Boxing Thread 2K12

[JKidd]

Hell of a weekend, gentleman. Here's the recap:

-Wlad shut out UD win over Wach in Germany-
Wlad did his absolute best to get rid of a Wach, including notching a 10-8 round in the 8th, despite not actually knocking Wach down (power punches landed were 50-0). He tried again in the 10th and 12th, but the concrete jawed Pole just wouldn't go down, surviving to the final bell. Wach did land and hurt a single right in the 5th, it was just too late in the round to matter as Wlad got through and then blasted jabs the entire 6th. Wach, though massive in size, doesn't have nearly the technique or skills Wlad has.

**HBO Card**
-Garcia TKO8 over Jonathon Barros-
It started out as a high speed chess match, with the two staying on the outside trying to figure each other out, and then, at round 6, Mikey had enough of it. As soon as he stomped on the gas, he started finding the range, and the right hand started connecting. Then, the left hook started landing.

Fallout: I do wonder how Mikey will do with Salido. He was getting caught by a feather fisted Barros quite a bit, so I'm not sure if that was because he knew he could take it, or he was actually getting caught. Either way, taking those shots with Siri won't make for a good night.

-Lara TD Vanes-
I said this could be boring, and boy was it ever. Just as Vanes is against any skilled boxing opposition. It was ugly and boring almost all fight long. Vanes pressed, Lara pot shot and held, and it was just a nightmare. Thank god it's over. While I don't care for the draw call (had Vanes winning by two rounds), I could care less. I'm just happy it's over.

Fallout: The winner was going supposed to get Canelo, per WBC. Now, with neither winning... what happens with Canelo? Well, he didn't care to fight either and is gunning for 3 names in his next fight, Floyd, Sergio and Cotto. So, even if Lara or Vanes won, they weren't going to fight the red head.

**Showtime card**
-Cleverly TKO8 over Hawk-
Hawk gave his best, but Clev is such a smooth boxer, he just couldn't get to him. Then Clev stepped on the gas and started ripping up a gassed Hawk. He dropped him twice in the 7th, and another couple times in the final stanza before the ref mercifully stopped the fight. A good showing in the US for Nathan.

Fallout: Cleverly appears destined now to fight Bernard Hopkins at Barclays in February. Or Hopkins will take Shuemenov or Cloud... but, Cleverly appears as the front runner (simply based off styles and everything else).

-Angulo KO1 over Casarez-
Angulo is back! And when I get this clip, you'll see what I mean. In less than a minute, Perro announced his return to the sport, walking through Casarez. He did show some improved boxing abilities with new trainer Virgil Hunter. The new wrinkle, that was the deciding factor... a counter left hook. Yeah, Perro throwing a counter punch. Normally it was take everything the other guy had, and then fire back. He slipped a punch and then BAM! Left hook to the jaw.

Fallout: Angulo makes a splash back at the JMW division. Talks are out there for a rematch with Kirkland, although James is tied up still with legal drama with his lawsuit with GBP and Anne Wolfe.

-Leo Santa Cruz TKO9 over Zaleta-
I really thought Zaleta was overwhelmed to start with, and it showed in the ring. LSC knocked him down 3 times, and the relentless body work just destroyed Zaleta over time. Over 50% of his shots landed, and as usual, Cruz threw well over 1000 punches in dispatching an opponent. He seems to get better with each outing, and this was a thorough thrashing.

Fallout: LSC really has his choice of opponents now.He can stick it out at bantamweight and target Shinsuke Yamanaka, or wait for Anselmo Moreno to come back down for a major fight there.

-Mares UD12 over Moreno-
Mares should be a Top 10 P4P with that win. It may be tainted because of several low blows - again, but even without the lowblows, and Moreno not complaining once of them, he still had a hell of a fight, and improved from his most recent outing. He was able to cut off the ring and match Moreno most of the time, and land flush power shots on him the entire fight. I had Mares up by 2 at the end. I have no idea how a 120-106 card was seen. I really don't.

