Welcome ladies and gentlemen to another edition of my boxing mailbag. You send in the questions, and I answer every one of them. That is the name of this game, so send me your boxing questions (or non-boxing, whatever) and I will fit them into next week’s bag. Before the questions, some thoughts:
News that Bernard Hopkins was fined $200,000 for his part in a fake, publicity driven press conference brawl came as a shock to me. There is actually somebody in boxing with the authority to fine people? When did this happen? With all of the crime, injustices, and revolting activity that goes on in the sport of boxing that goes unpunished, who knew that there was even a body in charge that is supposed to punish people for misdeeds. If there is a system in place for punishing boxers, which apparently there is, why did they choose such a mundane happening to finally come out of the closet? The punishment to Hopkins was excessive. If they want to hand out fines, do it to the people in the business who deserve it. Fine promoters for setting up mismatches that put lives at risk, fine the sanctioning bodies for ruining the sport, fine judges for killing a boxer’s dreams with bad decisions. But to fine a boxer for going through a standard routine to sell a pay per view fight is something I will never endorse.
This is boxing for crying out loud. The boxing community complains that we are the most corrupt sport on the planet, but hey, at least we aren’t a pansy organization like the NFL or the NBA. Speaking of the NFL, talk about an organization that bends over backwards to play kissy face with the “politically correct” crowd. Violent sports don’t need to have squeaky clean images.
I know it is blasphemy to say that you love the heavyweight division in this day and age, but I can’t help it. I grew up following the heavyweight division and I am eagerly anticipating the heavyweight matches later on in the year (Vitali Klitschko vs. Jameel McCline, Sam Peter vs. Oleg Maskaev, and Evander Holyfield vs. Sultan Ibragimov) that will hopefully provide some clarity in the glamour division. We need an Undisputed Heavyweight Champion but writers having been beating the unification drum for years now to no avail. Unification would be nice, but right now I would settle for some good fights.
This weeks mailbag begins with some comments about my fight report from last week’s World Cup of Boxing:
World Cup of Boxing
Hi Brian, thanks for your well-written account of the World Cup between The Republic of the Philippines and Mexico. It’s the first article I’ve read today after spending my weekend watching the Cup on TV. It is a great day for RP no matter how bittersweet the win was because of Boom Boom’s unexpected showing. Our brethren in Mexico have shown respect for our boxer’s skills and we do the same for them. We’ll continue with the rivalry when Pacquiao meets Marco Antonio Barrera in October! Mabuha Pilipinas! Viva Mexico! Long live the modern day gladiators who embrace each other after the hostilities! They are the ultimate sportsmen!!
-Alex Montes
Alex,
Thank you for praising my article. That was an excellent event all around for boxing. I am glad that I was able to be there in person. The Pacquiao vs. Barrera fight was supposed to be the tie-breaker if the two teams tied 3-3 at the end of the night. That obviously will not be needed with the Philippines winning 5-1. That will take nothing away from the fantastic rivalry between Barrera and Pacquiao, and also Mexico vs. The Philippines.
Mexican Dominance Over?
The lower weight divisions have always been dominated by the Mexicans. The result of the Boxing World Cup seems to prove otherwise. What is your take on this? Boxing history was carved with many Mexican warriors and some great fighters from the Philippines, and other countries as well. This rivalry between two proud countries is a big boost to the sport. Filipinos have definitely arrived in the American boxing scene. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!!! For Mexico, I’m sure you’ll get another crack at it and you will always give a good fight. Viva Mexico!
-Ivan
Ivan,
Boxing in Mexico is alive and well. They will continue to pump out great fighters. The win of the Philippines in the World Cup has more to do with their emergence as a boxing power more than any slippage from Mexico. But you must remember that the World Cup was just six individual fights. The result does not mean that Filipino boxers will beat Mexican boxers at a 5 to 1 margin in the future. It will be fun to watch the country rivalry unfold.
Live From Arco Arena
Hi, I really do appreciate the fight by fight details of the Philippines and Mexico World Cup. By your boxing account of the game I feel that I have watched it though I was not able to as in Singapore there was no coverage for this. Your wit in writing such an event is great for us boxing followers. Good Job.
Gilbert Penaflor
Gilbert,
Thank you for the kind words. I hope that I can provide more fight reports for you in the future.
Saved By the Bell Slater
Brian, I respect your mailbag preppie, but I want to get one thing clear about a recent article written about me by Mr. Santiago. He made the assumption that my love for boxing came because of my Mexican heritage. That is completely untrue. My love for boxing came when I had to kick Zack Morris’s butt for getting in my way of the mama’s around school. All I was trying to do was get to the Max for a cheeseburger and shake with Kelly Kapowski, then preppie comes out of nowhere and tries to ruin my game. Of course Mr. B had to get involved which ruined everything.
