(The sports desk failed to include this in yesterday?s issue. We regret and apologize for the error.)
(The sports desk failed to include this in yesterday?s issue. We regret and apologize for the error.)
I?M NOT so upbeat about Brandon Vera?s future as a light heavyweight in the UFC.
If his fight last Sunday against Keith Jardine was any indication of how far he can go in his new division of choice, then it looks to be a roller coaster ride for this talented Fil-Italian.
Sure, ?The Dean of Mean? owns wins over Chuck Lidell and current light heavyweight champ Forrest Griffin, but this former debt collector and bounty hunter was also wasted in 48 seconds by Houston Alexander and in 36 seconds by Wanderlei Silva.
Prior to last Sunday?s split decision loss, Vera looked unimpressive and lethargic in scoring a unanimous decision win against Reese Andy.
It?s possible that the drop in weight has appreciably affected his recent performances as in both fights, Vera appeared weak and winded after a few minutes of action.
I?ve seen Brandon up close in Manila when he was at ringside for Gerry Penalosa?s defense against Ratanachai Sor Vorapin in April of this year. I wasn?t able to get close enough for a photo op but believe me, Brandon must walk around at close to 250 pounds Maybe he still hasn?t settled down at light heavy where the limit is 205 pounds.
If that doesn?t happen anytime soon, he should consider going back up to the heavyweight division.
I don?t think he?s too small to compete against the big guys like Brock Lesnar and Tim Sylvia (who already defeated him) prowling the heavyweight waters.
He just needs to improve and work on his ground game (which is quite sound) so he doesn?t have to stand up and strike with the bigger guys unless he has to.
GHOST BUSTED. I can?t remember the last time I was this pleased despite a missed prediction. Hopkins proved that he could hoodwink Father Time and Mother Nature one more time, by thoroughly dominating a somewhat clueless and helpless Kelly Pavlik (at least I was right about the mugging part).
Afterwards, Pavlik?s camp mentioned that the move up in weight clearly affected Kelly?s performance. That?s probable. But from what I saw, it was purely a clash of styles and Pavlik?s controlled, subdued fighting method was no match for Hopkins? aggression.
At times, Hopkins made the taller Pavlik look oafish in that fight and he bewildered his younger opponent with sudden bursts of speed- quite unbecoming of a 43 year old fighter close to retirement.
?Nard, I?m moving for an issuance of a subpoena duces tecum so we can examine that birth certificate of yours.
RELUCTANT ROY IS NEXT. With that impressive show against Pavlik, it looks like my dream grudge match that?s 15 years in the making is one step closer to fruition.
Last Rounder ?St Michael? ([email protected]) shares my enthusiasm for Jones-Hopkins II, but doubts if Roy wants ?any piece of Bernard.?
I don?t know, Mike. Even if Roy defeats Calzaghe, he?s still a long way off from resurrecting his career. The fact that Hopkins owns victories over the two men to knock him out (Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson) might be impetus enough for Roy to shed his reluctant role.
JAB OF THE DAY. ?I would fight Roy in a heartbeat. I would even go to England and fight Calzaghe if he beats Roy (on Nov. 8). But wouldn?t the fight against Roy be huge?? -Bernard Hopkins
LAST ROUND. It?s on these good-looking Libra boys: my best friend Atty. Alan F. Siu, good buddy Clifford Gaite, my ?inaanak ? Jude Janrich Pepito and college buddy Lucilito Atillo (this one?s from the Victor boys, USJR-HS batch 83). Happy Birthday and Cheers!