Fallout: Mares sets up what should be a major, unification, bout with Nonito Donaire. However, Donaire is scheduled with Arce, and we still have that TR/GBP rift going on. So, the next move will be an interesting one for Abner.

[JKidd]

Here's the Showtime recap of Mares/Moreno, Angulo/Casarez and Santa Cruz/Zaleta:

Showtime Boxing - Recap: Abner Mares vs. Anselmo...

Still waiting Boxnation with the Hawk/Clev highlights.

[Flyers2001]

122 - The Division has been shorten at the moment to 2 names. Donaire and Mares. I know Rigo is there and Santa Cruz can eneter the mix, but these guys has beat top notch competition over the past 2 years and should be fighting. Politics aside these two fighting eachother for this division is no different than Floyd and Manny fighting for 147. Thats what it means. I would make one concession that would be acceptable. Mares vs. Cruz and Donaire vs. Rigo early 2013. If their none of these fights happen in 2013 then its painfully obvious boxing will always be its own worse enemy.

154 - Angulo is who he is. He has very limited "boxing" skills, but puts such pressure on people it makes them engage and he has a solid chin and great stamina. If he is in with a good boxer he will get worked. He will always have that "chance", but elite is out of his realm, but don't let that disturb the thorough enjoyment of his career, which I am happy to see go on...

Vanes vs. lara was disgraceful. Painful to watch. I am not impressed with either of them and thankfully Canelo will be fighting someone else. Some people sleep on Canelo and say its because his comp has sucked. Well, I beleive he is the real deal and at his young age he is a beast for years to come. Its been a long time since we have seen someone put together combinations, going downstairs then upstairs with the heavy hands Canelo has. They said Victor Ortiz hits hard and came in the ring vs. Lopez at 160 something, well thats not to far off what Canelo weighed on fight night and Canelo hit Lopez a hell of a lot harder. Caenlo is real and whoever he gets out of the the 3 he will have more than a punchers chance.

140 - Danny Garcia is in beast mode. Morales is old and faded..blah blah blah. He got leveled, because the guy in front of him knows how to counter punch with power and timing. Rios is a beast, Alvarado is a beast, Mathysse is a beast. Garcia is the favorite in all those fights because of his timing, but I would love to see all of them go at it. Best 4 man tourney in boxing.

[Flyers2001]

Originally Posted by JKidd

Huge KO of the year from Olympian Gary Russell Jr on Showtime last night.

Gary Russell Jr KO Roberto Castaneda KO OF THE YEAR?! - YouTube

Scary knockout here...

That initial left hook to the body set it up. He dropped his hands and then he got dropped.

Russel has the fastest hands in boxing and a fight between him and Gamboa at 130 would be nice.

[JKidd]

Some news and notes at our midpoint of the week...

-Sergio Martinez had successful knee surgery and is looking at a date in April 2013 for his return, and the fight is appearing to be in Argentina. Opponents? Nothing spectacular. Per Ring Magazine: Jose Miguel Torres (26-5, 23 KOs), Martin Murray (24-0-1, 10 KOs), Domenico Spada (36-4, 18 KOs), and Kerry Hope (17-4, 1 KO). Marty Murray is the only world class opponent of the mix.

-Danny Garcia vs. Zab Judah has moved from January to February, due to a scheduling conflict Gennady Golovkin's date at MSG. NYSAC will not allow to events on the same day (which is great for fans).

-Hopkins vs. Cleverly has ran into a snag. Clev has a mandatory defense due VERY soon with Robin Krasniqi. They were supposed to fight earlier, and Clev got sick and pulled. This could mean B-Hop looks to Cloud or Shuemenov instead of Cleverly.

-Longtime champion Toshiaki Nishioka has officially announced his retirement, and did not seek a new boxing license. In all honesty, it looked like he did this BEFORE his bout with Nonito. But, that cash grab aside, Nishi had a hell of a career, and was a very solid champion fighting anyone, pretty much anywhere.