That is my statement for your bag and now here is my question: you seem like a pretty good guy Brian, what do you say you leave that woman at home while me and you go trollin’ for mamas around Bayside. I’ll put on my stonewashed jeans and peg them up just above my ankles and throw on my best Bayside wrestling T-shirt (ripped of course) and we will go pick up some chicks. Are you in?
-A.C.
A.C.,
AC Slater from Saved By the Bell? I remember that show, and I also remember a time when a boxer should have been saved by the bell, but wasn’t. The date was March 17th, 1990, the famous Light Welterweight Championship fight between Meldrick Taylor and Julio Cesar Chavez. Taylor had fought a risky but brilliant fight against the intimidating Chavez for over eleven rounds. Meldrick probably should have boxed more and used his hand speed to counterpunch. Instead he chose to stand toe to toe, which made for a great action fight. Taylor was up big on two of the three scorecards going into the twelfth and final round. Chavez created drama when he hurt Taylor in the final minute of the fight. Referee Richard Steele jumped in to stop the fight with just two seconds left in the match. If Steele had not stopped the fight, Taylor would have survived the distance and won on points. With just two seconds left, I believe that Meldrick should have been saved by the bell.
Wrestling Meets Boxing
Hey Brian. I thoroughly enjoyed the World Cup of Boxing, culminating with the dismantling of the tremendously overrated, IMO, Rey Bautista.
I remember when the Hulkster joined the spirit of the soldiers fighting in Desert Storm to take on Sgt. Slaughter and General Adnan in Wrestlemania 7. I know when Slaughter wiped Hogan’s bloody face with the American flag, we all felt it. Slaughter’s Cobra Clutch broke my back, at least so it seemed.
I remember after Hogan won, they showed footage in downtown Baghdad. One Iraqi kid had another in the Cobra Clutch, a man dressed up as Hacksaw Jim Duggan came flying in with a 2×4 to break it up.
I always felt Ravishing Rick Rude had the best body I have ever seen.
Lose the pants!
-Steve Sanders
Steve,
I’m Glad you enjoyed the World Cup. Not so glad that you shared your professional wrestling memory with me, but thanks for writing in anyway.
Samuel vs. Oleg
Brian, who do you have in the Peter – Maskaev fight?
-Doug
Doug,
I like Sam Peter in that fight without hesitating. Maskaev has had a surprising resurgence of late, but the vision of Oleg getting knocked cold on several occasions makes me have serious doubts about his chin. I can easily see a young, hungry power puncher like Peter relieving him of his title belt, probably by KO.
Today’s Best vs. Yesterday’s Best
Enjoy the bag and reading the questions. Do you think Rocky Marciano could beat all the champions today? Could Floyd Mayweather beat Sugar Ray Robinson at welter?
-Ted Soreno
Ted,
Size does matter so Marciano could encounter some difficulties. Rocky weighed about 185 in his prime. Still, Marciano had a chin, power, durability, endurance, and pure rugged desire that is unmatched by any of the champions today. Ibragimov, Ruslan Chagaev, and Maskaev, who I think are average champions, would get KO’d. Wladimir Klitschko would have a chance if he fought very defensively, but Marciano’s toughness and ability to hang around and throw power punches non stop for the entire distance would allow him to land a knockout blow at some point. The current heavyweight who I think would have the best shot at beating Marciano is Sam Peter. Peter is the only one who could match Rocky in terms of chin and durability, only Peter is so much bigger and stronger than Marciano that it would be very tough to get rid of the Nigerian Nightmare. Peter is too inexperienced for me to pick him to beat a legend like Marciano, but let’s put it this way: I’d pay to see this one.
Floyd Mayweather is a bad man, but Ray Robinson was the best, ever. Robinson’s best weight was welterweight and Mayweather’s best weight was super featherweight. Robinson would have just about every advantage, including size. Sugar Ray takes this one by KO.
Safety in Combat Sports
Hey Hacksaw Jizz Wilbur. That’s your new wrestling name. Hey Junk Yard Wilbur. Hey Big Sexy Wilbur Bilbur. With the recent death of Brian Adams of Kronik and Demolition, and also Chris Beniot, Johnny Grunge, and Sheri Martell, do you feel that all ring sports including boxing will get closer scrutiny because they are essentially the same. Two dudes beating up each other in a ring and/or octagon and/or steel cage.
Also, why is Holyfield doing the WWE thing? Isn’t that bible pusher rich enough?
