wetnwild

Al right,,A hairy bush is one thing.. but hairy arm pits..Help doesn't anyone agree? that's yucky on a girl.

wetnwild

i thought the talk was about boxing?

TJ Cline

TJ Cline

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wetnwild

i have to make sure I visit that site.

TJ Cline

The Resurgence of Heavyweight Boxing in Britain

01.11.05 - By Frank Maloney: People have been talking for some time now about the decline of the heavyweight boxing division. I believe that boxing's premier weight class can be seen as an indicator of the sport's health as I've long maintained that boxing is only as good as the heavyweight division. Having said that, I'm also a believer that the boxing business is really divided into two parts. You have the heavyweight boxing business on one hand and the then you have the business concerning all of the other weight classes.. It's true that the world heavyweight scene is not what it once was but the same cannot be said of the heavyweight boxing scene in England at the moment, thanks to promoter Frank Warren.

Recently people have been quick to attack Frank Warren. Quick to say that he can't deliver big shows and that he's not the promoter that he once was. But once again, when the chips are down, Frank has proven everyone wrong.

For on December the 10th, he's made a parcel of heavyweight fights that has the whole of Britain buzzing. In delivering this show at the ExCel Centre in London on that date, Frank has proven why people were wrong to underestimate his capabilities.

Everyone thought that he was going to deliver the rescheduled Matt Skelton and Danny Williams fight and there were a lot of remarks made after he announced that fight only to it have it fail to take place because a member of Skelton's management team confirmed their man's willingness to face Williams without first verifying the decision of the fighter.

What happened next is something that I believe is a measure of Frank's abilities as a promoter. He made three very high profile contests that will have repercussions on both sides of the Atlantic. You have Danny Williams taking on Audley Harrison. Matt Skelton facing Kevin McBride and John McDermott squaring off against Scott Gammer in an official eliminator for the British title.

While it is subject of course to final contractual approval by both camps, the Matt Skelton - Kevin McBride fight is one that I really hope will happen as I've worked with both fighters.

To put this matchup into perspective, McBride is someone that everyone is chasing at the moment since his win over Mike Tyson. The Irishman, now based in America, stands a full six foot seven inches and hails from the same area that produced the legendary "Clones Cyclone", Barry McGuigan.

At the age of 38, Matt Skelton is the undefeated British Heavyweight Champion, despite his disadvantage of having no amateur experience whatsoever. Yet, he's beaten everyone that's been put in front of him. Matt is extremely strong willed and he turned down a lot of money to fight Danny Williams on an issue of principle.

Not just content at the Skelton - McBride contest, Frank Warren also has announced the fight that has the whole of Britain talking; former British Champion Danny Williams against 2000 Olympic Gold Medallist Audley Harrison. People are asking just how Frank Warren could make such a pairing after he and Harrison had for years engaged in a war of words through the press?

The answer is that Frank Warren's philosophy is to not let anything get in the way of making the fights that the public wants to see, and that business is business. Obviously, Harrison has the same outlook as both he and Frank have agreed to this fight, which will headline the ExCel Centre show on 10 December.

The Williams - Harrison bout has to be one of the most eagerly awaited heavyweight fights in Britain since Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno squared off. I've heard hardened sports journalists say that the only place to be on December 10th is at the ExCel Centre. There will be a lot of questions asked in the ring on that night. Will Matt Skelton be able to master a much improved Kevin McBride, the Irish tank that put an end to the career of the once fearsome Mike Tyson?

I managed McBride for a period of time but we fell out over a personal issue. I take my hat off to him since then as he's gone to America and built his career up to earning a shot on a major show here in London. Even though the Skelton - McBride pairing is a great fight, let's not forget that all eyes will be on Audley Harrison and Danny Williams. This is a twelve round heavyweight fight that doesn't need a title, as it's for something that's more important than any belt. It is for bragging rights and pride, to be able to walk around the streets and communities of London as the great city's top fighter.

No matter who wins these two heavyweight fights, the real winners will be the ten thousand people in attendance at the ExCel Centre and the millions of television viewers. But you could also say that another real winner is Frank Warren, who has proven once again that he's the number one promoter out there. He took the bull by the horns and made the fight that everyone thought was impossible.

As is common knowledge, I work with Matt Skelton and will be involved in his preparations for the fight along with Kevin Saunders. It's certainly a fight that I would hate to see Matt lose, especially since I had released McBride from a managerial contract previously. I've got to hold my hand up and say that I was totally shocked when McBride beat Tyson. I thought that it was a foregone conclusion but that is the beauty of boxing.

I still don't believe that McBride deserves a world title fight but if he beats Matt Skelton, I will be the first to walk across the ring and shake his hand and say that he does deserve a world title fight. But I must say that I'm hoping to see McBride end up in the same position that he was in during his last fight under my management and that is on his back, on the canvas.

Even though I'll be working in the corner of Matt Skelton on 10 December, I'll be keeping a close eye on the Harrison - Williams fight but I'll be keeping an even closer watch on John McDermott - Scott Gammer British title eliminator as the winner will then most likely be scheduled to challenge British Champion Matt Skelton.

I believe that Audley Harrison will step up to the plate this time and will take Danny Williams to school. I believe that the Klitschko fight has taken a hell of a lot out of Williams. That is why I was pushing strongly for Skelton to take the fight with Danny but it seemed that no matter how we approached Skelton, he would not vary from his stance of principle. So Skelton's loss is Audley Harrison's gain and I believe that Harrison will recognize the opportunity he has been given, which is really a license to impress the British public, who have recently fallen out of love with the Olympic champion.

But a win on December 10th will rekindle that romance and Harrison would then see himself in the world top ten. And who knows? Maybe we'll see Harrison and Skelton fighting for one of the big titles.

I'm not privy to the Harrison contract but I read his notes from the recent press conference in London where Audley said this is a one fight deal. If that is the case, you still have to take your hat off even more to Frank Warren because Harrison could win and look sensational, before walking straight back to America. So that shows you a promoter who has balls and is willing to deliver the fight that the British fans have wanted for the last four years.

The American based heavyweight champions of the world such as John Ruiz and Lamont Brewster are finding it very hard to get fights on their own home ground. In contrast, three major heavyweight fights are taking place on the same card in London in December, and I think that's proof that the heavyweight scene in England is certainly picking up again.

As I mentioned before, there will be a lot of questions asked between the ropes at the ExCel Centre. Important questions such as is Danny Williams over the hill? Can Audley Harrison really do it? Just thinking about these two heavyweight fights and what heights to the two winners could climb to is what boxing is all about. But where will the losers go?

When all is said and done, the real winners on the night will be the British fans and boxing is all about winning. There is no place for losers in this unforgiving sport.

TJ Cline

Iron Clad: Mike Tyson's Place in History Pt. 3

31.10.05 - By Kevin Kincade: Alright, boys….Let's Get Ready to Ruuumbblleee!!!! By the time the showdown with Michael Spinks was signed, Mike's world had undergone some pretty significant changes. He was now married to Robin Givens…..and apparently her mother, Ruth Roper; and Mike's long-time friend and co-manager, Jim Jacobs, had finally succumbed to cancer. Somehow, Mike had to swallow his grief and find his focus for the fight that could determine his place in history as he took on the man many considered to be the real World Heavyweight Champion.

Just like Joe Frazier, who years ago, had beaten Buster Mathis Sr. and Jimmy Ellis for the New York State Athletic Commission, WBA, and WBC recognition as world champion still had to beat the man who beat the man to be the man, Mike, after gathering the WBC, WBA, and IBF belts had to face the man who beat the man; and that man was Michael Spinks. The boxing world held it's breath in anticipation of a clash historically similar to Ali-Frazier I. Both men were undefeated. Both men had legitimate claims to the throne. Who would dare to be great?

Going into the Tyson fight, Michael Spinks had fought a total of three fights at heavyweight. He had beaten the Great Larry Holmes twice by close decisions (the second was extremely controversial) and stopped Gerry Cooney in 5, where Holmes took 13 rounds to wear him down. Surely Spinks, the giant-killer, stood a chance against Tyson….WRONG! 91 Seconds into the opening stanza it was all over. Chasing Michael into the ropes, Tyson unloaded a vicious left uppercut to the chin and dropped Spinks for the first time in his career with a thundering right to the short rib. Upon rising, Michael, true to form, met Mike at ring center to get his respect. What he got was the hardest right hand he'd ever taken as a pro, sending him falling backwards, against his momentum, and crashing his head off the canvas under the ring ropes. Mike Tyson was now, undeniably, undisputedly, The Baddest Man On The Planet!

The Spinks fight was the last time Kevin Rooney would be in the corner with Tyson. Aaron Snowell and Jay Bright would take his place. How much of a difference Rooney's presence or absence made in Tyson's ring performance is one of those debatable questions that guys will discuss over beer and peanuts for quite some time. What was obvious was the difference in the Tyson that fought Spinks and the one that climbed into the ring with Frank Bruno eight months later: the head movement was all but absent, his combinations were fewer and farther between as he looked, primarily, for the one big shot that would end matters….Tyson appeared to have become more slugger than banger/boxer.