-Antonio Tarver has done next to nothing about his PED bust. No news really other than a filed extension with the CSAC. The draw with Kayode was turned into a no contest, so I doubt we hear much from Magic Man. Although, his lack of defense really makes me question the rest of his brilliant career now.

-Marco Huck spouting off about Wlad Klitschko lately. It's comical, because the fight almost "can't" be made due to TV agreements in Germany. You think Showtime and HBO are bad here, it's nothing compared to RTL and ARD.. who have tens of millions invested in each fighter.

-Gary Russell officially called out Daniel Ponce de Leon for a title shot in early 2013. I'd love the fight to be made. The hand issues with Russell appear to be behind him, and Ponce is a very stiff test for him - but one he should be able to pass, unless the pressure breaks him down.

-Billy Dib pulled from the Trout/Cotto card. Boxing politics has a lot more to do with this than "injury" claims from Dib. Billy is under SMS Promotions banner, which is 50 Cent's banner. To spite Floyd Mayweather, 50 Cent is taking his business from GBP and is going to work with Top Rank. Whoopy, more boxing politics.

-Kendall Holt is rumored to be coming back to the ring in February or January. He'd like to be on the Zab/Danny card, but no guarantee their (pricing reasons).

-Still nothing from K9 and Rosado. Not sure why the IBF hasn't ordered a purse bid, at the very least, with this fight. Rosado is 2 months removed from his eliminator bout, and K9 is 5 months removed from his last title defense. Also worth noting is that K9 didn't land Austin Trout or Miguel Cotto, and with those guys fighting in a few weeks, him holding out for either and avoiding his mandatory doesn't seem like it should work that way. But, the IBF has been known to take some money to avoid this kind of situation.

-Still nothing from team Dmitry Pirog on what his plans are. Remember, he was supposed to return to the States a few months back, but pulled citing an injury. Fast forward to present times, still nothing from the hiding Russian.

-A few weeks left on Vitali and what way he's going to go with his career. How the WBC handles this, if he retires, will be VERY interesting. They'd want David Haye to have the title. He brings in the most dollars of any non-Klit brother HW. But, he's also not ranked right now, and a mandatory is scheduled between Bermane Stiverne and Chris Arreola for the right to face Vitali. Talk about a mess for the WBC.

-Sticking with the HWs, Tyson Fury has tabbed American former title challenger Kevin Johnson as his next opponent.

-Also, former HW champ Ruslan Chagaev, will return to action 12/1 against undefeated prospect Mike Perez (18-0, 12 KOs). Good to see Chagaev serious about returning to championship contention with his 4th fight of the year, and a step up in competition from his previous, under .500 opponent.

I'll preview the weekend on Friday... should be another very fun weekend of boxing action.

[Flyers2001]

-Billy Dib pulled from the Trout/Cotto card. Boxing politics has a lot more to do with this than "injury" claims from Dib. Billy is under SMS Promotions banner, which is 50 Cent's banner. To spite Floyd Mayweather, 50 Cent is taking his business from GBP and is going to work with Top Rank. Whoopy, more boxing politics.

This is actually the other way around. When Floyd was in jail it was a friends of Floyd and 50 that dropped a note to Floyd about leaving Al Haymon and to stop working with GBP. Floyd is a businessman and knows full well that Al Haymon is exactly who he wants to be associated with. Besides some personal stuff it was that note and 50's agenda that drove TMT promotions to the ground and SMS to appear.

Besides Billy Dib being a boring fighter and showtime not being happy with him, it was quite easy for Haymon to tell 50 to go **** himself.

50 can mouth off in the rap game because it may sell records, in boxing it has consequences on the business side. Funny how things suddenly went quiet when J Prince called 50 out on his 20 million bet.

