The year 2010 has been pretty interesting for boxing thus far. We have witnessed some great fights, and seen legends fall to younger power and energy. Believe it or not, but 2010 has almost reached its middle; the 6th month of the year. So now that half is over, what do we have to look forward to and hope to see? So far there are a few interesting fights scheduled, and a handful of bad and historically insignificant mismatches.
The most talked about fight to come (hopefully), seems to be the proposed Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. The tentative month for the mega event if it is realized, is November. While nobody has any idea what grand name this event will be given, it will tower in significance any fight in the past 5-8 years. A venue that could accommodate all the fans wishing to see it live does not exist, and would take years to build. The number of TV sets that will not be showing the PPV event on the day of the fight, will be miniscule. The crowds of people gathering in bars and casinos to watch the bout will come in armies of fans. All that is very exciting, but for now we wait while Manny is getting patched up at the hospital for an ulcer (which is likely the first symptom of political stress, which I mentioned in my previous article).
Another fight that I think will be an exciting one is the upcoming Miguel Cotto vs. Yuri Foreman match in New York. Not only is the venue historically important, but this is the fight of opportunity. For Yuri, this is the test of everything. Everyone knows Foreman is a good solid fighter, but can the Rabbi take on a rock hard Cotto? If so, Yuri?s stock will skyrocket in boxing, and he will be the hot topic of boxing related talk for some time to come. If Cotto decisively wins this fight, his name will be back in the running. After losing to Manny Pacquiao, Cotto must have dug a deep hole in his confidence, and filled it with doubt. Winning this fight will provide hope and hunger for another chance at getting to the peak.
Ward vs. Green is another fight that should matter to most of us. As the matter of fact, this whole Super 6 tourney is extremely important. Having one champion is something that boxing needs to, so that there can be solidity and form to this sport. Many think that Andre Ward is that person, but Allan Green seems to disagree. On June 19th we will see who is right, and who will get to advance further up the ladder. Personally, I would like to see a young fighter like Ward come up a winner. It?s likely to happen, but far from guaranteed. The competition is fierce, and they are all in it to win.
On May 29th, Vitali Klitschko will be meeting with Albert Sosnowski of Poland. This is, while significant in one way, is a waste of time in another. Sure it?s a champion defending, but it?s the opponent picked for defense that disappoints. While Vitali dominates his opponents, he seems to be doing so with ease. Why is that so? Is he really that great? Sure Vitali is a bigger fighter with height and reach advantages. Vitali even has a good punch and a fairly solid chin. But is he technically sound? No. I think that it?s about time we all saw Vitali step up and fight a young already made name. David Haye would make a much more interesting fight then Albert. I am in no way dismissing Sosnowski, because for all we know he has been a hidden gem for all these years and this will be his chance to shine. Nevertheless, two champions colliding would make for a better PPV that?s worth paying for. Vitali has been talking about the possibility of a retirement after this year is over, so for him and for us, time is of great essence.
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