Read on for fan feedback on Evander Holyfield, the Ding-A-Ling Man, news of Pacquiao-Barrera II and Chagaev-Ibragimov being made, and much more in this week’s MMMB. Enjoy!
HOLY ROLLER & THE CRUISERWEIGHTS
What’s up Doug, I’m on tour with my band, in Slovenia at the moment. The Holyfield fight was not that bad, nice left hook, he looked like Joe Frazier for a moment there. Pretty interesting card also, cats came to fight. Had to catch it at the wee hours in the morning here.
And what a knockout on ESPN2, Ding-a-Ling! He’s gettin some good wins in, on quite a streak now. Peace. – Steve
They showed Holyfield-Savarese in Slovania? WTF!? I bet you saw it for free, dude.
It’s official, the Ding-a-Ling Man is must-see TV for fight fans. And now that his win streak has been extended to four in a row vs. quality opposition, Mr. Wilson has cracked my top 10 cruiserweight list (no. 9 or 10).
I see a lot of potential in the cruiserweights. Like the lightweight division, it has a good mix of veterans, contenders and prospects who are willing to fight each other for reasonable money (because unlike the 130- and 147-pound divisions none of them are stars). It would be great of HBO or Showtime (it’ll probably be SHO that steps up for us hardcore heads) invested in the cruiserweight division.
Look at some of the players: hardened vets like champ JM Mormeck, O’Neil Bell, and Tomasz Adamek; title holders Marco Huck and Steve Cunningham; and unbeaten prospect/contenders like Matt Godfrey, Jonathan Banks and BJ Flores. I’d love to see Wilson in with any of those fighters.
HOLYFIELD & THE HEAVYWEIGHTS
Doug, I told ya before, I said, “Watch Holyfield win one of these belts now” and you said Holyfield will NEVER win another title. I don’t know if he will, but I’m sure he’ll get another shot, so, we’ll see what happens. I’m PROUD of myself. I did NOT order that PPV, and I feel like an alcoholic getting his 30 days sober coin. I refuse to buy a fight between a guy that lost to Larry Donald and a guy that was KO’d by Tyson in 38 seconds like ten years ago. Anyway… a question:
I just saw that Ibragimov-Chagaev (spelling?) match is gonna happen and it will be for the unification of the WBO/WBA (or C?) title. So, the winner will have two belts. Does this fight have ANY chance of setting up a TOTAL unification of ALL the heavyweight belts? I just hope it does. I think a unified heavyweight champ, (even if it’s the stiff that Manny Steward trains) would help what boxing looks like towards the general public. A Nascar fan (which I don’t get… who wants to watch cars go in circles?) can’t name, nor can I even sometimes, the heavyweight champ. So, if there is ONE, and “general public Joe” can name him, I think that’s important. Just wanted to get your view on that.
Let’s talk about that heavyweight stiff now. He has his confidence back. Remember when Williamson dropped him and he barely got a ‘W’ in that fight? Then, even though he won the fight, he got knocked down three times by Sam Peter. But now he’s beaten some decent level guys, and even the Ray Austin fight gave him confidence. So, I’d be pumped for this rematch between Wlad and Brewster, if it took place SOMWHERE other than Wlad’s back yard. Why is the fight in Germany? Why doesn’t W. Klitschko fight in America anymore? I think it’s bulls__t, and I’d pick Brewster to KO him again, but, again, it’s in Germany. I don’t know, though, sometimes some boxers have other boxer’s numbers, like Maskaev and Rahman. And, I don’t care where it’s going on, this fight MUST be in Wlad’s head, to see if he can beat Brewster. I’d love nothing more than to see Brewster take him out in a round, but… My pick? Unfortunately, I pick Wlad by stoppage, finishing what he started in their first fight, before he got knocked out.
Thanks for your time. – Bob from Philly (and when do I get my own column?)
You’ve got you column, Bob, you and all the other diehard nut cakes out there, it’s called the Mail Bag.
