Welcome to another edition of my mailbag. This was a busy week in boxing, so much that I barely have enough room to comment on every topic in this column. Among the headlines recapping the week: Miguel Cotto won the fight of his career against Shane Mosley, The Contender Finale surpassed expectations even if the fighters never will, we have a new World Cruiserweight Champion in the form of power puncher David Haye, Kelly Pavlik ?accidentally? put his fist through a kitchen window, and I still have not had a chance to comment on Joe Calzaghe?s stellar win over Mikkel Kessler.
I?ll start with the ?Fast and Furious? main event. Miguel Cotto?s rise to the status of elite pugilist has been slow and steady, but no one can deny that he has arrived. Mosley may not have been the unbeatable force that he was at lightweight in the mid to late 1990?s, but he was still a very dangerous opponent, similar to the way that Roberto Duran was still a legit challenger later in his career at higher weight classes. If this win for Cotto was equivalent to Felix Trinidad?s win over Pernell Whitaker, then Mayweather will be to Cotto what De La Hoya was to Trinidad. The Pretty Boy is the final hurdle for Miguel in becoming the next Puerto Rican boxing icon.
Look at me; I am already assuming that Floyd is going to get by Ricky Hatton with no problems. Ricky Hatton, who is in my top 5 pound for pound. The same fighter who I feel has as good a chance as anyone to defeat Mayweather with his volume punching, bullying style. Shows how much I respect Mayweather as a fighter.
When Jean Marc Mormeck won his cruiserweight belts back from O?Neil Bell, there was no doubt that he was the one undisputed Cruiserweight Champion. But he sat on his belts for so long that fans began to doubt his claim to the title. The lineal title was still in Mormeck?s possession when he squared off against the dangerous Brit David Haye. For that reason I consider Haye as the top dog and the only Champion worth talking about in the cruiserweight division. Hopefully he fights more frequently than his predecessor to bring some prestige and attention to the division. Title defenses against Marco Huck and Steve Cunningham would be interesting.
With the knockout loss I think I have a very good picture of what Mormeck is. He is a big strong slugger who is as good or better than any cruiserweight in the first few rounds. Jean Marc uses head movement, a jab, and throws fast accurate combinations. Mormeck?s Achilles heal is his stamina. He runs out of gas after the first five or so rounds ala Mike Tyson in the twilight of his career. Wayne Braithwaite was unable to capitalize because he was in survival mode after the thrashing he took early on. O?Neil Bell was the first to expose Mormeck?s weakness in their first fight. All he did was survive until the later rounds and the knockout win was handed to him. All of Mormeck?s future opponents should try to survive the early rounds and then turn the tables by bringing the heat in the middle to late rounds.
As a former huge critic of Joe Calzaghe and the way he had went through his career fighting hand picked opponents, there are those who want my new take on Joe after his victory over Kessler. That topic will start off this week?s mailbag:
My Assessment of Joe Calzaghe
I don?t know if you remember me, but I gave you a hard time for your dissing of Joe C. before the Lacy fight after Joe had gone on to annihilate the way over-hyped Lacy as all of us on this side of the pond knew he would.
I was basically trying to get you to eat crow. I said that Joe had received no respect Stateside because you guys are notoriously parochial, and just can’t find it in you to rate fighters who don’t come to the US. Hence your earlier comments.
You didn’t actually admit you had misjudged Joe, or underestimated him but you couldn’t really deny that he had wiped the floor with the only viable American contender, and I got from your response that you did respect him at last.
Then you said that Joe could have been a legend, but perhaps because of Frank Warren, he had missed his chance.
Now I am giving you the opportunity, after the Kessler fight to admit that Joe is a legend. The best all time at his weight, up there pound for pound with anyone currently, and the greatest fighter to come out of Europe for the last fifty years. If he were American he would have been hyped to the skies years ago.
Beating Kessler answered the final few doubters. Surely even you included? What next for him? He would outpoint Hopkins if it ever happens, (and it would be boring for all but the purists) so is there anyone really out there as a challenge? And is it his fault he is too good?
