Let’s Get Real My Sporting Observations ………..

Well the Indianapolis Colts squeaked out another win to remain unbeaten within the NFL. In defeating their AFC South divisional rivals the Jacksonville Jaguars, they’ve essentially sewn up their division and garnered home-field advantage throughout the playoffs in the AFC. What better way for Colts’ coach, Jim Caldwell to have such success in his first season as the team’s coach.

Jacksonville, Fl, 17th December 2009. Reggie Wayne (#87) of the Indianapolis Colts runs for yards after the catch against Reggie Nelson (#25) of the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on December 17, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Sam Greenwood .......

In defeating the Jaguars 35-31 , the Colts now are still on the cusp of making history in the NFL. They alongside the New Orleans Saints remain as the only unbeaten teams in the league. The Saints have the daunting task of taking on a Dallas Cowboys’ team that as of late are beginning to live up the hype of the team who just somehow loves to ‘swoon’ in December. Eeking out a victory in the month of December for the Cowboys is like a drunk trying to find resolve from only taking sip from a whiskey bottle when they’re actually enrolled in AA. You know that no good can actually come of it. And for Wade Phillips and his team of under achieving prima-donnas. Well, let’s just say that they’re deserving of their fate at present !

Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder, right, adjusts his microphone at a news conference to introduce the new Redskins General Manager Bruce Allen, left, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, in Ashburn, Va. The Washington Redskins overhauled their front office Thursday morning, hiring Bruce Allen as general manager after the resignation of Vinny Cerrato. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Manuel Balce Ceneta .......

So now I’m suppose to believe that with the resignation of Vinny Cerrato as the GM of the Washington Redskins that Daniel Snyder’s hiring of Bruce Allen as Cerratto’s replacement , things will all of a sudden will become immeasurably better for the Redskins ? Never mind the fact that Snyder has already started the interview process for the replacement of the embattled coach, Jim Zorn. And there we have Sherm Lewis basically treading on eggshells while he’s been given the job of overseeing the team in the absence of anything creative coming from the mind of Jim Zorn. It looks as if a well deserving person such as Lewis will never be given the chance to show that he’s got what it takes to be a coach in the NFL. Well at least, not on a full-time basis, that is. He can’t do any worse than the likes of Steve Spagnuolo, Raheem Morris or Tom Cable for that matter. Now comes word that former Broncos’ coach Mike Shanahan has visited twice privately, to discuss the impending vacant coach’s position with Daniel Snyder.

And the Redskins’ owner seems somewhat reticent to ‘play his cards’ as of yet and let the fans and general public know what his final decision may well. More money to be thrown at a problem that was originally his in the making, to begin with. But guys we’re simply discussing the Washington Redskins here. Their revolving door policy with the regard to the hiring of NFL coaches has certainly got to be admired and laughed at , all in the same gesture.

Bernard Hopkins seen here taking on middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik in a catch-weight contest that originally took place in October ,2008. Hopkins would win the bout decisively inflicting Pavlik with his one and only professional loss in the ring.

They call him ‘The Ghost’ but middleweight boxing champion, Kelly Pavlik (35-1-0, 31 KO’s) has been about as much of champion, as Paris Hilton could be considered to be a possible candidate as a Rhodes’ scholar. Pavlik for his part having defeated Jermain Taylor to win the title and then having successfully defended it against the former champion. He then thought it appropriate to take on another former champion of the division, in , Bernard Hopkins. Let’s just say that was a mismatch of gigantic proportions from the very moment that the fight was announced. The ‘schooling’ that Pavlik took at the hands of Hopkins should have been enough to suggest to the champion that it’s best to stick with what you know, rather than thinking that you know more than you actually do.

Courtesy of Associated Press and Yahoo Sports

Middleweight champ Pavlik ready for the ring

By Dave Skretta , AP Sports Writer

New York (AP)—Everything seemed to be lining up perfectly for the blue-collar kid from Youngstown. He had battered Jermain Taylor, beaten him again in an immediate rematch, and had turned his attention to cleaning out the middleweight division.

The only thing Kelly Pavlik’s cleaned out this year has been his left hand. Twice.

His year has been about as bumpy as the worn-out roads around Jack Loew’s South Side Boxing Club, where the scrawny 160-pound titleholder has been preparing for his return to the ring on Saturday night against unheralded contender Miguel Espino.

Pavlik began 2009 with an uninspiring defense against a mandatory challenger, then had two fights canceled, before rumors began circulating about why he hadn’t been fighting.

The answer, it turned out, was a staph infection on the knuckle of his hand.

