Hello loyal RSR readers. Thank you for sending in your questions for my mailbag, and please keep the questions coming. We have an entertaining mailbag this week with a wide variety of topics. I am always glad to discuss any subject that you, the readers, wish to discuss. Before we get to the questions, some random thoughts:
The news of Fernando Vargas’ blood sickness was disappointing because it has pushed back the date of his fight with Ricardo Mayorga by a couple of months. That fight, on paper, looks like it could be the most exciting fight of the year, even if it is not an important one. The slugfest will have to wait until November 23rd.
Usually when a former champion is still fighting past the age of forty, fans are in an uproar of protest. Organizations band together in protest demanding that the old champ retires while he still has his faculties. That is not at all the case with 42 year old Bernard Hopkins, who is currently looking for his next victim. The only people hoping to see Hopkins retire are the boxers from middleweight to light heavyweight who don’t want to fight the ageless wonder. I don’t blame them. “The Executioner” never has and never will be an easy out.
Ivan Calderon recorded a nice split decision win over Hugo Cazares last week. If you want to see the best pure boxer in the sport today, get a tape of Calderon. Add heart and toughness to Ivan’s list of assets after his showing against Cazares. After building an easy lead, Calderon was caught with a monster punch in the 8th, went down and did not fully recover for about three rounds. Somehow he was able to hang on and preserve the lead.
Though I call Calderon the “best pure boxer” today, I hesitate to include him in my top 10 pound for pound list. The competition level in the tiny weight divisions is not particularly noteworthy. Calderon has not even fought the best of that shallow talent pool, which would be guys like Eagle Kyowa and Yuaka Niida. I would like to see Ivan either unify a division or fight a steady string of elite fighters at or around his weight class before he clinches a berth in the pound for pound list. He has the talent and potential to reach that prestigious, mythical ranking but is not quite there yet.
In last week’s mailbag, reader Richie Ledesma wrote in asking why referee Laurence Cole was still allowed to work fights. In response I asked for some controversial fights that he was apart of to jog my memory. A few readers wrote in expressing their opinions on Mr. Cole. We will start with this topic:
Laurence Cole Hating
I first saw Cole during the Pacquiao Barrera fight when he ruled a first round knockdown against Pacquiao when Pacquiao landed a left to Barrera’s head and lost his balance, Barrera didn’t even throw a punch and was the one that got tagged, he also told J.M. Marquez when he sustained a cut due to an accidental head butt against Jimrex Jaca that he was ahead in points if he decided not to continue. I saw him again maybe 3 weeks ago in the under card of Marquez Vasquez 2 where there was a lot of dirty fighting that went on and he didn’t take control of the fight. I really think he should have been suspended for that Jaca Marquez slip up.
-Richie Ledesma
With regards to your view of Laurence Cole, he was the bias ref who worked Pacquiao-Barrera and ruled a knockdown for Barrera in round 1 even when it was a clearly slip (and to think that Pacquiao was the one punching when he slipped), then ruled a slip on Barrera in round six even when it was a clear knockdown. Then he was the ref that worked the Marquez-Jaca fight when in round ten (if my memory serves me right) he told Marquez that he was ahead on the scorecards. Cole should be banned because it is very clear that he is not a fair ref. They should make an example out of him.
-Vinjo
How about the fight Marquez and Jaca situation? How can we forget so soon?
-Sal
Richie, Vinjo, and Sal,
Thank you for reminding me of that controversial situation. That was very unprofessional of Cole to play favorites and advise Marquez. Give credit to Juan Manuel for fighting on despite that crooked advice from Cole. I agree that he should have been suspended for that situation. For a referee to show any kind of bias towards one fighter over the other is inexcusable. The commissions should do a better job of weeding out bad officials. Add this to the long list of problems that boxing has.
Modern Boxers Don’t Fight Enough
Brian, why do most boxers now barely manage to have only 40-50 fights throughout their careers? Boxers back in the day they easily had more than a 100 fights. Is it one sign that the sports of boxing is really losing public interest nowadays, that lesser number of fight cards are being staged now?
-Ace Espiritu
Ace,
Back in the day, boxers fought to keep food on the table. The more they fought, the more they got paid. Trust me, if they could make the same amount of money only fighting two to three times per year like today’s fighters, they would have. The decrease in the amount of fights is bad for the sport because fans only have a chance to see their favorite fighter in action just two times per year if they are lucky. Public interest could play a role as well, as you suggest, since there is not enough interest in boxing in the United States to hold weekly fight cards like some venues used to do in the glory days of the sweet science. There is nothing stopping the top fighters from fighting once a month or more, but today’s fighters would rather sit on their rankings and wait for the big money opportunities to roll in.
Biased Judging
Do you think that judging with prejudice exists in boxing? It is a common scenario that the judges favor the champion. The challenger most of the time, needs a KO to capture the belt even if he is slightly ahead on the scorecards. Take for example, the fight of Penalosa-De Leon last March. If Penalosa was the champ coming into the fight, did you think De Leon would have captured Penalosa’s belt? Thanks.
