The old man wins again. 44 year old ring legend, Bernard Hopkins defeated Enrique Ornelas by UD. Hopkins looked a little sloppy in the early rounds, probably due to ring rust (the last time he fought was last year against Kelly Pavlik). After a few rounds the cylinders began to move in the old engine, as Hopkins, the same as he always does, employed his usual defensive ring craft and sneaky punches to outpoint Enrique. Ornelas didn't bring anything to the ring to challenge Bernard Hopkins on the night. He was a student in there, and Hopkins, yet again was the teacher. . . maybe a mad scientist. Any win for Hopkins is a feat in itself, considering he's still in his prime at the age of 44! Amazingly, Hopkins' future is brighter now than it was 5-7 years ago.
Who's next for Hopkins? Anybody he wants. The ball is in Hopkins's court. He could probably secure a fight with any boxer on the planet - that is, if they are willing to fight him. Bernard Hopkins doesn't exactly make his opponents look good. Ask Jermain Taylor and Joe Calzaghe - hell, ask Pavlik while you're at it! I'm sure there are a few top fighters out there who would love to get the chance to fight Hopkins, and maybe get the opportunity to be able to say they beat Hopkins better and more convincingly than any of his other foes. Bernard Hopkins isn't exactly an easy puzzle; perhaps that fact will be enticing to Paul Williams or Chad Dawson.
Chad Dawson has already publicly stated he wants a crack at Bernard. That is the fight I want to see. There is also talk of Hopkins moving up to heavyweight to fight David Haye. That would be an interesting fight also.
I think Bernard Hopkins could make Chad Dawson look bad, like he has with all of his other opponents, but I give Chad Dawson a better chance of beating Hopkins than anyone else. Dawson has the speed and skill to overcome Hopkins's negativity and spoiling defense. It's hard for me to bet against Hopkins though; on his best night, even now, at his age, Hopkins can STILL decision Paul Williams, Chad Dawson or David Haye. He has the right style and game-plan to beat anyone put in front of him.
If Hopkins does go on to fight and defeat Chad Dawson, I wonder if that'll lull Calzaghe out of retirement? If, after Hopkins beat the talented young prospect that so many pestered Joe about before his retirement, you'd have to wonder. Regardless, Joe Calzaghe beat Bernard Hopkins when Hopkins was at his best - his last two fights against Pavlik and Ornelas have proven that - and any win from here on out for Hopkins, not only catapults his own legacy, but Calzaghe's too. It took Joe Calzaghe to beat Hopkins, and then Hopkins to beat Pavlik, for me to realize what a talent Joe Calzaghe was. Is Joe overrated by some die-hards? Absolutely. But he's also extremely underrated too. Calzaghe is overrated when it comes to accomplishments. He's underrated in terms of skill.
I'll be on the edge of my seat to find out who Bernard Hopkins will fight next. I'm hoping for Chad Dawson!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Roy Jones Jr. Lost To Danny Green - Rematch With Hopkins Doomed
Well, it looks like we can forget about seeing Roy Jones Jr. vs. Bernard Hopkins. Jones was stopped in the first round by Australian, Danny Green.
Green caught Jones with a right hand on Jone's left temple, which caused him to go down. Roy got up on shaky legs, covered up and let Green wail away. Jones didn't take a lot of punishment after the initial knockdown, but he wasn't firing back, which forced the referee to call a halt to the bout in the first round.
Am I shocked? Sort of. Danny Green is no world beater. I was expecting Jones to decision Green. Even at this stage of the game, despite the loss, I still consider Roy Jones Jr. a better boxer than Danny Green. Roy just got caught by a heavy handed fighter. It happens.
I'm definitely disappointed that Jones couldn't pull off the victory. That means we don't get to see the long awaited rematch Roy denied Hopkins all these years. I was looking forward to the confrontation between these two boxing legends. Now that Jones lost, it's very unlikely, barring some miracle, we'll see it happen.
Roy Jones Jr. will have to get back in the ring against some lesser opponent right away, if he wants to inch himself closer to a big fight with a big name. I'm a Roy fan, always have been, but I feel he should consider finally hanging them up. He's already secured himself as one of the greatest talents pound for pound to ever step inside the ring.
Green caught Jones with a right hand on Jone's left temple, which caused him to go down. Roy got up on shaky legs, covered up and let Green wail away. Jones didn't take a lot of punishment after the initial knockdown, but he wasn't firing back, which forced the referee to call a halt to the bout in the first round.
Am I shocked? Sort of. Danny Green is no world beater. I was expecting Jones to decision Green. Even at this stage of the game, despite the loss, I still consider Roy Jones Jr. a better boxer than Danny Green. Roy just got caught by a heavy handed fighter. It happens.