I thought Holyfield looked half decent against Savarese (in fact, I hate to temp you to take that “drink” but even though the PPV card was generally awful, the main event was mildly entertaining), but I’ll say it again for the record: the Real Deal will NEVER win another heavyweight world title. Holyfield’s one teeny tiny hope was getting in the ring with Shannon “one-punch-per-round” Briggs, but since the Asthmatic Assassin lost this WBO belt o Sultan Ibragimov, I give the old man no change of regaining even a portion of the title he once held.
I believe Ruslan Chagaev and Ibragimov would easily out-box and out-maneuver Holyfield to one-sided (perhaps shut-out) points victories. I think the winner of the WBC face-off between Oleg Maskaev and Samuel Peter (which I’m certain will be the Nigerian) would give Holyfield a beating, and I believe that Wlad Klitschko would knock him the ‘F’ out.
Regarding Chagaev-Ibragimov, I think the winner of that bout becomes an attractive opponent for Klitschko, who is quickly running out of dance partners in the heavyweight division. If Klitschko gets by Brewster, then adds two other belts to his IBF trinket, I think a rematch with Peter (should the African pick up the WBC title this fall) would be the biggest heavyweight showdown since Lewis-Tyson (it would be the first total title unification bout since Lewis-Holyfield). I agree that it would be great for our sport if that were to happen, however, if it doesn’t, I think the big boys can help the sport by simply being active. These big brutes need to fight more than twice a year.
Why is this Saturday’s Klitschko-Brewster rematch taking place in Germany? It’s real simple: the fight is a BIG DEAL in Germany. This bout will sell out the K?lnarena in Cologne, get a ton of sponsors, and do ridiculous ratings on German TV.
What arena would Klitschko-Brewster sell out in the U.S.? It’s not a fight that American fans asked for or care to see. (Come to think of it, are there ANY heavyweight matchups that U.S. boxing fans REALLY want to see?)
Anyway, as much as I like Lamon (don’t forget, I was the one person outside of his camp that thought he would win the first fight), I think Klitschko takes care of biz this Saturday, probably by late-rounds technical stoppage.
WILSON-NWODO
Caught the Wilson/Nwodo fight on FNF. For me, that was an all-time knockout. I was really worried for Nwodo as he dropped to the canvas. Good thing he was completely limp or his left leg would have suffered serious damage. And I think the concussive effects will be plenty for him.
Very sloppy fight. Too bad for Nwodo. He had the ability to keep Wilson at bay with his range. But not the technical discipline, as Atlas was quick to note. He did show heart, however, getting back into the fight after being dominated in rounds 3 through 5. When Wilson decided to fight with more energy in the tenth, it was too much for Nwodo to supress. For all the lunging and wide punching, a sharp, short right left combo produced a clean knowdown. And the final punch in the 11th is indescribable. It’s just something you have to see…
I’d like to defend the referee. I’ve seen him several times before. I know he’s credible. The fight could have been called before the knockout, but Nwodo threw punches and created exchanges, even as it was obvious that one more clean punch would end it. Ringside Doctors were deliberate, as well.
I saw Wilson’s last fight against Davis too. I can imagine a very entertaining fight between Wilson and Mormeck. Bombs away. Bell, I think, has the tools to maximize his height advantage against Wilson. Whatever direction, Wilson should be in line for a big fight. – Eric
I agree that Wilson should be in line for a significant fight at 200 pounds soon, and I think his stoppage of Nwodo is certainly a KO of the Year candidate, but I gotta disagree with your defense of the referee (Dave Fields). I thought the fight could have been (and SHOULD have been) stopped 30 seconds before the near-lethal hook was landed and Nwodo collapsed in a heap. The ref, the ringside physician and Nwodo’s corner should have been watching the fight VERY closely after the 10th round.
