This past weekend hosted an “on the surface” boxing extravaganza for all who are fans of the fine and at times often lost art of pugilism. The players were ready to go and the stage was set. Electricity crackled in the atmosphere as the crowd clamored inside of the StubHub Center in Carson, California to see their hero Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (31-0/ 28 KOs) wage battle against well-seasoned veterano Marco “El Veneno” Antonio Rubio (59-7-1/ 51 KOs) for all the Middleweight trinkets and bells and whistles. Yet Rubio would fail to make the weight and forfeit 100,000 reasons to show up ready to fight. Which he wasn?t. Once renowned ring announcer Michael Buffer got through the particulars and stated that Rubio would not be fighting for any titles that evening it was more than apparent where the evening was headed. The only “poison” Rubio would be bringing into the fray on any level against Golovkin was the very vial that he had downed himself before the opening bell.
Not to take anything away from “GGG,” but his latest bout versus Marco Antonio Rubio was not spectacular on any level or really satisfying either – as far as answering any questions are concerned anyway. Granted, he?s a power puncher who revels in annihilating his opponents (which is a fairly easy task given the level of competition sacrificed up). In a division that is sprinkled with talent here and there, there isn?t much left for Golovkin to do but go up in weight at this point. Thing is, will his power translate to a higher weight class? Will the larger fighters be able to handle his punching power more easily, thus being able to stifle his attacks and even put him in a fix? Possibly. Yet right now Gennady Golovkin is riding the gravy train all the way to the bank. And why not? If fans and the boxing media are willing to take part in the charade that is being sold then let?s all buy tickets then. Don?t believe me?
Marco Antonio Rubio hardly showed up against Gennady Golovkin at all. He probably put more effort into signing outside the ring then he did in it. The fight itself was pedantic and rudimentary at best, and the mere idea that this was a top-billed card and main event, to me is an insult to everything that boxing once was. The fight “game” was once a great thing and had the ability to inspire, awe, shock and motivate viewers to take part in (vicariously at least) what was going on inside of the ring. Many liken “GGG?s” latest run to the early career of “Iron” Mike Tyson (50-6-5/ 44 KOs) – which is an incorrect comparison in review. He is a solid fighter who deserves the credit that is due him, yet he is no Tyson. The media tried to sell us years earlier on Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao (56-5-3/ 38 KOs) as being “Little Tyson” with little to no success. This is a repeat performance.
In my opinion, Rubio did not come to fight on Saturday, October 18, 2014. He came to get paid and lay down like a “good boy” does. “El Veneno” laid on the canvas like a dog who was poisoned with bad food, with just enough energy to know what was going on, but not enough sense to get up and do anything about it. Because he couldn?t. His sole role that evening was as an opponent. Another KO victim to add up to the “impressive” numbers. Which is really all those are – numbers. Do they really constitute greatness these days? Definitely not. And for those who would take this as bashing or belittling Golovkin, that is not the intent here. The purpose of this mirrored reflection is to hopefully (a long shot here) open up fans eyes to not only what they witnessed but are being a party to.
Kudos
A huge honorable mention is extended wholeheartedly Nicholas “Axe Man” Walters (25-0/ 21 KOs), who literally chopped down fan and media favorite Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (33-3/ 21 KOs). Nonito tasted the canvas in the 3rd and 6th rounds, and literally had no answer for the faster and stronger Jamaican boxer – who delivered Donaire his first TKO loss of his career at 2:59 of the 6th round. Walters was poised, efficient and technically sound with his destruction of the Filipino icon. Of course HBO was already counting Donaire out before the decision was announced, pushing him into obscurity faster than they could find him a suitable replacement for them to tout. So big up to the “Axe Man” for showing the world that there is always someone out there who is better. To the “new” WBA Super World Featherweight Champion – Nicholas “Axe Man” Walters. Donaire was the big tree and Walters had the small axe. “Sharpened to cut you down – well sharp?.”
TWO-CENTS WELCOME! If you have any questions, comments, complaints, kudos or anything else you can e-mail Jason at [email protected]. Always remember when in doubt knock ?em out!