“It’s been crazy, the hand, we have worked through that and it’s in the past. The problem with the hand was just time-consuming,” Pavlik said earlier this week. “At the end of the day, we had two major surgeries within two months of each other.”
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The most desired fight out there that all of the fans would want to see and they ought to demand that it take place. It would be for Pavlik to face off against whom many believe to be the number one contender and perhaps the best middleweight in the division, in, Paul Williams (38-1,27 KO’s). Williams for his part hasn’t ducked a challenge and has given the best of himself whenever he’s had to face an opponent. This’d be the one match-up that I for one, would be willing to pay to see. But instead we’ll be forced to see Pavlik defend his title in a meaningless PPV event against a nondescript challenger, Miguel Angel Espino (20-2-1,9 KO’s) , in Pavlik’s hometown of Youngstown, Ohio at the Chevrolet Center, this upcoming Saturday. Don’t hold unto your hats, as this fight might be about as eventful as having your prostate checked. And as we guys know, about the only person who seems to be enjoying themselves at the time, is the medical professional who happens to be conducting the exam. How was it for you ? LOL, LOL,LOL !!! Need I say anymore on the matter ?

Paul Williams (right) seen here taking on Sergio Martinez in a middleweight bout held at the Atlantic City Boardwalk Complex, Atlantic City , New Jersey. Williams would defeat his opponent with a unanimous points decision. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Will Hart ..................

Courtesy of HBO.com

Williams wins hard fought decision against Martinez

By Chuck Johnson

The result was an action-packed, nonstop-punching thriller at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall as Williams survived a valiant upset bid by Sergio Martinez to win a 12-round majority decision.

Showing why they’re considered two of the world’s best junior middleweights, Williams and Martinez moved up a few pounds to meet in the middleweight non-title bout, and it didn’t take long before they started connecting.

Both fighters scored knockdowns in the first round to set the tone for an ebb-and-flow donnybrook that ended with judge Julie Lederman calling the fight even 114-114 while judges Lynne Carter 115-113 and Pierre Benoist 119-110 both gave the nod to Williams.

“It was a good fight, a war,” said Williams, who spent most of the bout nursing a profusely-bleeding cut over his left eye that was opened by a combination of punches and an apparent head butt.

“This fight wasn’t easy, but I wasn’t trying to box him,” Williams said. “I wanted to make it a war.”

Williams (38-1, 28 KOs) landed a left to the temple that dropped Martinez in the first round, but the 6-foot-1 slugger from Aiken, S.C. found himself on the seat of his pants moments later when Martinez unloaded a hard right to the jaw.
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Williams seen here boxing as a welterweight taking on Carlos Quintana in the second of their two much heralded fights. In this selection you’ll see the devastating punching power of Williams. The fight took place at the Mohegan Sun Casino , Uncasville, Connecticut on the 7th June 2008. With the win Williams recaptured the WBO welterweight title.

Williams knows ultimately that sooner or later Pavlik has to fight him as the champion can’t carry on avoiding the number one contender for his belt. The problem is that with Pavlik’s propensity to either hurt himself in a bout or more often than not an foreseen medical comes to light during his training regimen . In all likelihood , all the fans might ever get to see, is Pavlik in a nondescript bout , while Williams is laying waste to the rest of the middleweight division.

They say things tend to come in three’s and what with the untimely deaths of NFL’s players Chris Henry and Steve McNair to apparent acts of violence . I think it’s time to keep a watchful eye on the police blotters up and down the country where there NFL franchises situated. You think I’m kidding ? Who could’ve foreseen the untimely deaths of both Henry and McNair ? Well , off course the ‘man upstairs’ would know but other than that , who else ?

OK, so there’s no real need to heap praise on the US national soccer squad. We know they’ve made it to next year’s World Cup in South Africa. But in all honesty it’d take a monumental disaster of catastrophic proportions for the team to even make it to the quarter or semi-finals of the competition. As good as the team has been , they’ve also had that tendency to slip back into the depths of mediocrity.

Well now comes word that perhaps the team’s best player ,Landon Donovan, is looking to breach out once again and make his way into Europe and acclimatize himself with the rigors of soccer. What the MLS simply just wasn’t good enough for his overrated but yet underachieving talent ?

Courtesy of Yahoo Sports

Donovan join Everton on loan from L A Galaxy

LIVERPOOL, England (AP)—United States forward Landon Donovan will join Everton on a short-term loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The Premier League club, which announced the deal Friday, is hoping the American’s pace, experience and scoring record will help the team climb away from relegation trouble.

Donovan has to get a work permit to complete the loan, which will run from January until mid-March. It will finish in time for the 27-year-old player to return to the MLS for the Galaxy’s opening match on March 27.

“It’s all done now,” Everton manager David Moyes said. “Landon will join us at the start of January. He will come in and add pace. He’s a good finisher.”

The deal was announced two days after Donovan signed a new four-year contract with the Galaxy. He will team up with Tim Howard, the first choice goalkeeper for the United States who is in his fourth season with Everton since moving from Manchester United.

“Hopefully he is the first of two or three we want to bring in January,” said Moyes, whose team is 15th in the standings, one point above the relegation zone. “We need to strengthen our squad to make sure we are not in a situation like we have at the moment with so many injuries.

