Jack Dempsey was a rough-house fighter and a crowd-pleaser. He was from an impoverished background and had learned to fight to survive on the mean streets of his hometown of Manassa, Colorado. He didn’t use the ring, he went looking for his opponents. He liked nothing more than to fight and get that early knockout, and the crowd loved him for it. 

Dempsey was to remain undefeated World Heavyweight Champion for the next 7 years. His two most notable defences were against the big-hitting Argentinian Luis Firpo, ” The Bull of the Pampas,” which Dempsey won in 2 Rounds of what was a stand up fist fight, during which at one point Firpo punched Dempsey out of the ring. The other fight was against the Frenchman Georges Carpentier. Carpentier was little more than a middleweight but was considered by many to be the best boxer of his generation. Unquestionably talented and skillful the ” Little Frenchie, ” known also as ” The Orchid Man, ” was a war hero and admired on both sides of the Atlantic. They fought on 2 July, 1921, before a crowd of over 83,000 and the takings were a staggering $1,789,236 more than twice as much as for any previous prizefight. Some even thought that Carpentier might win but despite using all his ring-craft and rocking the champion in the early rounds he was unable to stay clear of Dempsey’s incessant onslaught and was finally overwhelmed in the 4th Round by his stronger and more powerful opponent. It would be another five years before Dempsey would meet his nemesis, a man so different to himself that it would divide American society into almost two hostile camps.

James Joseph Tunney, known as Gene, was a sophisticated New Yorker. Polished and erudite, he counted the likes of F Scott Fitzgerald and George Bernard Shaw among his friends. He believed the art of boxing was not to get hit and preferred literature and art to the brutality of sport. Though the Dempsey-Tunney fight had only come about because both boxers refused to fight the No 1 Challenger Harry Wills, a black man, it was to be a classic match-up, between the fighter and the boxer. 

The pre-fight support had all been for Dempsey. The American sporting public hated Tunney’s intellectual pretensions and what they perceived as his superior attitude. He was for them a smart-ass. But then he was smart. Prior to the fight he had taken the then unprecedented step of studying Dempsey’s previous fights on film and had, he said, detected certain weaknesses. When they fought on 23 September, 1926, in Philadelphia Tunney was to give Dempsey a boxing lesson. Dempsey, who had not fought in the previous three years and must have been ring-rusty had nevertheless been confident of victory. So also were the American public who had made Tunney a 10-1 underdog. But using his jab to keep Dempsey at bay the champion was unable to land a glove on him and it was to be the unheralded Tunney who was to leave Dempsey on the seat of his pants as he progressed to an overwhelming unanimous points decision.

It was to be a year to the day before Dempsey got opportunity to regain his title in what was to be one of the most controversial fights of all time. In the intervening period, however, much had changed for Dempsey. He had been accused of dodging the draft during the First World War. He was to be cleared of these accusations but they had damaged his reputation immensely. Tunney, on the other hand, had been a Marine, and though he had not seen action patriotic sentiment was now firmly on his side. When they fought on 22 September, 1927, at Soldiers Field in Chicago, the crowd were hostile towards Dempsey. But he couldn’t care less, he was determined to let his fists do the talking and answer his critics. Yet again Tunney fought superbly but in the 7th Round a furious assault by Dempsey sent Tunney to the canvass. Tunney was genuinely hurt and seeing this Dempsey stood aggressively over his prostrate opponent as he had done with Jess Willard eight years before. However, a new rule had been introduced that ordered that a boxer must be made to remove himself to a neutral corner following a knockdown. The referee interrupted his count to ensure that Dempsey did this. When he returned he started his count again from the start. Tunney, who was cleverly determined to take every second available to clear his head remained down. When the referee counted ten Tunney rose to his feet. He had in fact had just over 14 seconds to recover. The bell for the end of the Round came soon after. When Dempsey renewed his assault in the following round it was Tunney’s turn to send him to the canvass. He had fully recovered and was to go onto another unanimous points victory in what was to become known as ” The Long Count.” 

Following his victory Tunney made one more successful defence of his title before announcing his retirement in July, 1928. He had fought 86 times and lost only once. His retirement caused some controversy as no previous champion had ever retired undefeated, they were expected to lose their titles. Having relinquished the title, however, a new champion had to be found. 

The No 1 contender was Jack Sharkey, who despite his Irish pseudonym was born Joseph Paul Zukauskas, and was of Lithuanian descent. Like Tunney, he was a native New Yorker though he now fought out of Boston. The amiable and popular Sharkey, who had the unfortunate soubriquet ” The Boston Gob, ” did not fight shy of dangerous opponents or choose them according to race. He fought and defeated the highly-rated Harry Wills before facing Jack Dempsey in a title eliminator on 21 July, 1926. A stylish boxer like Tunney, it was, however, Dempsey who had been his hero. Easily out-pointing the ageing ex-champion, in the 7th Round he turned to complain to the referee about yet another of several low blows, as he did so, Dempsey knocked him cold.

Four years later, Sharkey would again get the opportunity to win a shot at the World Title. Having defeated the Light-Heavyweight Champion Tommy Loughran in an eliminator bout, in early 1930, he fought the German Max Schmelling in a World Title Decider. A short-priced favourite to win he blew his chance when, ironically, he was disqualified for landing a low blow. On 21 June, 1932, in a re-match he controversially won the title on a split decision which prompted Schmelling’s manager to coin the famous phrase, ” We wuz robbed.”

Max Schmelling, known as ” The Black Uhlan, ” was a controversial figure throughout the 1930’s, though through no making of his own. In 1936, in a non-title bout he had surprisingly defeated the great black sporting hero Joe Louis with a 12th Round knock-out. He returned to Germany a National Socialist hero. It was not something he was comfortable with. As film footage of him reluctantly, and with some embarrassment, giving the Nazi salute testifies to. Despite this he had become an icon of Nazi Germany. Returning to his country on the other icon of The Third Reich, The Hindenburg, he was greeted by cheering crowds and driven through Berlin like a returning Messiah. Pictures of him being lauded by leading Nazi’s in uniform were relayed around the world. It played badly, and even more so when the German press emphasised that his victory was proof of the superiority of the White Aryan Race. Never a Nazi, Schmelling had refused under intense pressure to sack his Jewish manager, Joe Jacobs. The association nonetheless stuck. Later in the year he was battered to defeat by the half-Jewish Max Baer, wearing the Star of David on his shorts, and fighting like a man possessed.

On 29 June, 1933, Jack Sharkey put his tiltle on the line against the giant Italian Primo Carnera. Standing at almost 6′7″, Carnera was 40Ibs heavier and at least 6 inches taller than most of his opponents. He is still one of the heaviest boxers in history. Known as the ” Ambling Alp ” just four months earlier he had knocked-out Ernie Schaaf in a title eliminator. Two days later Schaaf died. Like so many boxers of his era Carnera had to endure the thought that he had killed someone in the ring. Doubt has always dogged the validity of Carnera’s career because of his Mob connections. Though this is probably in large part unjust. Mostly uneducated and naive, it is unlikely if any of his fights were fixed that the gullible Carnera would have been aware of it. Even so, people have cast doubt that Sharkey did not throw the fight against Carnera. Sharkey always vehemently denied this and film footage of the fight shows that the upper-cut that knocked him out was genuine enough. Whatever, the world had a new Heavyweight Champion.