Bruno, while no world beater, was no bum, either. Tyson dropped the muscle-bound Brit in round 1; but much to Mike's surprise and the surprise of all who saw, Bruno rose and went after Mike…..AND ROCKED HIM!! Unfortunately for Frank, the comeback was not to last as Mike's body punches began to take their toll throughout the early rounds until Tyson finally caught him on the ropes in the 5th and landed a follow up combo that encouraged both Bruno's corner and the referee to step in and call it a night for Frank. Though Mike overcame Bruno's “somewhat primitive skills”, as he called them, we saw Mike take more punches than ever before. The lack of head movement did have consequences after all.

Though Mike's “new” approach to fighting didn't hurt him against Carl “The Truth” Williams months later, it sure as hell didn't help when he faced off against the mobile and motivated James “Buster” Douglas. . Most would say that Tyson was ill-prepared for Douglas and cite his knock-down in training to Greg Page as the proof. Whatever the case, Buster Douglas fought the fight of his life that night and did what no one had ever been able to do to Mike before. His jab was a jackhammer and his right hand a sledge. James “Buster” Douglas never again displayed the heart and skill he did in Tokyo against Tyson when he had nothing to lose; but on that day he didn't win because of any conspiracy or long count…..he won because he was the better man. And in doing so, forced the public to recognize that Mike Tyson was a “MAN” as well….and beatable.

One thing boxing pundits look for with fighters is how they respond to their first defeat. This was the case with Tyson as it was with Holyfield as it was with Lewis. After Evander was beaten from pillar to post by Riddick Bowe in round 10 of their fabled first clash, there was no doubt of Evander's heart. What was in doubt was his ability to overcome physics. Evander responded to the loss by taking a few months off, changing corners from Lou Duva and George Benton to Emanuel Steward, and signing to fight Alex Stewart again. The fight was a bore; but Evander got the win over 12 rounds and was ready to challenge Bowe for the title “Big Daddy” had wrested from his waist.

Showing discipline uncommon to his warrior mentality, Evander Holyfield stuck to his game plan and fought a “Spinks-Holmes I” type of fight against Bowe; but still found the time to slug it out from time to time, even after the bell on occasion. At the end of the day, Evander escaped with an extremely close and somewhat controversial (Holy won by 2 points on one card, one on the other) Majority Decision over the younger, bigger champion and became only the third man in history to regain the linear heavyweight championship of the world. The size of the fight in the dog was surely more important than the size of the dog in the fight in this sequel; people love a comeback.

Unfortunately for Evander, his second reign was not to last. In his very next fight against mandatory challenger, Michael Moorer, Holy looked to grow old overnight. Despite dropping Double M in the second, Evander seemed unmotivated, listless, drudging, lethargic, and seemingly unable to mount an offensive. Though he had built his light-heavyweight reputation as a banger, Moorer cautiously boxed Evander for 12 rounds, ramming that southpaw jab of his into Holy's face time and again, earning a Majority Decision and the World Heavyweight Championship. Five months after avenging his loss to Riddick Bowe, Evander was strapless again.

Lennox Lewis, after losing his belt to Oliver McCall, like Holyfield, felt a change in personnel was in order; out with Pepe Correa, in with Emmanuel Steward. With Manny at the helm, the HMS Lewis began to right its course back towards the title by correcting some fundamental flaws in his technique. After two tune ups, Lewis climbed into the ring with the most feared puncher since Tyson, Tommy Morrison. As it turned out, Morrison wasn't much of a test at all. Lennox easily dominated the one-dimensional slugger in route to a 6th Round TKO. Up next on the docket, “Merciless” Ray Mercer.

Ray's history was that he could be out boxed; but was as tough as nails and could hurt you with just about any punch he threw. The crowd that witnessed the war waged at Madison Square Garden on May 10th of 1996 won't soon forget the display of guts and heart Mercer and Lewis put on the table that night. Mercer, without a doubt, tested Lewis's fortitude as no other man ever had, pushing and pounding on the big Britt and taking some pretty stout stuff in return. By the time the final bell rang, all who saw knew the fight was extremely close and could go either way. The judges gave the nod to Lewis by margins of 96-94, 96-95, and one saw it even at 95 a piece. Regardless of whom you thought won, both men did the sport, the Garden, and themselves credit.

The result of the Mercer fight was Lewis getting another crack at the now vacated WBC belt and the man who had taken it from him, Oliver McCall. Revenge is not always sweet and certainly wasn't for Lewis in February of '97. I'd never seen a man suffer a nervous breakdown before that night. It was one of the most pitiful things I've ever seen in or out of the ring. I'm not an ultra sensitive man; but I really felt for Oliver McCall that night. In the end, Lewis had his belt again; but nobody that saw that fight remembers that part.

If the second Lewis-McCall fight wasn't a fight to inspire amnesia, then the Lewis-Akinwande hug-fest should qualify. John Ruiz would have been proud; but Mills Lane had had enough by round 5 and disqualified Henry for excessive holding, thus giving Lewis not one, but two unmemorable title fights. Something had to be done. That something was Andrew Golota, the man who had beaten the hell out of Riddick Bowe twice before getting himself disqualified. In October of 1997, nearly five years after his second round destruction of “Razor” Ruddock, Lewis turned in his most impressive performance to date, clocking the Foul Pole in 95 seconds. The answer to the question of who would have won between Bowe and Lewis seemed a little clearer.

Just as Lewis had taken a couple of tune-ups before facing dangerous opposition in his comeback, so did Tyson, quickly doing away with Henry Tillman and Alex Stewart in one round apiece, though Stewart was ranked # 4 and had given the present champion fits for nearly 8 rounds. Stewart would also go on to give future champions Michael Moorer and George Foreman much trouble in defeat and last a full 12 with Holyfiled in the rematch yet lasted less than a round against the post-Douglas Tyson.

After defeating Tillman and Stewart, Tyson climbed into the ring with #2 ranked heavyweight in the world, Donovan “Razor” Ruddock. Tyson and Ruddock both came out looking to knock the other one's head clean off, swinging with bad intentions. The first knockdown of Ruddock in the second was a case of the men's feet becoming tangled more than any punch Tyson landed; but the knockdown in the third was completely legitimate. As Mike countered a Ruddock hook-right combo with a hook of his own, the Jamaican-Canadian sprawled backwards on the seat of his pants from the brutal force of the blow. He got up smiling. In Round 6 it was the “Razor” who slashed out and the “Smash” found pay dirt on Tyson's head. Anyone who doubts Mike's ability to take a punch need only look at this round. Punch after deadly punch landed on Tyson's kisser as the Razor had him reeling; but Mike wouldn't go down. Round 7 saw Ruddock try to take a breather only to be caught with a Tyson combination that sent him falling backwards into the ropes, which was enough for Richard Steele to call a halt to things……a riot ensued following the early stoppage.

Mike was now the undisputed #1 contender again and Evander's mandatory challenger; but Mike decided to settle the controversy of the Ruddock fight. He wanted there to be no questions concerning his dominance over this man. The strategy and the attitude showed and, honestly, in my opinion, Tyson looked better in the first fight style-wise. The rematch was a “you hit me and I'll hit you” affair; there was very little technique from either man. Mike was looking for the one big punch as was Razor; and Mike seemed determined to show that he could take Ruddock's best shots. Tyson's defense was all but absent as machismo took control. He dominated the foul-filled affair for all 12 rounds, only losing a round here and there. Despite his excellent body work, he did not look like the Tyson of old. The head movement was gone, the peek-a-boo defense forgotten, combinations all but a thing of the past. Still, he was geared up for Evander Holyfield and regaining his title………Until Indiana.

I can think of only two heavyweight champions who had three years off while in their late 20's and came back: Jack Dempsey and Muhammad Ali. Ali did it successfully while Jack did not; but Dempsey was a little older and a completely different type of fighter from Muhammad…..very similar in style to Iron Mike, actually. Even though Tyson was not the champion when he was incarcerated, he was on the verge of a title fight with Evander Holyfield in which he could have, potentially, won his championship back. There was still an air about Tyson, even after the Douglas loss, that he was THE MAN in the heavyweight division; and Holyfield's losses to Bowe and Moorer didn't help his case for holding that post….especially after Bowe knocked him out in their third match.

When Mike climbed into the ring for the first time in 4 years and 2 months against Peter McNeely, there was, once again, a splintered championship. George Foreman held the Linear recognition as Champ, Mike's old sparring partner, Oliver McCall, held the WBC belt and was about to make his second defense against Frank Bruno, and Bruce Seldon had acquired the vacant WBA belt by defeating the contender who won't go away, Tony Tucker, and defended it against Joe Hipp on the same night Mike made his return to the ring…..August 19th, 1995.

After defeating McNeely in 1, Tyson stopped Buster Mathis Jr. in 3 and signed to fight McCall's conqueror and new WBC Champ, Frank Bruno in March of '96. It was as if he'd never been away from the ring as far as the public was concerned. After devastating two sub-par fighters, Mike was on his way to the throne once again. Frank Bruno, who had tried for so long to win a World Title let it go as if he had merely been holding it for the return of the King. He fought more like a fan in awe of the Tyson mystique than a champion fending off a challenge. Gone was the brave display he'd shown in losing to Tyson seven years before, gone was the spunk he'd displayed against Lewis nearly three years prior, gone was the form and poise he'd used to defeat Oliver McCall for the belt six months previous; and in three rounds, gone was his WBC Title. Mike Tyson was back…..or was he?