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L A Galaxy coach, Bruce Arena and Landon Donovan talks about his ambitions and aspirations with the Galaxy and his impending loan to the English Premiership club , Everton.

Landon Donovan may well be a considerable talent but in no way is he this country’s best player ! That undoubted privilege would have to go to the team’s goalkeeper, Tim Howard. Who if anything , he’s been the only bona-fide world class star that this country has or produced in the sport over the past two decades. Howard who now plays in the English Premier League (EPL) with Everton, has been an outstanding player throughout much of professional career. And he’s won at the highest levels in terms of domestic soccer. And his form for both his club side and country has been nothing short of exemplary .

A montage of Howard’s early years from a youth, on and upwards.

Howard has been a model of consistency at every level of the sport that he’s played. And it is understandable why he’s such a desired talent across the globe. There are but a handful of goalkeepers on the planet with his unique and innate talent. But yet year in and year out all the pundits here seem to talk about is the modest talent of the L A Galaxy’s, Landon Donovan. I suppose now having to share center stage with teammate, David Beckham , does have its privileges after all ?

With a loan deal now in the works , Donovan will be joining his national teammate as a member of Everton’s premiership roster. And with Howard viewed as the backbone of Everton’s defense, it’ll be very interesting to see what Landon Donovan will be able to contribute to the aspirations of the team. He’s been a noted striker within the MLS. Where he has been very prodigious and productive. But playing in the MLS and playing in the EPL are two entirely different things. It’s like making a comparison between varsity football and the NFL.

Though this isn’t first foray into playing soccer on the European continent at the domestic level. It will however provide Donovan with the experience he seeks and ramp up his competitive edge as a player. If he’s to prove himself the player that many believe he can be at the international level. Then he’ll have to prove once and for all that he can play in one the most competitive domestic soccer leagues in the world and acquit himself amiably . If not then US’s hopes at the 2010 World Cup mightn’t be as bright as many are hoping it will be.

So once and for all , let’s get real here ! These are the topics, what are your thoughts on each ?

NB: This piece was first posted by me within the following site http://theoraclesays.wordpress.com under the original title of ‘Let’s Get Real …..My Sporting Observations ….

Rust ? What Rust ?

Rust What Rust ?

Be ready,be very ready to see the return of the ‘Money Man’ on the 19th September. Floyd Mayweather (39-0, 25 KO’s),makes his long awaited and anticipated return to the ring. Mayweather has chosen his hand picked opponent,in Juan Manuel Marquez(50-4-1,37 KO’s). And Marquez is as tough as they come. A three time world titlist,the young Mexican comes from a long line if heralded Hispanic boxers. And he’s out to fulfill that obligation, of living up to that line of great Latin pugilists.

Floyd Mayweather Jr and Juan Manuel Marquez . The two welterweights are due to meet on Saturday 19th at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Complex in Las Vegas , Nevada. poster appears courtesy of HBO...................

The bout itself will be at the welterweight division and though it won’t be for a title fight. It’s being viewed as an eliminator, with the winner having the privilege of meeting Manny Pacquiao. In what’ll be viewed as the title for the linear champion within the welterweight division. Buyer beware, as the caveat here, is that any fight fan willing to make the outlay of $49-95, had better be prepared to do so.

Floyd Mayweather Jr (left) works out at his gym with one of his trainers, Leonard Ellerbee. Mayweather takes on Juan Manuel Marquez in one of the year's most highly anticipated fights at the MGM Grand , Las Vegas, on September 19th. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Isaac Brekken ..........................

As we all know PPV is the bread and butter that the marquee fight promotions live by. And they’ll continue to do so, for the foreseeable future. It’s hoped, that the bout does live up to the hype and a great deal more. Both Marquez and Mayweather have been doing their very best to publicize the event. But it remains to be seen whether or not there’ll be interest shown in the bout itself. Mayweather, upon his impending return to the ring, has let it be known that it’s Pacquaio, who he’s really after and wants. And off-course it’s understandable why. A bout between the two is bound to be one of the biggest bouts in recent memory. It’s quite possible that a bout of that magnitude could very well gross in excess of $100 million in revenues from the buys alone. And a further $35-$50 million in ticket sales, concession sales and ancillary rights from overseas broadcasts showings.That being said, it will be all be predicated upon Mayweather defeating his Mexican opponent.

Marquez seen here works out on a speed bag at a gym in Mexico City in preparation for his upcoming bout against Mayweather. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Miguel Tovar .......................

