Hello and welcome to the hump day edition of the RSR Mailbag. As you probably noticed, there is a new look to RSR and the RSR Message board. We have added a chat room and have many video productions that will premier in the upcoming weeks.
Now, I would love for everyone to check out the chat room, message board, and my RSRTV video productions. Anyway, I was talking with one of my buddies and he is setting up a bachelor’s party, but he has one rule that he must follow: no strippers. Hmm. How can you possibly ask a person to do a job when you don’t give him the tools to do so? Who would buy a ticket to that event? He tried to sell me a ticket, but alcohol + all dudes = no @#$@#$ way is Geno Bambino going, and paying for it to boot. I sympathize with my pal, but I will not pitch in for this nonsense.
The reason why there will be no strippers is due to the fact that the groom’s father is going and he’s not comfortable with scantily clad women. Now, why should one man dictate the entire shindig? I am very upset about this and I wish that my friend would reject the party all together, kick his father in the grapes, and refuse to attend the wedding. This is about principal people. There comes a time in a man’s life where you have to make a stand and this is the time. When my buddy Jeremy got married, I was the best man and I went out of my way to bring him to the strip club because that was the right thing to do. Had I told him that I was bringing him to…oh, I don’t know…my buddy’s Steve’s trailer for a night of Nascar and corn dogs, I would be doing him a disservice. There are traditions and I’m a man that has respect for that.
RSRTV is now showing an interview with the WBA Super Welterweight Champion, Jose Antonio Rivera in a candid conversation where many things are discussed including: Oscar De La Hoya, Sergio Mora, Cory Spinks, Shane Mosley, and a situation that may cost him his title outside of the ring. This is the one interview that you will not want to miss and I encourage you to check it out:Jose Antonio Rivera interview after you read my mailbag of course.
The movie review this week is: V For Vendetta, starring Natalie Portman…who is bald in this movie, but still really attractive. I have never been into bald women, but I blame it on Daddy Warbucks from the movie: Annie. That bald dude always bothered me for some reason. Anyway, Portman is a completely different story. She is a knockout. Now, this movie is really interesting and entertaining and is almost like Batman versus the evil Government. You have this guy that wears a mask and kicks butt all over the place, and he has wit too. He blows up all sorts of things and kills security guards by the dozen, and then takes on the Government, leading to an exciting conclusion to this flick. I really recommend this movie…it was great.
Anyway, onto the mailbag…
HATEMAIL? IN ALL CAPS? THE NERVE!
How are you doing great one?
As I have said before, I enjoy your mailbag as it’s interesting and although I don’t agree with your statements all the time but everybody has their own views but when you wrote in one of your articles that Rocky Marciano was the most overrated heavyweight champions of all time I have to say your smoking some funny stuff or you are just a complete idiot when it comes to judging fighters, just lately Chris Byrd was applauded because he was taking on the big heavyweights which was used as an excuse for almost getting killed in the ring with Klitschko but Marciano took on always the No.1 contender and never complained about size and destroyed everyone and never complained about size and destroyed everyone in his path. I mean everyone he never weighed more than 187 pounds and was outweighed by 30-60 pounds so when I hear you make that remark I put you in the same category as ex champ Larry Holmes but I at least at one time knew that you were talking about. Now I know you don’t know dip$$#@ about boxing or the fighters.
Ponko Pivovar
Ponko,
First and foremost, you didn’t have to send this nonsense to me in all caps. It hurt my eyes and since I’m nice and I care for the RSR fans, I have made it readable. Okay, you start by calling me “great one,” and then you call me an “idiot” and claim that I am a dip$^%#. Well, I thought that we were pals, but apparently not. I understand that I can’t make everyone happy and this is an example, but I’m not going to let it get to me… Okay, now Rocky Marciano…the most overrated Heavyweight Champion of all time. There I said it again. I’m screaming it to the heavens mother #%$#%! He was the right guy at the right time and fought the right people. If he were around now, he would have his hands full with many heavyweights.
Let’s look at some matches that I came up with: Rocky Marciano vs. Lennox Lewis Rocky Marciano vs. Larry Holmes Rocky Marciano vs. Muhammad Ali Rocky Marciano vs. Mike Tyson Rocky Marciano vs. Tony Tubbs, Michael Dokes, Pinklon Thomas Rocky Marciano vs. any Heavyweight Champion in the last 20 years.