Up next for Tyson was the WBC's #1 contender, Lennox Lewis; but Mike, like his Brownsville neighbor, Riddick Bowe, had done a few years before, opted to let his precious belt go, rather than climb into the ring with the hungry contender. THIS IS “IRON” MIKE TYSON?? Tyson, instead, chose to challenge the WBA titlist, the “Atlantic City Express,” Bruce Seldon. Compared to Seldon's defense of his title, Bruno's was positively heroic. Seldon went down from a glancing blow that skimmed over the top of his head in the opening seconds of round 1. Moments later a follow up flurry sent Seldon to the canvas again. After rising for the second time, Bruce gave the ref the “wobbly leg” routine when asked if he could continue. Any respect Seldon might have built up throughout the course of his career went up in flames with his championship that night. To this observer's eyes, as with Bruno, the "Tyson Mystique" beat Seldon more than Tyson did.

Mike's fifth comeback fight is where Evander Holyfield's legacy really comes into play; this is where the roads of the three begin to collide. Holyfield, after losing his world title to Moorer, had won a spirited decision against Ray Mercer and been kayoed for the first time in his career in the rubber match with Riddick Bowe before stopping Bobby Czyz in 5 rounds…..well, actually Bobby quit because his eyes were “burning”. On the strength of that recent list of opponents, Mike Tyson signed to defend his WBA belt against “The Real Deal”.

Make no mistake about it, even though Tyson was no longer at his best in November of '96, Evander Holyfield was considered completely S-H-O-T, hence the 25 to 1 odds in Tyson's favor. Mike was 30, which is old for a compact, aggressive puncher; but Evander was 34 going on 40, judging from 3 of his last 4 outings. Who knew? Tyson, in the prefight introductions, appeared to be more enamored with his refound celebrity than impassioned with proving he was the best. The _expression on Evander's face denoted concern, or at least it appeared so. Appearances, indeed, can be deceiving.

Mike nailed Holyfield with the first punch he threw and knocked him off balance. Going after him, Mike found himself being spun, tied up, and beaten to the punch. Every time Mike would lead with a shot, Evander would throw three or four and then get the hell out of there while Mike tried to figure out what just happened and where he went. Time after time Holy would smother Mike's punches, spin him, hold on and push him back; essentially use every trick in the book to discombobulate the puncher and get him out of his rhythm. In the second round Evander spun Mike onto the ropes and countered with two wicked left hooks that snapped Mike's head back and brought the Vegas crowd to there feet with a roar. Round after round passed with Holy completely dominating the tempo and thoroughly frustrating Tyson. Finally, in the 5th, Mike caught Holyfield coming in with a short left hook; HE HURT HIM!! Evander jumped back and tried to establish the distance, only to have Mike wade inside and throw a punch here and there; but nothing like he did against Thomas, Holmes, or Biggs. Where was the killer instinct?! What happened the the greatest finisher the game had ever seen?! The bell sounded. Mike had let him off the hook….who'd a thunk it?

In round 6, Mike started off strong; but two minutes into the round Evander caught him with a low blow the referee didn't see and began to tee off, finally dropping Tyson for the second time in his career with what, ultimately, was a balance shot. As the rounds went in the bank, Mike began to complain about head butts, looking to the ref every so often for help. At one point, Evander actually smirked at Tyson and said something through a sneer after Mike had addressed the head butt issue again in between exchanges. Shortly after, Mike charged in and collided his head with Holyfield's causing Tyson's legs to buckle. Mitch Halpern stopped the action as Mike wanted to be taken to the corner so the doctor could look at a cut…he almost seemed like he was trying to quit. The rest of the bout is history. Evander continued with his game plan until he nailed Tyson at the end of the 10th and had him in dire straits when the bell sounded, only to finish him off seconds into the 11th. Evander was back from the dead with a vengance.

Two points are significant about this fight: Evander Holyfield's heart should be cloned and implanted into every young fighter at the initiation of his career, for there never has been a greater one in the history of sports, and Tyson's championship drive apparently was still in lock-up. What I mean by that is this…..I have always maintained that, in a close, hard fight, if you see one of the fighters begin to petition the referee for help, he's a beaten man; he's lost his desire to fight, to really compete. The more Holyfield dominated their first encounter, the more this trait became apparent in Mike Tyson. During his first career, while warring with Razor Ruddock in the rematch, low-blow after low-blow landed by both men and both wanted to continue and virtually ignored the referee and points deductions; they wanted to fight. That was not the case of This Tyson against Evander Holyfield; and it took an even worse turn in the rematch. When the two collided again seven months later, two and a half rounds of being dominated was all Tyson could take before he literally snapped in the ring; placing his mouth on Holyfield's ear ridge, he BIT OFF a chunk of flesh and spit it onto the canvas…..and tried the other ear when the referee gave him another chance. He didn't want another chance….he wanted out of that ring. Though he would go on to defeat contenders Andrew Golota and Francois Botha and receive another title shot against Lennox Lewis six years later, this is where Mike Tyson's place among the division's elite faded into Bolivia.

Lennox Lewis, after defeating Andrew Golota, squared off against the man who had beaten, though extremely controversially, George Foreman for the Linear World Heavyweight Championship, Shannon Briggs, and stopped him in 5 spirited rounds. After Tyson, Evander Holyfield faced down his old nemesis, IBF Champion, Michael Moorer, and looked as good as he ever has, dropping Double M five times before Dr. Flip Homanski stepped in between Rounds 8 and 9 and told Michael that was enough. So, the stage was set for Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield to determine who the Real World Heavyweight Champion of the World was. The first fight was determined a draw, though anyone who watched it knows Lewis proved himself the better fighter that night. In the rematch, Lewis got the decision and Holyfield gave the last great effort of his career, causing some to feel he actually deserved the victory.

Lewis would go on to face the best in the division as well as over hyped media creations, while Holyfield would attain another “title”, lose it, and after being embarrassed by Chris Byrd for, yet, another “belt”, beaten up by a former middleweight champ, and outboxed by a fringe contender, had his career ended against his will. Lennox's first test after the Holyfield bouts was HBO's dream child Michael Grant, the *ahem* “future of the division”. Lewis exposed Grant as the media creation he was in 2 extraordinarily brutal rounds. Up next, the man who briefly held the IBF belt, and was beating Mike Tyson before getting caught with a helluva right in the 5th, Francois Botha. Lewis blitzed him in 2 as well.

Lewis was looking dominant and finally receiving the accolades he had sought his whole career; but there were four young heavyweights out there that wanted what he had. There names were Ike Ibeabuchi, David Tua, Hasim Rahman, and Chris Byrd. Lewis would never have to face the best of the four, Ibeabuchi, because he ended up self-destructing and ruining his career before he ever got a shot at the title; but David Tua was banging on Lewis' door and had plenty of supporters who wanted to see the match. Tua was being compared to…..you guessed it….a young Mike Tyson, with incredible strength and a devastating left hook. So, eventually, Lewis signed to face him. Tua, though strong as advertised, proved to be no match for Lewis' boxing skill as Lennox made Tua look like a rank amateur, exposing all of the flaws in his one-dimensional approach to prize-fighting. Lennox Lewis was on top of the world….until South Africa and Hasim Rahman.

Lewis was overconfident going into the first Rahman fight, even taking time out to appear in a cameo with some Hollywood stars in “Ocean's Eleven”. Taking a man lightly, as he did Oliver McCall and now Hasim Rahman is a sure way to end up seeing stars in the ring; but not the kind you want to see. In round 5, with one right hand, Lewis was an ex-champion again. However, this time he got the chance to prove the loss was a fluke and in one less round than it took Rahman to shock the world, Lewis shocked the “Rock” with one of the most devastating right hands ever thrown in the ring, making him, at 36, only the fourth man in history to regain the Linear World Heavyweight Championship.

Lewis would only fight twice more, stopping an old and chunky (36 and 234 Lbs) Mike Tyson in 8 Rounds after dishing out a tremendous beating, and laboring mightily with the giant Vitali Klitschko before "Dr. Iron Fist" succumbed to a severe cut in Round 6. With a record of 42-2-1 (32), Lennox Lewis retired as champion and one of the few men who could say he defeated every man he ever faced in the ring.

FINAL ANALYSIS

So, what does all of this mean; how do these three compare? Well, since this article is essentially about Tyson, let's start with him. First and foremost, something needs to be made clear. There were two Mike Tysons. The Tyson of '85-'91 is a completely different fighter from the Tyson of '95-'05, just as the Muhammad Ali of '60-'67 is a completely different fighter from the Ali of '70-'80 and the George Foreman of '69-'77 is separate from the Forman of '87-'97. The first Tyson thoroughly dominated and cleaned out the heavyweight division whereas the second was a top 5 fighter, at best.