It would be in Mayweather’s interest to not underestimate Marquez or take the bout too lightly at all. We’ve all seen what a fight of this magnitude can do. Mayweather loses, and Marquzez sets his sights on Pacquiao. Mayweather is bound to want a rematch. A win and he’s right back on the proverbial gravy train. Money at this juncture for Mayweather isn’t the be all and end all. But it does add that certain spice. And for a fighter, who in the last five years has earned in excess of $55million in purses alone. Money has got to be the last thing on his mind.If anything, it is his lust for the recognition that he no doubt feels that he warrants and deserves. He’s had to live in the shadow of Oscar De La Hoya.A fighter, he essentially destroyed in their bout, when they met. But it was De La Hoya, who essentially was given the hero’s send-off ,as he departed from the ring. Essentially, as gifted as Mayweather is ,he’s often thought of as a fighter who tends to alienate the fans with his boorish behavior. If he’s not front and center, in terms of the attention being foisted upon any individual. Then he’ll let you know it. If it isn’t about the ‘Money Man’,then it’s not meant to be about anyone at all, but him.

Mayweather and De La Hoya face off from their bout of June ,2007, two years ago.

Marquez comes into this bout with a rich pedigree and who’s known as a fighter who brings it all to the ring. He rarely leaves the fans short changed. And in this much anticipated bout, it’s easy to understand why a number of fight fans and analysts alike, are waiting for this bout with baited breath. You’ve a boxer in Mayweather, who can fight, as well box. And less we forget , he’s the consummate showman as well ? And in Juan Manuel Marquez we have real hardened fighter. Whose motto, is kill or be killed . And quite possibly, this bout mightn’t go the distance. Marquez, if he’s to win this bout , he’ll have to stand toe to toe and look to knock Mayweather out. Floyd, for his part, merely has to use his speed and guile , and typically look for the shots that could wear down his opponent. A slug-fest though, wouldn’t be totally unexpected but then again ,this fight could very well full of surprises.

Fans watch and admire Marquez while he's at work in the gym . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Miguel Tovar ............................

So, with the anticipation of the bout, we’ll now have to wait to see what materializes when these two heralded fighters meet in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand. And for Mayweather, who has been away from the ring for 21 months. It’ll be an amazing performance, should he prevail against Marquez in the bout. As much as he’s viewed, as a prohibitive favorite for the bout , merely because of his unbeaten record. It wouldn’t surprise me at all should the bout end in a victory for Juan Manuel Marquez. Mayweather, has been away from the ring for a long time. And it’s not often that a fighter of his pedigree comes back and re-enters the ring with the usual aplomb. In the belief that all he’s got to do, is just show up.

Mayweather works the speed bag at his gym in preparation for his bout. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Isaac Brekken .........................

This bout has the makings of becoming a real classic. And for both fighters there’s a lot at stake. To the victor,belongs the spoils. And for the loser, it means an abrupt departure from the high profile glare of the sport. It’s by no means a certainty that this will live up to the hype. Because there’s been very little widespread publicity of the event to begin with. However, the cable outlet HBO , has been doing the customary documentary ,profiling both fighters and the upcoming event. Its coverage of which, has been very insightful for even a passer by , showing a curious interest in the event itself. For those of us , who are indeed fans. Then it also gives an insight into each fighter’s preparation and their thought process.

Mayweather (left) and Marquez(right) pose alongside promoter and former boxing champ Oscar De La Hoya(center). De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions is promoting the bout jointly with Mayweather's own promotion company in conjunction with HBO . The cable outlet operates the PPV programming of the bout which will then be retelevized a week later on the cable outlet. picture appears courtesy of afp/reuters / Marc De Sainz ...............................................

And as much as I’m still in many ways a solid fight fan. I can’t help but wonder what things would be like if we had fights of this magnitude on a regular basis in the sport. Insomuch , as the promoters tell us that the fight game is still very much alive. It’s only alive in the eyes of very few. Many of boxing’s most ardent fans have now gone elsewhere. As they’ve in some ways been vilified by the promoters and boxers, who expect them to shell out countless amounts of dollars for a very anemic and sometimes uninteresting product to begin with. Never-mind, the fact that when it’s a much heralded bout, it tends to be between a guy who’s fighting someone past their prime. Or, as has been often the case, it’s a bout that we’re led to believe has the next young rising star challenging for a title. Only to find that they’ve got as much talent as a lip syncing Ashlee Simpson.

Bring Out Your Aged And Weary …..Is That What This Sport Has Now Become ?

Bring Out Your Aged And Weary ……Is That What This Sport Has Now Become ?

I’ve got to admit that for all sense and purpose my yearning to watch a boxing match just no longer happens to be there. At a time when the sport is losing long time devoted fans to the genre of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). We’re being told by famed boxing writers that there’s still an avid interest, there in the sport. Well ,isn’t that very much like saying there’s still an interest in seeing the likes of Angie Dickinson or Ann Margaret naked ? In their prime, those women were very desirable. Now to put it politely they’re very much long in the tooth and showing their age ! Much as with the sport of boxing , is now doing .

A young Angie Dickinson looking somewhat playful !