He could not do what he did if the fighters that he faced were great. How old was Archie Moore? How old was Joe Louis? What about Jersey Joe Walcott? He was shopping for opponents at the Bingo halls and nursing homes. I think that Rocky was tough and determined and would do great as a cruiserweight, but come on, Ponko…get with it dude! You brought up Chris Byrd. How many people are saying that Chris Byrd is one of the greatest heavyweights of all time? Not too many. He is underrated or not rated at all. So, there is no comparison. I would even pick a prime Chris Byrd to outpoint Rocky Marciano. Like I said, right man at the right time…
Now Ponko, I forgive you for being so rude and for calling me names when I have done nothing, but been a gentleman. I don’t know @#$@$@ about boxing? I don’t even know what to say to that. I just hope that some of my people will come to my defense on this one. Feel free to use whatever terms you want in my defense…I will post them! Well, maybe with a little editing if they are too strong…
HEAVY METAL
Rockhead Geno,
Just curious why you dig on Mercyful Fate and not King Diamond which is the former’s later evolution, I think? Does the open Satanism turned you off??? LOL. Just curious.
Anyway, i gave up on those primal and brute muzak as they ain’t givin’ me the outlook and respectability I deserve. Not saying that you should though. I just kinda outgrew them.
What’s your take on Jose Antonio Rivera vs. Margarito should they fight? Kessler vs. Beyer? Kessler-Jermain? Do you think Kessler has what it takes to be a major star in America?
Best Regards. Viva RSR!
Vicv
Vicv,
I dig King Diamond very much. He is the backbone of Mercyful Fate, but he also produces better music when he is with them. I love the tunes: Welcome Home, Sleepless Nights, and Abagail by Diamond, but when you compare it to the tunes on the Mercyful Fate: Don’t Break the Oath CD. Does the Satanism turn me off? Not at all. I’m into horror movies man and I love the bands like this that make their concerts a real show. I went to see Mercyful Fate in 1998 at a small club in Springfield, MA, called “The Infinity,” and actually met King Diamond. (Note: I was not a groupie.) I also realized that I had moved on and others had not. I was the only guy there without a denim jacket and a mullet. I used to walk amongst them, but now I have become “normal,” I guess.
Jose Antonio Rivera vs. Antonio Margarito is a fight that reminds me so much of Hagler-Hearns in the sense that neither guy can get that big match because they are so dangerous, so they turn to each other. Now, I would favor Jose because of his chin and a secret known as Radovan Serbula that has made him a 15 round fighter…strong throughout. I personally love this match and would love to see it, but it’s probably too good to be true.
I think that Mikkel Kessler is going to accomplish big things and is a logical opponent for Taylor if he can continue winning. Look at the way boxing is gong nowadays. European fighters are taking over. I call it the revenge of Francesco Damiani. Don’t ask me why because it’s complicated and I also don’t have an explanation.
THE GBBF
Hi Cocky Geno,
If the GBBF would ever come into place, how many and what are the weight classes would it have? Who would be the champs of the GBBF per division?
Geno rules! Thanks!
El Torero
El Torero,
Okay, I’m old school. First things first: The championship bouts would be 15 rounds. Okay…champs
Heavyweight: Wladimir Klitschko Cruiserweight: O’Neil Bell Light Heavyweight: Glen Johnson Super Middleweight: Joe Calzaghe Middleweight: Jermain Taylor Light Middleweight: Jose Antonio Rivera Welterweight: Floyd Mayweather, JR. Light Welterweight: Ricky Hatton Lightweight: Diego Corrales Super Featherweight: Manny Pacquiao Featherweight: Chris John Super Bantamweight: Daniel Ponce De Leon Bantamweight: Rafael Marquez Super Flyweight: Nobou Nashiro Flyweight: Jorge Arce
That right there are the divisions and my champions. I’m not sold on Wlad, but I considered Chris Byrd the real champion and the giant took that recognition from him, although I still think that he would have a rough time with most of the top 10 guys. A champion would also defend his title at least twice a year, barring documented injury. Also, there would NEVER be a three knockdown rule in any bout, if I had anything to say about it. The referee should always have the discretion. Look at JMM-Pacman. It would have been over in one round had that rule been in effect. The GBBF has to come into existence. It will save boxing!!!