To establish this hypothesis, I point to Tyson's lack of hunger against Holyfield versus the heart he showed in a losing effort to Douglas and in two winning efforts against the big-punching Razor Ruddock. In the Douglas bout, though he was being thoroughly beaten, Mike was still looking for a way to win, hence the uppercut in round 8 that put Douglas on the seat of his pants. If you'll go back and look at the tape, you'll see Mike landed that same uppercut in Round 9; but this time, Buster fell forward onto Tyson, whose back was against the ropes. Despite Mike's looking for "intelligent" punching opportunities late in the fight, Douglas just wasn't going to be denied on this particular evening.

People constantly say that Mike falls apart when a fighter isn't afraid of him; but Ruddock wasn't afraid of Tyson. In fact, Ruddock was looking to decapitate Mike with practically every punch he threw....and damn near did in the 6th. Mike, instead of falling apart, charged back into the fray, looking for opportunities to fell his foe; and probably would have in the 7th had Richard Steele not acted so hastily. Mike himself, said that Razor punched like a "f-in' mule kick".....why would he sign for a rematch unless he wanted to "prove" he was the better fighter of the two?

Speaking of the rematch, both men were fouling each other badly, yet, neither looked to the referee for assistance. Both were men, true fighters wanting to beat the man in front of them, come hell or high water. The same can not be said about Tyson after his prison stint. When he re-entered the ring, I submit for thought, he was not as hungry or as dedicated to the sport as he was before he went in. Mike Tyson #1 would have destroyed Mike Tyson #2 inside of 6 rounds because Mike Tyson #1 truly wanted to be known as the Baddest Man on the Planet whereas Mike Tyson #2 was more about the money than the fighting. The Tyson who faced Holyfield was NOT the same man who ran through the heavyweight division like a bad case of Montezuma's Revenge ten years before. To suggest such a thing is pure foolishness.

Now, that being said, though all three fought each other, I'm only taking the Tyson-Holyfield and Holyfield-Lewis bouts into consideration since the Tyson that faced Lewis was a mere shell and equivalent to the Louis that faced Charles and Marciano and the Ali that faced Holmes and Berbick. Such a fight so late in a fighter's career should never be taken into consideration for his historical standing. It is true that Lewis is a year older than Mike; but Lennox was far closer to his best days when the two met than was Tyson.

Of the three, who was more dominant? Without a doubt, Lennox Lewis was the dominant fighter of the 1990's having beaten virtually every viable challenger short of Riddick Bowe. He unified the splintered title once again by defeating Oliver McCall for the vacant WBC belt, knocking out Shannon Briggs for Linear Prestige, and finally decisioning Evander Holyfield for the WBA/IBF versions. Lewis also avenged his title loss to Rahman with a dominant performance and handed the current WBC Titlist, Vitali Klitschko a defeat before hanging the gloves up.

Tyson, likewise in the post-Holmes era, accomplished domination of the division by not just unifying the titles; but by beating the men who had previously held the belts to solidify his hold. Tyson beat Berbick for the WBC belt and the man who Trevor took the title from, Pinklon Thomas, by 2nd and 6th round kayos respectively. He blitzed Michael Spinks in 1 for universal recognition as champ and stopped the man Spinks had defeated, Larry Holmes, in 4 Rounds. After being thoroughly dominated in the first round of their fight, WBA Titlist, James Smith, sought survival rather than glory for the remainder of the rounds, thus surrendering any claim he had to the title. The only quasi-dominant mid-80's champion Tyson didn't face was Tim Witherspoon; but if his 1st round loss to Smith in 1986 is any indication, Spoon wouldn't have faired much better than anyone else.

So, we've established that Lewis was the best of his era and Tyson was the best of his; but where does that leave Holyfield? Somewhere in between, I'm afraid. Holy did avenge his title loss to Bowe; but then turned around and lost his title again in his very next match. Afterwards, in an attempt to take the rubber match with Riddick, Holyfield was thoroughly dominated, with the sole exception of the round in which he dropped Big Daddy; and was knocked out for the first time in his career. Even though his thrilling upset over Tyson gave him the WBA's recognition as champion, Mike was no longer the best fighter in the division by that point, Lewis was.....and Holy failed to secure even one win over Lennox. Evander, while a great fighter with a great fighting heart, failed to ever truly dominate the division and, hence, fails to meet the standard of All-Time-Great.

Subtracting Holyfield from the equation leaves us Lewis and Tyson; who was better? Were either dominant enough to be considered All-Time-Greats? Both dominated their respective eras; but who was more dominant between the two?

As stated Tyson fought four men for the right to rule the heavyweights; but he didn't stop there. He went on to beat the men who they (the champions he beat) defeated for their belts. After destroying the champs and former champs, Mike took on every single challenger, ducking no one. There is the instance of Mike pulling out of the proposed Ruddock match-up due to a stomach ailment in 1989; but Mike would go on to soundly defeat Razor twice two years later, so their missed 1989 showdown is a non-issue. Single-handedly, Mike Tyson cleaned out a division that had been in a mess for ten years and did so in such an impressive manor that even after more than four years away from the ring, his reputation entranced the public into believing he could still do it. That's dominance.

Lewis only beat three men who had a claim to the title at the time he fought them: Shannon Briggs, Evander Holyfield, and Hasim Rahman; and Rahman was champ because he defeated Lewis. Still, Lewis defeated every man put in front of him and turned no challenge away……uh, that is except for mandatory challengers Chris Byrd and John Ruiz, who just happen to be current title-holders. Very few think either Byrd or Ruiz could have beaten Lewis; but the fact is they were ranked #1 at the time he allowed himself to be stripped in order to face a green and over hyped Michael Grant and an over-ripe Mike Tyson for much more MONEY…..a fella does have to make a living, after all.

Negatives aside, Lewis did decimate Andrew Golota at a time when Andrew had only beaten himself. He out boxed Evander Holyfield twice at the height of Evander's popularity for universal recognition as champ. He exposed Michael Grant as a mere media creation of HBO's and turned away legitimate #1 contender, David Tua, proving he was in a different league. He dragged himself off the canvas after a brutal one-punch knockout at the age of 36 to return the favor to his younger conqueror in shorter fashion. In the end, Lewis had beaten every man to ever enter the ring with him.

In common opponents, Tyson beat Tony Tucker and Frank Bruno in a more impressive manor than Lewis did and both fighters were older when Lewis fought them. However, Lewis beat Ruddock in more convincing fashion that did Tyson. The same can be said of Lewis's win over Botha and Golota, though they fought the second coming of Iron Mike and not the original version. Still, even the second Tyson victory over Bruno was more convincing than Lewis' sole effort.

Truth be known Lewis and Tyson are neck in neck in terms of who dominated who's era better; but I think the difference can be found in defeat. I believe it's a fair statement to say that James Douglas, Oliver McCall, and Hasim Rahman are roughly the same class of fighter. All are good enough to be ranked; but all are plagued with inconsistency throughout their careers…..for different reasons. Rahman has all the heart in the world; but lacks versatility and true ring intelligence. Douglas has all the skills any fighter could dream of possessing; but has shown lack of a true fighting heart on several occasions, though, obviously not on the night he fought Tyson. And McCall, while relatively skilled and in possession of fighting heart, has suffered from mental instability throughout his career, most notably when he lost to Lewis.

Lennox Lewis, in essence, while dominating his era, lost to two Buster Douglases whereas Tyson, while dominating his era, lost to one; and took a tremendous beating in doing so, while Lewis went down to one punch kayos. Even in his 2002 challenge of Lennox Lewis, Tyson took a frightful beating until his body could take no more. Let no one say Tyson didn't have a championship heart. True, Lewis did avenge both of those defeats; but Tyson never got a chance to avenge his due to Douglas being kayoed in 3 by Holyfield…..which shows that Douglas would never again be able to attain the level of intensity he had in the Tyson fight. How would Tyson have done had he got a second shot at Douglas? The world will never know; but I'll bet you've got a pretty good idea.

Both Lewis and Tyson were far better champions than Evander Holyfield. Who was better between Lewis and Tyson is indeed up for debate; but this observer gives the edge to the “Man of Iron”.

Mike Tyson was born to be a champion; make no mistake about it. Any era, you pick one, that Mike came along in….he was gonna be champ. Maybe not for long; but he would have gotten the gold at least once. Did he reign forever? No; but who does? Between 1985 and 1988, Mike Tyson was the fistic equivalent of a Jimi Hendrix, a Jim Morrison or a Bon Scott: he wasn't destined to grace us with his pugilistic excellence for any more than a heartbeat; but oh, what a heartbeat. To we mere humans, a shooting star is about as spectacular display as we're going to see in the heavens. The brilliance of the dying moments of an interplanetary hunk of rock can live in a person's memory for a lifetime. Such was the career of Mike Tyson. His reign as “Baddest Man on the Planet” lasted a mere 1,021 days; but has any prize-fighting star shown as brightly in as short a time? Very few. Very few.

Bullshit...Mike is 100% bum!!!

