As far as a “Fight Week” goes historically, this one stands out. And it’s only Wednesday. We have a great main event on Saturday with Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto, and several sub plots are stirring with controversies that will take us right up to the main event.
I don’t have much use personally or professionally for Mr. Floyd Mayweather, Sr. I don’t think very highly of him. So I laugh at his attempt to make himself a player in all this pre- fight hoopla of an event he would have to buy a ticket to see. Today he attacks Manny with the old steroid -using story. Well, when Floyd can back it up with sound medical proof and documentation, I’ll look at him differently. But now I’ll just look way.
While just 24 hours ago I was praising promoter Bob Arum on how this event has developed, I will have to take half of it back because of another shoddy undercard.
Here is a link to my Bob Arum story yesterday.
http://www.examiner.com/x-11372-Dallas-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m11d10-Promoter-Bob-Arum-should-take-a-bow-now-even-before-Saturday-night
Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. vs. Troy Rowland: Jr’s next pro fight will be his pro debut. I’m not worried about Top Rank pulling my credentials so I’ll say what I feel. I’d rather watch JC Super Star fight today in his forties.
Daniel Santos vs. Yuri Foreman: Santos was an exciting Puerto Rican prospect and has had a fine career but where is he going? Foreman has a fine record but is not must see TV.
I’m betting that the winner of the Santos vs. Foreman 154 title fight will have the inside track as to the owner of the eighth weight division title that Pacquiao goes after if he beats Cotto.
I see that Antonio Margarito has slipped into town as a guest of a sponsor here during Fight Week but trust me he isn’t doing anything without Bob Arum’s approval well in advance.
With 96 hours til the first bell, I’m expecting full party crashes by both Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Shane Mosley in front of the public explaining why each should get the winner. Manny Pacquiao doesn’t need a long career in boxing anymore, just a big fight or two before calling it a day.
He can’t sing. He’s worse than Oscar De La Hoya. He’s worse than Larry Holmes!Whoever whispers in his ear needs to tell him so. His bravery and confidence and national pride should be channeled back into boxing and politics, and not entertainment.
It’s great to have big fights back in Las Vegas. Let’s hope they continue.