You say he hasn’t really beaten anybody throughout his career and gave the impression of running scared. I say he has always been the real deal but there was no one on his level to beat, and it was shameful to imply he lacked courage. He got himself in condition, fight after fight to beat the contenders put in front of him. It was not his fault they were poor compared to him. In any other sport someone who so outclassed the opposition would be praised, not trashed.
Moreover he carries himself well. Yes he is confident in his ability (he could be forgiven for being very bitter at the lack of respect accorded him until now considering his talent) but not obnoxiously so. He just wants to be accorded the respect his dominating career is due. In fact, he was classy in his post fight comments towards Kessler who gave his best and is a good fighter who will be the champion one day. They were both a credit to the sport in fact. Unlike some US fighters who shall be nameless, let’s face it.
I haven’t read any comments from you since the Cardiff fight. Convinced Joe is a great warrior and Champion yet?
-ST Pettigrew
Mr. Pettigrew,
My opinion of Joe has improved greatly after his win over Kessler. Kessler was a top 15 pound for pound guy, a fellow notable champion in the prime of his career. Calzaghe had never beaten anyone with those credentials before. The win over Kessler was, by far, the best win over his career. So the question I asked myself is does a couple quality wins (Kessler and Lacy) at the tail end of Joe?s career make up for years of underachievement?
My answer is probably. That is the way it worked out for Bernard Hopkins. Before Kessler and Lacy, all Joe had was longevity as an argument for his greatness. Now he has some names to go along with his longevity. With that resume he is certainly on a shortlist of candidates for being the greatest Super Middleweight of all time. He moves up in my pound for pound list as well to #6 (behind only Pacquiao, Mayweather, Hopkins, Hatton, and Juan Manuel Marquez).
So to answer your final question, who is left for him to beat? He has definitely not cleaned out the division. In the super middleweight division, Lucian Bute, Anthony Mundine, and Carl Froch are all worthy contenders who deserve a shot at Calzaghe and would further my opinion of Calzaghe if he were to beat them. At light heavyweight, Bernard Hopkins, Clinton Woods, Chad Dawson, and to a lesser degree Antonio Tarver would be quality opponents. Rumor has it that Kelly Pavlik and Jermain Taylor are both planning on moving up in weight to the 168 pound division. Pavlik vs. Calzaghe would be stellar.
I would probably favor Calzaghe in most of those fights, but you have to fight the fights in order to get credit for them. At this point in Calzaghe?s career I don?t think he wants to fight the up and comers like Bute and Dawson because they are the most dangerous but do not have the name recognition or drawing power yet so the risk/reward ration does not pan out. There is still the time and opportunity for Joe to build onto his hall of fame, but not all time great, legacy.
Sanctioning Fees
I just want to know how the sanctioning fees for championship belts are paid? Will Manny also pay for it if he fights Marquez or will Marquez only be the one to pay? Granting they fight and Manny won, can Manny just ignore the belt so that when he fights next, there won’t be any sanctioning fees that he will have to pay? Please answer it. Thanks and more power.
-Benjie Tui
Benjie,
Both the champion and the challenge pay a sanctioning fee to the organization. The fee is a percentage of the fighter’s purses (I believe it is around 5-10% of the purse although I would need to look it up to know for sure). If a champion does not pay his sanctioning fee for a fight then the title is not on the line. If a challenger does not pay his fee then he will not be able to win the belt if he wins.
So to answer your question, Manny could ignore the belt if he wanted to and avoid paying the fees. I would encourage him to do so too since the belts mean nothing to an already famous and established superstar like Pacquiao.
Ponce De Leon, Penalosa, Pavlik, and Duddy
What is your opinion on the outcome of a Gerry Penalosa vs. Daniel Ponce De Leon rematch if ever they meet again? And I?m not really familiar with Duddy (Irish guy?) so can you give us some thought on his previous fights, strengths and weaknesses and if he can give Kelly Pavlik a competitive fight. Thanks again man.