FIGHTS BY FITZY
Genodabambinorambobinocrazyzazino,
I enjoyed the fights but your partner n the telecast I think Jerry something was not to hot. Sure he tried but you could tell in spots that you were carrying him. Do you think Larry Merchant can come on next with you? I know that is a lot to ask but how about Jose Antonio Rivera?
Justin Janko
Justin,
How are you doing my friend? My partner on the telecast was my good friend, Jeremy “Weiskotten Summers” Weiskotten. I think that he did a good job and he is still learning the sport….and he is much better than Lennox Lewis on HBO’s B.A.D. for sure. Fights by Fitzy was a terrific time and it was a show that was put on by a good guy in the sport and I will always support that.
I don’t think that Larry Merchant is going to join me, but you never know… Jose Antonio Rivera is probably more likely, but I think that Jeremy did a good job. I thought that he was really amusing. I appreciate the feedback though.
SUPERMAN VS. THE EXECUTIONER
Hey Mr. McGahee, how’s it going?
Now that RJJ holds a title and B-hop took what was his before from Tarver, do you see a possibility of The superman and The executioner meeting in the ring again for the second time since they were middleweights ages ago? Would the bout make sense? And how about a forecast if in case this would pushes through.
Thanks and more power. Nice new skin too for the RSR page.
Ambo
Ambo,
I see this fight as likely, considering that these are two fighters that want the money and fame and fighting each other would generate interest…not from me, but from the casual boxing fans. It’s just like Vargas-Mosley…you have guys from the past going at it in a bout that doesn’t mean a whole lot, but the boxers are recognized and that’s what they are selling. It is just like Mike Tyson’s bouts with Kevin McBride and Danny Williams. They didn’t belong on PPV, but Tyson is well known and was a star in a time when we don’t have many.
Remember that the biggest factor in the two not hooking up before was the money…that is why Hopkins faced Tarver and will come out of his retirement to meet RJJ. When they do face off, you have to lean toward Hopkins to win by a decision. He has staying power and RJJ doesn’t, and I see this as a one-sided bout with the executioner winning a decision and both fighters laughing all the way to the bank.
Also, glad you like the new look…
EL GALLO
What’s up Geno,
Great mailbag! I’ve only watched El gallo fight twice, that was when he fought Garcia and Collazo. I know he’s your friend and all but what are your assessments on this bouts. El Gallo vs. 1. Winky Wright 2. Pretty boy Floyd 3. Antonio Margarito 4. Jermaine Taylor
These guys are all different kinds of boxers. What are the weaknesses of these boxers that El Gallo can exploit. Thanks man.
Pogisam
Pogisam,
Hey, thanks for the props man. His bouts with Garcia and Collazo were something else, and I will try to be objective when assessing these bouts.
WINKY WRIGHT VS JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA
This is a bout that Jose would have to be at his best, but Jermain Taylor exploited a weakness in Wright’s game, or it may just be a case of Winky slowing down. The Soliman fight wasn’t impressive either. I have a sneaking suspicion that this bout would be incredibly close, but you have to understand the conditioning of Rivera. If he could keep his head straight and use the hooks and body shots, he might just eke out a close decision…
PBF VS JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA
Floyd wouldn’t be able to stop Rivera, but he would definitely intend on out-smarting and out-boxing the slower opponent, but the key for Jose is to get him against the ropes and pound away. Rivera is much stronger at 154 and if he can keep the smaller opponent on the ropes and pound away the way that Jose Luis Castillo was successful in doing from time to time, he may just take a late TKO. Trust me, Jose is one of the elite fighters in the game today…he just needs the chance.
ANTONIO MARGARITO VS JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA
A fan’s dream fight, pitting two trains going down the track at ninety miles per hour on a collision course, and barring any accidental head butts that might end it prematurely, I would side with Jose by hard fought decision. I just can’t picture either guy on their back. Jose would have to utilize that jab and land the counter shots that made Garcia have the worst night of his career.