-SD Jones
SD Jones,
I was sorry to hear about the deaths of your wrestling comrades. If you look closely though, you will see that the ailments are different for these sports. Wrestlers tend to pass away in their 40’s from heart attacks, probably due to heavy steroid and drug use, as well as an overall life of excess.
There are two injuries in boxing that are major concerns that are not so much in wrestling. The first is a subderal hematoma, which is bleeding of the brain. Boxers suffer this injury in fights when they are taking multiple blows to the head over the duration of many rounds. When you hear of boxers going into a coma during or shortly after their fight, this is likely the cause. This was the fate of fallen warriors such as Luther McCarty, Leavander Johnson, and Duk Koo Kim among others. The commissions are very aware of the dangers of subderal hematomas. They have instructed referees to be more careful and shortened championship bouts from 15 to 12 rounds. One thing that I think the power in charge should do a better job of is to stop sanctioning so many mismatches.
The second major injury in boxing is the long-term effects of fighting for too long, which is known as pugilistic dementia. The symptoms are slurred speech, decreased motor function and possibly the early onset of such diseases as Parkinson’s. This is a more difficult problem for the commissions to combat because the decision to retire is nobody’s business but the fighters.
I don’t know why Holyfield is going to be performing in the WWE. Probably for fun, but he also may be trying to promote his upcoming fight against Sultan Ibragimov in a new and original way.
Is Brian Viloria Finished?
It’s too quiet for Brian Viloria since his last fight. I’m just wondering on what the plan for the future of his career is even though he has lost three straight times by unanimous decision. I feel like it would be a waste if he does not continue his career. All he needs is a change of style. He is a knockout puncher but still has more of an Olympic or amateur style, which is not very effective in his height or for professional boxing. I would rather see him fight aggressive. What happens to his career at this moment? I still believe that he has a good chance to be a champion again provided that he will be more flexible in his fighting style. He has no plan B every time I have seen him fight.
-Randy Castro
Randy,
You raise some interesting points about Viloria’s fighting style. He should be more aggressive and he needs to be able to adapt and change his fighting style in the middle of a fight if he is losing. He has not shown the fire, nor championship intangibles, that it takes to be the best. Brian lost to a couple crafty fighters, but with his natural talent he should be beating them. There has been no word on what Viloria is going to do next, but I imagine that he will start off against lesser opponents to rebuild his confidence before fighting for a title again.
Undefeated Joe Calzaghe
You always put down Joe Calzaghe, but he is UNDEFEATED and has beaten your “boyfriend” Jeff Lacy! What is your deal with putting people down that aren’t Americans! It is people like you that give the United States a bad name. They should ship your ass over to Wales and let Calzaghe have at yah.
-Melvin
Melvin,
Being undefeated means nothing in boxing (Please take a second Melvin to let that statement sink in before you move on). Quality of opposition is everything. Calzaghe has fought a small handful of decent fighters in his long career; Jeff Lacy being one of them, but for the most part, his record has been padded against undeserving challengers. That is why I often criticize “The Pride of Wales.” I commend him for signing to fight Mikkel Kessler, who will be the best fighter that Calzaghe has ever faced in his career. One reason that I am so hard on Joe is that I believe that he is a real talent. He could have been considered an all time great if he had only challenged himself against the best possible opposition. Instead he decided to waste away the prime of his career fighting bums. Calzaghe can make amends if he beats Kessler then goes on to fight and beat a couple other notable boxers, maybe Jermain Taylor and Bernard Hopkins.
Your claim that I put down all fighters who are not from the United States down is completely false. Manny Pacquiao (Philippines), Ricky Hatton (England), Wladimir Klitschko (Ukraine/Germany), Marco Antonio Barrera (Mexico), Miguel Cotto (Puerto Rico). These are all fighters not from the United States who I regularly commend for fighting quality opposition on a consistent basis.
Mythical Matchups
Brian,
First time writer but I have read two of your bags so far and enjoyed them. I see you do mythical bouts and I wanted to throw some at you.
Ken Norton vs. Shannon Briggs Manny Pacquiao vs. Willie Pep Ray Leonard vs. Paul Williams Wladimir Klitschko vs. Joe Louis
Thanks, Paul J
Paul,
Absolutely, I’ll get right to it.
Norton vs. Briggs: Briggs has a chance if he landed a homerun blow because Norton was susceptible to big punchers, but I’m going with Norton in this one. Ken would be able to control the pace and distance with his jab. He would have Briggs at any point in the ring that he desired. That would be good enough for a decision win, or maybe even a late round TKO.
