Hello boxing fans. Welcome to the best and wackiest boxing mailbag on the net. We have a mixed bag of questions this edition, and of course some rabid Manny Pacquiao fans to round things out. Before we get to the fun, some comments on the fights that happened over the weekend:
After his domination of Julio Diaz to unify the WBO/WBA/IBF belts, Juan ?Baby Bull? Diaz showed that he has turned out to be better than any expert had predicted that he was going to be when he was a prospect. I may catch a lot of flack for this comparison, but I dare to say that Diaz reminds me of Henry Armstrong without the power. Juan has not fought anywhere near the level of opposition that ?Homicide Hank? faced, but the endless stamina, the non stop stream of punches, and the smothering offense that does not allow opponents to retaliate is very reminiscent of the old great. Anyone in against Juan Diaz is in for a long night. The only hills left to conquer at lightweight are David Diaz (WBC) and Joel Casamayor (Ring Magazine), although a clash with Michael Katsidis could be interesting.
There was a small handful of RSR writers who predicted an Evander Holyfield victory (myself included) last Saturday. Twelve rounds later, after watching a sluggish old man barely touch a pedestrian-like fighter, it turns out that our predictions were based more on wishful thinking than reality. Not wishful thinking that Holyfield will become champion once again, but rather I was hoping that someone, anyone, would take the belt out of the hands of a garbage fighter like Sultan Ibragimov. Ibragimov is a terrible belt holder in a weak era. I cringe when I hear that Sultan, who would be a journeyman in most eras, calls himself ?Heavyweight Champion.? Let?s hope that Sam Peter or Wladimir Klitschko fights Ibragimov soon so we can be done with him.
Another fighter that people wish would go away, John Ruiz, was in action on Saturday. He knocked out professional loser Otis Tisdale in the 2nd round. People like to hate on Ruiz, but he is a better fighter than Ibragimov. Yes, he wins ugly and when you watch him fight you want to rip out your eyeballs with a spoon. But he wins. He is not the first and definitely not the last boxer who employs a boring, ugly, yet extremely effective strategy in order to win fights.
On to the questions!
This Guy Picked Holyfield
Either I know absolutely nothing about boxing or you experts know zilch. I say they know gatz. Holyfield will kick this stiff?s ass with a KO between 5-9. And that guy Geno is too dumb to have Down Syndrome.
-Dr. Len
Dr. Len,
Well, Holyfield was handled pretty easily so according to you, you know absolutely nothing about boxing. I thought the 6 out of 16 writers picking Evander was pretty generous towards the old man. Holyfield was 44 years old and the Vegas oddsmakers are tabbed him as a 3 to 1 underdog. The man is simply too old to be a top notch heavyweight. I think the general public needs to move on and quit thinking that Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield are still the best heavyweights in the world.
Bad Chad Is Really Bad
When is Chad Dawson going to step up? This guy hasn’t done crap since winning the title. The dude he was fighting a couple weeks ago was a disgrace! What are your thoughts on “Bad” Chad?
-Carlton Sanger
Carlton,
Chad Dawson is a very promising young fighter with the potential to become one of the best of his generation. His last opponent, Epifanio Mendoza, was a late replacement because a more worthy challenger, Adrian Diaconu, had to pull out due to injury. But I agree that since winning the title, Dawson has not taken on a real opponent. I heard a rumor that his people offered a fight to Antonio Tarver but Tarver did not feel that he was ready for such a tough fight.
If he is waiting for Tarver, there are plenty of decent fights out there for him in the interim. He could try Clinton Woods, Glen Johnson, Paul Briggs, or even Diaconu again. Actually, now that I think about it more, I think that a fight with Glen Johnson would be perfect for Dawson right now. Johnson would take the fight in a second and Chad would have a tough challenge on his hands. That would be a great learning experience for the young champ.
Counterpunchers Solved
Now that we’ve seen how Manny Pacquiao will deal with an opponent who opts to counterpunch for a majority of the bout, how do you see the Pac-JMM rematch and Pac-Valero unfolding? Marquez may be a tad quicker and bigger puncher than Barrera, but with the controlled pace Pacquiao exhibited in his last fight, there would be little opportunity for Marquez to score, unless he initiates the action more. The problem that I am sure Marquez and his camp has now is that they have seen how Pacquiao can fight a controlled tactical pace and still win comfortably, without taking the risks Marquez took advantage of so well in their first fight.
