The welterweight division is among the most commonly talked about divisions in the sport. Like middleweight, it shares an illustrious history and includes a virtual who’s who of all-time greats among its champions. From Sugar Ray Robinson to Sugar Ray Leonard to Sugar Shane Mosley, some of boxing’s boldest competitors contributed to making the 147 pound class so sweet. However, we so often only hear about the elites of this weight class, the fighters who carved their names into the division’s history through lengthy title reigns and super fight victories.
One contemporary welterweight champion who is often overlooked is Marlon Starling, who was boxing’s “Magic Man” long before Antonio Tarver and Paulie Malignaggi paid homage to this moniker. The Hartford, CT native amassed a professional ledger of 45-6-1 (27) between 1979 and 1990. Under the tutelage of Eddie Futch and Freddie Roach, Starling captured both the WBA and WBC 147 pound straps in separate reigns. He defeated the likes of Floyd Mayweather Sr., Simon Brown, Mark Breland, and Lloyd Honeyghan. Best known for his bitter rivalry with Breland, Starling was ranked the fourth best welterweight of the 1980s by KO Magazine. In a decade which included welterweight action from Roberto Duran, Leonard, Tommy Hearns, and Donald Curry, KO’s mention of Starling is a weighty achievement even if the gold, silver, and bronze rankings eluded him.
What’s good about today’s welterweight division?
Today, the two best boxers pound for pound, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. reside in the welterweight division. That’s all I have to say about that.
Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz took a mildly anticipated showdown and turned it into one of the best fights this century. Berto, a much hyped product of HBO preferential treatment, built a modest reign against mostly overblown 140 pounders. Ortiz, once a promising star in the making, appeared slightly green and far too yellow once thrust into the limelight in bouts against Marcos Rene Maidana and Lamont Peterson. Who could have anticipated what ended up transpiring on April 16, 2011? After four knockdowns, as many shifts in momentum, a point deduction, and thirty-six minutes of intense action, both fighters earned a measure of redemption. Berto learned he could no longer get by on mere athleticism and Ortiz exorcised his demons from the Maidana fight and the label of “quitter”. Both men had ample opportunity to find a way out in this grueling fight, but each man stayed the course and crafted an instant boxing classic. Now, boxing fans deserve the rematch and, god willing, the rubber match.
The attention of the boxing world still focuses heavily on the 147 pound class even though 168, 118, and 108 have greater depths of talent. HBO’s April 16 broadcast brought us the aforementioned Berto-Ortiz clash. Pacquiao and Mosley will be carried by Showtime on May 7. ESPN2 brought Ionut Dan Ion versus Steve Forbes into our homes back in February. Showtime’s SHOBox series has taken great interest in rising prospect Shawn Porter. Mike Jones has found supporting roles on major fight cards such as Pacquiao-Margarito and Montiel-Donaire in his last two clashes against Jesus-Soto Karass. This high profile attention will only lead to greater fan exposure and the demand for bigger fights down the road.
What’s bad about today’s welterweight division?
Today, the two best boxers pound for pound reside in the welterweight division and they have not fought each other. At this point in 2011, we should be talking about how close PBF-Pac I and II were and who we think will take the rubber match.
The welterweight division currently only sports two elite level competitors. After Mayweather and Pacquiao, there is a huge drop off to the second tier. Shane Mosley looks to be a shell of his former self and appears to be headed for a sound defeat at the hands of Pacquiao after a pedestrian effort at 154 against Sergio Mora. Joshua Clottey and Alfonso Gomez have not fought in over a year. Next month, we can say the same thing about Mayweather. Ortiz has faced one legit welterweight and through attrition is probably the number three man at 147. Berto recently lost to Ortiz. Jan Zaveck, Rafal Jackiewicz, Selcuk Aydin, and Ionut Dan Ion are largely unknown and have already showed signs of struggle with one another. Mike Jones’ unbeaten record nearly came crashing down two fights back. Randall Bailey is looking more and more like a live contender each time out and he’s a thirty-six year old usually said to have only a puncher’s chance. If the second tier can obtain greater exposure from the major networks, a few more gems, perhaps not a bright as Berto-Ortiz, may be discovered.
The verdict?
Mayweather-Pacquiao is not going to happen. Boxing fans need to accept this. However, that doesn’t mean fight fans can’t chastise PBF for not making this fight happen as the Connecticut crowd at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods did with shouts of “Manny!” every time Mayweather’s face appeared on the big screen. Regardless, the same attention will remain on the welterweight division. However, it may be in the form of forced-fed bouts between Ortiz and a recycled Paulie Malignaggi or Erik Morales against the next washed up former champion who decides to end his retirement for a quick buck. One harmful by-product of the welterweight division’s narrow elite class is that all roads lead to Pacquiao and everyone is hoping their ticket comes up in the Pacquiao sweepstakes. Until it does, all risks will be kept to a minimum.
Related Quotes:
Antonin Decarie, welterweight contender: “Not only is it a big loss for the welterweight division, it’s a big loss for boxing in general. How can the two best pound for pound boxers be competing in the same weight category and not have fought each other yet? The fans want it, and that should be enough. As for Andre Berto, even though he is fighting lighter guys, he is still fighting really good fighters. I think his loss against his last opponent, Ortiz, shows this.”
Randall Bailey, welterweight contender: “It didn’t really matter to me [if Pacquiao fought Mayweather] because if, and when, I beat Zaveck, I may have to take a title defense before I could ask for unification bout with Ortiz or anybody.”
Said Ouali, welterweight contender: “Berto vs Ortiz was a great fight where Ortiz showed besides that he can box , also has a great, great heart. This fights should be in top three list for this year. We still have a couple of fights to go too.”