I'm definitely disappointed that Jones couldn't pull off the victory. That means we don't get to see the long awaited rematch Roy denied Hopkins all these years. I was looking forward to the confrontation between these two boxing legends. Now that Jones lost, it's very unlikely, barring some miracle, we'll see it happen.
Roy Jones Jr. will have to get back in the ring against some lesser opponent right away, if he wants to inch himself closer to a big fight with a big name. I'm a Roy fan, always have been, but I feel he should consider finally hanging them up. He's already secured himself as one of the greatest talents pound for pound to ever step inside the ring.
Lucian Bute Impressive In Win Over Librado Andrade
Lucian Bute looked great in his win over the steel-chin challenger, Librado Andrade. Andrade has never been stopped before; Lucian Bute managed to stop him in only 4 rounds.
Coming into this fight, I was expecting to see Andrade start where he left off in their last bout - and he did - pressuring Lucian Bute. Only I thought this time around, Librado would be more effective, seeing as how Bute couldn't dent his jaw in the first fight.
I was shocked to say the least, after Lucian Bute landed that beautiful counter-left off the ropes that dropped Andrade. We've seen Andrade absorb some monstrous shots in his fight against Kessler, and Lucian Bute was tagging him at will in the first fight without so much as a flinch from Librado - so I didn't expect to see Lucian drop him. That's not to say Andrade was seriously hurt though; the knockdown had more to do with him not seeing the punch. That just goes to show you how technique and speed trumps brute power most of the time (think Floyd Mayweather Jr.).
After Andrade got up from the punch to the head, Lucian soon thereafter finished the fight, erasing the memory of the first encounter, by hitting his opponent with a massive, well-placed left to the body. Librado could not beat the count.
Lucian Bute redeemed himself with this performance, and reacted to criticism the way true champions do. He was man enough to give Librado Andrade a much deserved rematch, and managed to erase any doubts I had before. I was seriously expecting some improvements out of Lucian Bute, and thought he would win - by UD - but not by stopping someone as tough as Andrade in 4 rounds.
Bute is ready for the elite in and around the super middleweight division. He's earned the right to fight the best. Word is, Lucian's camp wants Kelly Pavlik. I think that would be a good fight. Paul Williams is also a possibility.
Why the hell is Lucian Bute NOT in the super middleweight tournament? That's what I want to know!
Coming into this fight, I was expecting to see Andrade start where he left off in their last bout - and he did - pressuring Lucian Bute. Only I thought this time around, Librado would be more effective, seeing as how Bute couldn't dent his jaw in the first fight.
I was shocked to say the least, after Lucian Bute landed that beautiful counter-left off the ropes that dropped Andrade. We've seen Andrade absorb some monstrous shots in his fight against Kessler, and Lucian Bute was tagging him at will in the first fight without so much as a flinch from Librado - so I didn't expect to see Lucian drop him. That's not to say Andrade was seriously hurt though; the knockdown had more to do with him not seeing the punch. That just goes to show you how technique and speed trumps brute power most of the time (think Floyd Mayweather Jr.).
After Andrade got up from the punch to the head, Lucian soon thereafter finished the fight, erasing the memory of the first encounter, by hitting his opponent with a massive, well-placed left to the body. Librado could not beat the count.
Lucian Bute redeemed himself with this performance, and reacted to criticism the way true champions do. He was man enough to give Librado Andrade a much deserved rematch, and managed to erase any doubts I had before. I was seriously expecting some improvements out of Lucian Bute, and thought he would win - by UD - but not by stopping someone as tough as Andrade in 4 rounds.
Bute is ready for the elite in and around the super middleweight division. He's earned the right to fight the best. Word is, Lucian's camp wants Kelly Pavlik. I think that would be a good fight. Paul Williams is also a possibility.
Why the hell is Lucian Bute NOT in the super middleweight tournament? That's what I want to know!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The Mikkel Kessler Hype Train Derailed By Ward
Mikkel Kessler was favored to win the super middleweight super six tournament. Not anymore he isn't. Kessler's opponent, Andre Ward had something to say about Mikkel being the favorite in the tournament; in what was Andre Ward's biggest challenge to date since turning pro, he aced the test, pretty much dominating the highly touted Mikkel Kessler.