Pacquiao vs. Pep: If there is any style of fighter that gives Manny problems, it is a pure boxer. Pep may have been the best pure boxer in the history of the sweet science, pound for pound. A prime Willie Pep would be able to steer clear of danger and impress the judges enough for a clear cut unanimous decision. Chalk one up for the fighter who once won a round without even landing a punch.
Leonard vs. Williams: Paul Williams is a good young fighter, but I don’t think he has much of a shot against one of the best Welterweight Champions of all time. Some consider Williams as Tommy Hearns minus the power. That may even be a stretch, but Ray was able to handle Hearns so he would be able to handle Paul Williams too. Probably by middle round KO. Leonard would surprise Williams with his hand speed and power.
Klitschko vs. Louis: Usually I am not so biased towards old timers and give today’s fighters credit, but in the particular mythical matchups that you gave me, I am going to give the old timers a four game sweep. Size does matter, but Louis was far too dangerous of a puncher. Muhammad Ali was the fastest all around heavyweight, but nobody had faster hands than the “Brown Bomber”. He had deadly power and could strike so quick that Klitschko’s defense would not be able to react. That is one thing I know for sure: Louis would be able to land against Klitschko. With Wladimir’s shaky chin and Louis’ legendary power, the only outcome I see here is a Louis KO, probably early.
The Sweet Feminine Science
Brian, is women’s boxing ever going to get some decent fights? Who are some good ladies besides for Ali?
-Lisa
Lisa,
Women’s boxing has really lost steam over the last five years or so. Christy Martin vs. Lucia Rijker was supposed to the fight that brought women’s boxing the forefront. The match was signed and promoted with a “Million Dollar Baby” angle shortly after the movie came out. The fight was cancelled though and so did women’s boxing as a whole it seems.
Laila Ali is the biggest name in women’s boxing right now but she is doing very little to advance the sport, fighting sporadically and ducking her more worthy challengers. Other notable female fighters are Ann Wolfe, Mary Jo Sanders, Holly Holm, Leatitia Robinson, and Regina Halmich. Unfortunately none of them are scheduled in any fights that are of mainstream interest. Germany probably does the best job of promoting their female fighters.
The Golden Boy’s Future
Hi Brian. I just want know what is next for Oscar De La Hoya? What is the chance for a rematch with Mayweather?
-Jan Cristan
Jan,
De La Hoya is going to take the rest of the year off and will likely make his return in the middle of 2008 or so. Oscar truly does not like Floyd so he does not want to give him another huge payday by fighting him. I am sure that De La Hoya only wants big fights from here on out, and with his pride stung from his last fight, Oscar may come around and fight Mayweather again because there is not a bigger fight out there. Floyd first has to get by Ricky Hatton in his next fight. Another upcoming match that could play a role in determining De La Hoya’s next foe is Shane Mosley vs. Miguel Cotto. I question whether Oscar wants to tango with Mosley again, but if Cotto comes out victorious, Miguel would be a very appealing opponent. De La Hoya said that he would rather have someone who would stand and fight him instead of running/dancing like Mayweather for his next fight and Cotto would definitely fight him.
Underrating Felix Trinidad
Why are people not giving Trinidad respect? This guy was a great champion. He is the best Puerto Rican fighter of all time (as of now). He has a laser left hook, and can impose his will. He did look one-dimensional and just plain terrible against Wright. Hopkins figured him out, but Hopkins was in his prime. I think the guy should get some credit going into the RJJ fight. Jones is the bigger guy, but I like Trinidad, what are your thoughts?
-WJT
WJT,
There is no disrespect of Trinidad on my part. He is one of the greatest of his generation. Tito was an extremely dangerous fighter because of his power and never-wavering determination. You couldn’t sleep on Tito for a second. The reasoning behind him being an underdog here is part due to his long recent stretch of inactivity. The other factor is that this fight will be fought at 175 pounds. Trinidad was at his best at 147 pounds so he will be fighting four divisions above where he fought in his prime. Tito has not been as effective as he has gotten older and as he has moved up in weight. Now set to fight Jones, he is older and heavier than ever. Roy has looked decent in his last two fights, so his mini return to form, his significant weight advantage, and his activity give Jones the edge here. But Jones’ chin has failed him before so a left hook from Tito could be the great equalizer if all goes well for the great Puerto Rican.
And by the way, I consider Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gomez as the greatest Puerto Rican fighter, not Trinidad as you suggest.
The Pacquiao Corner
Response To Juan Diaz vs. Manny Pacquiao
Hi! It’s me again! Do you remember when Manny Pacquiao was fighting with Morales in the grand finale? When he was interviewed after the match, one of the questions to him was that he has gained (I think 14 pounds) more weight than Morales. That is why he looked bigger than Morales. I think most fighters add like 10 pounds after the weigh in and that is why I can say that Manny can handle Juan Diaz despite the weight disadvantage. What can you say about this Brian?
