify a bout with three of the taller fighters/champs in the division, and in an odd way, I wonder if the underlying message here for him is that after all the brash antics and talking, we're on the way to finding out that this if a fighter destined to 'come up short' when his chance does finally arrive? Just a thought...
What Goes Around Comes Around?
The three men arrested in connection to the murder of former boxing phenom Vernon Forrest is said to be apprehended and now each facing the death penalty. It's not always easy to adapt the "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" philosophy, but in a case like this, one has to truly wonder if it's indeed justified? It could be years before anything happens one way or the other, but considering that Forrest is now gone with no chance to return, I must say that it feels good to know the men responsible for this ultimate act of ignorance is on the brink of seeing a responding act of justice arrive! As the judge routinely states when a death penalty verdict is read...."May God have mercy upon their souls".... For in that moment of truth, I suspect each of them will truly need it!
