This week we have readers ringing in with their questions about the heavyweight division, RSR contests, Rivera Vs Collazo, Manny Pacquiao, prediction on Castillo Vs Corrales, dream matches, and John Ruiz’s announced retirement,
Brad,
Given the sad state of the heavyweight division, is there anyone who really deserves to be called “The Champ” and why?
Sean Ponder, Thunder Bay, On
Sean,
You have posed a very good question. We just had James “Lights Out” Toney take the WBA strap from John Ruiz. That leaves us with three major organizations (WBA, WBC, and IBF). Then you can add in the mix, but not at their level, the WBO belt as well. With those four belts you have WBC: Vitali Klitschko, WBA Toney as we said, IBF Chris Byrd and for the moment, WBO is Lamon Brewster. The Ring Magazine and HBO would have you believe the legit Champ is Vitali. However, I believe the legit champ is no one at this point. When they unify as Lewis, Holyfield and Tyson did in recent years and have one champ like Bernard Hopkins is when you can crown that fighter ‘The True Champ” in my book and not until then. So we need a unification series and soon!
“Bad” Brad,
I missed the question for the free books you gave out, but when is your next giveaway?
Jeff
Jeff,
Our next giveaway will be in the next two weeks, but might be earlier. Check back daily on RSR to see when the next one is up and get your answer in as soon as possible.
BB,
I heard the fight with Jose Antonio Rivera was very close and could have went either way. What do you think about the decision?
Tom
Tom,
I have to be honest with you and say, I have not seen the fight yet, but have it coming on tape. Once I view it, I will give my opinion on the decision. It had to be close because it was in Jose’s hometown and they gave the nod to Collazo which is something Jose and I both talked about. The one thing I have heard from many folks is the 12th round should have gone to Jose which it did on two out of three judges scorecards. Had the third judge done the same, the fight would have been a draw and as I am sure you already know, Jose would have kept his title. Get back with me on your question in a couple of weeks and hopefully I will have seen the tape by then.
Brad,
Enjoy the Manny Pacquiao articles from Ron and Arnel because they speak from a PI perspective. What do you think Manny should do now after his loss to Erik Morales?
Jerry
Jerry,
First thing he needs to do is heal up from that horrible cut he sustained in the fight, but showed amazing heart to go the entire 12 rounds still. During this healing period, he needs to spend quality time with his family and true friends to see the path he wants to travel in boxing. I have never felt one loss ends a career and defiantly not in Manny’s case. The fight was close and Manny though cut badly, didn’t take a horrible pounding.
George,
Who do you pick between Jose Luis Castillo and Diego Corrales?
Seth
I just can’t see Diego doing anything to offset the feet of Castillo in this fight.
Jose Luis is also a devastating puncher to the body and head, and if he cuts the ring off on Corrales (like I think he’ll do), much extended energy may escape Diego’s resetting himself for his attacks and establishing estate. He needs the punching room to be as effective. I like Diego, but I’m leaning toward Castillo coming forward and making the fight Seth.
George,
I see you liked Gerry Cooney over Chuck Wepner had they ever met. How about matching the “Gentleman” Gerry against these opponents and your picks on each are? Hasim Rahman, Chris Byrd, James Toney and Vitali Klitschko.
Jesse
Jesse really lining up any of those fighters you picked today would take at least four years in which to fight each and every one, if not all of them. Though back in the day it’ll had taken about half the time. To not sound scatter brained with them however, I think Rahman would’ve had the hardest time with Gerry because he’s had troubles getting close with jabbers, and like John Ruiz showed using his to keep Hasim off-balanced as his key to win. Toney is not even in Gentleman Gerry’s league, and Cooney was just not going to play around with him in an awesome waiting game of counters. Gerry might’ve extended James into the 13th, 14th, and 15th rounds? courtesies of the retirement ball. Gerry would’ve just crushed Vitali, take your pick, from the outside or in up close.
Cooney Vs Byrd would be a toss up decision in my book for the whole entire enchilada.
George,
Do you really think John Ruiz is going to retire?
Davey, Long Island, NY
Lets put it his way Davey, if Don King won’t lure him with the smell of healthy bucks, nothing will. After going through a divorce, having countless amount of problems with the media’s perception about him, plus the utter disgust he’s had with the heavyweight division not fighting the best, it has put his career in doubt. One hope can be that King wants a box-off to take place today. If these contests show great resurgence in the division, not foreseeing any rejuvenation coming from Ruiz unless he wants it is a very smart way to assume.
Note: When you send in your question, specify who you would like to answer it or they will be split up between George and I. Questions will be taken throughout the week and the cut off is Saturday evening. If you don’t make the cutoff, look for your question to be answered the following week. Send all questions to: [email protected]