As for Valero, this guy is surrounded by so much mystique because of his power but has never been tested much. His only credible opposition is Mosquera. He was dropped and extended for 10 rounds. His last fight against Honmo was even less impressive. The Japanese was never hurt in the 10 rounds before it was stopped due to cuts and it seemed that Valero was not at all comfortable with an opponent who had some chin and willing to trade big shots–exactly the qualities PacMan has in abundance. I’d like to see Pac take on Valero just for the fireworks but I’d still heavily favor Pacman.
-Kartog
Kartog,
Barrera actually did some really good work in his rematch with Pacquiao. He landed and got the better of many combinations. His problem was that he did not throw enough punches. Simply put, when Barrera threw he did well but he did not throw enough. As for the reason why Marco Antonio allowed himself to get outworked, I don?t know. Maybe he was too old to have the stamina to match Pacquiao?s pace. Maybe he was scared of getting knocked out again. Maybe he thought he was winning and did not want to take a risk. Or perhaps a combination of all of the above. But the point I am trying to make is that win over Barrera does little to alter my opinion of a Pacquiao vs. Marquez match up. Marquez is a different kind of fighter than Barrera. Marquez does have the stamina to fight at Pacquiao?s pace and the power to keep Pacquiao honest. It is a very good fight and one that is hard to pick a winner.
I largely agree with your take on Edwin Valero. He is a legend even though most have yet to see him fight. People are enamored with his power and his potential to become great. He is largely unproven though, so you have to favor Pacquiao to beat him. Pacquiao is a proven commodity and we can only speculate on how good Valero is. What is funny about Valero is that he has fallen in love with his power just like the fans have. Early in his development he showed some pretty good boxing skills, but ala Diego Corrales, he abandoned them in favor of brawling. That suits me just fine because it makes for exciting fights.
The Viking Warrior
I see some people saying that Mikkel Kessler has a really good shot at beating Calzaghe. I saw him fight once on HBO and was impressed, but where did he come from?
-Steve G.
Steve,
He came from Denmark! It does make you wonder how someone learned how to box so effectively living in Denmark. His jab is one of the best in the sport and his technical boxing skills are that of a world-class champion, which he is. His handlers and trainers must be doing something right. He is from the same stable as another notable Danish super middleweight, Mads Larsen. Kessler?s rise to prominence was rather rapid and unexpected but he is the real deal.
I Am Threatened Then Challenged
Listen here Wilbur, I don’t know who you think you are, but I know who I am…the leader of the Cobra Kai. Johnny and Dutch are grown men now, but I still run my Dojo like boot camp and this year my Cobras will be winning their 27th straight All Valley Karate Championship. Johnny’s loss to Daniel was a big blow to the Dojo but after I ordered the leg sweep from Johnny I realized I should have ordered a flying gobbler instead because that candy ass Daniel Larussa is one tough lil? SOB.
Anways Wilbur, I have been reading your trash talk for a month now and I can’t let it go anymore. Nobody comes into my dojo and drops a challenge then leaves. You are a pushy little bastard aren’t you?…but I like that. This is a karate Dojo not a knitting class.
-Sensei Kreese
Mr. Kreese,
I don?t remember ever coming into your dojo. Nor do I remember dropping a challenge and then leaving, as you say. Perhaps you have me confused with Chuck Norris? But you know what? You just wrote into my boxing mailbag and wrote a non-boxing related email. Nobody disrespects me like that and gets away without a few lumps in their head. So for that, I accept your challenge. I make craps that can inflict more damage that you can so I?m not scared.
Pacquiao vs. The Other Diaz
Hi Brian. Great articles! A boxing fan’s must-read!
What’s your take on the planned Pacquiao-David Diaz fight? It would seem to be a slugfest since both men are known to always move forward. However, I think Pacman would win because of his better boxing and defensive skills.
-Lee
Lee,
I was very disappointed when I heard that Pacquiao was thinking about fighting David Diaz next. I don?t care about this fight at all. Diaz won his title with what looked like a lucky punch against a superior fighter (Jose Armando Santa Cruz). Then he struggled with a blown up old shell of Erik Morales in his last fight. He is an anonymous, mediocre belt holder and he brings nothing to the table for a fight with Manny. Fights with Joan Guzman, Edwin Valero, Humberto Soto, and Juan Manuel Marquez are infinitely more appealing in my eyes than a fight with David Diaz. Luckily I have heard that Pacquiao and Roach are leaning towards staying at 130 instead of moving up to 135. So if you want a prediction, I say that Pacquiao wins easily because Diaz is not very good and has no business being in the ring with Manny.