-Prime
Prime,
Penalosa is an excellent little boxer but he is so far up in age that I think that Ponce De Leon can only do better in a rematch. I see another close decision with Daniel winning again, only this time the decision will be legit.
Pavlik was originally going to fight John Duddy, but Jermain Taylor exercised his rematch clause so they are going to jump right into rematch. Duddy could fight Pavlik after the Taylor fight though. John Duddy is an offensive minded fighter. He comes forward, steps into his punches well and has good power. His defense is lacking though. Duddy is not an elite fighter and is made to order for someone like Pavlik.
Pacquiao At 130
Your take on Pacquiao is ok. I don?t agree with your answer that Juan Manuel Marquez will beat Pacquiao, but I respect it. I also like Marquez because he is a sportsman. Although I highly appreciate ‘El Terrible’ as a true Mexican Warrior more than any amongst his Mexican counterparts.
In my opinion, Pac will stay 2 fights in a row at 130, and next will be moving up. I predict JMM on March 15th, Valero mid next year and David Diaz before the end of next year. What’s your guess?
Lastly, I appreciate your argument with the guy who wants Mayweather to be on the top spot of the P4P. He?s got some points but you counter more technically. Kudos and more power!!!
-Colt45
Colt45,
What I hope will happen is that Pacquiao fights Marquez, the winner of Joan Guzman and Humberto Soto, then Edwin Valero in his next three fights before moving up in weight to fight at 135. What will probably happen though is that Manny fights Marquez and then will get impatient and move up in weight right away to fight David Diaz.
The War Clap
Hi Brian. In my opinion, Pacquiao would give Marquez a run for his money. Marquez was quite impressive when he dominated Juarez but he didn?t even put to sleep his smaller opponent. While Pacquiao is virtually a non-stop puncher coupled with his speed and devastating power. I noticed Pacquiao during his fights when he claps his gloves into his head it means he wants a war. I notice when he is doing this his opponents are afraid to punch because they know that if the war begins Pacquiao would knock them out. Nevertheless, Pacquiao now is a combination of brawler and a rounded in and out fighter. The first time they met Pacquiao was schooled by Marquez and Pacquiao also taught Marquez how to kiss the canvas. Pacquiao is a different fighter now compared to before. If they meet again I pick Pacquiao to win. He is faster and stronger compared to Marquez, a friendly warrior in the ring.
-Rodel
Rodel,
I have also noticed the ?War Clap? as you say. Pacquiao is a warrior at heart and loves to fight toe to toe. The game plan of most fighters (with the exceptions of Erik Morales in the 3rd fight) when fighting Pacquiao is to box him and not to engage him in a slugfest. That is why you never see his opponents obliging him when he invites a war. Don?t expect Marquez to jump in with punches either if Manny does the war clap in their rematch. Marquez will want to box and counter punch all night.
Lofty Expectations
Good day Brian! Sometimes I get tired of reading the endless debates on your mailbag on who would win if Pacman fights Juan Manuel Marquez, Juan Diaz, etc. I guess the best way to settle the issue is when they finally clash on the ring.
My last question was a few mailbags ago and I don’t always join the fray unless I have something sensible to say or ask. You made quite a tremor when you had Manny on top of your P4P rating and I commend you for that! Based on his last performance, the win drew more negative criticisms than applause. Everybody always expected him to blast his opponents away that when he won the fight by a lopsided unanimous decision, only a few appreciated his improved ring generalship when his opponent decided to fight in a survival mode. Granting Barrera was shot, nobody beat him before at his own pace, game and technique that convincingly! Prince Naseem and Rocky Juarez found out the hard way. Pacman even out-jabbed the great technician! If that is a small feat coming from a former one-dimensional fighter who used to rely on his big left hand, that complete performance should be ranked among his best! Now, my question—do you think the PACMAN has put himself in a lofty status of expectations that when a fight goes to the judges he hardly gets credit? Who is most to blame for creating his aura of invincibility? He, himself when he lays it all on the line? A writer like you for putting him as #1 p4p? Or the insatiable fans who always crave for blood?
-Helven
Helven,
First, I agree with your take on the debates. We?ve discussed the fights at great lengths. I want to see them happen already.