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An elderly Angie Dickinson , inset with a younger picture portrait of herself

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Actress and sex symbol Ann Margaret

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Ann Margaret now looking somewhat more matronly . picture appears courtesy of wire images/ Michael Caulfield ..........

It no longer captures the hearts and minds of many of its once erstwhile fans.Now it’s more like watching an aged pachyderm on its last legs after it has been shot with a tranquilizer. It’s a very sad state of affairs for this once most prestigious of sports. The days of Muhammad Ali , George Foreman , Mike Tyson , and Lennox Lewis are long gone. And though the recently retired Oscar De La Hoya , served the sport well, over the last fifteen years. For the most part, when the Golden Boy wasn’t fighting, absolutely no one took any notice ! . Now I’m supposed to get excited in seeing an aging and past his prime Roy Jones Jr (53-5, 39 KO’s) step back into the ring ? Can someone please exhume the body of Joe Louis ? At least then, I’d have something to be excited about !

Jones dons the costume of a pirate in order to promote his NABO light heavyweight title bout against Jeff Lacy this past Saturday night. Jones defeated his younger opponent with a TKO in the tenth round . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Matt Schuyler ........................

Jones in his prime, was one of the pre-eminent boxers in the world , having ruled the middleweight , super-middleweight and then light heavyweight divisions. Now, it’s more about Jones not necessarily fighting for money. As he’s made enough money over the course of his career to at least last him several life times. But more so Jones, is fighting merely to make his presence felt and known. In his last eight fights, he’s 4-4 , none too impressive for a fighter of Jones’ pedigree.

Jeff Lacy is seen here at the weigh in for his NABO light heavyweight title bout against Roy Jones Jr. picture appears courtesy of square ring/ap/photo/ Tom Casino .........................

Well on Saturday night, Jones will face onetime super-middleweight titlist Jeff Lacy (25-2) , in what many deem is something of a meaningless bout for a little recognized title.
That being said, about the only thing that this bout may well signal . Is that once again the promoters haven’t got the slightest idea how to recreate a dialogue, wherein, the sport
attracts the attention of the most avid of fans. As to the aspirations of both fighters. A win ,in their eyes puts them with a great chance of staking their claim for a shot at a version at the heavyweight title. With the retirement of the linear champion, in Joe Calzaghe . The best fighter in the division now, is Chad Dawson . And a likely match-up for the victor against Dawson , is seemingly what both Jones and Lacy are after.

Roy Jones starts to do damage to his opponent Jeff Lacy in their light heavyweight title bout. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Carl Mitchell ..................

Jones, being the more experienced of the two, has to view this as his last shot at real glory. But for Lacy, it would add to his already impressive stat as a fighter. For the most interested and earnest of fans , if they’ve got the money to spare they can always shell out the $39.95 that the promoters are seeking for the main bout -on a fight card that’s not overly impressive to begin with. And the bout itself, is being staged at the Gulf Coast Arena in Biloxi, Mississippi . Not exactly a hotbed of note, for professional boxing. But be that as it may ,the fight on the face of it brings nothing to the table for most. Other than the fact that you get to see yet another aging fighter who’s past his prime. And if that’s what the promoters expect will excite the fans. Then as I’d alluded to earlier then they clearly have no idea as to real inherent problems that the sport is now facing.

A bloodied and battered Jeff Lacy (right) is being severely punished by his opponent Roy Jones Jr (left) in their title fight held at the Gulf Coast Arena in Biloxi, Mississippi, . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Arne Sylvester .........................

Where the sport now goes from here is open to a great deal of debate and speculation. Unfortunately there’ll be those so called aficioanados out there, who’ll try to tell us that the death knell for boxing has been vastly exaggerated. Well with a dwindling fanbase , I’d like to ask those boxing analysts what the hell have they been looking at over the last few years ? Granted when De La Hoya was in the ring, he was the main draw. But since his retirement there’s been no one who has assumed the mantel and become the draw that the sport so yearns. Not even amongst the heavyweight division is there really a fighter of note. And while Manny Pacquiao may well be now seen as the biggest draw in the sport. It’s extremely hard to say whether or not he’ll be around two or three years from now. Such is the acute state of the sport, that any kind of extravaganza would be welcomed within the boxing at this juncture. But surely not an aging Roy Jones Jr is deemed to be what’s meant to draw us back to a sport that’s for now in all sense and purpose truly lacking of a fighter with real charisma and exceptional talent.

Pacquiao may well be that exception the rule . But for the long term survival of the sport. There’s got to be something that we can way to take from the triage, resuscitate it back to health and some semblance of normalcy. In order that the sport of boxing can survive. If not then it might as well go the way of the dinosaur and become completely extinct once and for all !

NB Posted in lieu of of the post fight . The victor in the bout was Roy Jones Jr., who stopped his opponent with a TKO in the tenth round of their scheduled 12 round title fight.