In my opinion, Nwodo was not competitive at all in the 11th round; he was merely trying to survive (and his neurons were barely firing enough for him to stay on his wobbly feet). As soon as it was clear that he could no longer mount an offense or properly defend himself, the fight should have been halted before serious damage could be inflicted. That didn’t happen. We fight fans got the spectacular KO that most of us relish, but Nwodo’s career might be over (few fighters fully recover from those kinds of knockouts). Another thing that bothered me was that Fields took the time to dramatically wave off the bout after Nwodo practically imploded to the canvas but he didn’t bother taking the poor guy’s mouthpiece out immediately. I think pulling the mouthpiece out of the mouth of a fallen fighter should be an automatic reaction of all referees even before the customary waving of the arms to signify the end of the bout. It’s crucial for knocked out fighters to get immediate air into their lungs.
OCTOBER 6TH
Hey Dougie, With the announcement of Pacquiao/Barrera II for Oct. 6th and the seemingly mutual promotional business between GBP/Top Rank, do you think we may see an undercard featuring Soto vs. Guzman? I would hate to see Soto lose out on a big fight and the winner of this fight may be a possible opponent for either Marquez, Valero, or Pacman (he will punish this version of Barrera). – Dion, San Jose, CA.
I’d love to see Soto-Guzman as the Oct. 6th co-feature. Both Soto and Guzman have been waiting for a shot at a “name” 130 pounder for a couple of years now, so perhaps if they roll the dice against each other the winner will establish himself as an attractive opponent for the winner of Pacquiao-Barrera II or WBC title holder Juan Manuel Marquez. I’d also like to see the winner of Pacquiao-Barrera take on JMM in a rematch.
At least these matchups are possible now that Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions have reached a settlement regarding the wayward PacMan.
As for Valero, unfortunately, I think he’s the odd man out in the red hot 130-pound picture, despite holding the WBA title. The head injury he suffered years ago (with the subsequent surgery to a remove a blood clot) and his 2004 medical suspension in New York will keep him from fighting the U.S. And let’s face it, it’s not worth it for any of the top dogs at 130 pounds to fly to Tokyo to fight his crazy ass when there’s big name opponents and title holders to fight in the U.S. For super featherweights, fighting on HBO and in America (mainly Las Vegas and certain cities in Texas) is the only way they are going to make the really big money (seven-figure paydays).
(Aside from getting a world-class trainer and relocating to Southern California or the Miami area) I think Valero should abdicate his WBA 130-pound title and jump to the lightweight division (provided he is assured a top two or three position in the WBA’s 135-pound rankings). I would get him one or two bouts vs. solid lightweight contenders and push for the WBA’s mandatory position. Juan Diaz, the excellent WBA title holder, is without a big fight on the horizon. Perhaps if Valero’s promoter, the venerable Akihiko Honda, wins the purse bid (if it goes to one) or lays out enough money to entice the Baby Bull to leave the States the V-nom will get an opportunity to fight on U.S. television, engage in a fight of the year candidate, and earn respect from the casual boxing fan and press. But that’s all a (very) long shot for “my son”.
HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECTS
Hey Dougie, I saw Chris Arreola fight recently and he looked to be the real deal. I say give him some more experienced fighters for some rounds and he could fight some of the smaller belt holders like Maskaev and Ibragimov. I don’t see him being ready for Klitschsko just yet especially with the height advantage. My question is what are your thoughts on David Rodriguez who I’ve never seen fight on Television. I want to know if we have another Mexican Heavyweight prospect or reject.
Oh yeah I just read they have a deal for October, Barrera vs Pacman. Is this even worth watching or could this be good for Barrera fighting a rusty Pacman? – Mark D. from the I.E.
I saw David Rodriguez on the undercard of the Holyfield-Savarese PPV and it’s my opinion that he wouldn’t last three rounds with either 40-something heavyweight. D-Rod is definitely a reject.