JERMAIN TAYLOR VS JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA
If Jose moves up for this bout, he has to be extremely active and attack 3 minutes of every round. It would be a war, but Rivera cannot win this bout by standing on the outside and waiting for the chances. I think that he will have to attack and get Taylor’s attention early…getting him out of his game and making him make the amateurish mistakes that he has made in other fights. I would lean toward Taylor by decision, but I do not make Rivera a huge underdog. I’ll sum it up like this: Jose could, but Taylor should.
Thanks for the comments man. I hope that the fans will be able to see Rivera in there against a fighter of note to show how good that he is.
ORTIZ VS. TYSON
Hi geno,
how r u? I’m a big pacman fan but my question is, Who would you think will win if UFC champion Tito Ortiz will fight Mike tyson during his prime under UFC rules.? Coz I’ve heard tito ortiz is asking to fight tyson anytime. thanks and have a nice day.
Poist
Poist,
How am I? Oh, I’m not too bad…you know. Tito Ortiz vs. Mike Tyson in his prime, under the rules of the UFC. This is an easy one. Ortiz by a country mile. Boxers do not do well off of their feet, and with Ortiz attacking, I see one chance for Mike to land that shot before he is tackled and choked out. If you get them into a boxing ring under the rules of boxing, Tyson wins in 30 or so seconds by KO. Do you remember when they were trying to set up Michael Jordan vs. Evander Holyfield when “The Real Deal” was the Heavyweight Champion of the World? Why the @#$@# did they want to do that? Michael Jordan didn’t accept of course. You can’t take a person out of their element and place them in another and assume that they are going to do well. “Hey Geno, you are good at chess and writing. Do you want a shot at the heavyweight championship to see if you’re just as good at boxing?” Guess how good I would do against Wladimir Klitschko. He might even beat me at chess. I hope that I’m a better writer. I want to have at least one thing on him. I might be able to beat him at video games too. Rocky trivia is another thing that I’m quite good at that Wladimir wouldn’t beat me at. Hmm…now that I think of it, I am better at most things, which leads me to believe that I would stand a chance with the champion. Hey, Wlad, let’s do this thing. (Note: Not legitimate challenge. Please disregard Wlad.)
PRETTY BOY’S OPTIONS
Hi there Geno!
I heard Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s fighting in November but we still don’t know who will be his opponent. What’s your guess? Do you think Carlos Baldomir has what it takes to beat Floyd? How about Margarito and Hatton? Do you think the De La Hoya – Mayweather matchup will happen next year?
Darren
Darren,
Hi there!!! I don’t know if he wants to fight Baldomir or Margarito. Baldomir has a big name for himself now after the wins over Zab Judah and Arturo Gatti and has not seen defeat in 8 years. He is a very strong and determined fighter and PBF would have to be on his game to beat him, and because Baldomir still doesn’t get the respect that he deserves, it’s a no win for Floyd. People will call it a mismatch. Margarito is one hell of a challenge, despite what some “experts” on other sites have said. I am convinced that PBF has bought stock in some of these sites. Ricky Hatton cannot beat PBF. It’s not going to happen. Ricky Hatton is great at 140 and is tenacious and has all the heart in the world, but he can’t deal with the skill of PBF. He would be in for a long beating.
A De La Hoya match is probable as long as PBF keeps winning and that is why Margarito is not an option. He wants easy bouts to make sure that the “Golden Boy” bout will still be there.
THE HEAVYWEIGHTS
Hi Geno,
You have a huge and growing fan following. I for one am an avid boxing fan, and I love reading your comments and emails you get from boxing fans around the world. I just wanted to know your take on the current crop of Heavyweights (the forgotten division!) because all the action is from middleweight and down!
JR
JR,
You aren’t kidding…the heavyweight division is in turmoil and when that division is wrong, the rest of boxing suffers. Let me look at the current crop of the division.
IBF Heavyweight Champion: Wlad Klitschko
He is big, talented, powerful, but doesn’t take the best punch and doesn’t have the best endurance. I think that the people that support him, elevate him too high and his detractors don’t give him enough credit. Remember that Ken Norton is considered one of the best of all time and he was very good…but he was also stopped a few times early in fights. Losing is something that happens in boxing and you don’t have a glass jaw if you get knocked out by a man that weighs 200+ pounds…that’s just being human. So, I give Wlad a B on the Geno Bambino Report Card.