Tag Team Event
Hi Brian! I have a crazy idea, what if there would be a tag team boxing match featuring Manny Pacquiao & Erik Morales vs. Edwin Valero & Marco Antonio Barrera at a catch weight of 135 lbs. What would you think of that?
-Superman
Superman,
That is a crazy idea straight from the WWE. It seems like I get a question every week from fans wanting boxing to become more like professional wrestling. It is a fun idea to think about but it will never happen.
JM Marquez vs. Baby Bull
How about a fight between Juan Diaz and Juan Manuel Marquez at 135? Who do you think will win, considering these are the two of your favorites. Tough question eh! You say that one is a superior technical boxer (Marquez) and the other one knows how to soften up his opponents (Diaz). Tell me who would win, what are the odds and why?
-Benjie M. Tiu
Benjie,
Juan Diaz has been on such a role lately it is hard to pick against him, especially since he would have a large weight advantage. Marquez is a natural featherweight and only moved up to 130 pounds to chase the big names. Marquez would be out gunned and overwhelmed by Diaz at lightweight.
Oh and just because I picked both to beat Pacquiao does not mean that they are my favorites. You are a piece of work my friend and very loyal to your hero Pacquiao.
Senior Tour
How are you doing? I am looking forward to reading your take on Evanderfield in your Monday column. It seems like there should be an age category for boxers that want to continue boxing. They have “old people” golfing tournaments, why not “old people” boxing matches. But, of course, boxing is different and you are always looking for the best of the best. Ah well, it was just a thought.
-Bonnie
Bonnie,
They have actually done a few ?senior tour? events like you suggest in the past featuring guys like Tony Tubbs, Larry Holmes, Mike Weaver, etc. We could create these tournaments for fighters like Evander Holyfield, but the problem is that Holyfield would refuse to fight in them, opting to fight the young guys for the real world title instead. Holyfield doesn?t just want to keep fighting. He vows that he will not stop until he is the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the world. After seeing his performance against Ibragimov, his goal looks to be impossible so he is basically saying that he will keep on fighting as long as he is living. Talk about going out on your shield.
All About Pacquiao
Hey Brian, nice meeting you again for my 5th email.
I saw Manny Pacquiao’s last fight against Marco Antonio Barrera. I’m convinced with the result of the bout. Pacquiao really dominated that one. I thought it was going to be a knockout but Barrera does his thing by running & holding just to survive the 12 rounds. He sometimes counterpunched, but not successively because he was afraid of being knocked out.
Now, Pacman’s next opponent will be announced sometime in the middle of November. I have a top 10 A+ list of Pacman’s next foes:
Super Featherweight (a) WBC Juan Manuel Marquez (b) WBA Edwin Valero (c) WBO Joan Guzman (d) IBF Mzonke Fana (e) Humberto Soto
Lightweight (f) WBC David Diaz (g) Julio Diaz (h) WBA/WBO/IBF Juan Diaz (i) Joel Casamayor (j) Michael Katsidis
So Brian, will you pick your top 5 that could be heading for a mega bout against Pacman? and why?
-Seven
Seven,
Here are my top five best opponents for Manny Pacquiao:
1- Juan Manuel Marquez. Everybody wants to see the score settled between Marquez and Pacquiao and these two are two of the best pound for pound fighters in the world who happen to be in the same division. This one is a no-brainer.
2- The winner of Humberto Soto vs. Joan Guzman. These two are very excellent fighters and underrated. Either one would be a good foe, but the winner has even more claim to the number one contender spot.
3- Edwin Valero. He is a power puncher that would make for a great slugfest with Pacquiao. By beating Mosquera and winning his title belt Valero has proven that he is a legitimate threat and not just hype.
4- Juan Diaz. I do not think that Pacquiao should move up in weight when there are so many appealing options at his current weight. But if he has to move up in weight, you might as well fight the best and that is Juan Diaz.
5- Joel Casamayor. Again, I don?t think that Manny should move up in weight, but if he does he should fight the best. If Juan Diaz is not available for whatever reason, he should seek out Casamayor. Casamayor is the Ring Magazine Champ and is a wily veteran who could give Pacquiao problems with his defense.
Hypotheticals
Who would win in a fight Sam Peter or Riddick Bowe?