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aceshigh

im gonna arrange mike tyson vs foremanrules at madison park around the corner from me ,,,behind the sheds,,,,,,,,i think this should be settled once and for all ,,,,i just rang mike and he said yous a bum,,,,and he is gonna gut u like a salmon....then eat your pets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ITS ON BABY ITS ON

TJ Cline

sounds good.....In a ring with a ref and I get 500,000...

aceshigh

yeah i would do it,,,,,,,,,,,i would get knocked out but i would do it

TJ Cline

The bitch (John Ruiz) files $10 million lawsuit against Toney

01.11.05 - By Chet Mills: According to the Boston Globe, the WBA heavyweight champion, John Ruiz, has reportedly filed a $10 million dollar lawsuit against James Toney. The lawsuit Ruiz filed alleges Toney's use of steroids was the reason for Ruiz suffering the loss, including "incurred significant financial damage and damages to his reputation". It also states ''Toney's energy, aggression and strength levels were unusually high in comparison to his apparent physical condition." (At the time of the fight, Toney weighed 233 pounds, although his physique looked soft and with noticeable fat around his midsection.)

Ruiz lost a unanimous decision (judges scores - 116-111, 116-111, and 115-112) to James Toney on April 30, 2005 at Madison Square Garden, New York.

However, 10 days later, a banned substance, “Nandrolone,” was found in Toney’s post fight urine, which resulted in Ruiz being reinstated as the WBA heavyweight title. Following that, Toney was later suspended by the New York Athletic Commission for 90 days and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.

aceshigh

and toney cant get a woody now and has deca dick just leave the poor guy alone

TJ Cline

Jeff Lacy Training Photo & Quotes

02.11.05 - Photo: TOM CASINO / SHOWTIME: Undefeated IBF super middleweight champion Jeff "Left Hook'' Lacy hits the mitts during a workout Tuesday at Caesars Tahoe. In Saturday's excellent main event on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on west coast), Lacy defends his 168-pound title against hard-hitting IBF No. 5 contender Scott Pemberton. IBF bantamweight titleholder Rafael Marquez risks his crown against IBF No. 1 contender Silence Mabuza in the co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

Lacy Quotes: "This is my fourth fight this year. I am ready to go. People ask how I can stay fresh and the answer is easy: I live right. I do not smoke or drink. I get the proper rest during training camp.

"But mostly it is all about me loving the sport. I put 100 percent into it..

"I fight often because that is what I am used to doing. If you fight only once or twice a year, it can affect your performance, and I want to be at the top of my game all the time.

"I still feel there is room to improve. In this sport, you can't put a cap on improving, or trying to improve. Even the top guys, they are all trying to improve because there is always room to improve.

"I am looking forward to a very good fight against Pemberton. He is a dangerous puncher who you know is coming to win. That's what I want.

"I love to fight and being in the ring. I love the weight on your shoulders of being in with another guy, just me against him, and only one guy winning.''

TJ Cline

John Ruiz comments on lawsuit

NEW YORK (November 2, 2005) - Attorneys for World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John Ruiz announced today that a lawsuit has been filed on Ruiz's behalf against James Toney based on Toney's use of illegal performance-enhancing steroids in advance of their April 30, 2005 title fight.. In the lawsuit, Ruiz claims that Toney's use of Nandrolone, one of the most powerful performance-enhancing substances available, dramatically enhanced Toney's ability to fight by artificially augmenting his strength, speed and power. As a direct result of Toney's doping, Ruiz lost a fight that he otherwise would not have lost and sustained physical injuries that he otherwise would not have sustained. Notwithstanding that the judges' decision in favor of Toney on April 30 was overturned by the WBA after Toney's drug test subsequently came back positive for illegal steroids, Ruiz has also incurred substantial financial damages as a result of initially losing a decision in a fight that he would have won had Toney not cheated.

Several days after the April 30 fight, Toney's mandatory drug test came back with a positive result, reflecting the presence of Nandrolone in Toney's bloodstream. Use of Nandrolone is illegal under federal law, and Nandrolone is classified as a Schedule III drug under 21 U.S.C. § 812. On May 16, 2005, the WBA sanctioned Toney for his illegal use of steroids, precluding him from fighting for a WBA title for two years. The New York State Athletic Commission also levied their maximum applicable sanction against Toney, which included a $10,000 fine.

Ruiz made the following comment in connection with the lawsuit: "The problem of steroids in the sport of boxing must be addressed. This lawsuit is an effort to push this process forward. Boxers risk their lives every time they step into the ring. The illegal use of steroids increases a boxer's risk in a way that is simply unacceptable." Since the April 30 fight, Ruiz has called for the WBA and other boxing organizations to improve their standards, testing protocols and penalties to prevent and deter the use of anabolic steroids and other banned performance enhancing substances.

Ruiz's attorney, Aaron Marks of Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP in New York, made the following comment in connection with the lawsuit commenced by his firm: "This case more than underscores the epidemic problem in sports today caused by athletes' abuse of performance-enhancing steroids. This is not merely a situation where an athlete uses steroids in order to hit a baseball farther. Here, James Toney used illegal steroids to augment his speed and power so that he could hit another boxer harder. This could mean life or death for a competitor."

John Ruiz is the first and only world heavyweight champion of Hispanic heritage. He has beaten former world champions Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman, and Tony Tucker, as well as top 10 contenders Andrew Golota, Fres Oquendo and Kirk Johnson.

TJ Cline

Vitali Klitschko vs. Hasim Rahman, the Little Things

02.11.05 - By Geoff Mckay: You read it right, the little things, that's the title of this article. How many times have you watched a fight end in an upset, or turn in an unexpected result, only to have analysts in droves point out “the little things” afterward? Small factors, that when seen in hindsight came together and should have painted an obvious picture of what was about to happen. This time, we are going to try and look at the little things before the fight, and see what conclusion they lead us to.

First of all, there is no way that Rahman should stand a chance in this fight. He gives up reach, height, and brute strength. The shot that Vitali soaked up in the first round of the Sanders fight would have sent Rahman into dreamland, (as Sanders nearly did when he fought Rahman) so you can bet Vitali is more durable. Rahman is the younger man, in fact, when he fights Vitali, he will be 5 days past his 33rd birthday, compared to Vitali’s 34.

However, in a strange paradox, Rahman is also the older man. He has fewer years under his belt, but he is battle worn, and obviously past his prime, while Vitali seems at the height of his prowess, at least he was before the layoff.

There it is. I’ve convinced you right? No? I didn’t think so because I haven’t convinced myself either. There is just something about Rahman. He is impossible to write off. No matter how many poor performances he turns in, no matter how many trips he takes to the canvas, or the HBO announcers table, no matter how many times he leaves the ring in defeat, you just can’t look at the guy and say “he has no chance”, therefore, we must look deeper. We must examine, “the little things”.

If you read a few of the analyses that have been written about this fight, most of the credit given to Rahman have been vague - stuff like “good boxer”, “strong puncher”, or “experienced”. I believe these comments are unsuccessful efforts to describe what makes Rahman special. I believe what makes Rahman special is his mentality, in short, his unshakable confidence.

Confidence, that’s the word that the analysts should be using. He stands a chance simply because he is confident, that is the elusive factor that everyone sees, but can’t put their finger on. When he stands on the podium and tells Vitali Klitschko, along with the rest of the world that he is going to hand Klitschko his first ever knockdown, he sounds believable, because he himself believes it - and that believability catches people’s attention.

Hasim Rahman possesses a self confidence that is almost unshakable, and that is rare. Many are the stories of fighters whose careers were destroyed or damaged by a single, brutal knockout. Oleg Maskaev was on track for a title shot when the Kirk Johnson KO forever reduced him as a fighter. Wladimir Klitschko was considered the most promising heavyweight on the planet when a second round KO robbed him of all his confidence, a tribulation he is only now recovering from. Willie Dewitt, the promising Canadian heavyweight, never returned to prominence after being scorched by Bert Cooper. Michael Grant, Michael Moorer, the list goes on, and let’s not forget the most glaring example of all, Roy Jones Jr.

Roy Jones Jr. has demonstrated the power of fear better than any other fighter I know. It was all I could do to sit down and watch the third Jones-Tarver fight. Several times I got up and shut the TV off, only to force myself back again. I couldn’t stand seeing Roy Jones do that too himself, especially since it was obvious that the old Roy was still there, in flashes, waiting to come out, but caged by fear.

Tarver was hesitant, and he himself was scared of being tagged. On the two or three occasions Jones actually got aggressive, Tarver’s eyes went wide with bewilderment and horror, as he hung on for dear life. You could almost hear him thinking, “you’re not supposed to be doing that Roy!!!” Roy must have heard it too, because he immediately obliged and stopped fighting. In the middle of the fight Roy tagged Tarver with a beautiful counter shot, and the sweat exploded off of Tarvers' head. Although Tarver didn’t seem affected by the punch, the truth revealed itself a few seconds later when Jones feinted and Tarver lurched backward across the ring, desperate to avoid being hit again. Jones didn’t throw another meaningful punch that round. It is my belief that even now, if Roy Jones Jr. were capable of completely releasing himself from his fear, (get ready for the outcry), he would clean Tarver up within 7, and dominate the whole time.