Criticizing a fighter from not getting a knock out every fight is like criticizing a baseball player for not hitting a homerun in every at bat. Knockouts happen but they cannot be forced. I hate to put blame on the fans, but to answer your question; they are ultimately to blame for creating that stigma. The fans with those expectations need to see a dominant knockout in order to be merely satisfied. Winning is not good enough, Pacquiao needs to get a knockout, and when you are fighting the best boxers in the world like he is, satisfying those people every single time is an impossible task.
A reasonable fan should put their favorite fighter and his fights into a grand perspective. They should look at their favorite fighter as a flawed human being and not a mythical God-like creature. Being the best or close to the best does not mean that you are invincible.
Open Letter To Freddie Roach and Team Pacquiao
Now that the smoke is clear, let our guy Manny Pacquiao fight Juan Manuel Marquez to settle the dispute once and for all. Marquez has called out Pacquiao as his next opponent so your side should seriously consider what the people want for a very long time – this fight has to happen. You were insistent that it was Juan Manuel Marquez who was being unreasonable in terms of the fight purse which is the reason why the long overdue fight with Pacquiao never materialized. Well, the WBC obliges the two to face off; Golden Boy is tendering the negotiations and Top Rank big boss Bob Arum wants Pacquiao to make the decision. So what’s the delay? We would like to reiterate that it is us, Paclanders all over the world are responsible for making your prized fighter what he is today. So please, spare us these silly excuses of the “money being right” because it has starting to become palpable that you are avoiding this fight for the petty reason that Juan Manuel Marquez may be too skilled for Manny Pacquiao and is in a big risk of losing. We are slowly getting disappointed with this development. Isn’t it high time that Pacquiao gets a legitimate championship title? Forget about the fancy cut of the purse because of the championship belt. Just make this fight happen!
We strongly believe just as you do deep inside that Manny Pacquiao is not yet ready to fight at 135. You said it before, now stop doing the cha-cha. Let Pacquiao clean up the 130 pound division first with championship belts and then, we could care less if you decide to move him up to the lightweight category.
Listen to the crowd. Otherwise, you’ll find Manny Pacquiao’s next fight a BIG disappointment in terms of attendance and pay-per-view.
Till then!
-Maxx Evans and the Paclanders of www.manypacquiao.ph
Paclanders,
I?m not sure if Freddie Roach is the correct target for the letter since I don?t know exactly how much say he has in who Manny fights. But I agree with the urging for Team Pacquiao to fight Juan Manuel Marquez wholeheartedly!
Respect For Pacquiao Fans
I hope you’re doing great as you receive this.
I think it is safe to say that the fans are the lifeblood of boxing. The more people interested, or better, passionate, over the sport the better. Hence it makes me sad how “supposed” knowledgeable fans, and sometimes boxing columnists, look down on the “supposed” uninformed fans who do nothing but ask inane questions. Of particular target are some Filipino fans who are faulted for their “obsession” over Pacquiao ?without knowing anything about boxing.”
Well, such snobbery will never help boxing restore it’s former glory. Sure we’re newbies to the sport. Yes, we are fanatical about Pacquaio and we defend him like we protect our dear lives. And yes, we are sometimes emotional. But it’s a journey. We learn along the way. We now watch bouts that do not even involve Pacman. We follow the career of other boxers and we take note of major developments in the sport. Somebody has to start somewhere.
Pedro Fernandez is one among others. He banned Pac fans for quite a while. I am not sure though if he has lifted it. I have stopped reading his column.
Brian please enlighten me. Is it a cultural thing or has some boxing columnists become too “sensitive ” or “onion-skinned” of late? Fans come in all sizes, colors and mentality. There are intelligent ones. Some are absolute boors. The bad comes with the good ones. And those fans come with the territory. You write a column, people read and react.
Thanks Brian for your time. You’re quite popular with the Paclanders. So down with the snobbery and elitist stance! That is the only way to revive the golden age of boxing.
And thanks Brian for always showing respect to “all” fans.