Much like Schmelling later, Carnera’s success was co-opted by the regime. Mussolini milked the propaganda value of Carnera for all it was worth. Made to wear the black shirt when he was in Italy, he was regularly seen to give the fascist salute whenever the cameras were upon him. Just like Schmelling was no Nazi, Carnera was never a fascist, though unlike Schmelling he probably did not understand the implications of what he was doing.

Carnera went on to make two successful defences of his title, against the Basque, Paulino Uscudun, in a fight that took place in Rome and was turned into a fascist jamboree, and Tommy Loughran, before he met Max Baer in a fight that was to become one of the comedic hits of its time. Knocked down 11 times, film footage of the fumbling, stumbling, giant Carnera, his legs gone, desperately clinging onto the ropes for support and imploring the referee for assistance as he was chased around the ring by the much smaller Baer, made audiences in cinemas around the world guffaw with delight. It was an undignified end to his reign though few could doubt his courage in not going and staying down.

Max Baer, was a concussive puncher and a dirty fighter for whom rules existed for other people. Already responsible for two deaths in the ring, he was Jack Dempsey with attitude. Though not the brute of popular mythology, he wept tears over the death of his opponents, there was little he wouldn’t do to win a fight. Something of a playboy and a ladies man, Mad Maxi, was the perennial prankster. Always ready with a quip and a joke for the reporters he even sometimes took his fooling around into the ring with him. But when he was serious he was a mean, tough, and dangerous opponent.

With the reputation as a killer in the ring, Baer’s up and coming title defence against the former light-heavyweight contender James J Braddock was seen as nothing more than a formality. Braddock who was born and lived his whole life in New Jersey had seen his career go into freefall following his failed attempt to win the Light-Heavyweight Title from Tommy Loughran. Known as ” The Bulldog of Bergen ” for his well-known grit and determination, he was to become famous as ” The Cinderella Man.” He had lost all of his money in the Great Depression and had been reduced to lining up with the rest of the unemployed for daywork in the docks. At one time he had even had to claim welfare, this he later paid back.

Braddock had seriously injured his hand and this had hampered his effectiveness in the ring. His reputation suffered as he ceased to be value for money but a series of surprise victories in yet another comeback had earned him one last big opportunity. He had only been chosen by Baer’s handlers, however, to afford their fighter an easy payday. Braddock was, after all, all but washed up. They could not have been more wrong.

They fought at Madison Square Garden on 13 June, 1935. Though many had voiced concern for Braddock’s health, if not life, in the run up to the fight, Mad Maxi himself had been in a playful mood, clowning around for the news reels and his fans. There were no such shenanigans from Braddock, however. He was in deadly earnest and was determined to give this one last chance everything he had. Whether it went one round or the distance, he said, Baer will know he has been in a fight.

The bout was far from a classic and soon developed into a war of attrition as Braddock determined to take the fight to Baer. On occasions Braddock had to endure some fearful punishment in pursuit of his opponent, but it was sporadic and intermittent. Baer, despite being bigger, six years younger, and the better boxer, was simply unable to subdue Braddock. In the Final Round Baer went for Braddock, but it was too late. When the decision came in it was a majority decision to Braddock by 8 Rounds to 6. Baer, who had fatally underestimated his opponent nevertheless took the decision well and congratulated Braddock with genuine warmth. His career, however, never recovered from the loss. Mad Maxi remained the joker, but he was never the same fighter. Three months later he was knocked out in the 4th Round of a fight against Joe Louis.

Though Braddock remained champion for 2 years he never made a succesful defence of his title. He had been contracted to fight Max Schmelling but broke this to defend his title in a far more lucrative match-up against the new star of world boxing, ” The Brown Bomber ” Joe Louis and a purse of $250,000. On 22 June, 1938, in Chicago, Louis handed out a fearful beating to the ever-courageous Braddock whom he stopped in the 8th Round.

Joe Louis, had defeated three previous world champions, Braddock, Baer, and Carnera, but there was one he wanted more than any other. On 22 June, 1938, he would get his chance to avenge his shock defeat to Max Schmelling. With World War looming the fight was to take on a significance well beyond the confines of sport. It was about race, it was about politics, it was about opposing world visions. It was democracy versus totalitarianism. But in the end it was just a contest between two men neither of whom wanted to be the fulcrum of such things but could do nothing about it.

From the first bell, a fully focused and grimly determined Louis forced Schmelling onto the ropes where in 2 minues and 4 seconds of sustained brilliance and controlled power-punching he pummelled Schmelling to defeat. As the German slumped unconscious onto the canvass it seemed to the world that light had triumphed over darkness. It was a defining moment, the moment when sport transcended the confines of its own existence and reached and spoke to the world beyond. It was a fight that in hindsight Schmelling would be glad he lost, though perhaps not in the manner in which it happened.

For the next decade the World Heavyweight Championship would be dominated by one man, Joe Louis, possibly the greatest champion of them all. He remained undefeated champion finally relinquishing his title on 1 March, 1949. A year after announcing his retirement he was back in the ring losing on points in his bid to regain his title to Ezzard Charles. He fought on however, and following a string of unconvincing victories, on 26 October, 1951, the ex-champion, a shadow of his former self, was knocked  unconscious from the ring by the man who would dominate the heavyweight division for the next decade, Rocky Marciano.

Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney were to become the unlikeliest of friends, but were to remain so for the rest of their lives. Both had successful careers outside of the ring. Jack Dempsey opened his famous restaurant in New York and became a successful boxing trainer. To disperse the rumours of draft-dodging that had for so long dogged him he enlisted in the U.S Coastguard and was present at the invasion of Okinawa. He died prosperous in his bed on 31 May, 1983, aged 87.

Jack Dempsey

Having made his money, Gene Tunney walked away from boxing. A few months later he married the wealthy socialite Polly Lauder. He was to go on to to make even more money outside of the ring as a successful businessman and director of several companies. When he died on 7 November, 1978, aged 81, he was very rich indeed.

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Gene Tunney

Jack Sharkey upon retirement opened a bar and supplemented his income as a boxing referee and by making personal appearances. He never aquired the great wealth or achieved the same level of fame as either Dempsey or Tunney, and is in many respects the forgotten Heavyweight Champion of the 1930’s. He died on 17 August, 1994, aged 91, just weeks after being inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame.

Jack Sharkey

Following his defeat to Joe Louis, Max Schmelling, once the hero of the Third Reich, was conscripted into the German parachute regiment. After fighting in the bloody Battle of Crete where so many paratroopers died it was decided not to risk such a German sporting icon to possible death or capture, and he was withdrawn from the front-line. After the war he became CEO and part-owner of Coca-Cola Germany. He and Joe Louis later became good friends and he would frequently return to America to visit him. In later years Max paid Joe Louis’s medical bills, and in 1981 he served as a pallbearer at his funeral, which he also partially paid for. He died in Hamburg on 31 January, 2005, aged 99.