-Dan
Dan,
Yes, I do believe that there are biases in judging. I will not say that these prejudices are corrupt though. Many rounds of championship fights are difficult to score and require great concentration, and even with great concentration people will interpret the action differently. Judges will favor the champion, the more popular boxer, or the betting favorite because they expect that person to win and focus in on that fighter more than the other. This is not fair but trying to get rid of everyone’s personal biases would be near impossible. In the case of Penalosa vs. Ponce de Leon, if Penalosa was a long reigning champion and a strong betting favorite, he likely would have retained his belt with that performance. I scored the fight for Gerry Penalosa in an extremely close fight.
Boxers Need Better Managers
I have noticed that often times managers will walk to the ring with the boxers. For example: that Sam Peter has that young soap opera looking stud muffin. The problem I have with it is after the fight starts they just go to their seats and watch. Wouldn’t the fight be more interesting if the manager got more involved in the fight like say Mr. Fuji with the Orient Express. He would trip people with his cane and such.
What if you had someone like Jimmy Hart running around yelling into a megaphone while they were fighting? That would be great! Or you could have Paul Bearer walking around with the urn and when the fighter gets KO’d he could bring them back from the dead like he used to with the Undertaker.
Or you could get Bobby “The Brain” Heenan to manage any of the fighters really. When you think of the people he has managed like King King Bundy, Big John Stud, Red Rooster and Ric Flair I think he could handle the career of any pro boxer.
And don’t let me forget my manager General Adnan. This guy was a real SOB, but he could sure get the job done. The only problem I really had he would try to steal my thunder by starting feuds with the Iron Sheik and Tito Santana. Then I always have to bail him out with one of my “Fire in the hole” moves or a small package. That Adnan was always up to something.
Sgt. Slaughter signing off
Sgt. Slaughter,
All of those are really good ideas. I’m not joking.
Boxing On Major Networks
I grew up when major networks showed boxing for free. What can be done to get them to do it again?
-Jessie White
Jessie,
I wish I had the answer to this. Major boxing events would garner big ratings but the major networks stay away from boxing like the plague. The last time that boxing was on a major network was NBC’s Main Events showcase on Sunday afternoons about three years ago. Those were minor fights compared to what you and I would like to see on the major networks. Boxing would make a huge comeback if all fights that are on Pay Per View now were free on a major network. I don’t have an answer for how to get boxing back on accessible television like it was in the old days but writing ABC, FOX, NBC, and CBS asking them to show boxing certainly would not hurt the cause.
In Search of USA Talent
The Philippines vs. Mexico turned out to be a very successful event and I heard that Golden Boy Promotion is planning another world cup between the Philippines and Japan. I’m just wondering if the U.S.A. has enough talent in the lower weight class divisions to stage their own world cup against the Philippines or Mexico.
-Kiko
Kiko,
Starting from featherweight and up there are a lot of good American boxers, but the talent is a bit thin in the weight classes below that for the United States. If they did compete in the World Cup, 115 pound contender Jose Navarro, up and coming flyweight Raul Martinez, and Brian Viloria would likely represent the USA; although Viloria might not want to betray his Filipino heritage representing America against the Philippines.
Texas Dan Has an Admirer
I have one question and one question only for you: Is “Tex” Cohen single? Circle yes or no.
-Steve
Steve,
Your email gave me a flashback to junior high school! I remember getting passed notes that said things like “Do you like Sharon? Check one box.” And there would be two boxes, one with yes under it and one with no. I would always draw in and check my own box that said: “you’re ugly”. No wonder I didn’t get any action in junior high…
Light Heavyweight Dream Fight
Dwight Qawi vs. Bob Foster. Who wins…and why?
-Mike Plunkett
Mike,
Great match up here. Qawi is one of my favorite action fighters of all time. He would never quit throwing punching and would be right in your grill for the duration no matter what you did you him. Foster would be able to land more frequently and effectively because of his reach and skill level. Bob would have to implement the jab and use his crushing right crosses to keep Qawi at bay. That would be enough to knock most challengers out, but Qawi and his unmatched ruggedness would hang around making this a classic war. Foster by a close decision although some late round, come-from-behind drama by Qawi would not be out of the question.
Tony the Tiger
Why won’t Tony Thompson fight for the title?
-Michael Brent
Michael,
Good question. Thompson is probably the most deserving heavyweight contender who has not been seriously considered for a title shot. He is more deserving than most of the recent title challengers. He has put together his best wins in his mid 30’s, besting Dominick Guinn, Timor Ibragimov, and Luan Krasniqi in consecutive fights. Thompson should have received the WBO shot against Sultan Ibragimov instead of Evander Holyfield, especially considering that Tony won a WBO Eliminator bout. Thompson is in line for a shot at the WBO but I expect the winner of Holyfield/Ibragimov to attempt to unify before fighting their mandatory challenger in Thompson. I never thought that I would ever say this, but Thompson might be the best American heavyweight right now.
Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor
I’ve watch some fights of Pryor and I’m very surprised to see his boxing prowess. Now, I want to know why he was not able to fight the likes of Duran, Hagler, Leonard and only fought Hearns during his amateur years? Those would have been a tremendous match ups. Anything to say about this?