For more details just click on the text headlined link provided below.

Courtesy of ESPN/Associated Press :

Jones stops Lacy in the 10th round

BILOX, Miss- Roy Jones Jr toyed with the crowd and with Jeff Lacy , stopping the overmatched opponent after the tenth round Saturday night to retain the NABO lightheavyweight championship title.

Jones (54-5, 39 KO’s) used a left hook to cut Lacy’s eye in the third round , and both of Lacy’s eyes were swelling in the seventh. Lacy didn’t answer the bell for the eleventh round and the referee stopped the bout.

Jones joked when asked when he thought the bout was in his hands.

“When they gave me the gloves,” Jones said. “My hands are still as fast as ever. I’ve got the quickest speed in the game”.

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Just Tiny Baby Steps Please … !

I try not to get overly enthusiastic when I hear that there’s another British boxer on the rise in the world,in the sport of boxing. Merely because many of them, once having crossed the Atlantic , they tend to end up biting the dust when they’ve faced an American opponent on these shores.

British boxer Amir Khan (right) stands toe to toe while connecting to the head of his Ukrainian opponent Andreas Kotelnik . The bout took place at the M.E.N Arena in Manchester , England , this past Saturday , 18th July, 2009. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Andrew Yates .................

The exception to the rule over the last few years have been former undisputed heavyweight champion , Lennox Lewis and the former undisputed super middleweight champion and the linear title holder amongst the light heavies, Joe Calzaghe. These two fighters seemed to have excelled when facing an opponent said to be their superior in almost every facet of the fight game.

Amir Khan lands a quick right hand to the head of Marco Antonio Barrera in their world title fight held earlier this year in March at the M.E.N Arena in Manchester , England. Khan won the fight impressively with a fifth round stoppage which resulted in a technical decision. A bruised, bloodied and battered Barrera was unable to come out for the sixth round of their WBO Inter Continental lightweight title bout. picture appears courtesy of getty images / Andrew Livesey ............................

And when one takes into account that the two of them were a combined 87-2-1 over the course of their careers. With the tow blemishes on that record being Lewis’ two losses , one each to Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman . Both of which were swiftly avenged by Lewis , with comprehensive victories over both of his nemesis-es.

Frank Warren and his young protoge' Amir Khan seen here publicizing Khan's upcoming defense against Andreas Kotelnik. Warren has started to make pronouncements that his young fighter is the future of the sport within the division and is prepared to take on allcomers. picture appears courtesy of getty images / John Gichigi ..........................

Which brings me to introduction of up and coming young prospect Amir Khan . Who already at the tender age of 22 , has now been crowned a world champion, capturing the junior light welterweight title with a unanimous victory over Andreas Kotelnik , this past Saturday night . And as impressive as that victory might well have been . His previous victory may well have been the one that has now put him on the fast track for super-stardom in the sport of boxing. His defeat of former seven time world champion, (three different weight classes) Marco Antonio Barrera , may well have put to rest the fact that prior to the bout. He’d been fight nothing more than tomato cans and patsies for good measure.

Khan in one of the rare and elusive moments that Kotelnik was able to lead an attack manages to evade a punch from the fighter during their bout. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Andrew Yates ...........................

With the victory now over Kotelnik and his prior defeat of Barrera. The talk now , is for Khan to step up in class and pedigree, the type of fighters that he ought to now face. While, wholeheartedly I’m not against this, I do feel that it’d be in the title holder’s best interest to think things through before facing his next challenger. And though one might use the analogy from hereon-in ,it’ll be like shooting fish in a barrel. Khan should be forewarned that it takes a wise man to think through but a fool to just step on in thinking that nothing that stands in their way can’t be defeated.

Khan lands a left hook to the already dishevelled face of his opponent Andreas Kotelnik. For a large majority of the bout it was Khan who was the aggressor. And the judges were succinct in arriving at a unanimous verdict at the end of twelve rounds of boxing for the light welterweight title. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Andrew Yates .........................

The praise lauded upon the young fighter whilst justified should also act as a cautionary note if he chooses not to heed the advice being given to him at this juncture. Obviously there’s a great deal of money to be made as the champion. But all the money in the world cannot hide the embarrassment of defeat when you’re being handily beaten in the ring by a challenger who’s not even as talented as you to begin with. And this is seemingly the situation that Khan now finds himself in. As his manager , Frank Warren continues to guide his career meticulously. But as of late Warren is apt to believe that Khan can now take on the likes of former title holder within the division , Ricky Hatton and quite possibly land a big money bout against none other than Floyd Mayweather Jr. Such grandiose ideas serves his fighter no real purpose other than to get him noticed. And it’s highly unlikely that we’ll see the return of Hatton to the ring in the near future. Especially , not after the crushing defeat he was dealt at the hands of Manny Pacquiao , inside all of two rounds. Hatton was completely emasculated by the Filipino fighter and I doubt he’ll ever be the same again.