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Max Schmelling

Primo Carnera was robbed of most of his earnings in the ring and not long after retirement was forced to make a comeback to make ends meet. It wasn’t a success. For a time he became a bit part actor in low-budget Hollywood movies before turning his hand to wrestling with modest success. He became an American citizen and started up a number of businesses but by this time the alcohol had taken hold. He died a pauper in his native Italy of liver failure on 26 October, 1967, aged 60.

Primo Carnera

Following his retirement from boxing Max Baer remained as playful and teasing as ever. He made a few Hollywood movies, as a boxer inevitably, and became a regular on light-entertainment shows. Always ready with a quick quip and never afraid to send himself up, everybody loved Maxi. Staying in Los Angeles to make some television commercials he phoned down to the front desk of his hotel to complain of chest pains. When the receptionist asked him if he required the services of the House Doctor, he replied, No, I need a People Doctor. Joking right up to the end, but he’d had a massive heart-attack. Not long after he passed away. Madcap Maxi was dead, aged just 50.

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Max Baer

Jimmy Braddock, The Cinderella Man, who had given hope to so many at a time when there seemed so little, retired soon after his loss to Joe Louis. Though in typical fashion he insisted upon one more fight so he could go out a winner. He served in the Pacific Theatre during the Second World War and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. Returning to the house he had bought in Bergen he started up a business supplying heavy equipment to the very docks where he had previously worked as a labourer. He then proceeded to devote the rest of his life to his wife and kids. The decent, hard-working family man he had always been

James J Braddock

Despite serving in World War II, and performing in recruitment campaigns that did not come easily to the shy and diffident Joe Louis, and personally donating the purses from 2 of his fights to the War Bonds Drive, he was pursued relentlessly by the Revenue Service for unpaid taxes for the rest of his life. It had prompted his original disastrous return to the ring and once he had retired for the second time he was never again in a position to pay what he owed, and it must have been difficult for a proud man to be reliant upon friends and the largesse of others. He also had to endure during the time of the civil rights movement and changing race relations the accusation of being an Uncle Tom. It was unfair and unwarranted. Louis, as the first black sporting icon, had carried the hopes and aspirations of his race on his shoulders merely by his achievements. To be in such a position at a time of strict segregation must have been difficult. Hs later life was blighted by drug and alcohol problems. He ended his life as a meeter and greeter at a Las Vegas Casino. This at least allowed him to live his last few years in comfort. He died on 12 April, 1981, and was buried with full military honours at Arlington National Cemetery.

Joe Louis – The Brown Bomber

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     Mayweather could have happily rode off into the sunset after his victory over Juan Manuel Márquez.  It was dominant, and would have been a fitting end to a glorious end to a magnificent career.  Instead, weather blinded by arrogance or dollar signs, he allowed a fight to be booked that he knew he couldn’t win.

     The cracks in the arrogant facade began to show when Mayweather’s father, former contender Floyd Sr., arbitrarily accused Pacquiao of using steroids.  It was a baseless accusation;  there has never been any indication or reason to suspect Manny Pacquiao of such.  It was simply an obvious step one of a panicked plan to get Mayweather out of the fight.

     Nearly every detail is in place for the super fight, other that one infinitesimal bit;  Manny Pacquiao won’t submit to a blood test in the last 48 hours before the fight.  He has stated, on record, that he is willing to take one before, or immediately after the fight.  His reasoning is simple;  he doesn’t like needles, and feels that having blood drawn that short of a time before a fight would be detrimental.  As trite as that may sound, anyone familiar with the sport of boxing knows that a fighter’s training regimen is everything (Just ask Mike Tyson after the Buster fight), and something like this could very well derail his preparations.

     Being tested immediately after the fight is a more than amicable solution, but Floyd, Jr. is having none of it. 

“I understand Pacquiao not liking having his blood taken, because frankly I don’t know anyone who really does,” Mayweather said in his statement. “But in a fight of this magnitude, I think it is our responsibility to subject ourselves to sportsmanship at the highest level. I have already agreed to the testing and it is a shame that he is not willing to do the same.

“It leaves me with great doubt as to the level of fairness I would be facing in the ring that night. I hope that this is either some miscommunication or that Manny will change his mind and step up and allow these tests, which were good enough for all these other great athletes, to be performed by USADA.”

     It is an absolute tragedy that such a great champion will leave his sport as a coward.  There was a time when Champions had class… they went out in a blaze of glory, or walked away when they knew they could no longer do so.  There will be no dignity in Floyd Mayweather’s exit.  Even if he and Manny Pacquiao never lace up the gloves, Manny will have put that smear on Mayweather’s legacy.  He will have sent him off with his tail tucked between his legs.  Sounds better than a knockout in my book.

     We can only hope Mayweather goes out the right way, even if it means a 1 instead of a 0.  This is where history will judge:  Was Floyd Mayweather just a Great Fighter…. or a great champ?

Being an unlicensed event there are no drug-tests and some fighters appeared to be heavy steroid users (how else do they get their necks wider than their heads?), although they could easily be taking far more dangerous substances with no-one being any the wiser (imagine a boxer on PCP!).

The most entertaining fight of the night – with the exception of an unexpected kick-boxing match – was between Rob “Mad-Dog” Wooster, of Cheshunt, Herts, and his new-comer opponent from Harlow, Essex. At the first bell Mad-Dog flew out of his corner like a raging animal, knocking his stunned opponent to the floor before inflicting a series of heavy blows to his head from above, whilst his opponent struggled back to his feet. Shockingly, the referee didn’t see a problem with this abhorrent behaviour and allowed the fight to continue, rather than taking the usual step of disqualifying the cheater. Later in the match ex-convict Rob “Mad-Dog” Wooster’s classy corner-men were seen entering the opposite corner to swear at and generally abuse his opponent and corner-men on at least one occasion. Again, the events regular referee (if that’s what you can call him) did nothing.

Spectators claim Mad-Dog hit his opponent while he was down on at least another two, possibly three, occasions, but at no point was he disqualified. The fight was stopped in the third and final round, with Mad-Dog disgustingly hailed as winner. Several spectators questioned whether he’d had been taking something before the fight, saying he looked “wild,” or “had a crazy look in his eyes.” Others were heard to exclaim “That wasn’t a boxing match – that man was trying to batter him!” or “The referee’s a joker”. Many said they wouldn’t return to future events, having wasted money on an obvious farce, or expressing concern at the lack of safety for the boxers involved (all of whom are unpaid).

It’s interesting to note that nineteen year-old Rob “Mad-Dog” Wooster not only had more experience than his opponent – having won six out of six fights, whilst his opponent made his debut appearance that very night – but also had a clear advantage regarding height and age. Despite all this being in his favour he refused to fight fairly, cheating in every round against an absolute beginner old enough to be his father. Why such a fight was arranged in the first place remains a mystery: the aggressive Mad-Dog should obviously have been fighting someone younger, bigger, and with far more experience than his opponent on Saturday night (although it has to be said the Harlow man held his own, getting back to his feet and standing his ground until the fight was eventually stopped). There was nothing challenging about the fight as far as Mad-Dog was concerned., and if his reputation for winning thus far was built by beating up old men with no experience – and by cheating to do so – then perhaps a better name for him is Rob “Sad-Pussy” Wooster.