Arreola is good. He’s a bona fide prospect in my opinion. Whether or not he can advance to bona fide contender or really compete in a world title fight, only time will tell. I think he can become a top 10 contender and make a good living in the fight game, but I’m not sure if he can win a world title. We’ll see what happens; at least he’s fun to watch.
I don’t think Pacquiao is going to be rusty for Barrera. He’s no longer pretending to be a politician in his country and Barrera is the kind of name that will reignite his warrior passion. Guys like Humberto Soto and Edwin Valero could sneak up on Pacquiao and zap him. But fighting Barrera again is a big deal here in the States and definitely so in the Philippines. Even though he beat Barrera down in the first fight, the PacMan will be up for this rematch because he knows that the Mexican is looking for revenge.
It’s not the rematch I wanted to see PacMan take (I prefer a return bout with JMM) but I think it’s worth watching.
CHAGAEV VS. IBRAGIMOV
Dougie, Well it is good that the rumors of Ibragimov vs Holyfield are not true and that instead we are getting the much needed unification bout between Chagaev and Ibragimov. I am not necessarily excited by the fight as I think Chagaev should be a heavy favorite. That said this fight is a decent clash of styles with two men that have solid chins and big punches.
My take on the fight is that both men are skilled but Chagaev has better footwork, ring intelligence, defense and throws the straighter faster shots. I also tend to believe he has a better chin and power, as well as being stronger. That said given Sultan’s chin and power, as well as his aggression the fight actually should be something HBO or Showtime picks up. My prediction, Chagaev by stoppage around round 8. I’d like to hear your opinion of this showdown. – Julian
I don’t see a stoppage victory for either man. Both have extensive amateur careers (Chagaev was a world youth amateur champ; Ibragimov was an Olympian), both have excellent footwork for big men (Chagaev has better balance; Ibragimov is the better athlete), both have speed and power (Sultan edges Chagaev in this department), and good technique (Chagaev is better). I see it as an even fight. I think Chagaev should be the slight favorite (the big stiff he won his title from was slightly more competitive than Ibragimov’s).
For some reason, I doubt this title unification bout will be televised on either HBO or Showtime. I hope my assumption is wrong.
2007 FIGHTS
De la Hoya vs. Mayweather, Hatton vs. Castillo, Palvik vs Taylor, Barrera vs Pacquiao, Hatton vs. Mayweather and Mosley vs. Cotto.
Now, Dougie, is it possible that by the end of 2007 that we will have seen all of these fights. Hope to see you in Carson. – AntRob
Yes, it is a very real possibility. Not bad for a “dead” sport, eh?
See ya in Carson.
MARGARITO-WILLIAMS
I’m getting hyped for this fight. Do you think $300 on Margarito is a safe bet?
I’m thinking he’ll win, but its a tough one. Never been too impressed by Williams but there is something there and on paper this is a tough fight for Tony. Hopefully, if he wins this one he’ll finally get the respect. 5 years as champ beating nothing beat solid guys is nothing to scoff at and I felt he was up against Santos when everything was against him.
Who do you like in these mythical matchup’s?
Barry McGuigan/Danny Lopez (damm!) Joe Calzaghe/James Toney Edwin Rosario/Jose Luis Castillo
— Chris
There’s no such thing as a safe bet, Chris, but for what it is worth, I think Margarito is going to beat Paul Williams on July 14th.
I guarantee you that Margarito will get no more respect for beating Williams than he received for stopping Kermit Cintron two years ago. If he can land a showdown with Miguel Cotto and beat the Puerto Rican star, he will begin gain at least grudging respect from some of the suits at HBO, the “mainstream” boxing press, and from boxing fans who actually believe that Floyd Mayweather Jr. is one of the all-time greats.
Your mythical matchups are all tough calls:
I’ll go with Barry McGuigan over Danny Lopez by decision (especially if they are fighting a 12 rounder; McGuigan was a far superior boxer with underrated inside skills, however, one flush shot from Little Red could end the fight. The Irishman would definitely have to limit his time on the inside).
