V8: Mayweather, Klitschko/Arreola, Hopkins/Jones, and More!

Floyd Mayweather Jr. A Heavyweight?: A Matter of Size and Skills

Two weeks ago, fight fans watched and were very vocal about what was termed as a "major size advantage" for welterweight Floyd Mayweather jr. when he took on former lightweight Juan Manuel Marquez. What was intriguing about this argument is that the size advantage shared in that fight (roughly 1 inch in height, 3 inches in reach, and 9lbs in weight at most), pales in comparison to what we see in this era of super-heavyweights where someone like Nikolai Valuev literally enjoys a face-to-nipple type height advantage. If size is really an issue, why has their never been a true push to organize a super-heavyweight division in the sport? Surely, if you believe that size plays a role then such an argument must start alongside this weight class, where the size starts at 200lbs and literally NEVER ENDS! Truth be known, size isn't the issue with the heavies, just like it wasn't the issue with Mayweather and Marquez. Mayweather denied the late Diego Corrales (RIP) the same way despite entering the ring 16lbs lighter in their showdown. At the end of the day, size matters in a shoe store, not in boxing. When two men step in the ring, as Vitali Klitschko and Floyd continue to show us, it's skills that pay the bills.

Chris Arreola: A Matter of Too Much Heart, With Too Much Soul (Food)?

Mexican heavyweight Chris Arreola showed everyone that watched last Saturday night that his heart is far beyond question. Few gave him a chance coming into the fight, but what we saw was a masterful showcase of Vitali Klitshcko's skills, not a lack of effort on the part of Arreola. Chris fought like there was no tomorrow, but rather than looking at the future, there's an issue that probably needs to be addressed in the present. The issue at hand would be exactly what his trainer termed as his charge "not giving himself a chance to win". That comment was sparked by the very ethnic diet of Arreola which to some prevents him from being toned and in proper shape. We've all heard of his love of Oreo's and Corona's, but hopefully we can see this warrior buckle down and prepare himself in the best way. He has the charisma, the ability, and the persona, but without the proper diet and conditioning, he'll join the ranks of Buster Douglas and many others who literally ate themselves out of the sport. Let's hope not. I happen to like the guy. Alot!

Hopkins/Jones: KO or OK?

The pending showdown between the legendary Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins is developing more buzz by the day. What do you get when you cross two perennial powers of yesterday against one another today? Well, depends on who you ask. Ask me and I'd say it could be boom or bust. It could be the brutal battle many always wanted between the two, or it could be a defense first safety fest that leaves a lot to be desired. Both men are known for performing, and on this stage I doubt they fail to do so, but with so much on the line and potentially being a swan-song fight for both men, the recent vows of KO's could lead to a showdown that's little more than OK. Either way it goes, call the

cable guy and give him my $50 bucks. I wouldn't miss these two legends for the world!

Kelly Pavlik: Great To See The Man of Steel Back To Normal

For a while it seemed that Pavlik was down in spirits and out of his mind. Lately we've seen a change in demeanor, with Pavlik opening up and speaking his mind to the many questions in the media like he always has. On one side you want to question the silence, but on the other, perhaps we should respect the fact that the 'Ghost' was simply disciplined enough let us talk while he simply listen.....only to do his ultimate 'talking' in the ring. Whatever the case, he's back, and I think he's here to do some damage. Let's see what P-Dub has to say about that one!

USA: Which Heavyweight Has Truly Has A Chance?

Today's heavyweight scene in America is quite dismal. You never want to take away from the Klitshchko's, but looking at the ranking sheet, from the top contender down the line, You just get the impression that we'll never see these men tested, as they're clearly head and shoulders above everyone of the last men standing. 'Fast' Eddie Chambers has the skill level to make it an interesting fight, but plans to enter the ring against Wladimir at no more than 210 takes us right back to that same ole size argument that simply won't go away. That would leave Kevin 'Kingpin' Johnson and a few others to test their luck against the big boys. Some would argue that all the American athletic giants are in the NBA or NFL. My response would be that's probably true, but that does very little to make the country competitive in this race. It'll be interesting to see if the next Ali or Tyson comes along. But it'll be more interesting to see if that would even matter. These guys are good. Oh, and big, too. Lets not forget that one!

Vitali-K Trying To Walk Away?

Word has it that Vitali-K is considering to step away from the sport after 2010. That would mark the end of a reign of dominance that he and his brother, Wladimir have kept in tact with little resistance. You have to wonder if there could ever be enough money thrown on the table to coax he and his brother to give it a go. They said "if their Mom gives them the go" they'd do it, but with such a close family bond, I doubt any of us will be blasting "Momma Said Knock You Out" anytime soon. So, with that in mind, the strong of dominance is expected to continue. Enjoy it while it last, for all good things must come to an end.

Jermain (Taylor) Goes To Germany

Jermain Taylor is said to be deep in concentration as he prepares himself for Germany's Arthur Abraham. In a recent interview, he was quoted as saying that "all the pressure is on Abraham, not him". I'm not quite sure what led to this comment, but I do think that someone needs to send Jermain the memo, letting him know that he isn't the only one who will enter the ring with "Bad Intentions". (Pun Intended). Abraham will bring not only tons of skills, but also a slew of fans chanting his name. Taylor had better bring his A-game, or he'll be relegated to the B-list from here on out! May the best man win.

Joshua Clottey: Cintron, Martinez, Or Else...

In a recent interview with Joshua Clottey, I had the opportunity to ask him about the recent rumblings from jr. middleweight Sergio Martinez and Kermit Cintron. Clottey was very open in saying now that HBO and Goldenboy Promotions have taken Mosley off the boards, there's only one person that will do. His thoughts on Martinez: "Tell him to shut the hell up and come down to 147lbs if he wants to fight me, because I'm comfortable at the welterweight limit and don't plan to change now". His parting words to Cintron: "Take off your track shoes and stop running. You didn't fight me when we were supposed to before. Well, now I have a date on the undercard of the Pavlik/Williams card, and a venue.....If you want to fight me, you finally got your wish".

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