Other matches saw obvious fixes, with draws and wins for Cheshunt fighters who’d obviously lost to their Harlow opponents – sometimes having been knocked down twice during the three rounds. The kick-boxing match was also a farce with the clear winner from West Ham being forced to accept a draw, despite flooring his Cheshunt opponent.

The night was obviously nothing more than a money-making exercise for the promoter, who charges between £20 and £50 for entrance and makes no attempt to match opponents fairly, or even safely. The majority of the crowd were aggressive men from the Cheshunt area and judges clearly found in favour of their fighters in order to avoid violence – leaving Harlow fighters without a chance in of winning – unless they knocked their opponents out cold.

The night was a bitter disappointment for many boxers and spectators and the Ripped Gym in Harlow is buzzing with stories of unfair refereeing and the unreasonable matching of certain boxers. The general consensus is that Mad-Dog and his father (the abusive corner-man) embarrassed themselves with their appalling behaviour, and it’s hoped he’ll experience his comeuppance in the next event. If the promoter is reading this article he would be advised to ensure all future events are refereed by someone more competent and that judges aren’t so obviously biased. Currently the event is a joke.

For anyone wanting to watch a good fight, or to fight a fair one, unlicensed boxing (especially the Cheshunt event) comes highly unrecommended…

“Each day I live. I want to be, a day to give the best of me. I’m only one, but not alone. My finest day is yet unknown.”

It’s no secret that both Pacquiao and Cotto share the same work-ethic when they train for a fight. The successes they have garnered so far in their boxing careers were certainly not handed to them on a silver platter. Yes, they had to face and literally endure the pain in order to taste the sweet. Undeniably, they are simply two of the most disciplined and hardworking professional pugilists of this era. But they’re not alone in their endeavors. Pacquiao has renowned trainer Freddie Roach guiding him along the way, while Cotto once had his uncle Evangelista before Joe Santiago took the cudgels. Indeed, both fighters’ finest day is yet unknown… or could it be November 14th?

“I rise and fall. Yet through it all, this much remains. I want one moment in time, when I’m more than I thought I could be.”

Sure they experienced low points in their boxing profession. Pacquiao had it early in his career and also when he lost to Mexican great Erik “El Terrible” Morales. Cotto, for his part, had his lone low point when he was knocked out by another Mexican in Antonio “Loaded Hands” Margarito, although that particular bout is now coated with so much controversy. Despite those heart-breaking losses, both fighters picked themselves up. Pacquiao came back strong and knocked Morales out not just once, but twice. Less than seven months after his only setback, Cotto won the WBO welterweight belt over Michael Jennings and successfully defended it against the very tough Joshua Clottey.

“I’ve lived to be the very best. I want it all, no time for less. I’ve laid the plans, now lay the chance here in my hands… when all of my dreams are a heartbeat away and the answers are all up to me. Give me one moment in time, when I’m racing with destiny… then in that one moment of time, I will feel eternity.”

The Pacquiao-Cotto showdown is already set. Both pugs have lived their lives wanting to be the best in their trade. They both want it all this time out and have laid the plans in their respective training camps. Come November 14th, the answers will all be up to each of them. Those twelve rounds or less are the one moment in time that both Pacquiao and Cotto have been craving – when they will be racing with destiny. Which one of them will have his hands raised in victory and achieve eternal glory? Let’s just wait and see…

As an added bonus, hereunder is the low-quality video of the little girls I was talking about at the start of the article and see, or more appropriately, hear for yourself, the great voices…

Another bonus, hereunder is a solo performance of the wonder kid… I don’t know exactly how old this tiny little girl was, but I’m guessing she’s around 4 or 5 years old. Please bear with the quality, or the lack thereof, of the video…

Comments are highly appreciated. You can write them below or send them to reylanloberternos@yahoo.com.ph

Let me first start out by saying, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a phenomenal fighter

.  He has won the Golden Gloves as an amateur, a bronze medal in the 1996 Olympics and has won 6 world boxing championships in five different weight classes (some say seven depending on what belts you take into consideration).  He is an undefeated fighter with a record of 40 wins (25 by knockout) and zero losses.  He has beaten a who’s who of boxing including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Zab Judah and Arturo Gatti.  A defensive wizard who can throw lightning fast combinations on a moments notice.  I once saw him throw a 5 punch combo in the same amount of time it took his opponent to throw 1 punch.  At the height of his popularity, after defeating Ricky Hatton, it seemed the opportunities were endless for this future Hall Of Famer.  Then he retired.  I have no quills with that.  He retired at the top of his game, still had all his senses, and he had millions of dollars in the bank.  I guarantee you he will be a 1st term Hall of Fame entry just by the aforementioned facts. 

Here’s the dilemma.  Two years after his retirement, Floyd is back.  He made his presence known by severely outclassing Juan Manual Marquez, where Floyd literally won every round.  It was an amazing display of boxing ability.  Here’s the deal though, Mayweather fought a lightweight, a blown up lightweight.  Although he was the Lightweight Champion, he was still a lightweight.  Not only that,  Floyd refused to go down to the agreed, contracted weight of 144 lbs.  Floyd weighed in under the mandated 147, right at 146 lbs and decided to pay an extra 600,000 dollars in fines to Juan Manual Marquez for the extra advantage.  Come fight night, Marquez weighed in at 143 and Floyd was close to 160.  The size advantage was clear in the ring

  Mayweather looked huge compared to Marquez. 

Floyd was faster, stronger, bigger, every intangible you can imagine Floyd had the advantage.  He beat Marquez unmercifully, but that is the past.  Maybe he needed a tune-up fight, one with a good name and a championship under his belt to pummel.  I’ll give that to him, most boxers need a good tune-up fight after a long lay-off, so no quills here.  I have been a long time Mayweather fan, I remember when he demolished Angel Manfreddy back in the day and I was amazed at his boxing ability.  He would make Angel miss, slipping a few punches then unload on him. Knocked him out in two rounds. That win was his first defense of the WBC Super Featherweight Title. 

Now, today, Floyd is a Welterweight.  He is a Welterweight in a Golden Era of Welterweights.  He had his tune-up fight and I feel it is time.  Time for him to fight the Champions of the Welterweight Division.  He has a whole line-up to choose from, and all are dying for a crack at the Pretty Boy Floyd.  The only thing is, Floyd is not responding.  Sugar Shane Mosely has been calling him out since the day he announced his “un-retirement”, and right now Shane is a Welterweight Champion.  Sugar Shane even went as far as going into the ring, after Mayweathers win against Marquez, taking the Mic and proclaiming his intentions for a fight with Floyd.  Floyd is declining all of Mosely’s invitations to get it on in the ring, claiming “he had his chance to fight me“.  I think it will make for a great fight, but a fight Floyd is avoiding.  Okay, I’ll give him that, he did have his chance back at the beginning of the decade but it never materialized.  But there are other Welterweight Champs, including Miguel Cotto (who is fighting Manny Paqquiao on NOV 14).  Floyd ducked Cotto opting to retire back in ‘07, this was a fight Cotto wanted and the fans wanted.  Supposedly Floyd wanted the fight as well, but couldn’t get the money he wanted so he retired.  I don’t know how true that is, but that is what is being said.