-Benjie M. Tiu
Benjie,
Morales started his career at super bantamweight and had to move up in weight as he got older because it became too difficult to cut the weight, as it always does as a fighter gets older. Morales was not a big super featherweight and neither was Pacquiao. Comparing the size of Manny to Erik is not the ideal way to compare the size of Manny to Juan Diaz. Manny will cut about 14 pounds of water weight then will rehydrate to about 142 pounds. Diaz would re-hydrate to about 148-150 pounds. Anyway you try to look at it, Juan Diaz is naturally bigger than Manny Pacquiao and would enjoy that size advantage if they fought. But again, that is not to say that Manny would not be able to overcome that size disadvantage to come out victorious.
Is Manny’s Head Getting Big?
I am sure lots of people have been asking this question. Manny is probably just enjoying the moment! With all that money and popularity, who would not!? But he should never forget that before reaching where he is now, that hard work, discipline, determination, and commitment is the ingredient that brought him where he is now. It seems to me that he is less than that nowadays, especially when talking about discipline and commitment! I hope that the old Manny Pacquiao will show up because that is the Manny Pacquiao that we boxing fans know!
-Rey
Rey,
I have been hearing speculation that Manny has lost his desire since before his trilogy with Erik Morales. I have not seen anything either in his training camp or his fight performances to suggest that he has lost his edge. He always shows up to the weigh-in ripped and he always has an abundance of energy on fight night. I cannot answer your question with 100% certainty, but until he shows up to a match out of shape, I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt and say no, Manny has not lost his discipline or determination.
Manny vs. Dougie’s Boy
I’m an avid fan of Pacquiao because he is the most exciting fighter. If ever a match with Edwin Valero materializes, who’s your pick and why? Thanks.
-Abner
Abner,
That is good looking fight. Manny will probably want to have a return match against Juan Manuel Marquez before taking on Edwin Valero. I think the likelihood of this match taking place is good, but not for another year at least. This fight will have to happen outside of the United States because Valero was banned by US commissions. I would pick Pacquiao to win this one because of experience and Manny throws straighter punches. What a fight it would be though!
Pacquiao or Penalosa
Hi Brian, a few thoughts to share on the results of the World Cup. First a question: who decides which countries will meet in the World Cup? Though a true blue Filipino boxing enthusiast, I know that there are many other countries with excellent boxers and proud boxing tradition who could have provided great match ups to the Mexicans or the Filipinos.
What do you think of the Penalosa win. I think Penalosa is a far better boxer than Manny Pacquiao and at least as hard a puncher and if he had anywhere near the work rate of Manny, he would be a more formidable boxer. His KO of Jhonny was sensational but the true measure of his skills came in the Bautista-De Leon bout. The 1st round demolition of hot Filipino prospect Bautista by De Leon demonstrates what Penalosa went through with the strong Mexican fighter some months back. Penalosa must be truly skillful and durable to have outboxed and survived De Leon. What do you think? Thanks.
Al Navarro
Al,
The promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, picks the boxers who are going to compete in the World Cup. There is no qualifying event or anything of that nature. Golden Boy will pick the country based on the availability of fighters and if he thinks the event has enough good fights to sell.
Gerry Penalosa is an excellent boxer and comparing him in ability to Pacquiao may not be far off. Manny is the bigger puncher, is faster, and has a higher punch output. Penalosa is a better technical boxer, has better balance, and utilizes better head movement. I consider Pacquiao to be a better pound for pound fighter but one thing to consider is that all of Penalosa’s losses are either close or controversial. If the judges had seen the fight a bit differently in a handful of fights, Gerry would be undefeated and writers would have a much different opinion on his overall greatness. Gerry is a tough guy who has no weaknesses that I can see. It is unfortunate that his biggest successes and notoriety are coming when his career is all but over. If Penalosa was 25 years old he would be tabbed as boxing’s next sensation.
Heaviest Weight Class
What you think is the highest weight that Manny can fight at? People say middleweight me no think so.
-Jabat
Jabat,
If you ask me, lightweight may even be pushing it. He has put on enough muscle to fit well into the super featherweight division and could possibly put on more muscle to move up again. However as he puts on muscle he will be sacrificing speed and the power may not come along with him. The absolute maximum weight class that I can see Manny Pacquiao ascending to is junior welterweight. That is quite a leap for a former flyweight champion.
Thank you for all of the questions this week faithful RSR readers. Come back next week for more fun! I look forward to hearing from all of you.
