The wheels were churning and I couldn’t stop them like Ricardo Lois shoveling slab after slab of pork ribs into his mouth at the recent Boxingconfidential staff gathering. Upon reflection of the world cup that took place this past weekend I couldn’t help but think about boxing’s place within the United States.
The Superbowl of boxing can never be based on solely one fight. There are way too many factors involved and way too much at stake to put all your huevos on one prize fight. Boxing is thriving internationally and chugging along within the states so I feel that a World Cup-type showdown on American soil would be a perfect way to showcase a natural rivalry that’s been brewing for years now.
The East Coast versus the West Coast is such a strong rivalry that I can’t think of anything better than to pit them up against one other to showcase the best of what this country has to offer. It’s something that I think all boxing fans would embrace, although they’d find it highly unrealistic due to conflicts between promoters, managers, and networks.
In reading over some of Paulie Malinaggi’s recent statements on Boxingtalk.com, the “Magic Man” took a jab at the west coast and more specifically Francisco “Panchito” Bojado. In my opinion, it’s the perfect way to stir up the stew ala Charles Barkely openly shitting on the San Francisco Bay Area during the playoffs. Boxing needs this type of controversy and character to build true rivalries that encapsulate the general public and has them asking themselves, “What side are you on?”.
Here’s what my line-up of combatants would look like in what I feel is an entirely realistic card if promoted correctly. Maybe I’m nuts but for the amount of money that was De la Hoya-Mayweather and the dollars they put into promoting that single fight, they can make this card happen. A man can always dream can’t he?
East Coast vs. West Coast – America’s Cup
Jason Litzau (East Coast) vs. Robert Guerrero (West Coast)
Paulie Malinaggi (East Coast) vs. Panchito Bojado (West Coast)
Zab Judah (East Coast) vs. Antonio Margarito (West Coast)
Nate Campbell (East Coast) vs. Steve Forbes (West Coast)
Shane Mosley (East Coast) vs. Kermit Cintron (West Coast)
This is the type of event that would bring the nation together to support not only their fighters but boxing as a whole. Imagine each fighter coming out to an entrance by their favorite native coast’s musician. The only problem with this event would be the location as Las Vegas is way too close to the West Coast and would provide an unfair advantage. Madison Square Garden is a legendary venue but happens to be located in the place deemed the pinnacle of East Coast which is Michael Marley’s hometown of NYC. Anything in between somewhat defeats the purpose as the hardcore fans of the sport would have trouble making the trek.
I say that boxing should dare to be great and to go international with this event like the days of “Thrilla in Manila” and “Rumble in the Jungle”. It needs to showcase it’s American fighters in a place were it’s guaranteed to draw at least thirty or forty thousand rabid fans while the U.S. fanatics can cheer their fighters on pay-per-view. Boxing isn’t dying at all but it’s not were near where it should be within the place were every international superstar comes to make their mark, The United States of America.
It’s time we took care of our own fighters and showed the world exactly what we’re made of.