By the way, who leaves the most successful businessman in boxing at the prime of their career. Thats right a someone whose boxed 1 time in 24 months and is wasting him prime years; Andre Dirrell

[JKidd]

Originally Posted by Flyers2001

This is actually the other way around. When Floyd was in jail it was a friends of Floyd and 50 that dropped a note to Floyd about leaving Al Haymon and to stop working with GBP. Floyd is a businessman and knows full well that Al Haymon is exactly who he wants to be associated with. Besides some personal stuff it was that note and 50's agenda that drove TMT promotions to the ground and SMS to appear.

Besides Billy Dib being a boring fighter and showtime not being happy with him, it was quite easy for Haymon to tell 50 to go **** himself.

50 can mouth off in the rap game because it may sell records, in boxing it has consequences on the business side. Funny how things suddenly went quiet when J Prince called 50 out on his 20 million bet.

By the way, who leaves the most successful businessman in boxing at the prime of their career. Thats right a someone whose boxed 1 time in 24 months and is wasting him prime years; Andre Dirrell

I've got that. In reaction to Floyd not wanting to part ways with Haymon and GBP, 50 has taken his business to TR - to spite GB and Floyd.

Which, really, makes 0 sense IMO. Look at the Gamboa situation. They pay a 7 figure buy out for Yuri with Top Rank, and now will go back to TR to work out a deal for Gamboa to fight under their banner, and against one of their fighters. I'm not THAT good of a business man, but I know I wouldn't pay 7 figures for something, and then let their previous "owner" use them at their leisure. That's just me though.

Andre Dirrell... I can't comment on too much. He's such a waste of a talent I can barely stomach the though of commenting on him. I've said it with one of the guys at the Ring, the guy is monumentally talented, but has no brain driving the talent. It's comically tragic how terrible his career has been handled.

Quick note for those wondering, a TR/K2 card is being setup for HBO next year. K2 is trying to secure an HBO approved opponent for Golovkin (they've declined any 168lb'er) and are preferring him to defend the middle weight strap. Fernando Guerrero is a rumored opponent, Carlos Molina is a rumored opponent (moving up from 154), and Gabriel Rosado is another rumored opponent (moving up from 154 as well).

I get it that GGG is an avoided guy, but I find it hard to believe that there are no 160 lber's looking for a shot at a champion. Matthew Macklin would be a big draw to MSG (as he was with Sergio), and would put on a hell of a fight. Peter Manfredo Jr announced he's ready for a return, and would be a good draw. Andy Lee is always around. Jermaine Taylor, despite most fearing for his life with Golovkin, is around and looking for a championship shot.

I'm not sure I'd say it's mismanagement by K2, but the fact they've only thought of Brian Vera, Marco Antonio Rubio, and two SMW's makes me question what the **** they're doing with Golovkin.

[Flyers2001]

Originally Posted by JKidd

I've got that. In reaction to Floyd not wanting to part ways with Haymon and GBP, 50 has taken his business to TR - to spite GB and Floyd.

Which, really, makes 0 sense IMO. Look at the Gamboa situation. They pay a 7 figure buy out for Yuri with Top Rank, and now will go back to TR to work out a deal for Gamboa to fight under their banner, and against one of their fighters. I'm not THAT good of a business man, but I know I wouldn't pay 7 figures for something, and then let their previous "owner" use them at their leisure. That's just me though.

Andre Dirrell... I can't comment on too much. He's such a waste of a talent I can barely stomach the though of commenting on him. I've said it with one of the guys at the Ring, the guy is monumentally talented, but has no brain driving the talent. It's comically tragic how terrible his career has been handled.

Quick note for those wondering, a TR/K2 card is being setup for HBO next year. K2 is trying to secure an HBO approved opponent for Golovkin (they've declined any 168lb'er) and are preferring him to defend the middle weight strap. Fernando Guerrero is a rumored opponent, Carlos Molina is a rumored opponent (moving up from 154), and Gabriel Rosado is another rumored opponent (moving up from 154 as well).