WBA Heavyweight Champion: Nikolay Valuev
Undefeated and getting better, but he still has a long way to go. Even though he is the champion, he still is learning and will gain some valuable experience with the veteran Monte Barrett. Many people believe that his win over Larry Donald was suspicious and so too was his DQ win over Gerald Nobles. Now that he is coming to the states, we will see what he has. From what I have seen, I give him a C+ on Geno Bambino’s Report Card.
WBC Heavyweight Champion: Hasim Rahman
I really like the Rock and he’s a good champion, but not a great one. He has that great right hand and a lot of heart, but he lacks technique that will place him on top and keep him there. I give him a B, but I would pick him to beat Wlad based on style.
WBO Heavyweight Champion: Serguei Lyakhovich
He proved a lot against Brewster, but I am still not sold. I guess that is the theme of the champions. There isn’t one that sits out as clearly the best. This is why we need to unify. Anyway, I would make Lyakhovich a B-, but he might prove me wrong and go onto have a very successful career. He is very strong mentally and that is a good thing in this division.
OTHERS OF NOTE:
The U.S.A. is making a comeback in the HW ranks. Calvin Brock is leading the way, but there is Lamon Brewster, Tony Thompson, Tye Fields, David Rodriguez, James Toney, and Jameel McCline are a strong batch of American boxers that want to reclaim that title for the U.S.A.
We also have Samuel Peter who might just be the best in the division. Should he defeat Toney expect him to face off against one of the monsters and imagine that! Peter vs. Wlad II or Peter vs. Valuev. Either way, it’s great.
I should also mention the dark horses in the division that not too many people give a shot, but might surprise us. DaVarryl Williamson, Kevin McBride, Brian Minto, Sultan Ibragimov, and Ray Austin are boxers that aren’t believed right now to ever make it beyond contender, but I think that there is some real talent here that just has to be honed and molded. Remember, most people didn’t give Larry Holmes a chance to become the great that he was.
Anyway, thanks for the props and the more fans that I have, the better. I appreciate every email and I want to give a shout to all my fans around the world.
PRIME TIME
Hi Geno,
i’m a regular reader of your mailbag but this is my first question.
I noticed that Barrera and Morales were past their prime when they faced Pacquiao. Pacquiao on the other hand is still improving and getting better every fight. I want to know your wise and superbly intelligent opinion, would Pacquiao have beaten EM and MAB if they met at their primes?
naedz
Naedz,
You stated: Superbly Intelligent Opinion and I have something to say about that: You are very wise. Thanks for the props man. You are right, EM and MAB were both beyond their primes when they were disposed of by the Pacman. Now, how would Pacman fair against them if they were at their best? I still favor Manny to beat them both by either late KO or decision. You can’t change the style match up. Now that I think of it, Barrera might just get KO’d sooner if he was in his prime…back when he was a slugger. Morales would stand the better chance because he seems to have the better defense and ring smarts. So, I think that Manny wins no matter what.
PACMAN VS. PBF
hi Geno!
its my first time writing here since im reading your Q&A…
i have read in a an article that PBF is so interested with Pacman that he is considering a fight in 135…do you think its possible? if its possible, who do you think will win?
thanks and good day…
Caloy
Caloy,
Welcome to the mailbag my friend. I don’t think that we will see PBF at 135 again. Look at the 2 recent boxers that have moved down: RJJ and Antonio Tarver. They were both well over 200 and came down to 175 again and did not perform well. I think that if they were to meet, PBF would want it at 140 or somewhere around there. At this time, I don’t see it ever happening. If for some reason, they do meet, I have to side in favor of PBF by UD.
Take care my friend…
PBF VS MARGARITO
hey Geno,
i just want your thoughts on this…. how do you think margarito would fare against mayweather?
also, what tv shows do you watch nowadays? ever seen LOST on abc? dude. awesome show.