The fear and self doubt that has so devastated these men, and many others, is completely nonexistent in Rahman, even though he has been knocked out as brutally and suddenly as any of those before him. His KO loss to Maskaev was as devastating as they come. Rahman was winning the fight, he looked sharp, he was controlling Maskaev, and suddenly Jim Lamply was asking him if he knew where, and who he was. How did Rahman respond? Four fights later he was the heavyweight champion of the world. Although he was losing when he knocked out Lewis, he was still confident, and aggressive enough to pursue the opening when he saw it. He won because he believed he could, just like he does now. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and one that speaks volumes is Vitali and Rahmans' face off at the press conference. Vitali is obviously pissed off again, and is glowering down at Hasim. Rahman, while gazing up 5 inches into Vitali’s eyes, is emotionless, no fear when nature says it should be there. It kind of reminded me of an animal on the railroad tracks, curiously gazing at that bright light coming swiftly toward it.

Another “little thing” is Vitali’s inactivity. We have no way of knowing how this has affected him until we see him fight, but we may have inadvertently been given a couple of clues. First of all, Vitali went through back surgery, so we can be sure he hasn’t been as active as he would like to be. While Hasim has stayed fairly active in the last year, it is doubtful Vitali was even able to jog for an extended period of his convalescence.

Also, there have been whispers that Vitali was cut during sparring. This could mean nothing; there are many ways a cut can happen. However, it could mean a lot. First of all, if it is in the same place as before, it means Vitali’s bleeding problem may be more permanent than thought. More importantly, it might mean that he isn’t as sharp after the long layoff, and that one of his sparring partners tagged him. Remember how we all dismissed the knockdown Tyson suffered in sparring, right before he fought Douglas, and then pointed to it afterward?

Very little is said about Vitali’s hands, but the truth is after his last two fights, Sanders, and Williams, he complained on air that he had hurt them. In fact, after about the third round of the Williams fight, he stopped punching with full power, which was a big part of the reason Williams was able to last so long. If Vitali’s hands act up again, he may have trouble finishing Rahman off, giving Hasim more chances to catch him.

I have saved the final “little thing” for last, because I think therein lies the key to predicting this fight. Just as Hasim’s main strength lies within his psyche, so is the case with Vitali. Vitali has an inner fire, a rage if you will. Any careful observer will see how his temper always lurks just under his skin. Even when sitting relaxed at a press conference, or photo op, he looks pissed off. This is rare in a big man, and when this fire is released it spells disaster for his opponents.

Hasim Rahman has been plagued by terrible advice throughout his career. I remember watching his corner man during the second Lewis fight. The corner man assured Rahman that Lewis could not touch him if he simply held his arms straight out from his body, palms extended. The very next round, cameras in Lewis’ corner caught Manny Steward telling Lewis, in detail, just how to nail Rahman if he did that again. Rahman got drilled and KO’d in the following round, just as Steward had said he would.

Once again, someone has given Rahman terrible advice, and chances are it’s going to cost him what could be his last shot at the title. Why anger a man larger and stronger than you? His camp should have paid attention to the other men that intentionally angered Vitali - Herbie Hide and Corrie Sanders. They should have watched the brutal, one sided beatings those men received at the hands of a motivated Vitali, and took heed. Vitali is at his most dangerous when he’s riled, the man that irks him on purpose before sharing the ring with him is foolhardy indeed.

Rahman’s biggest victory came against an unmotivated, unsuspecting Lewis. He should have pursued the same fight plan against Vitali. Instead of mocking him, presenting him with chicken and the like, he should have quietly come into press conferences, been polite, and then disappeared. He should have gone into seclusion, and let Vitali forget about him, just like Lennox Lewis did. Then, he could have looked to surprise a rusty Vitali early, and jump on him to force the stoppage. Now someone in his camp has decided to make it personal. In their brilliance, they have decided to “throw Vitali off his game” by making him mad, and in doing so have probably wasted the great chance they had for an upset.

Even if Klitschko is covered in ring rust, even if he hurts his hands or gets cut, he’s motivated now. He badly wants to beat up on Hasim Rahman, and he will. He will because he’s bigger, stronger, and meaner. He will get hit, but in the words of Teddy Atlas, “Klitschko won’t evaporate”. Rahman’s comments indicate he expects Klitschko to fold mentally when tested. Don’t count on it Hasim, especially now, since you’ve successfully painted a target on your forehead.

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TJ Cline

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Ricardo Mayorga? Will El Matador tarnish the Golden Boy’s return?

03.11.05 - By Gabriel DeCrease - The only problem with Oscar De La Hoya is that he is not as good-looking as me. -Ricardo Mayorga

Perennial fan-favorite and clean-cut megastar Oscar De La Hoya will make his return to the ring on May 6th of next year in a big-budget tangle with pugilism’s quintessential anti-hero Ricardo Mayorga. The Golden Boy is clearly looking to come back with a vengeance, and has chosen a dangerous bridge to cross on the way to what will likely be his last attempt at a title reign. But Oscar knows that styles make fights and watchable characters sell tickets and pay-per-view units. And these two are proven commodities.. Despite his recent losses, and his horrific showing against Felix Sturm, De La Hoya remains the only guy in the sport with crossover appeal as a clean-cut media machine. On the other hand, Mayorga appeals to some part of almost every boxing fan. He’s the guy fans love to hate, and the reckless anti-hero purists root for in spite of themselves. If The Golden Boy was looking to put together a fight that will get everyone’s strict attention, he has done it. There’s even a good bet an alphabet strap will be on the line to add championship appeal to the already potent cocktail of saleable ingredients. All Mayorga needs to do is hold on to that dubiously won WBC light-middleweight strap, which seems to be Don King’s gift to him for fooling the public into thinking he had a prayer against Felix Trinidad. Or, perhaps, Mayorga will lose the belt and then win it back in a return over the next seven months. Anything is possible when throwing El Matador into the mix.

By fight time The Golden Boy will have been out of the ring for well over a year. His last fight was a high-profile knockout loss to Bernard Hopkins in which Oscar looked undersized, outgunned, and clueless as to how to effectively fend off the an unusually aggressive Hopkins. The loss was arguably his second, in two outings, when he dared tip the scales at 160-pounds. His aforementioned bout with Felix Sturm was a sham in which judges, under extreme pressure to maintain the integrity of The Golden Boy’s date with The Executioner, gave Oscar a narrow gift-decision. This judgment came after Sturm’s stiff jab had been practically attached to De La Hoya’s face for the entirety of the fight, while De La Hoya threw all his best punches into Sturm’s guard and occasionally at his elbows. Immediately before that debacle, Oscar suffered a unanimous decision loss to Shane Mosely. It was a close fight, and could have easily been judged in favor of either fighter. However, De La Hoya kicked up such a fuss over the decision that he supported his formal appeal to the commission with the findings of his own personally funded investigation into the accuracy of the scoring. He was so unwilling to accept defeat; he made Bernard Hopkins recent buzzing seem like the conduct of a gracious and humble loser. All this serves to indicate that while De La Hoya remains a favorite to fans and odds-makers alike, he has suffered in recent years, and is clearly not the fighter of his dominant prime, which subjectively seemed to this author to come between his 1995 clobbering of a tough Jesse James Leija and his 2001 shutout of a not-yet-battlebroken Arturo Gatti.

The fight between De La Hoya and Mayorga will ultimately be one in which the outcome will be determined as a host of looming, unanswered questions are ultimately elucidated. Sadly, it will not be until fight night that such clarity will come, punch-by-punch. One question that comes immediately to mind is this: Is Oscar now too business-minded to get serious about preparing for a potentially tough fight against a dangerous puncher? The Golden Boy has, over the last few years, proven that his interests extend far beyond his career as a fighter. He has dabbled in the music business, winning a Latin Grammy Award and starting a Latin Music Label along the Way. He has been involved in the creation of boxing television programs, and has quickly become one of the more formidable promoters in the fight game, partnering-up with his one-time conqueror Bernard Hopkins in the process. Most fighters are lucky to score autograph-signing gigs and work at shabby gyms after they retire, but De La Hoya is clearly cut from a different cloth. He has a Sugar Ray Leonard kind of way about him that tells us he’s as much a media-institution as he is a warrior. But does Oscar have it in him to return to the ring amidst his other ventures as successfully as Leonard? Watching De La Hoya throughout his training camp will give some initial sense of how dedicated he will be to sweating and bleeding himself down to prime cuts for his date with the Nicaraguan destroyer. But it will only be on fight night that his level of determination and focus will be revealed. If throughout camp he is jabbering on a cell phone trading stocks instead of sparring with top opposition trading hooks, he may well seal his own doom. As history has taught, a fighter cannot always be judged by his physical shape.