I get it that GGG is an avoided guy, but I find it hard to believe that there are no 160 lber's looking for a shot at a champion. Matthew Macklin would be a big draw to MSG (as he was with Sergio), and would put on a hell of a fight. Peter Manfredo Jr announced he's ready for a return, and would be a good draw. Andy Lee is always around. Jermaine Taylor, despite most fearing for his life with Golovkin, is around and looking for a championship shot.

I'm not sure I'd say it's mismanagement by K2, but the fact they've only thought of Brian Vera, Marco Antonio Rubio, and two SMW's makes me question what the **** they're doing with Golovkin.

Out of all the guys you mentioned, Rosado is the toughest, but it would not be a good business move. I think he would do fine with the weight because he is a huge 154 guy, but he is on such a roll that a couple more fights and wins at 154 he will force a big name to fight him. He has already been mentioned with Canelo.

Gab Rosado is the real deal. He comes to fight and carries a big stick. I know he has 5 losses but he was put in tough early on. I seen some of his fights at the National Gaurd Armory (10 mins walking from my house). They are no joke. You find out what you are made of on these small time Philly Cards. He fought at a High School in South Philly just 2 fights before he was tossed in with Angulo. I trust what my man Bread says that Rosado is a very tough out and even money against almost all 154's. Rosado should get back in there with Angulo because Gab is a totally different fighter today. I think Rosado would be able to withstand Angulo early and then step on the peddle around rd 5 and at work Angulo. Gab has tremendous endurance and he is knocking guys out that don't usually get stopped, late in fights. Thats a decent payday for both guys. And K9 needs to stop acting like a poodle and fight his mandatory.

[JKidd]

To touch on Rosado, he's pretty much in the mold of Orlando Salido in that he was thrown into the fire at a very young age. They've both got a lot more losses than you'd imagine a prize fighter to have, but they both got their start with some big names, and those big names had no issues disposing of their younger selfs.

I know he's had issues making 154 previously, so a move to 160 isn't too far away for Rosado, but I'd much rather see him fight K9 than move up now and fight Golovkin. Style wise, I think he has the style to beat K9, and I think he has a legit shot to knock him out, if K9 actually opens up with him. Much like Danny Garcia, another Philly product, Rosado is getting VERY good at throwing the shorter, better timed punches that land harder and quicker than how long it takes for opponents to cover. If he were to get the nod with Golovkin (I doubt he will, HBO isn't looking for a super middie or a light middie, but a true middleweight), we'd have fireworks for sure. I'd favor Golovkin, but I completely expect Rosado to give him a hell of a test, and welcome him to the true world class level with some great shots.

[JKidd]

Weekend preview, we'll start in England.

-Carl Froch (29-2, 21 KOs) vs. Yusaf Mack (31-4-2, 17 KOs) - for Froch's IBF super middleweight title
**Prediction**
This isn't a stay busy fight for Carl for nothing. Mack hasn't got a chance to hurt Froch, and with enough shots taken, Mack has shown he'll slow the boxing down to the point of getting caught. He's also got a glass chin, which isn't a good thing to bring to a Carl Froch fight (see Lucian Bute). I think Froch goes a few rounds with him, then disposes of Mack Attack around the 6th.

HBO card in AC:
-Seth Mitchell (25-0, 19 KOs) vs. Johnathon Banks (28-1, 18 KOs) - heavyweights
**Prediction**
I really like this match up. It's not going to be a war, by any means. But, it's a great test for Mitchell, and it's a great fight for Banks to see where he's at. He's been in there with bombers, and he's shown the ability to box them well, and in some case, stop them. Mitchell, on the other hand, is facing a vastly experienced boxer who has been with Manny Steward for 15 years, and has been a chief sparring partner for the Klits, and a number of other champs. The one thing I question, is how well prepared is Banks? He spent the past 6 weeks training Wlad in Steward's absence, and while he was putting in some work, he wasn't technically training for his own fight. With that being the case, I see this going deeper than normal, and I see the body shots from Seth wearing down Banks to get the stoppage later on in the fight.