Andre Ward didn't just win, he outfought, outboxed and outsmarted Kessler in every round. I was extremely impressed by Ward. Quite frankly, I didn't think he had a chance against Kessler coming into this fight. Perhaps I got caught up in the Mikkel Kessler hype train:
Mikkel Kessler's claim to fame is losing against now retired, Joe Calzaghe. Given that Calzaghe was a special talent, and seeing Kessler put up a stiff challenge against Joe, most boxing fans thought Kessler would beat all challengers in the tournament; as did I.
Kessler is no joke. Although a little stiff and upright, he has beautiful boxing mechanics, decent power, and one of the best jabs in boxing. Before his fight with Joe Calzaghe, Kessler had hardly lost a round in his professional boxing career! He's no bum. He has legitimate talent.
So if we know how good Mikkel Kessler is, just how good is Andre Ward? After the performance Ward put on - if he can stay focused - I find it hard to believe he'll be beaten by Jermain Taylor, Arthur Abraham, Carl Froch, or even Dirrell. Dirrell will probably pose the toughest test for Ward because of his speed, and Abraham has the one punch power to end the fight quickly, but certainly, Ward has to be the favorite now. He has the style and talent to beat anyone in the super middleweight division.
Other than fans of Mikkel Kessler, you know who's really upset Kessler lost? Joe Calzaghe. Joe was banking on Kessler to further boost and cement his legacy. It looks like that wont happen now. No one had more invested in Kessler's performance than Joe Calzaghe did (and still does). Andre Ward beat Mikkel easier than Joe Calzaghe did.
The Danish fighter will look to get back on track against Carl Froch next. It's do or die time for Kessler.
Andre Ward didn't just win, he outfought, outboxed and outsmarted Kessler in every round. I was extremely impressed by Ward. Quite frankly, I didn't think he had a chance against Kessler coming into this fight. Perhaps I got caught up in the Mikkel Kessler hype train:
Mikkel Kessler's claim to fame is losing against now retired, Joe Calzaghe. Given that Calzaghe was a special talent, and seeing Kessler put up a stiff challenge against Joe, most boxing fans thought Kessler would beat all challengers in the tournament; as did I.
Kessler is no joke. Although a little stiff and upright, he has beautiful boxing mechanics, decent power, and one of the best jabs in boxing. Before his fight with Joe Calzaghe, Kessler had hardly lost a round in his professional boxing career! He's no bum. He has legitimate talent.
So if we know how good Mikkel Kessler is, just how good is Andre Ward? After the performance Ward put on - if he can stay focused - I find it hard to believe he'll be beaten by Jermain Taylor, Arthur Abraham, Carl Froch, or even Dirrell. Dirrell will probably pose the toughest test for Ward because of his speed, and Abraham has the one punch power to end the fight quickly, but certainly, Ward has to be the favorite now. He has the style and talent to beat anyone in the super middleweight division.
Other than fans of Mikkel Kessler, you know who's really upset Kessler lost? Joe Calzaghe. Joe was banking on Kessler to further boost and cement his legacy. It looks like that wont happen now. No one had more invested in Kessler's performance than Joe Calzaghe did (and still does). Andre Ward beat Mikkel easier than Joe Calzaghe did.
The Danish fighter will look to get back on track against Carl Froch next. It's do or die time for Kessler.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The Miguel Cotto-Manny Pacquiao Fight Generated Roughly 1.25 Million PPV Buys
The numbers are finally out. After tons of speculation, the final Pay-per-view buy-rate for the Miguel Cotto-Manny Pacquiao fight was released Friday: 1.25 million buys. Not bad at all. Certainly not a disappointment, but below my personal expectations. I thought for sure Manny-Cotto, combining their star-power, would easily generate at least 1.5 million buys.
When the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight finally materializes, after all said is done, I expect that fight to break box office records. I can't imagine Pacquiao-Mayweather not besting De La Hoya-Mayweather (the total PPV buys settled in at 2.4 million). There is finally a fighter in Manny Pacquiao who has a GREAT shot of giving Floyd his first loss: Villain vs. hero, speed vs. speed, offense vs. defense; an immovable force in Mayweather vs. a destructive offensive moving machine in Manny Pacquiao. Oh yes, people will tune in - by the millions!
What does this matter to me? Well, I'm not financially invested in either fighter; but it is a sign that the sport is doing good - thriving even. 2010 looks to be an up-year for boxing.
When the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight finally materializes, after all said is done, I expect that fight to break box office records. I can't imagine Pacquiao-Mayweather not besting De La Hoya-Mayweather (the total PPV buys settled in at 2.4 million). There is finally a fighter in Manny Pacquiao who has a GREAT shot of giving Floyd his first loss: Villain vs. hero, speed vs. speed, offense vs. defense; an immovable force in Mayweather vs. a destructive offensive moving machine in Manny Pacquiao. Oh yes, people will tune in - by the millions!