-Jan
Jan,
I have also noticed this poor treatment of Pacquiao fans. I think that the status quo for many boxing writers today is to bash those who disagree with their opinions. So when something negative is written about Manny and the Pacquiao fans come on the defensive (whether their reasoning is logical or not), some of the writers get hostile. I am sorry to say that, but please know that I will treat all fans with respect and dignity.
A Legit Sanctioning Body? Yeah Right!
Hi Bro! This is my first time to write into your email bag, and I would say it?s great reading all your answers and comments with regards to boxing. My question is why isn?t there be a boxing organization that really governs and mandates the rightful boxer to challenge the champion? The challenger should be picked regardless of marketability, star power, or politics. The best contender should always fight for the title but that seems to never happen. Could you explain further? Thanks for being a fair and responsible writer.
-Norman
Norman,
The boxing organizations or independent bodies whose only purpose is making money. They will do whatever it takes to stay in business and make a profit. As a result the rankings do no reflect reality and with the challengers to the title that get mandated you have to wonder if they WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO are taking bribes because there is no logical way to defend their choices sometimes. Personally, I have given up all hope of a fair, legitimate sanctioning body in boxing.
Celebrity Death Match
Hi Brian, here’s a few fantasy fights that I’d like you to analyze.
Bob Arum vs. Gary Shaw Don King vs. Floyd Mayweather Sr. Mike Marley vs. Jeng Gacal Justin Fortune vs. Pedro Fernandez
Every fight is 12 rounds & all will fight will be at a catch weight to make the fights even!
-Superman
Superman,
Nice selection of fights my friend! Here is how I see them:
Arum vs. Shaw ? I like Bob Arum as a person but he is really getting up there in age. He is 75 years old, and although he looks fabulous for his age, he is way to old to be fighting. Shaw throws his weight around and wins this one pretty easily.
King vs. Mayweather ? Don King is a bad man and I would never mess with him?but not because of his boxing prowess. Mayweather actually used to be a decent boxer back in the day so Floyd Sr. takes this by TKO.
Marley vs. Gacal ? Gacal is a little weenie, Marley by 1st round KO.
Fortune vs. Fernandez ? Pedro claims to have won Golden Gloves tournaments, but that was probably in the 1960?s or 70?s and he probably hasn?t laced up gloves in decades. Fortune used to be a pro fighter and is still in the game via training. Fortune destroys Fernandez early.
Casamayor calling out Pacman
Hi Brian, this is my second time to write on your mailbag and it’s fun having these conversations. Based on the recent boxing weekend, what are your thoughts on the decision won by Casamayor over Santa Cruz? Are you impressed by Casamayor’s performance? Casamayor has a big mouth and saying Pacman is ‘B’ class fighter and should be fighting an elite fighter like him. In case there will be a Pacquiao-Casamayor fight, what are your thoughts? Thanks
-Sac
Sac,
That was not Casamayor?s most impressive fight. He is getting up in age plus had to deal with ring rust. Joel is extremely wily and crafty so he is not an easy out for anyone. His defense is top notch and he makes very few mistakes in the ring. If he fought Pacquiao I don?t think that, at his age, Casamayor has the work rate to keep up with Manny. I see Pacquiao winning a decision that looks similar to his second win over Marco Antonio Barrera, effective but not pretty.
Mayweather Should Be Ahead Of Pacquiao
I’ve e-mailed you before, if you remember me you know that I’m a big Pacquiao fan but I agree with Greg Rowe in the debate you two had about the top P4P spot. I hate Pretty Boy but I think he’s the best boxer in the world, not exciting, but I don’t see anybody beating him in his natural weight class or a weight class higher, how can Pacquiao be # 1 if you’re leaning towards Marquez winning the rematch and they are in the same weight class? I also agree with Freddie Roach that joan guzman is going to be a very difficult opponent for Pacman. Floyd dominates everybody he fights in his weight class and the next, you agree that Pacquiao will lose to Juan Diaz if he chose to fight at 135, I?m waiting to be enlightened, Thanks.