Here is the point I want to make.  Floyd, you claim to be the best.  You even go as far to say that all roads lead to Floyd Mayweather.  I know Pac and Cotto are fighting in Nov, but you can have your pick of all of these few I am about to name.  These are the cream of the crop, including the most avoided man in boxing, Paul “The Punisher” Williams.  Take a pick of one of these and you will not hear any complains about you picking a smaller man to fight, or an over the hill boxer you want to fight.  This is your time to shine, and I know you want to be the star you know you can be.  You have taken a lot of criticism for the weight antics you pulled in your last fight.  Lets erase that.  The boxing world is waiting for two things right now.  The Cotto-Pacquiao bout, and who your next opponent will be. 

1) Paul “The Punisher”Williams:  This fight is ripe.  He was scheduled to fight Pavlik in Dec, but as of right now Pav has pulled out because of his recurring hand infection.  They call him the most dangerous and avoided man in boxing. Are you up for the challenge? Personally I think Paul is the #1 LB for LB Boxer out there. This would have the boxing world buzzing and erase any notion that you only pick “the easy fights”.  Record 37-1 (27 knockouts)

2)Andre Berto: He is fast, undefeated and untested.  He is also the WBC Welterweight Champion.  He is supposed to unify the belts with Mosley, but nothing is official yet.  All you have to do is say the word and this fight will be made. If you beat him, you have just beaten an up and coming lion. Record 25-0 (19 knockouts)

3) “Sugar” Shane Mosley:  He has been on your case since Day 1 of your “un-retirement”.  It has been almost non stop and close to pathetic on how bad he wants to fight you.  “Sugar” has the WBA Welterweight Championship Belt and I think it would be a great fight and make some pretty good money.  A devestating win would put you over the top against anyone.  Record 46-5 (39 knockouts)

4) Joshua Clottey:  He took Miguel Cotto to the brink.  Most ringside observers had Clottey winning the fight.  he is tough and a fight against him would prove that you will take on all challengers. Record 35-3 (20 knockouts)

5) Antonio Margarito:  Some call him Antonio Margacheato after they found his gloves were loaded.  He used to be the most avoided man in boxing, but after Shane KO’d him he has been relegated to the sidelines.  This would be a huge fight in Las Vegas or Mexico City since he will bring the Mexican Fans to the gate.  He has a high work rate, is taller, and supposedly punches harder than you (with or without loaded gloves).  It will be a step-up from the Marquez fight and he is itching to get back in the ring. This fight can easily be made with one phone call from you. Record 37-6 (27 knockouts)

6)Miguel Cotto: A few people say you avoided this young lion, and rather than fight him, you decided to retire.  I don’t know how true that is, but I think it would be a good fight.  He has Pacquiao on the horizon (NOV 14) but if he beats the Pac-Man, this should be a logical choice.  The only thing I see getting in the way is his promoter.  But for the sake of boxing, and your legacy, I hope you can resolve differences and get this fight made. Record 34-1 (27 knockouts)

7) Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao-  This is the fight fans want to see.  I still think he will be the smaller man in the ring since he is only, like 5-6, but he is the #1 lb for lb boxer out there.  It would be a good match up since he will bring an aggressive style.  He annihilated Oscar in 8 rounds (you won a split decision against him) and he destroyed Ricky Hatton in two rounds (it took you ten).  The only thing with this fight is, if you decide to fight him, and you win, I can hear everyone saying that you were picking on a smaller man.  Record 49-3 (37 knockouts)

Floyd, I hope you decide to pick one of these fighters for you next fight.  I think it is true though, all roads lead to Floyd Mayweather.  We can only hope that the road isn’t forced to detour and exit.

<a href=”http://www.boxingnews24.com/”>Boxing News</a>

-Lil Roast Beef

One thing is for certain though, when “Dr. Ironfist” meets “The Nightmare” Cris Arreola this Saturday night, you can expect explosions from the opening bell.  After a sleeper of a fight last week (between Mayweather and Marquez) boxing fans deserve what is coming to them this weekend, and rest assured, none will be disappointed.  Klitschko has 37 wins with 36 of those coming by way of spectacular Knockout.  He is also the WBC Heavyweight Champion looking to defend his title against, what some view,  the #1 American Heavyweight Prospect, Cristobal Arreola.  Not to be outdone, Arreola is undefeated at 27-0 with 24 of his wins coming by way of Knockout.  With two giants in the ring containing the knockout power they have, Who has the upper hand?  Well lets break down the fight, along with the fighters going into Saturdays matchup.

Speed

Even:  Both fighters do not have over the top speed, although it would serve Arreola well to throw 3 and 4 punch combinations, as he has done in the past.

Power

Klitschko:  Always in top condition prior to entering the ring, his body is chiseled like a Greek God.  His 36 knockouts in 37 wins speak for themselves.

Boxing Ability

Klitschko:  He was been a World Champion for years and has been fighting top tier opponents.  He has a deadly jab and an even deadlier right hand.  In all reality he could be undefeated had it not been for a shoulder injury vs Chris Byrd and a ringside Dr. who stopped the fight against Lennox Lewis.

Age

Arreola: He is ten years younger than Vitali, and that is 10 years less the boxing punishment.  Vitali has also been plagued by injuries the last couple of years and he may get old overnight.

Heart

Arreola:  He has been dropped, and each time he has gotten up and knocked out the opponent in devastating fashion.  Klitschko was winning a fight against Chris Byrd in the late rounds, but chose not to continue due to a shoulder injury.  You can rest assured, that you will have to knockout Arreola before he stops coming at you.

Chin

Klitschko: He has been hit by some of the biggest punchers in the game.  He has never been knocked out and rarely knocked down.  Arreola had his chin tested a couple of times in the past and knocked down, but he has risen up each time.

Conditioning

Klitschko:  Always in pristine condition prior to any ring entrance.  A gym rat who does not parlay in the drinking and partying a lot of athletes get accustomed to.  Chris Arreola, has a hard time getting up for runs, and has been known not to enter the ring in tip top form.

Intangibles

Arreola:  He is fighting for his first World Championship and a chance to make boxing history.  A win would make him the first Heavyweight Champion of Mexican descent.  He is going to be fighting in his hometown and will have a stadium filled with his fans.  If that does not motivate you to win, I don’t know what will.

Regardless of who wins, History will be made, as Klitschko will be the only fighter in the History of Boxing to Headline the Staples center three times.  You can expect an action fight with both fighters trying to knock the other guys head off.  Expect knock downs, expect drama, expect controversy, but please don’t expect the fight to go 12 rounds.  As for who I am going for and my predictions, Klitschko is a heavy betting favorite and has all the tools to win, and should win.  For some reason I am a sucker for underdogs and I see Klitschko getting old overnight.  If Cris keeps up the pressure and avoids the bombs from Klitschko he can pull it out.  Cris Arreola by K.O. in the 7th round.

Last time I gave you the top 10 fighters of right now.  Now, I will give you a glimpse of the top 10 fighters of the future.