What does this matter to me? Well, I'm not financially invested in either fighter; but it is a sign that the sport is doing good - thriving even. 2010 looks to be an up-year for boxing.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Miguel Cotto's Future And Excuses For His Loss
The type of beating that Miguel Cotto took from Antonio Margarito can ruin a fighter. The same type of beating pretty much happened to Cotto again by the hands of Manny Pacquiao. Cotto's already taken an extreme amount of punishment from both of those fights. But it doesn't mean he cannot make a successful comeback. And I doubt Miguel Cotto is done boxing.
What is next for Miguel Cotto? Well, the first thing probably on his mind is a long vacation; recuperating, meditating on his loss and contemplating his passion for the sport, etc. Once/if Cotto decides to come back, there are a lot of good match-ups for him out there.
Rematching Margarito is always a possibility. Although Cotto is adamant about not fighting him (because of the hand wrap controversy). There is the Shane Mosley rematch waiting to happen. Cotto could also face the winner of Ricky Hatton/Juan Manuel Marquez, if that fight comes to fruition. Miguel could fight Juan Diaz, if he'll move up to welterweight. There are a lot of routes open to Miguel Cotto if he decides to come back - which I'm sure he will.
The bottom line is that, just because Cotto lost, or just because he took another beating, doesn't mean that he has to retire. . . if he doesn't want to. That's for him to decide.
I'm seeing a lot of calls for Miguel Cotto to retire. It's nonsense. We see this type of hysteria after any big name boxer gets beat a second time, or takes quite a bit of punishment. The same calls for retirement happened to Ricky Hatton after he was effortlessly knocked out in the second round by Manny Pacquiao. It is true a beating like the one Miguel Cotto took can permanently effect a fighter's career. On the other hand, many fighters have took 10 times the punishment as Cotto did, on numerous different occasions and come back and not be effected. It depends on the fighter. Each case has to be handled independently. There isn't a one case fit all type of criteria for determining if a fighter has taken too much punishment. We wont know that answer until Miguel Cotto (if he does) gets back in the ring.
The Miguel Cotto excuses have already started: Miguel Cotto's corner gave him the wrong advice, to Cotto being weight drained, etc. Excuses are to be expected.
For one, Miguel Cotto wasn't weight drained; by his own admission he wasn't. Cotto himself offered no excuses after the fight. It is true Cotto's corner did not offer the best advice, and he could have followed a better game plan, but didn't. Could've, would've, should've. The real excuse for Cotto losing - the only excuse for Cotto losing, is Manny Pacquiao.
What is next for Miguel Cotto? Well, the first thing probably on his mind is a long vacation; recuperating, meditating on his loss and contemplating his passion for the sport, etc. Once/if Cotto decides to come back, there are a lot of good match-ups for him out there.
Rematching Margarito is always a possibility. Although Cotto is adamant about not fighting him (because of the hand wrap controversy). There is the Shane Mosley rematch waiting to happen. Cotto could also face the winner of Ricky Hatton/Juan Manuel Marquez, if that fight comes to fruition. Miguel could fight Juan Diaz, if he'll move up to welterweight. There are a lot of routes open to Miguel Cotto if he decides to come back - which I'm sure he will.
The bottom line is that, just because Cotto lost, or just because he took another beating, doesn't mean that he has to retire. . . if he doesn't want to. That's for him to decide.
I'm seeing a lot of calls for Miguel Cotto to retire. It's nonsense. We see this type of hysteria after any big name boxer gets beat a second time, or takes quite a bit of punishment. The same calls for retirement happened to Ricky Hatton after he was effortlessly knocked out in the second round by Manny Pacquiao. It is true a beating like the one Miguel Cotto took can permanently effect a fighter's career. On the other hand, many fighters have took 10 times the punishment as Cotto did, on numerous different occasions and come back and not be effected. It depends on the fighter. Each case has to be handled independently. There isn't a one case fit all type of criteria for determining if a fighter has taken too much punishment. We wont know that answer until Miguel Cotto (if he does) gets back in the ring.
The Miguel Cotto excuses have already started: Miguel Cotto's corner gave him the wrong advice, to Cotto being weight drained, etc. Excuses are to be expected.
For one, Miguel Cotto wasn't weight drained; by his own admission he wasn't. Cotto himself offered no excuses after the fight. It is true Cotto's corner did not offer the best advice, and he could have followed a better game plan, but didn't. Could've, would've, should've. The real excuse for Cotto losing - the only excuse for Cotto losing, is Manny Pacquiao.
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