-Antonio DeMarco (28-2-1, 21 KOs) vs. Adrien Broner (24-0, 20 KOs) - for DeMarco's WBC lightweight title
**Prediction**
Raise your hand if you've heard this is a lot like DeMarco/Valero? Yeah, it really isn't, in my eyes. Broner is fast, powerful, and when he thinks he's got you, the pressure is poured on. Tony, though, is a battle tested war horse who will give no quarter at all. He's also shown the ability to dig real deep, and pull a fight out with sheer guts and heart. I posted it on the RING, but I really feel the key to DeMarco winning is a mix of timing and pressure.Time Broner to negate the speed, and then pressure him to get him going straight back. Force mistakes. Broner, it's easy, use the superior foot and hand speed to get in, and wear down the Mexican warrior. It's that simple for him. I don't think this will be as bad a blowout as Valero/DeMarco, because Tony isn't nearly as green as he was. He's matured a lot, and has the power to have a chance. I'll be rooting for DeMarco, but I doubt it'll matter. I'll take Broner by a decision or late stoppage.

Also, I haven't touched on it, or cover the division, simply because it gets 0 press really and is a tough one to follow, but two of the best flyweights (2 divisions south of bantam weight at 112) in the world are going to go to war Saturday night in a unification bout
Brian "Hawaiian Punch" Viloria (31-3, 18 KOs) puts his WBO belt up against Hernan "Tyson" Marquez (34-2, 25 KOs) and his WBA belt.

It will not be for the feint of heart, and will be a nasty, give/take war for however long it lasts. I believe this will be on Integrated PPV or something like that. It's in LA, so if you have issues sleeping, snag a stream for this one. You will not disappointed with the action from these little guys.

[Flyers2001]

Originally Posted by JKidd

To touch on Rosado, he's pretty much in the mold of Orlando Salido in that he was thrown into the fire at a very young age. They've both got a lot more losses than you'd imagine a prize fighter to have, but they both got their start with some big names, and those big names had no issues disposing of their younger selfs.

I know he's had issues making 154 previously, so a move to 160 isn't too far away for Rosado, but I'd much rather see him fight K9 than move up now and fight Golovkin. Style wise, I think he has the style to beat K9, and I think he has a legit shot to knock him out, if K9 actually opens up with him. Much like Danny Garcia, another Philly product, Rosado is getting VERY good at throwing the shorter, better timed punches that land harder and quicker than how long it takes for opponents to cover. If he were to get the nod with Golovkin (I doubt he will, HBO isn't looking for a super middie or a light middie, but a true middleweight), we'd have fireworks for sure. I'd favor Golovkin, but I completely expect Rosado to give him a hell of a test, and welcome him to the true world class level with some great shots.

I just read its beween Rosado and Guerrero. HBO likes Rosado because of his current win streak and being on TV a lot recently, but Guerrero is backed by Haymon and HBO has big ties with AL.

[Wadubbin]

Man I'd love to see Demarco drop Broner...

[JKidd]

Some breaking news, Chad Dawson vs. Jean Pascal II is a done deal for March.

For whatever reason, HBO has decided to pick it up.

[JKidd]

I tweeted this between the 1st and 2nd round:

Seth better stop reaching like that. He's really over extending on the straight right. Banks needs to whip the uppercut through.

45 seconds into the 2nd, Seth over extends, and Banks hammered him with a hooker-cut.

Fast forward a couple minutes, and Banks has 3 knock downs and ref Big Eddie stops the fight.

Seth Mitchell takes loss #1.

[Blues 34]

Goddamn did Adrian Broner look great. He put an absolute ass whipping on a very tough Antonio DeMarco. He talks a lot of **** but he has greatness written all over him.

Great boxing skills but this kid loves to fight