10. James Kirkland-Light Middleweight:  A wreckless style.  He throws punches to hurt you and doesn’t mind taking two to land one.  He needs to improve his defense to be a long term significant threat in the light middleweight division, but can handle his own with any of the top contenders.  Right now the only thing standing between himself and boxing stardom, is himself.  In April he is was stopped with a firearm, and since he is a convicted felon the punishment is harsh.  He is currently serving prison time for the aforementioned and is up for sentencing this fall. Record 25-0 NEXT FIGHT: TBA

09.  Kevin Johnson-Heavyweight: No not the basketball player turned mayor of Sacremento Kevin Johnson. The undefeated heavyweight prospect Kevin “THE KINGPIN” Johnson.  He actually started boxing at the late age of 18, had a couple of amatuer fights, then surprisingly won the New Jersey Golden Gloves.  He has an amazing jab, but where he excells in that, he lacks in power.  He already has victories over Timor Ibragimov, Bruce Seldon, and he recently defeated then undefeated fighter Devin Vargas.  I possible fight with Vitali Klitschko if he gets by Chris Arreola (which is no easy task) is on the horizon.  Record 22-0  NEXT FIGHT: TBA

08.  Nonito Donaire-Super Flyweight:  Some call him the future of Phillipine Boxing.  He first made waves when, as a 7-1 underdog, knocked-out then undefeated Vic Darchinyan.  This knockout earned him “Knockout of the Year” by Ring Magazine as well as “Upset of the Year” for 2007.  He has knocked out 5 of his last 6 opponents.  He is currently the interim WBA Super Flyweight Champion.  When Manny retires, the Filipino’s will have Nonito “The Filipine Flash” to carry them through.  Record 22-1 NEXT FIGHT: 12DEC2009 VS TBA

07. Chris Arreola-Heavyweight:  “The Nightmare” Chris Arreola is, right now America’s #1 Heavyweight Prospect.  He is undefeated and has 27 wins, 24 of those by devastating Knockout.  He carries an aggressive, in your face, knock-you-out style which has garnered him much fan fare.  He gets his first crack at a title when he faces Vitali Klitschko this Saturday.  Coming in a heavy underdog, Arreola says he will shock the world when he defeats Klitschko and brings the Heavyweight Championship Belt back to U.S. soil.  If he does, he will also make history, making him the first Heavyweight Champion of Mexican descent.  Expect a war everytime he steps into the ring.  Record 27-0 NEXT FIGHT: 26SEPT2009 vs Vitali Klitschko

06. Edwin Valero-Lightweight:  His record says it all.  He is 25-0 with 25 knockouts.  He comes to destroy and doesn’t wait until the end of the fight to do it.  He is signed to Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotion, but has not fought much in the U.S. due to irregular brain scans.  That is probably the main reason you have not heard of him, but you soon will.  He was recently cleared to fight in Texas and his last fight, in Austin, lasted only two rounds.  It was a deadly knockout of Antonio Pitalua for the WBC Lightweight Championship. He is definitely one to watch out for.  Record 25-0 NEXT FIGHT: 12DEC2009  VS TBA 

05. Marcos Maidana-Light Welterweight:  Another knockout artist.  He first came on the scene when then unbeated Victor Ortiz was slated to face Maidana on HBO.  Many predicted an Ortiz win with his boxing ability, but once the bell rang, it turned into a gunfight, with Maidana the victor through the smoke.  Both fighters were knocked down, and it was Ortiz who called it quits (I became a Maidana fan after this bout).  His only loss was a controversial split decision to Andriy Kotelnik.  Marcos Maidana is a big puncher with an even bigger heart, expect bombs to be thrown whenever he is in the ring.  He has 26 wins with 25 of them being knockout victories.  Record 25-1 NEXT FIGHT:  TBA

04. Amir Khan-Light Welterweight:  He became Britians third youngest World Champion after defeating Andriy Kotelnik on 18 July 2009 for the WBA World Light Welterweight Belt.  He is being trained by none other than World Famous Championship trainer Freddie Roach.  Roach has since elevated his game, helping him win his first Championship and making him an instant star in the U.K.  He seems to be on a collision course with Marcos Maidana early next year, and if the fight is made, expect an all out war between both contestants.  Whether he wins or loses, Amir Khan will be around for a while.  He is only 22 years old.  Record 21-1 NEXT FIGHT: TBA

03. Andre Ward-Super Middleweight:  An amazing boxer/puncher with speed and real snap to his punches.  He won the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics and seemed headed for stardom.  For some reason his career stalled after that.  He went Pro after the Olympics but never really picked up steam.  Only now, 5 years after his Gold Medal is he starting to get the big fights.  He was recently entered into the Super Middleweight Super Six World Boxing Classic where he will take on Mikkel Kessler(42-1) for the WBA Super Middleweight World Championship.  In this round robin tourny he will be fighting the best Super Middleweights in the world.  Record 20-0 NEXT FIGHT: 21NOV2009 VS Mikkel Kessler

02. Lamont Peterson-Light Welterweight:  His stock grew tremendously after a reported drubbing of Floyd Mayweaether in sparring.  As a matter of fact, as rumor has it, Lamont Peterson had Floyd gasping for air and water and the men in Floyds camp had to stop it.  I don’t know how much of that is true, only a few people know, but behind every rumor, there is a hint of the truth.  He has a great backstory, his brother and himself were orphaned and homeless on the streets of D.C., being noticed by famed boxing coach Barry Hunter at the age of 10.  Hunter developed thier boxing prowess and now Peterson is on the verge of a Championship.  His next fight is for the WBO Light Welterweight Belt.  You will be hearing much from him, as he is only 25 years old. Record 27-0 NEXT FIGHT: 12DEc2009 vs Timothy Bradley

01. Guillermo Rigondeaux-Super Bantamweight:  He won the gold medal at the 2000 Olympics and the 2004 Olympics.  Being from Cuba, he had no chance of being a professional boxer unless he defected, and defected he did.  The hottest prospect out of the amateurs, and probably the most decorated amateur ever, he has fought three times since defecting (Feb 23, 2009) all on national television (ESPN) and all three ending in crushing knockout.  He is a devestating body puncher with his last two fights ending in body punch Knockouts!  He is currently being trained by Freddie Roach and he is working on a more aggresive style.  He is trying to be the first professional fighter to win a championship under eight fights.  I think he can do it, and they are targeting either his next two fights for a championship.  Record 3-0 NEXT FIGHT: TBA

So there you have it. All of these fighters are on the cusp of stardom, and all are on thier way to making thier niche in the world of boxing.  Be on the lookout, because when the torch is passed, they will all be ready to recieve.

Honarable Mentions (and also part of “Up and Coming II”): Tavoris Cloud, Anthony Peterson, Devon Alexander, Andre Dirrell, Timothy Bradley, Alfredo Angulo, Andre Berto, Victor Ortiz, Yuriorkis Gamboa

The way this fight was billed, you would think it would at least be competitive.  You would be wrong.  It bore more of a resemblance to a WWE match Mayweather might have not that long ago participated in.  Predetermined.  At least a wrestling entertainment might have been interesting; this was not.  Mayweather was bigger, stronger, faster.  He simply outclassed an opponent he by all rights should have.  And it was boring.  It appeared that this mismatch might at least provide an interesting knock out when marquez was floored with a left hook, but no such luck.