A Pacman fan that isn’t asking a Pacman Question
Hey Pacfan,
I am in the minority that thinks that Margarito pulls the upset. He will push PBF against the ropes and punish the body of the P4P King. Jose Luis Castillo was able to get some things done against PBF in their two encounters, especially against the ropes, and Margarito is stronger and will employ the same strategy. Good fight though and I would love to see it.
Okay, it’s time for Geno Bambino’s Top 10 Favorite Television Shows: 1. Law & Order 2. Law & Order SVU 3. House 4. A&E Intervention 5. Hell’s Kitchen 6. South Park 7. Mind of Mencia 8. Chappelle Show 9. Cops 10. Dateline
Geno Bambino’s Top 5 Shows of All Time 1. Law & Order 2. Law & Order SVU 3. Kojak 4. Incredible Hulk 5. Dragnet (Honorable Mention: In the Heat of the Night)
Do you know what’s crazy? I love cop shows, but I’m not too fond of cops. Perhaps it is because on T.V., they act the way that they are supposed to, but in real life, they are harassing teenagers and shooting pepper spray into a crowd that are minding their own business. Now, there are good cops, but you are talking to a man that was pepper sprayed, while doing his job! I was working at UMASS, doing security. It was during the Red Sox’s run to the World Series. Well, I was posted at this building that was about 100 degrees inside, and myself and the students went outside because it was much cooler. Well, all of a sudden, these idiot cops arrive on horses…horses! Why the hell are they riding horses and not wearing cowboy hats? Isn’t there a rule about that?
Next to the horses, we have guys in full riot gear approaching and I figured: “Hey, I’m in uniform. They are not going to screw with me.” I was wrong. Without warning, they shoot pepper spray into the crowd and I was dying. Keep in mind that I have asthma. They are trying to kill a sick man in a freaking security guard’s uniform. Don’t want to die in that ridiculous uniform. Anyway, we go inside the building and are choking to death and they shoot more and it comes in through the open windows…killing us all.
Maybe there are good cops out there…but I haven’t come across many. I do know a few good cops and they are compassionate and do their job correctly, but I am a civilian scorned. I get speeding tickets for 66 in a 55 and my wife goes 88 in a 55 and gets a warning. It was the same strip of highway. It was the same cop. I’m thinking that the cop could tell that I was 25% Cherokee and he was racist. Just a thought…I hope none of you good cops take offense.
I WANT TO SCORE WITH YOU
good day sir Geno!
is it possibble that in the not to distant future, judges scores in boxing be made transparent for live tv audience just like in most sports? I have already asked this question before to mr.antonio rivera but this time i would like take your opinion about it for more insight.
Rodnell
Rodnell,
Why are you asking Jose Antonio Rivera? He specializes in the ladies. I truly think that when I get a lady that says that she digs me, that he contacts them and steals them away. When a guy has a world title around their waist, they think that they can take the ladies away from a poor guy that is just trying to answer the RSR readers and get a 2% positive female ratio. That is all that I am asking! I only want 2% of the people that email me to be women that say: “Geno, you rule!” I’m married…I’ve been married for 6 years, and it would be nice to get more ladies. That’s all I’m saying. Okay, I’m off topic here. Sorry. Let me give the Jose Antonio Rivera Interview on RSRTV another plug while I’m talking about “El Gallo.” Just click here: (insert link) and check out what Jose has to say.
I think that knowing the score takes away from the fun. I like the tension at the end of the bout when they say: “We have a split decision,” and if it is a rip off, you get to throw the remote at the T.V. and then kick your friend in the grapes, and use every profanity that you know, in a row. I doubt that it will ever happen. We like the drama.
Okay, I am done for the hump. I’m not going to hump you anymore. Anyway, I want you all to keep the questions and comments coming in and remember that I am about to raid the Geno Bambino Vault of Prizes for August’s Geno Bambino Question of the Month Award. Don’t forget to check out RSRTV and the Jose Antonio Rivera interview along with some professional boxing: Fights by Fitzy. It’s all on RSRTV and it’s free people. Check it out: Jose Antonio Rivera interview
We also have a message board that you should sign up for if you haven’t already and if you haven’t purchased my DVD: Evil Awakening, what are you waiting for? Go to Xposse, and put down your 10 dollars and get a million dollars worth of entertainment. You can’t beat that with a stick!