I think the 168-pound version of James Toney shades Joe Calzaghe in a competitive and intense boxing match (Lights Out is just a little slicker on the inside than Joe-Cal).
Edwin Rosario scores a late technical stoppage of JL Castillo in a war (the late Rosario hit harder than the late Diego Corrales, plus, unlike Chico, Chapo had a nice jab, decent footwork, upper-body movement, and he knew how to hold on the inside…).
PATH TO THE PUNISHER
Great Video……………………………
The production was something else. It looks better than HBO type production.
Can’t wait to see the next 2 parts…
I’ll be at the fights…. – Isaac
If you see me there, give me a holla, Isaac.
Our staff videographer Brian Harty does a great job capturing and editing the videos that are shown on MaxTV. When given the kind of access that Steve Kim is able to grant, this is the quality of work they produce. Not bad, eh?
Part two of “Path to the Punisher” features Margarito’s grueling sparring work with Rodney Jones, Craig McEwan, Andy Kolle, Keenan Collins and Austin Trout (the last of the quintet still in Tony’s camp).
We’ve also got video features coming on Alfonso Gomez (who fights Arturo Gatti on the same night that Margarito and Williams clash) and lightweight gladiator Michael Katsidis, who fights on the July 21st Hopkins-Wright undercard (you gotta see this one, as Kim tires to do some of the rather unique exercises that the Aussie does to get into fighting shape).
MARGARITO AND WILLIAMS TRAINING CAMPS
Hey Doug, Nice work on the Margarito training camp. I’m looking forward to the fight myself and was curious if there was any news from Williams’ camp? – Kyle in Bremerton, WA
All I know about Williams’ camp is that he’s been in Puerto Rico for the last three or four months. I wish I had the budge to fly out to the island to check him out and do a video feature on the Punisher (heck, any excuse to get away to Puerto Rico works for me).
MAYWEATHER-HATTON
The picture of Floyd on your Friday Mailbag link cracks me up. Is the fight with Hatton really close to being made, or were Floyd’s statements to that effect premature? – Gopal
From what I’ve heard there is interest on both sides, obviously HBO is down to do it, and talks have begun. It could happen this fall.
SALES
Hey Dougie, I am a salesman by trade. And so are you. I can totally appreciate what you are doing and the angles you are taking to try to get Fraud into the ring with SOMEBODY worth watching (Cotto or Hatton). If the worst case scenario ends up being Cotto vs Hatton, that would also be great. Keep up the good work! – Izzy
Cotto vs. Hatton is the best case scenario in my opinion, but I’ll take Mayweather-Hatton.
SCN
Nice article Doug! Can’t wait to see those sparring videos. Those injuries had to have been part of the reason for his lack-luster performance against Clottey. I think he beats Paul by k.o. What do you think?
I said whats up to you in Vegas for the Hoya fight….should of invited you a couple drinks since we were right by the bar at the MGM. Next time for sure. – Joaquin
Next time for sure.
The injuries, the inactivity and the general frustration Margarito was experiencing all contributed to his performance, but I think the bottom line is that he was in with a tough cookie; a real welterweight contender, who possesses a tight defense, a world-class chin, excellent hand speed and formidable physical strength. Even if Margarito were 100% healthy, I doubt he would have just run all over the Ghanaian. I give Clottey respect for sweeping the early rounds and then hanging in there with an experienced, never-say-die world title holder like Margarito.
I also give Margarito credit for fighting through the pain of his injuries and handing Clottey the first REAL loss of the African’s career (the DQ to Carlos Baldomir was fishy).
We will soon find out if Williams is as tough as Clottey, or as determined as Margarito.
