There has been a lot of negativity thrown around the web as of late relative to the current state of our sport. I make it a point daily to cruise the web to keep on top of the ever changing face of boxing, perusing any number of known websites and news outlets. The year didn?t start out too bad despite the fact that the best possible match-up that could be made for 2010 fell apart at the negotiating table. As fans around the world watched the Manny Pacquiao versus Floyd Mayweather, JR., super fight vaporize over an extended period we were provided with two very solid match-ups as a consolation prize; a fascinating date with former IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey for Pacquiao and perhaps the best possible opponent for Floyd outside of the Filipino phenom, former three-division champion ?Sugar? Shane Mosley.
But as the year developed there were seemingly few big bouts, or more importantly, compelling match-ups to look forward to. By the time Miguel Cotto proved his mettle once again as a standout fighter in winning his third division title our sport?s momentum for all intents and purposes came to a grinding halt. Notable boxing writers approached the situation as best they could, lamenting the extended dry spell with whatever positive spin they could muster, but as July gave way to August, some were given to belly-aching while others were issuing statements about walking away for good. To my credit, I had a less emotional outlook on the matter. The economy had and for some time to come will have an effect on boxing, but m