Would you rather lick George the Animals Steel’s back after an hour long wrestling match or call Mike Tyson a butt licker while locked in a 6 by 6 room with him?
Who would win in a “pecs-off” Bruce Seldon or Frank Bruno?
Would you rather drink Valuev’s bath water in its entirety after his soak coming off a 12 round fight or give yourself a Dutch oven with Ricardo Mayorga’s fight worn shorts for 10 full minutes?
Let’s see what kind of man you really are…
-Mike Hunt
Mike,
Nice name, for some reason I have the impression that you are giving me a fake name. But I?ll play your game and answer your questions.
Bowe beats Peter fairly easily. He can do anything that Peter can do only he was bigger, more polished, and had a much better boxing skills.
I would rather call Tyson a butt licker because contrary to popular belief, Iron Mike is not as crazy as people think. I think he acts like he does as a show so that people pay attention. So after I called Mike a butt licker I would talk my way out of it, and the kind, understanding guy that Tyson is, he would understand that I had to call him that in order to get out of licking George the Animal Steele?s back. Then Mike and I would live happily ever after.
Bruno wins the pecs-off contest.
I had to look up what a Dutch Oven was on Urban Dictionary (which means farting under the covers and trapping someone?s head in the fermented fart), and that doesn?t sound too bad. In fact, I am really into that kind of stuff. Dutch Oven all the way baby!
Was Pacquiao Too Defensive?
Brian, we know that Pacquiao fought a rather cautious, tactical fight last Oct. 6 with MAB. A lot of fans were surprised and somewhat disappointed. There has been talk lately that Pacman plans to refrain a bit from being too aggressive a brawler if he wants longevity in the ring. However, some boxing experts say that Manny shouldn’t abandon his trademark of inflicting pressure on his opponents, employing fast-paced bouts, and relentless attacks.
Because many hold the belief that Pacquiao’s explosiveness is what makes him the most exciting fighter in the business; that his ability to deliver fireworks in the ring is what makes the Filipino icon a unique figure in present-day boxing. What’s your opinion on this? Is it more important for Pacman to ensure his longevity in the ring and enjoy a longer career in boxing? Or is it better for him to take chances and please the fight fans instead and therefore cement his reputation as the most entertaining, fearless, I-love-to-fight, 100 percent ring warrior? Hope to see your answers on your next mailbag. Thanks so much!
-PinoyGlad
PinoyGlad,
It takes two to fight and have an exciting, entertaining bout. Unfortunately Barrera did not want to mix it up. Pacquiao, though maybe not quite as aggressive as he normally is, was looking to engage for all twelve rounds, but there were no openings to engage. Early in the fight after one of the few times Barrera stood and fought, Barrera?s corner admonished him for doing so saying that he should keep moving and running. If you have one fighter with that kind of game plan, you are not going to get a war. If Barrera had decided to go to war just like Morales in Pacquiao vs. Morales III, trust me, Manny would have been more than happy to compromise his longevity to throw blows.
Pacquiao should employ whatever style gives him the best chance of winning the fight. I think he did that against Barrera. He was the aggressor, he was coming forward, but since Barrera did not give him any openings, he took whatever was there. What he definitely should not do is push for a knockout that is not there because doing so would be reckless. A boxer should do whatever it takes to win, not whatever it takes to get a knockout because that kind of strategy could end up getting yourself knocked out.
Wladimir ?Steel Hammer? Klitschko
Hi Brian. I am a big fan of Wladimir Klitschko and I was wondering if you knew anything about who he is going to fight next and also who do you think he should fight next?
-Phillip White
Phillip,
Wladimir is an HBO contract fighter and HBO does not have any boxing dates or boxing money left for 2007. That means that you can be sure that we will not see the younger Klitschko brother in action until 2008. As for his opponent, there is no one definite right now, but he has said that he would like to unify the belts against either Ruslan Chagaev (WBA) or Sultan Ibragimov (WBO). Those two fights would be perfect in my opinion. However if the unification fights are as elusive as they have been in the past for Wladimir, your guess is as good as mine for his next opponent. He has run out of quality opponents that do not have belts.
A little further down the line, Wladimir will have to fight the winner of the four-man IBF elimination tournament that has Chris Byrd vs. Alexander Povetkin and Calvin Brock vs. Eddie Chambers.
That?s all folks. Send me your questions if you would like to be featured in next week?s mailbag. Until then, take care and have a great week! I look forward to answering your questions.