A jubilant Khan is raised in celebration by one of his cornermen after the announcement is made that he's defeated Andreas Kotelnik for the light welterweight title. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Andrew Yates ..............

As to Khan facing Mayweather at this juncture . I think it’s pretty safe to say we can all envisage how that bout is likely to turn out , were they face each other within the next six to eight months. And I’d like to consider also that Warren would be nowhere stupid enough to lay down the gauntlet by even daring to call out Manny Pacquiao to face Amir Khan. But such been the state of boxing that in some respects the promoters tend to do more harm to the image of the sport. Rather than actually enhancing its image , legacy and above its integrity.

As an avid fight fan , I must admit that I do like to see the very best take on the best in title bouts. But what I do feel that is totally unwarranted when it comes to the sport , is to see a lamb being led to the slaughter. It serves no real purpose other than trying to fill the unquenchable thirst of many of the unsavory characters that still remain within the sport. There’s so much widespread corruption within the sport that it can’t be corralled. And at the same time the international governing bodies that control the sport , have been bought and sold many times over. That it remains to be seen who can be truly be trusted to be proactive and do the right thing.

Whilst, I understand that there’s a great deal of money to be made from a title bout. What with the untold amounts of wagering that’s made. The merchandising , ancillary promotions , concessions but above all the rights involved in terms of selling about abroad through the various media outlets. And then to top it all we have the enormous prices that’s charged in terms of the PPV price(pay-per-view). A top notch title bout between two well known fighters can garner in excess of $50m-$60m . Dependent upon the time of the year the bout is held and what venue it is being held in. If that doesn’t signify how much of a cash-cow that a prestigious title can garner for all of the parties concerned. Then it is understandable as to the reasons why more often than not we hear these wild pronouncements being made by one party or another concerning the fighters nowadays. It’s all part of the selling process that’s intended to lure the avid , wavering fan and first time observer in, to witness the spectacle of a major boxing promotion.

Nothing else seemingly matters at the end of the day. Just as long as all of the parties concerned are equally taken care of. However. in some cases there are those who stand to profit more than others. Rightfully, or wrongfully the powers that wouldn’t want it any other way to begin with It’s just the way the business of boxing is conducted. While it enrages some , it most definitely pleases others.

There’s A Certain Irony To Life As There Is In Death

I’m finding it all the more inexplicable to understand the meaning of life as there is to its meaning in death . Having read about the tragic loss of Steve McNair . It’s now even more tragic to read of the death of former light welterweight champion Arturo Gatti .

Arturo Gatti (left) takes it to Micky Ward (right) in their bout held at the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The trilogy of fights would leave an indelible mark on the sport. picture appears courtesy upi.com/photo/ John Angelilo ........ @ copyrighted material. All rights reserved

Any of you who are avid boxing fans will know of the exploits of this renowned fighter over this decade. His trilogy of fights against Micky Ward were about as exciting a series of bouts that you’re ever likely to see. And when speaks of a series of bouts . Think the Ali vs. Frazier ‘Thriller In Manila’ series . And you can understand the legacy no doubt as to how historical those bouts were. And now place those in context of the Gatti vs Ward series . And you can understand what it is that I’m trying explain to you. There are fights and then then are a series of fights. And then there are just fights. What emanated from the Gatti vs Ward series are the type of bouts that makes the the sport of boxing extremely exciting when there’s something there to relish.

Gatti and Ward in the second of their trilogy of bout that that took place on May 18th 2002 .

Yahoo Sports:

Former boxing champ Gatti found dead in Brazil

By Stan Lehman, Associated Press Writer

SAO PAULO-(AP) Former boxing champion Arturo Gatti, whose epic trilogy with Micky Ward branded him one of the most exciting fighters of his generation was found dead in a hotel room in the posh seasie port of Porto de Galihnas early Saturday.

Police investigator Edilson Alves told the Associated Press that the body of the former junior welterweight champ was discovered in his room at the tourist resort, where Gatti arrived on Friday with his Brazilian wife Amanda and his 1 year old son.

Alves said the police were investigating and it was unclear how the 37 year old Canadian died.

“It is still too early to say anything concrete, althoug it is all very strange”, Alves said. He declined to provide any additional details.

A spokesman for the state public safety department said Gatti’s wife and son were unhurt . The woman declined to give a name in keeping with department policy.

“There were no bullet or stab wounds on his body, but police did find blood stains on the floor”, she said.

Brazilian boxer and four-time world champion Acelino ‘Pop’ Freitas told the G1 website of Brazil’s largest tv network Globo that he was a close friend of Gatti and his wife, and that he knew that ” he knew that they were having some sort of problem and were about to separate.”

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In order to read this article in its entirety just click on the titled text shown above.