Another question that comes to mind concerns El Matador, and it is this: Does a thirtysomething Ricardo Mayorga run the risk of being tripped up by ring-wear and an unhealthy lifestyle in taking a fight that may well go all the way into the championship rounds? Mayorga has always had a surprising amount of gas in the tank in the late rounds of tough fights despite his purportedly beer-swilling, ciggie-toting habits and a career made by taking thirty square punches for every career ending blast he lands. He went the distance in the return against Forrest, and outfoxed him relatively cleanly all the way, and then fought hard to the finish against a tricky Cory Spinks who won with the aid of a few suspect point-deductions. But he is quickly approaching that age when old-school, hard-knocks brawlers often quickly fade. The seemingly indestructible rib-smashing brawler Mickey Ward went that way after his first fight with Arturo Gatti. And then three fights later Gatti wound-up looking the shot-horse against a near-flawless Floyd Mayweather. Even Gatti’s detractors and Pretty Boy Boosters must admit that an already overmatched Gatti got old overnight, which only made the mismatch more of a shutout than it might have been if the Arturo Gatti of yesteryear had showed up (the one who battled Gabriel Ruelas to a vicious knockout win, took Wilson Rodriguez apart, and battled Tracy Patterson to a unanimous decision victory). Mayorga is cut from the same cloth, and after the hellacious beating he took at the persistent, rapid-firing hands of Felix Trinidad his stamina is surely drawn into question. Even if Mayorga’s hard-drinking sideshow is partly a publicity stunt, he is no naturalist and has certainly had a few wars with the bottle that would rival his wars in the ring, and that takes a toll—no matter how durable the fighter. De La Hoya is smart and knows his best strategy is to stylishly outbox Mayorga and only move aggressively forward once he has drawn a drained Mayorga into deep water. Ricardo’s conditioning will thus be a significant factor in the fight. His activity between now and then will also be crucial. If he can stay dedicated in training camp and score easy win or two, he will give himself the best chance of getting the drop of Oscar. But a war for Mayorga, or a lackluster cap that finds him dumping weight before a fight will be disastrous.

The fight itself should prove to be an exciting clash of very different styles. Mayorga will almost certainly go after De La Hoya with huge, wild shots from the opening bell, as is his habit. And he should do just that. If he can catch Oscar looking and establish control by hurting The Golden Boy, the fight is his for the taking. Oscar became quickly wary of Hopkins the moment he was wobbled by a hard clean shot, and, from that point, gave the fight away in the name of self-preservation. Any student of the game could see that Oscar did not try very hard to beat the count after tasting the canvas against Hopkins. Mayorga is one of those guys who is more than willing to die in the ring, and almost relishes the opportunity to eat leather. He has many times, and most recently to his discredit, invited opponents to take a free shot at his well-hammered noggin. So if he can force heavy action in the early going, it could be a short night for El Matador, and a kiss goodnight for Oscar. De La Hoya has a good chin, but any sign of danger, and he may well be looking for the bottom of a ten count rather than walking into more pretty-face-threatening punishment. A sustained war is a near-impossibility. De La Hoya has become too careful in his Golden Years, and Mayorga is too strong to trade with. Oscar needs to control the tempo from the outset. If he can retreat from the initial Mayorga-madness behind quick combos and a solid defense he will frustrate Mayorga and create an opportunity to trap him into the slow-wear of a technical mismatch. Think Mayorga versus Trinidad, but take out the knockdowns and add a standing TKO against the ropes late in the 11th round.

The date is set, and the public is already salivating. This matchup is one that has been a long time coming. Both mean face similar obstacles as age and the cost of a true-to-self lifestyle threaten their respective careers. Which makes a man weaker in the ring: a soft-and-easy life of luxury and complacency, or a fast-driving, thrill-seeking, shot-pounding, smoldering trip toward oblivion? Can Ricardo Mayorga once again shock the world by demolishing a respected champion? Or will style and technical acumen tame another savage brawler? The world will know come the sixth of May 2006.

Or will it? Mayorga is as unpredictable as a hyena on mescaline and The Golden Boy has a look on his face these days that says My retirement is in full swing, not my left hook. Perhaps the best question to be asking is whether or not this fight will ever actually happen.

TJ Cline

Rahman Vows to End Klitschko Dynasty!

BEND, OR (November 3, 2005) -- Like the Romanov Dynasty that ended with the Russian Revolution in 1917, WBC interim heavyweight champion HASIM RAHMAN stated today, from his training camp in Bend, OR, that he would lead his own one-man revolt to end the Klitschko Dynasty, beginning with a victory over older brother and WBC Champion Vitali Klitschko on November 12. "I am going to tear down the House of Klitschko, brother-by brother," said Rahman. “I am going to personally overthrow them. Boxing needs a people’s world champion not a czar!”

Rahman, on a media conference call yesterday, discussed his imminent challenge for the championship title stating that he felt confident he would beat Vitali and would immediately seek out his younger brother Wladimir to accomplish the mission of being the first heavyweight to beat both brothers in consecutive battles. "I like the idea of letting them bring the revenge factor into it and bring his brother on," said Rahman. “Unifying the titles and sending them both back to their motherland—the Ukraine—will give me great satisfaction.”

Legendary trainer Emmanuel Steward has also stated that the chances are strong for Rahman to accomplish such a feat. "I'd put them—Rahman and the two Klitschkos—on the same level," said Steward. “Rahman might be the best heavyweight in boxing today and if he is preparing like I hear he's preparing, there’s a great chance for a victory for him.”

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with K2 Promotions, Caesars Palace and Wynn Resort, "Seek and Destroy!" -- Klitschko vs. Rahman for the World Heavyweight Championship -- will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View, Saturday, November 12, from the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV.

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Klitschko v Rahman: Why Vitali Has to Win


03.11.05 - By Peter Cameron: It's not exactly The Thrilla in Manilla but Vitali Klitschko's November 12 date with Hasim Rahman does represent the biggest heavyweight fight of 2005. Those from the generation who watched Smokin' Joe bob and weave as The Greatest floated and danced, look away now. For these great men have long since gone, replaced by boxers who probably wouldn't have made the top ten in Ali's era. Klitschko resembles a robotic monster with an awkward style which is uneasy on the eye. He hasn't been seen in a ring all year, his last outing being against the hopelessly out-of-his-depth Danny Williams in December 2004. Rahman unfortunately did appear this year in August and was booed repeatedly as he ground out the dullest of points victories against Monte Barrett. After numerous setbacks and delays, on November 12th the long-awaited "Whack at the Thomas and Mack," for want of a better name, will finally see Dr Ironfist taking on the challenge of The Rock. Crikes, even their nicknames can't compare anymore!

Nevertheless the result of this heavyweight collision will have a massive impact on the short term future of the division. The best possible outcome on the night would be a decisive Klitschko victory, preferably by early knockout. This will help to establish him as the outright, recognisable leader of the heavyweights, a figurehead the division so desperately needs right now. As the Tyson-Holyfield-Lewis era disappears into memory, nobody has risen from the mediocrity that now strangles the division. Boxing no longer pulls in the punters and part of the problem is the lack of a clear heavyweight number one, a focal point for the average sports fan. November 12th is Klitschko's opportunity to become that man.

This is not to say that Rahman doesn't have a chance. He has good punching power and is entering the fight on the back of six straight wins, four by early stoppage. Indeed this is the man who knocked out big Lennox with a right hand of near supernatural power. Yet if we are brutally honest, none of us really believe that Rahman is any good. In fact many of us thought we had seen the last of him back in 2003 when, after the Lewis victory, he went on to lose three of his next four outings (the other result being a draw). In fact Rahman's whole reputation is based on that momentous victory in South Africa in 2001, yet I am not even convinced that was Lennox Lewis in the ring with him! It may have looked a bit like Lewis but it certainly didn't display the skills and conditioning normally seen from the giant Briton. The real Lennox Lewis turned up seven months later to put the record straight.

The problem for Rahman is that he simply doesn't have the credibility to be considered the world's best heavyweight. You cannot lose to Oleg Maskaev and John Ruiz and ever hold that title. Baddest Man on the Planet? No chance, not after those defeats. In fact so dull was The Rock's points victory over Monte Barrett in August that many fans would rather be watching his wrestling namesake take on Klitschko on November 12.

Not that anyone would begrudge Rahman victory, given his current financial turmoil and tragic story. This is a man who, in the euphoria directly after the first Lewis fight, reportedly turned down $17 million for a rematch in favour of $250,000 in a Don King suitcase and the promise of some easy defences. Lewis's lawyers then got to work and ensured the rematch was honoured immediately. Poor Rahman went on to lose not only the WBC belt but also an incredibly large amount of money. It is always painful to see a boxer having to file for bankruptcy as a result of bad management and boxing politics, and winning back the title would be the best remedy for the man from Baltimore. Yet despite this sentiment, a Rahman win would merely confuse already-muddled matters even further.

Step forward Vitali Klitschko.

The huge Ukrainian himself is hardly an inspiration. His finest hour is getting his face shredded to pieces by another ill-prepared version of Lennox Lewis, and since acquiring the WBC belt he has defended it against three unexceptional fighters in the shape of Kirk Johnson, Corrie Sanders and Danny Williams. Yet it is still just possible to argue, following fairly sound logic, that Klitschko is in fact unbeaten. His two losses, to Byrd and Lewis, have come from being unable to continue through injury. He was ahead on the judges' scorecards in both fights at the point of his withdrawal. He was desperate to continue against Lewis, and the Byrd fight injury was a freak occurrence not caused by anything his opponent did to him.

Klitschko has an impressive knockout ratio, with 34 KOs in 35 wins compared to Rahman's 33 in 41. Klitschko has never been knocked down and possesses the granite chin required to be a good boxer. In short, he has the credentials that Rahman lacks to become the world's best heavyweight.