     Some credit ought to go to Marquez for being on his feet as the final bell rang, but I am loathe to give even that based on Mayweather’s lackluster performance.  It was, through and through, a genuinely boring fight.

     The after fight was at least mildly amusing, witha bit of a post fight scuffle between Mayweather and Bernard Hopkins.  Floyd got in a nice little sound bite, telling Max Kellerman “Let me do the talking.  You talk too much.”

     All in all, the fight sucked.  We can only hope that on the near horizon, we will see Mayweather fight someone who represents actual competition;  Manny Pacquiao and Sugar Shane Mosley are waiting in the wings.

This is the time of year for Boxing.  Whether your a casual fan, or die-hard fistic it’s good to stay up to date with who’s on the radar.  The list is comprised of boxers who have captured the media, the fan, and the purist.  Along with thier next fight a short description will accompany the boxer.  In descending order let us begin;

1. Sugar Shane Mosely:  Well, what can I say about Sugar Shane Mosely, that already hasn’t been said about The Simpsons.  He had his time to shine, was the top of his class, and now he seems like the guy that is just hanging around.  He does have the WBA Welterweight Belt, if that means anything to you.  I think people are putting way to much stock in him, with his win over Antonio Margarito.  He looked horrible in his fight before that, none other than Ricardo Mayorga almost took him the distance.  He is desperately trying to get another big fight payday with either Pac-Man or Mayweather, but I doubt either will materialize.  Berto is on the horizon, and if he takes the fight, we may be seeing a changing of the guard.  NEXT FIGHT: TBA
2. Andre Berto:  He won a close decision over Luis Collazo earlier this year, the fans wanted a rematch, and he gave us a bout with Juan Urango. C’mon, Juan Urango.  Andre Berto seems like he is being protected.  If he wants to increase his fan base and become a star that I think he can become, he needs to fight the Top Tier Opponents, and look good in doing it.  He is the WBC Welterweight Champion, but you wouldn’t know it.  A fight with Sugar Shane maybe in the works, if that falls through, a great fight would be a rematch against Luis Collazo.  THere is unfinished business there.  NEXT FIGHT: TBA
3.  Chris Arreola:  He is in no means a top 10 LB for LB fighter, but he does crack this list of who is HOT.  A big reason for that is he has a chance to make Boxing History.  His next fight is against Dr. IronFist, Vitali Klitschko.  If he wins, he would be in the record books as the first fighter of Mexican Descent to win a World Heavy Weight Championship.  This has the Mexican American fan base rocking, especially in the L.A. area where he has large fan base. The Nightmare is a heavy handed with 27 wins and 0 losses.  24 of those wins by brutal knock-out. Vitali is no pushover though, he has 37 wins, 36 of those coming by knock-Out.  This fight has a 2% chance of going 12 rounds and I expect it to be over before 8 rounds by a monster knock-out.  Vegas has Vitali ahead on the odds, but it can go either way due to his age and past injuries.  Expect more than a war when these two giants collide in the ring.  NEXT FIGHT: 26 SEPTEMBER 2009 vs VITALI KLITSCHKO
4. Pual Williams:  Some boxing experts call him the modern day Tommy Hearns.  A tall, wiry, boxer-puncher who does not stop throwing punches, ever.  Also known as the most avoided man in boxing, due to the fact that he will fight anyone, there just is no reciprocation.  And that means anyone, from 147 lbs to 160 lbs, he has put the challenge out there.  His last fight was a demolishing of Winky Wright, a perennial pound for pounder, who had no answers for “The Punisher” Williams.  He looked so good in the beating of Winky that it actually turned away opponents.  His next fight is against Kelly Pavlik, and even he is having second thoughts about the fight.  He tried to cancel once (supposedly a hand infection), but contracts keep him bound.  Pual Williams will have a bright future, and I would love to see him against Floyd Mayweather.  Keep an eye on him.  NEXT FIGHT: 05 DECEMBER 2009 VS KELLY PAVLIK
5. Juan Manual Lopez:  He is a little big man.  A knock-out percentage of 92.31.  Almost unheard of in the super-bantamweight division.  When he goes, he goes hard and the crowd eats it up.  This Puerto Rican Native is on the heels of Miguel Cotto’s reign as Puerto Rico’s #1.  His last 14 fights have either ended in KO or TKO.  He is looking to move up in weight for bigger Fights and bigger paydays.  Keep an eye on this fighter, he is only 26 years old and has WBO Super Bantamweight Belt.  NEXT FIGHT: 10 OCTOBER 2009 VS ROGERS MTAGWA
6. Lamont Peterson:  Who? Exactly.  His stock rose significantly the last couple of weeks due to a sparring session held with none other than Floyd Mayweather Jr.  Supposedly, as the story goes, Peterson walked into Mayweathers camp and wanted to know if “Money” May wanted to go to work.  The first version of the story had Mayweather beating Lamont Peterson to a pulp, until he was asking to quit. Good Work and that was that.  But there’s a funny thing about the truth, it will always rise to the surface, no matter how long it takes.  As soon as that story hit the press, people that were part of Mayweathers own camp (who asked not to be identified) were saying that was fabricated.  Apparently, as they were sparring Peterson held his own, until he started getting the better of Mayweather, and then he started trash talking to Mayweather, while beating him.  Mayweather, not to be outdone, started talking back, things got heated, and the sparring was stopped and Peterson sent home.  Now it could mean nothing, but it could also mean a lot.  Take what you want, but Peterson is not one to be messed with.  He is undefeated at 27-0 and has a WBO Championship bout on the horizon.  NEXT FIGHT: 12 DECember 2009 vs Timothy Bradley
7. Juan Manuel Marquez:  El “Dinamita” currently holds the WBA and WBO Lightweight World Championship Belts.  He is currently the #2 Pound for Pound Boxer out there.  He is defined more by his draw and loss with Manny Pacquiao than any of his previous wins.  Whether thats fair or not.  Most boxing circles had him winning both fights and that seems to be the reason Floyd Mayweather accepted his challenge for this coming Saturday.  Whether he wins or loses, you will always get one thing out of him, his best.  He fights for his country, his family and his legacy.  His last two fights were against some of the best in the Lightweight Division, including the Recognized Ring Champion Joel Casamayor, whom he knocked out in brutal fashion (he had never been knocked out before).  He also holds a come from behind victory in his last bout against, then IBO Champion Juan Diaz, whom he also knocked out unmercifully.  He last two fights were against top tier opponents, his next fight will be against probably the best pure boxer there is.  He will lay it all on the line for the victory and rest assured, he is only an underdog to the betting.  Be prepared.  NEXT FIGHT: 19 SEPTEMBER 2009  vs Floyd Mayweather Jr.
8. Miguel Cotto:Fight fans love drama, whether in the ring or out of it.  Cotto is no stranger to drama.  He puts its on the line everytime he fights.  He had his uncle Evangelista Cotto training him, until Miguel and him got into an altercation about training sites and regime, and someones car got a brick thrown through it.  A fan favorite of Puerto Rico he holds wins over Carlos Quintana, Zab Judah, Sugar Shane Mosley, Alfonso Gomez, and Joshua Clottey. He is on a collision course with the number 1 Pound For Pound Fighter, Manny Pacquiao.  His only loss is a questionable stoppage to Antonio Margarito, questions loom whether Margarito had his hands plastered before the fight.  He fought valiantly until his face was swollen and bloodied, and his corner stopped the fight.  Since, he has recaptured the WBO Championship belt and put himself in position for a  PAC-MAN showdown.  All his fights are exciting and all have had thier fare share of drama.  Cotto vs Pac-Man is an event that will have people talking before, during and after the fight.  NEXT FIGHT: 14 NOVEMBER 2009 vs Manny Pacquiao
9. Floyd Mayweather Jr.: Recently unretired, undefeated (39-0) Floyd Mayweather Jr. has boxing in his genes.  It is a family business to say the least.  He retired at the top of the sport, with high profile wins against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, garnering over half a billion in revenue for the two fights.  He has lightning quick reflexes, amazing counter-punching skills, a defensive wizard.  One thing he does not have, is the fan following.  He comes off as the “bad guy” in most fights, mainly due to his money loving antics, brash demeaner, and cockiness.  By the end of almost every fight that he is in, he is putting on a boxing clinic.  A multi-division champ he was finally garnering the attention of the casual fan until he retired, putting a halt on whatever momentum he had.  Now we will see where he is with the boxing fan when he takes on Mexican Legend Juan Manuel Marquez this Saturday.  A convincing win will undoubtably put him in with the winner of the PAC-MAN- COTTO winner and begin solidifying his legacy.  He may even gain a fan or two if he plays his cards right.  One thing is for sure, you will never see another bad guy like Mayweather.  NEXT FIGHT: 19 SEPTEMBER 2009 vs Juan Manuel Marquez
10. Manny Pacquiao: The Pac-Man.  He is on a hot streak right now, and is boxing’s hottest guy.  He just finished wrapping up a couple of movies and other endorsements in his native Phillipines (where he is on Legend Status).  His last 3 fights have ended in early stoppages.  He stopped David Diaz for the WBC Lightweight Belt, then he stopped Oscar De La Hoya when he refused to come out for the 8th round.  That put him on course for none other than the U.K.’s Ricky Hatton.  Hatton had plenty to say that he was the bigger, stronger fighter, but come fight night, it was Pacquiao’s speed and technique that had Hatton on his back.  A devestating left landed flush to Hattons face, putting him down for the count.  Manny seems unstoppable right now, and is a fan favorite.  He is almost the exact opposite of (fan wise) to Floyd Mayweather.  His next fight is against Miguel Cotto, which has boxing circles buzzing.  Reason being,  a Pacquiao win, and a Mayweather win will only lead to one thing.  A showdown of who is actually the true number 1, pound for pound boxer.  The pot is brewing and the plates are ready. NEXT FIGHT: 14 NOVEMBER 2009 vs Miguel Cotto