-Richie Ledesma
Richie,
This is in regards to my top 15 pound for pound list which can be found at this link: My Top 15 List I knew this would confuse a few people. My take is that Mayweather is probably a better all around fight than Pacquiao and if they did happen to be the same weight, I would favor Mayweather to win. Yet I have Pacquiao number one on my P4P list because my list is based strictly on accomplishment. The boxer who has beaten the best, highest quality opponents recently are the highest on my list. Who I personally think is physically the best pound for pound fighter means very little. Pacquiao’s last 6 or so opponents have been better than Mayweather’s so he takes the top spot.
I feel that this is the only way to fairly construct a pound for pound list; based on fact, not opinion. Otherwise the fighters are picked on personal biases. Boxers have to prove themselves over and over in order to make my pound for pound list.
Richie Still Doesn?t Like It
I got confused just after your last email. Your list should reflect who you personally think is physically the best P4P fighter solely because, umm, it’s YOUR list! And if you think Marquez can beat Pacquiao, he should be higher on your list, period.
-Richie Ledesma
Richie,
Funny how you tell me how to do my list! It is my list so I will base it off of merit thank you very much.
Opinions are like an asshole. Everybody has them and they all stink. I can yell all day about who I think the best is, but since they have not proved so in the ring it means nothing. I won?t put Marquez above Pacquiao because I think he has a good chance to beat Pacquiao. Pacquiao has proved himself against the higher level of opposition so he will be above Manny.
And just because I pick Marquez over Pacquiao does not mean that Marquez is the better fighter. Styles make fights and I think JMM has a good styles matchup there. Pacquiao could still be the better overall fighter even if he loses to Marquez. Muhammad Ali arguably lost to Ken Norton three times out of three. Does that make Norton better than Ali? No. He just had a style that Ali couldn’t figure out.
But just for entertainment sake, if you want me to put together a top 15 P4P list using your criteria and not mine it would look something like this:
1. Floyd Mayweather 2. Ivan Calderon 3. Joe Calzaghe 4. Manny Pacquiao 5. Joan Guzman 6. Kelly Pavlik 7. Rafael Marquez 8. Juan Diaz 9. Juan Manuel Marquez 10. Ricky Hatton 11. Cristian Mijares 12. Israel Vazquez 13. Celestino Caballero 14. Junior Witter 15. Chad Dawson
Richie Likes It!
A very good list, point well taken with the Ali-Norton case. Pacman can be still considered a better fighter even if he loses to Marquez in the rematch but I find it hard to belielve that you, Brian Wilbur, really believe that Pacquiao could be a better fighter than Mayweather Jr.
-Richie Ledesma
Richie,
Has Pacquiao beaten the higher level of opposition that Mayweather in his last 6 or so fights? In my opinion, yes he has. That makes him higher on my official pound for pound list. But is Pacquiao a better fighter than Floyd Mayweather Jr.? I would have to say no.
Appreciation of Me!
Wow! Now that?s what I call the huge gap between Brian Wilbur (the boxing scribe) and the rest of us (your enthusiastic readers/senders). That?s what I like the most about your style, you don?t tell us about what you like, what you prefer, or what your emotions are about certain fights/fighters; instead, you?re just there to generously attend to our inquiries in a straightforward, honest, and fair manner. I think that?s exactly what we need, to get answers from a learned one in boxing who consistently responds to our questions according to the dictates of his own discerning mind and sound interpretation. I believe we don?t exactly need to be pleased or to be flattered about how you favor our favorite fighters/fights per se, we primarily want to know what?s on your mind with regards to certain issues in boxing because we believe yours is a trained, if not an enlightened, one. (By the way, I?m obviously using the plural form ?we? hoping and assuming that some readers would agree with me on this regard.) Thanks!
-PinoyGlad
PinoyGlad,
Thank you! Flattery is a sure fire way to make it into my mailbag and you are quite adept at doing so my friend. I hope to hear from you again.
That concludes my mailbag but send in your questions and I will include them in next week?s edition of Brian?s Boxing Mailbag. Until then, take care everyone.