On November 12th I expect to see the Doctor clinically chipping away at The Rock before executing a late knockout in an otherwise dull and overcautious fight. Afterwards we will appreciatively applaud as the division at last welcomes a newly established leader and some sense of order finally returns. Yet deep down we will be hoping that another Smokin' Joe or the next Greatest is just around the corner.

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aceshigh

roll on another mike tyson or joe fraizier or george foreman ,,,,,i reckon klitchko ,s good but ,,,,,,,thats it im doin a few cycles then turning pro,,then im gonna then im gonna go through the heavyweight division like there glasses of beer

TJ Cline

Its all technique, balance, skill and endurance................power is what you are born with...steroids are little help to a young fighter..

TJ Cline

Boxing 2006 Fight Preview: Part II—Heavyweight-Middleweight Divisions

04.11.05 - By Gabriel DeCrease: Additionally, here is my matchmaking wish-list. These matchups, if made, could set the fight game ablaze in the coming year:

O’Neil Bell v. Dale Brown II: Brown was the victim of perhaps the worst decision in recent memory. He consistently put pressure on a lethargic Bell, and did more than enough to state his case for a win. Bell never had the shockingly fresh-looking and tough Brown in real trouble, yet Brown lost by a margin of 111-117 on one scorecard. Bell would do well to make a better showing in a return if he wants credibility as a titleholder. And Dale Brown, a longtime workhorse in the Cruiserweight division, deserves another shot at some overdue glory.

Vitali Klitschko v. Nicolay Valuev: If the giant Valuev can get cleanly by John Ruiz’s onslaught of hugging, slapping, and filing bogus lawsuits, he has the chance to give boxing fans an unlikely treat.. Nicolay could put Dr. Ironfist in a fight where he gives away every possible size advantage. How often will the world see someone of Klitscko’s stature towered over in a title fight? This one has sideshow appeal that rivals Mike Tyson’s potential career in the adult film industry.

Wladmir Klitschko v. Chris Byrd II: It was a treat to watch the slap-boxing Byrd sputter to a halt and be dominated the first time around, and after Byrd’s detestable post-fight whining after his uninspired win over Williamson, it might be nice to see him banished with a bang. This one would also be a test to see if the now more cautious, and thrice beaten, Wladmir still has the gall to put together a vicious offensive because trying to box around Byrd will be near-impossible.

James Toney v. John Ruiz II: If John “Huggy Bear” Ruiz has any interest in walking along with any of his considerable talk against Toney lately he should take a rematch and try to salvage his infamous name in a bout with a steroid-free Lights Out.

Jean-Marc Mormeck v. Guillermo Jones: Now that the cruiserweight division has something closer to a dominant champion in Mormeck, the Frenchman should test himself against fellow Big Truck crasher Guillermo Jones who hits with more pop at Cruiser than any man who started his career as a welterweight should be able to.

Antonio Tarver v. Clinton Woods: Tarver does not have many options at 175, and the public is not exactly clamoring to watch him go through the motions in a rubbermatch with Glen Johnson, so a fight with Woods seems the right move. Woods has stumbled somehow into an impressive late-peak and after all his determined work in the division, he deserves a chance to shock boxing pundits with some momentary brilliance or power. And no one wants to see a rubbermatch between Woods and Johnson either. This unification scrap would also stop The Magic Man from tempting fate with an ill-advised jump into the heavyweight division.

Jeff Lacy v. Joe Calzaghe: More trash has been talked over this fight than any unlikely-to-happen matchup in recent boxing history. The now infamous Calzaghe is running out of time, if he is to have a prayer against Lacy he had better get him while Left Hook is still green and Joe has not completely faded. This fight should happen just to settle the issue of Calzaghe’s legitimacy as de facto king of the division. That said, don’t count on the bell ever ringing on this one. There is too much weight leaning against it.

Jeff Lacy v. Mikkel Kessler: Since Calzaghe will probably never tangle with either of these young lions, the next best thing is to throw them into the arena against each other. Kessler is grossly underestimated, largely because he has been denied major network television exposure, and would give Lacy a run for his money. This fight would likely prove who the man is at 168, though the public might not see it like that.

Winky Wright v. Winner of Hopkins/Taylor II: Winky has stayed in the game and been determined and prolific for years. His day is now, and he continues to impress in high-profile fights. Wright’s technical and defensive skills could give both Hopkins and Taylor problems.

Felix Sturm v. Winner of Hopkins/Taylor: It was highway robbery when pressure from money-hungry networks and promoters gave Oscar De La Hoya the decision over Sturm. Felix won that fight. Public opinion unanimously supports that fact. He deserved a shot at Hopkins after The Executioner chewed up an unusually fleshy Golden Boy, but was passed over. In the meantime, Sturm has been cutting down top opposition with ease and looks to be near his peak. His improved power-punching, coupled with his always-deadly jab, makes him a dangerous prospect for either Hopkins or Taylor. If Sturm gets over on Macelino Masoe, and he probably will, he’ll have the final piece of the alphabet puzzle entice the victor with.

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Samuel Peter Headlines “Global Warfare” on Dec. 15

05.11.05 – What do you call a boxing event packed with hard-hitting contenders from around the globe putting their fistic careers on the line in a quest for that always-elusive moment of glory? You could call it an early Holiday gift for fight fans. We call it “Global Warfare”.

On Thursday, December 15th, Warriors Boxing in association with Sampson Lewkowicz, Nafta Moskva and Duva Boxing return to the Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida with an evening of world-class professional boxing destined to start your end of year fireworks off early.

In the main event, it’s “The Nightmare before Christmas” as top Heavyweight contender Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter (24-1, 21 KO’s) returns. He is coming off his “Fight of the Year” candidate with Wladimir Klitschko where he had the Russian giant down down 3 times ( bullshit!!!! 1 time) and came within inches of knocking him out! Peter will face rugged Robert Hawkins (21-4, 7 KO’s), from the fighting city of Philadelphia.

And while a main event featuring one of boxing’s rising stars in a tough fight alone is worth the price of admission, Warriors Boxing is just getting started

In the co-main event, imposing Heavyweight contender Lance “Mount” Whitaker (31-3-1, 26 KO’s), lives up to his desire to fight only the best in the world when he tackles unbeaten 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist, Russian bomber Sultan Ibragimov (18-0, 15 KO’s), in a 12-round Title fight that will undoubtedly produce a future challenger for one of the World Champions in boxing’s glamour division

Also featured will be undefeated Colombian, Junior Welterweight star Juan Urango (16-0-1, 13 KO’s), who looks to carry the momentum from August’s knockout victory over Andre Eason as he defends his WBO and IBF Latino Titles against a former World Champion from Mexico, Cesar Bazan (44-7-1, 29 KO’s). This is a huge step up for this young contender

“We’ve started a good thing here at the Hard Rock Live Arena, and it’s turning into a snowball effect for the boxing business,” said Leon Margules, Executive Director of Warriors Boxing. “The fans are showing up in droves, and the fighters are responding in kind by asking for the toughest fights possible. These are the kinds of shows that will help resuscitate this great sport, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

Nigerian-born Samuel Peter (24-1, 21 KOs) needs little introduction to fight fans. Perhaps the most talked about young Heavyweight in the game today, the 25-year-old knockout artist is seen by practically all fight observers as a future world champion. Fresh off his controversial loss decision loss to former World Champion Wladimir Klitschko, Peter gained valuable experience in a bout that will only make this former Olympian more dangerous in the months and years to come.

Blessed with thudding power in both hands and the wisdom that comes from being at or near the top of the Heavyweight division for the better part of the past six years, Lance Whitaker (31-3-1, 26 KOs) finally feels that he is ready to make his run at a world championship in 2006. Winner of his last two bouts by knockout (and four of his last five), California’s Whitaker is in his physical prime as a heavyweight fighter, and that’s bad news for the rest of his peers.

Few knew of Heavyweight Sultan Ibragimov when he first started making a name for himself in the division over the last couple of years. After winning the Silver Medal in the 2000 Olympics, Ibragimov has reeled off 18 straight wins, with only three going the distance.
Boxing fans knew Juan Urango before August 26th, and they knew the Colombian junior welterweight was a fighter to watch out for, but after his decisive seventh round stoppage of Andre Eason in a late-summer matchup, ‘Iron Twins’ has become must-see TV for any follower of the sweet science. Ranked in the top ten by three of the four major world sanctioning bodies, Urango is chasing after a world title in 2006, and he’s moving fast.


This is a PPV event

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http://mymomsfuckingblackzilla.com/index2.htm
Enjoy

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TONIGHT! on Showtime


IBF Super Middleweight Champion
Jeff Lacy
vs.
IBF #5 at 168 pounds
Scott Pemberton
Rafael Marquez vs. Silence Mabuza
Sat, November 5 at 9:00 PM ET/PT
from Caesars Lake Tahoe

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aceshigh

who won

TJ Cline

The fight is on at 9:45PM in Az so I have no idea??

wetnwild

So is that what you are doing tonight?

TJ Cline

Waiting for the Lacy fight.......1 hour to go

wetnwild

What sould I do tonight? HUMMMM...

ON second thought maybe I'll go to the Roxbury....

TJ Cline