Arturo Gatti (left) seen here facing Floyd Mayweather Jr in their World Super Lightweight title bout held at the Atlantic City Boardwalk , Atlantic City , New Jersey. Mayweather would win the bout in defeating Gatti. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Phil Mayhew ..........

And while we can only speculate as to the cause of death in the case of Gatti. It’s far too early to suggest foul play at this juncture.

At the age of 37 and seemingly his life ahead of him , having retired from the ring with his health in tact. The death of Arturo Gatti has sent shock waves across the sport. Bearing in mind that recently we also had the loss of former four time weight division titlist Alexis Arguello to a homicide in his own home in Managua, Nicaragua.

As to Gatti’s place in the sport. It will be one of a rich legacy and the respect of his peers. However the fighter will if anything will be remembered for those trilogy of fights against Micky Ward. His heart and bravado never could be questioned. As Gatti’s way when it came to fighting was to become an allout warrior in the ring. His first thought was to entertain the fans make sure that they paid for what they came in attendance to see. That was for two fighters to go toe to toe and not give any quarter in the ring. This style was Gatti’s modus operandi in the ring from the get-go . And not once did he ever fail to deliver.

Fans were always appreciative of Gatti’s endeavors in the ring. And he was appreciative of their support and reciprocated that with his efforts outside the ring with his charitable contributions in his native Canada. And where resides in New Jersey.

Gatti in many ways was viewed as an everyman of the sport. And the fans could identify with the fighter. In many respects that may well have been the reason why he was so beloved by the fans. The loss of Gatti and what he meant to the sport cannot be fully appreciated. Fighters of Gatti’s caliber don’t come along that frequently. Especially those that’ve shown his extraordinary bravery and resolve inside of a boxing ring.

As we now ponder this loss. Let’s also remember what he brought to the sport. And at the same show our appreciation for one of the truly great exponents of the art form over this last decade.

My heartfelt condolences to the immediate members of the Gatti family !

Arturo Gatti : Chronology
D.O.B: 04/15/72 D.O.D:07/11/09 Age: 37 Ht: 5′ 7 1/2″
Weight:147 lbs/66.8kgs

Fight Record: Wins 40, Losses 9, KO’s 31, Draws 0.

IBF Super Featherweigth champion
December 15th 1995-1997 vacated

WBC Super Lightweight champion
January 24th 2004- June 25th 2005

Be Careful What You Wish For

Well over the weekend Miguel Cotto successfully defended his WBO welterweight title when he defeated Ghanaian, Joshua Clottey in a majority split decision. While the result bodes well for Cotto and his ambitions to unify the division with an undisputed champion. His performance whilst impressive may not be enough to sway the minds of many who feel that he ought to be the next opponent for the linear champion within the division. And that person is none other than Manny Pacquiao of the Phillipines.  

Miguel Cotto (left) of Puerto Rico looks to fend off a flurry punches from his challenger for his WBO welterweight title in Joshua Clottey. The bout took place at the bastion of boxing at the Madision Square Gardens Arena in New York City, New York. Picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Al Bello

Pacquaio is now widely acknowledged as the best pound for pound boxer in the world. And his destruction of boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya cemented that reputation to the maximum. And while no one doubts the capabilities of Cotto as a fighter. His stamina and the very fact that his chin has always been suspect comes into question. What became even more noticeable in this bout was the fact that he sustained a rather nasty cut in his bout with Clottey. Albeit that it came from an accidental head butt early in the bout. Luckily had it not gone to the to the judges when the injury was sustained then he may well have ended up losing the bout on a technicality. But such was his will to fight on that the bout became a do or die situation for the fighter.

A slightly bloodied Miguel Cotto is congratulated by his opponent Joshua Clottey after their hard fought WBO welterweight title bout held on Saturday night at Madison Square Gardens, New York City. Picture appears courtesy of Top Rank/ Chris Farina

And though the victory may well be looked upon as enough to quell a quiet storm. It should in no way signify that the fighter is ready to meet Pacquiao. If anything the noises being made are only being done as it’s the most viable and lucrative option for the fighter in terms of a really big payday. He may not wish to face someone such as Shane Mosley who defeated his most recent nemesis Antonio Margarito. And in all likelihood that’d be the desired bout that most would want to see . As the winner would be then deemed deserving of the chance to face Pacquiao.

Cotto connects to the head Clottey during the third round of their WBO welterweight title bout held at Madison Square Gardens in New York City. The event itself was held on National Puerto Rican Day. And it signified that the for the fourth consecutive year Cotto fought on that day . His legions of Puerto Rican compatriots came out in throngs to show their support for the fighter. Picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Al Bello

And now with their being renewed interest within the welterweight division with the impending unretirement of Floyd Mayweather Jr. It has to be said that all of the marquee names within the division are looking to have themselves affixed to a certain pecking order within the category. And that pecking order may have more to do with popularity rather than overall boxing ability in many respects with regard to a number of the aspirants.