THANKS FROM A MARGARITO FAN
Doug, I must thank you for writing this piece on Margarito. I’ve been a huge fan of him and his style for a few years now and I’m glad that he’s finally getting the exposure that he deserves. I think fighters like him are what this sport needs, the guy is for real. I hope that more and more people read this piece and come away with some sort of interest in following his career and eventually convert them into Margarito fans. Can’t wait for this fight. Keep up the great work. – eddie, west covina
Thanks, Eddie. I’ll try.
If Margarito can beat Williams in impression fashion and then parlay that victory into a significant fight (such as a showdown with Miguel Cotto or Shane Mosley), he will begin to gain a decent following (at least among hardcore and Mexican fans).
JULY 14TH
Doug, First off, thank you for the mail bag and TNR. I will be attending Margarito-Williams at the Home Depot Center on July 14th with my brother and some homies. I am excited about the bout and absorbing the atmosphere of the show. I have been a boxing fan as long as I have had a memory (32 years), but have only attended a handful of major shows. I have attended a few MMA shows, as well (I am/was a wrestler), and appreciate both sports.
Although, quality, well matched boxing bouts do trump any MMA fight, in my opinion. And this fight is a reflection of that. I am pumped for July 14th and believe this site is the best place for a true boxing fans fight, hopefully a great card. Hope I get a chance to slap hands with you and the Korean Hammer at the fight. May Steve enjoy the fight, rather than sweating his ass off due to his bet. Margarito TKO 9.
Dynamic Duos for you and Steve: Vinnie Bobarino/Boom Boom Washington (Welcome Back Kotter) or Cooledge/Thorpe (White Shadow). BTW Dougie, you resemble Thorpe, nix the ponytail.
God Bless You. – Gil Quintero, Max Member, Placentia, Ca.
Did you attend the Shamrock-Baroni show in San Jose? I just saw that one on Showtime. It’s nice to hear from boxing fans who aren’t threatened by MMA.
Say what’s up if you see me at the Home Depot Center.
The K-Hammer and the TJ Tornado are both very confident about July 14th.
Kim’s a big White Shadow fan (seriously, the sick bastard has every episode of the ‘70s series committed to memory), so you can bet that you’ll see the Cooledge/Thorpe duo on TNR in the near future (I guess I’ll be Thorpe).
CAN HATTON BE OUT-BOXED?
Dougie, I’m sure this is the 300th email you’ve received about Mayweather-Hatton (or the possibility thereof), so I’ll keep it brief. Like you, I’d MUCH rather see Cotto-Hatton, and I’d rather see Mayweather in with Cotto, Margs, or Shane. But at this point, I’d be very content w/ Mayweather-Hatton just because it’s two world-class, undefeated guys, both in their physical primes. Poor matchmaking has jaded us fans to the extent that it’d be impossible to complain about a PBF-Hatton matchup.
Quick question — How would Floyd be able to successfully get away from Ricky’s mauling/smothering/grabbing style? Ricky is so physical, I’d imagine Floyd would have to pull a Dirrell/Gazelle in order to escape Ricky’s pressure. The way I see it, Ricky’s style is too unique, and too ugly, to simply be “outboxed” from the outside.
Keep doin’ what you do, Dougie. – Joe from Philly
I agree with you, Joe. I foresee Mayweather having a very difficult time with Hatton.
Too many fans are comparing Hatton to Arturo Gatti, which I think is silly. Aside from being popular white guys, Hatton and Gatti have nothing in common.
Gatti was over the hill when Mayweather fought him; Hatton is still in his prime. Gatti is a gutsy boxer who turns into a slugger whenever he either gets hurt or runs out of gas; Hatton is mauling, grappling pressure fighter from start to finish. Gatti began his career at 130 pounds; Hatton’s been a 140 pounder from day one of his pro career.
I don’t think Mayweather’s ever seen a style like Hatton’s. Jesus Chavez came close, but at 130 pounds the gutsy Mexican did not have the size or strength to muscle PBF the way Hatton might be able to. And Chavez never held, wrestled and roughhoused on the inside the way Hatton will (if the ref lets him).