-Cyril
Cyril,
I agree with you, those would have been some incredible match ups. Aaron Pryor is one of the all time greats and deserves to be mentioned with that group of prestigious boxers from the 80’s. He did not fight Thomas Hearns because by the time both were legitimate stars they were separated by two or more weight classes. Ray Leonard was in semi retirement during the years that Pryor was at his hottest. Marvin Hagler was too heavy for Pryor. As you can see the stars did not align for these fights. There were enough worthy challengers in their own weight classes to the point that they (Leonard, Hearns, etc.) did not have to seek out stars in the lower weight divisions in order to make big money fights. That does not mean that Pryor did not deserve those fights though. I wrote an article a while back listing the top fights that should have been made but weren’t, and Leonard vs. Pryor was number one.
My Controversial Pacquaio vs. Marquez Prediction
Hey Brian, I like this mailbag deal. This is my first time writing to you. Pacquiao vs. Marquez 2, I have to disagree with your pick on that fight. First, Pacquiao in the first fight had speed, power, heart, and endurance. Marquez in the first fight had speed, some power, great skilled counter punching ability and also endurance. Almost four years later Pacquiao has speed, is much more powerful, a new arsenal (right hook), improved boxing skills, heart and guts with cuts and all. Marquez now lost some power, is a bit slower, and more importantly likes to come forward which is dangerous if facing Pacquiao. He almost got knocked out by Barrera. Can you explain to me how Marquez is going to beat the Pacman? Thanks a bunch.
-Junior
Junior,
I respect your opinion on this matter. Pacquiao is the popular pick here and would be the betting favorite if this fight gets made but I will state my reasons as to why I think Juan Manuel Marquez would win a rematch. I don’t think that Marquez has declined much if at all since the first fight with Pacquiao. Manny has improved his boxing skills and versatility but I still do not think that it will be enough. The edge in technical skills is still strongly in favor of Marquez. To touch on the other points that you made, I watched Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Marquez carefully and to say that Barrera almost knocked out JM Marquez is a great exaggeration. Marquez handled that fight. The recent aggressiveness that you have seen by Marquez is a result of the pressure put on Marquez to make more exciting fights. Since he was not fighting an elite level of opposition he either had to win impressively or entertain the fans. It would be unwise if he fought so aggressively against Pacquiao and I doubt that he will. I expect a close, terrific battle in the rematch so hopefully the fight gets made after Pacquiao and Marquez handle business in their next fights.
I do respect your choice of JM Marquez over Manny, but as a fan I’d like to caution you not to bet on Marquez. Unknown to non-Filipino boxing fans, Manny injured his left hand and had blister on his big toe during the Marquez fight, that was shown on TV right after the fight. Next time around Manny will kill JMM in round one. Ambulance please….
-Kenji
Kenji,
Now that is a bold prediction! Pacquiao was very close to ending the show in the first round in their initial encounter. If Manny is able to close the show in the opening stanza of the rematch, wow, what a spectacular win that would be for him. And don’t worry, I won’t bet the farm on Marquez.
Some Mythical Match Ups
Hi Brian. Can I have your input on these mythical matches?
Floyd Mayweather vs. Pernell Whitaker Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Miguel Cotto Me vs. My Mom in a thong-the-thong thong thong
-Sisco
Sisco,
I’ll jump right into my predictions:
Mayweather vs. Whitaker: This is a tough one, and I am assuming this fight takes place in the lightweight division. Whitaker has slightly better boxing skills, if it is even possible to have better boxing skills than Floyd Mayweather. Mayweather has a slight edge in punching power. I see this one as a tactical chess match that would require great concentration from the judges in order to score accurately. I see a twelve round draw at the end of the day that does not leave the fans satisfied.
Cotto vs. Chavez: What a slugfest this would be! Cotto would be competitive because he is naturally heavier and is already unusually powerful for his weight class. I can’t pick against the all time great Chavez though. These two would stand in the center of the ring exchanging skillful power punches and digging left hooks to the body. I give the edge to JC Superstar because of his great chin and legendary relentlessness. Chavez TKO 10.
You vs. Your Mom: Gross dude. As the great Geno McGahee would say, this mental imagery just made me puke in my shoe.
Some More Mythical Match Ups
I was wondering who you think will win in the upcoming fights?
Tyson-Williams Ali-Spinks Zach-Slater Larry Merchant-Max Kellerman Geno Bambino-Babe Ruth the real Bambino and in a dream tickle fighting match between Carmen Electra, Jessica Alba, and Marilyn Monroe.
Also since I think you might be the young steamy stud that could take over my role as the sexiest boxing writer alive I want you to start using my trademark and have a long brown stick hanging from your lips.
-The Fake Burt Sugar
Burt,
What a horrid email! I am appalled. First, those first two fights that you mentioned have already happened. Ali vs. Spinks happened in the 70’s dude! Second, to imply that I am not already the sexiest boxing writer alive is offensive to me.
Sorry to end the week on such a bad email ladies and gents, but that is all I have for now. Keep the questions coming as I am always happy to respond and come back next week to get your fix of Brian’s Boxing Mailbag!