The long awaited, once delayed “Money” Mayweathervs Juan Manuel Marquez fight is this Saturday.  From what has been a relatively slow summer for boxing, a pugilistic drought to say the least, we can only hope this fight comes with what the fan craves.  The bout pits the American Undefeated (39-0) Mayweather vs Mexico’s “Numero Uno” Marquez in a catch-weight of 144 pounds.  Marquez is jumping up two weight classes to face, what he says, the best pound for pound fighter out there.  After he couldn’t land a third bout with the current pound for pound King, Manny Pacquiao, Marquez put Mayweather in his sights, and called him all the way out of retirement.  And out of retirement he came.

The man they call “Money” Mayweather, the brash, outspoken, arrogant, undefeated welterweight, who holds wins over a who’s who of boxing including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Zab Judah, Carlos Baldomir, Arturo Gatti and Diego Corrales is hanging up his retirement slippers (for which he wore for less than two years) and lacing up the gloves for what boxing fans are hoping to be a war.  Some say he is fighting for the money (supposedly he owes the IRS and recently court documents show that he is being sued over a bad loan for an extravagant car) he says he is fighting because the fight is in him, and he wants to prove to be the best.  Does beating Marquez prove that though?  Well if you look at it this way,  Marquez fought Manny Pacquiao(the current number 1 pound for pound fighter out there) to a draw and a close split decision on official scorecards.  The majority that sat ringside and saw the fight live had Marquez winning both fights, handily.  Given that, a decisive win over Marquez would put “Money” Mayweather in the heat of a debate of who is the true Number 1 Pound for Pound Boxer.  A win would also put Mayweatheron a collision course with Manny Pacquiao (if he gets by Miguel Cotto, which is no pushover in his own right) and a huge payday.  A lot of people and blogs out there are saying Mayweather is picking on a smaller man by fighting Marquez, less they forget that it was Marquez who called out Mayweather.  It was Marquez putting the challenge out there on live T.V. for all to see.  The last person to actually do that, was Ricky Hatton and you can see what happened to him by clicking here—>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0bJJaqdHPg.   You can see the slickness of Mayweather and ring savvy.  Money Mayeatherhas the arm length, height, quickness, size, and youth on his side and he is the betting favorite going into the fight.  But he has been out of the ring for almost two years and if he has any ring rust, it will surely show in the first couple of rounds.  Especially against Juan Marquez, who has won his last two fights by devastating knockouts.

Marquez is the underdog.  A big underdog.  As a matter of fact, when the debate went up to a panel of 14 boxing writers, fighters and trainers the results came in13-1 for a Mayweather victory, either by late stoppage or unanimous decision.  But do not count him out.  Although he does give up the advantages aforementioned, he does contain a few intangibles, one being heart, and your either born with it, or not, and he emerged from the womb with heart in abundance.  He is also a ring technician, a master of in fight adjustments, a beautiful counter-puncher with pinpoint accuracy.  When things don’t seem to be going his way, he will land a counter punch to change the tides.  He is a Mexican-born boxer, fighting on Mexican Independence Day, he will be fighting for his country, his pride, his people behind him.  The weight of an entire country will be on his shoulders, and he promises not to disappoint. He is strong and has never been knocked out. He will be fighting 9 pounds heavier than he ever has.  The cards seemed stacked against him, but if you ask any Marquez fan, there seems to be something in the air.  Something motivating, pushing Marquez harder than he ever has.  He wants this win so bad, it has pushed into the realms of need, and when you need something, your body will do anything to achieve it.  From throwing boulders in the mountains of Mexico, to training endlessly, countless hours of watching video, blood, sweat, tears, hyperbaric chambers, urine.  Marquez is willing to do anything to gain the win, and you can never count that out.

Come Sept 19th a lot of questions will be answered, a boxing thirst will be quenched, a dream will be fulfilled.  The culmination of weeks of training, mental preparation, anticipation and excitement will finally collide.  A bell will sound.  A crowd will cheer.  Hearts will be thumping, and adrenaline will be running rampant.  The oasis will be in view.  As for predictions, Mayweather should win this fight.  Should.  Don’t be surprised if Marquez is the only one not surprised by the verdict.