Is Sergio Martinez the hottest commodity in boxing besides Pacquiao and Mayweather? Was Carlos Abregu misquoted in regards to Marcos Maidana? Will Lopez/Concepcion be the best bout in July? 411’s Igor Frank and Ramon Aranda debate these topics and more in the latest edition of 411 Boxing Fact or Fiction!
It’s that time again folks ? Fact or Fiction has returned after a relatively quiet weekend in boxing news but we’ve got a true headliner on the show this week as Ramon Aranda our wonderful editor takes on Igor Frank in a west coast battle of attrition.
1. You believe that Sergio Martinez is the hottest commodity in boxing not named Pacquiao or Mayweather?
Ramon – Fact. I say fact in that outside of those two aforementioned fighters, he’s the next guy in line when we’re talking about guys I want to see compete. Martinez is almost always sure to entertain and is the legitimate world champion to boot. Hell, he’s also the best 154-pounder in the world. A rematch with Williams is in my top 3 of fights I want to see and the demand to see him fight will continue to grow as long as he keeps on winning. He needs a little work on his English but the guy is charismatic and marketable.
Igor Frank: Fiction. Despite four dynamic performances in a row on HBO( stopping Alex Bunema in 2008, beating Kermit Cintron decisively but only getting a draw, controversial loss to Williams and decisive win over a champion Kelly Pavlik), Sergio Martinez is not a household name. Unless you are a hardcore boxing fan, the name, Sergio Martinez means very little to you. Even though Martinez is considered among top ten pound for pound fighters right now he does not have a following in America yet, but should he continue to shine like he did in his last bout against Kelly Pavlik, his situation might change quickly.
Scorecard: An interesting point by Igor that is full of flaws. Outside of Mayweather and Pacquiao which boxer is a household name? Sorry Igor but Ramon brings the heat on this one ? sure he might be considered a 1A fighter but just because Martinez isn’t selling lunchboxes or singing songs on Jimmy Kimmel Live doesn’t mean that he isn’t already the #3 commodity in boxing. 1-0 Ramon.
2. You were impressed with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.’s win over John Duddy?
Ramon – Fact: I was a fan of Chavez early on until he alienated me and most boxing pundits with a lackadaisical work ethic and piss poor performances. Much was being made about his teaming with Freddie Roach and conditioning coach Alex Ariza and I’ll admit that I liked what I saw. Chavez looked in great condition and appeared very focused in the fight with Duddy. He showed a great jab and body attack while remaining poised in the trenches when Duddy pushed him hard. It was an impressive Act 1 with Pacquiao’s team and I’m looking forward to seeing what he looks like after a full camp with his new crew.
Igor Frank – Fact. Chavez Jr. used his height and a good jab and finally looked like he was in shape to go twelve hard rounds. Even though renowned coach, Freddie Roach said that he wished he could have had more time to prepare Chavez Jr. for this fight, his mark on the contest was obvious; young Chavez fought a disciplined fight and followed a game plan in which he used his god given advantages to control the action.
Scorecard: Essentially the same answer so I can’t give the nod to either guy. 1-0-1 Ramon.
3. You believe that Carlos Abregu never said the quotes attributed to him about Marcos Maidana?
Ramon – Fiction: I’m not saying Abregu couldn’t be telling the truth but not knowing wither fighter all that well on a personal level, I’ll remain neutral. It’s a battle of he-said, she-said and I couldn’t care less.
Igor Frank – Fiction. They say when there is a smoke there is fire. If Abregu did not make the remarks, he should have made it clear to the media and boxing world. He did not. Maidana said that he spoke to Abregu, who denied everything on the phone. He said, she said. I have a hard time to believe that Gary Shaw or any one in his promotional team would fabricate these statements.
Scorecard: It’s a little strange that both guys said he said-she said in their answer but at least Igor gave an answer that didn’t slam the question so he gets the nod. 1-1-1 Draw
4. Julio Cesar Chavez will fight for a world title in his next bout?
Igor Frank – Fact. It has been in the script since Chavez Jr. fought Duddy for a WBC silver belt( whatever that means only WBC knows) The fact remains that WBC shamelessly stripped WBC middleweight championship title from Sergio Martinez( who earned it honestly in the ring) only weeks after he won it and for no reason at all. Now the WBC will request that Chavez fight for vacant WBC middleweight title against a number one contender, yet to be determined.
Ramon – Fact: Though I personally think they should fight a top-10 contender next I wouldn’t put it passes Top Rank to throw him in there with a title holder. He sure as hell won’t face Sergio Martinez but I’m willing to bet there’s a European fighter out there with a trinket and minimal risk.
Scorecard: I think we all agree that JCC Jr. is heading for a title fight but I think Ramon is closer in his answer with the idea that Chavez Jr. will wind up fighting a European for the vacant WBC middleweight title. 2-1-1 Ramon.
5. Lopez ? Concepcion on July 11th will be the best bout in July?
Igor Frank – Fiction. Juan Manuel Lopez is a fighter, a class above Concepcion and therefore I consider this fight a mismatch that should not go past six rounds. Because Concepcion is an aggressive heavy handed puncher it will be a fun fight to watch as long as it lasts, but the style of the Pilipino banger suits Lopez perfectly that is very sharp and precise puncher and know how to counter well.
Ramon – Fiction. Don’t get me wrong, I like the fight but I have a hunch Bradley vs Abregu will be even better. Bradley is a beast and Abregu is an unbeaten power puncher; that has fireworks written all over it. If that wasn’t. Enough we also have Marquez vs Diaz 2 – a rematch of the 2009 Fight of the Year!
Scorecard: Again I like Igor’s answer but I thought Ramon got deeper in his breaking down the July fight schedule and that gives him the edge. 3-1-1 Ramon.
6. You believe that Lucian Bute ? Jesse Brinkley is a more interesting super middleweight bout then any of the third round Super Six stage one fights?
Igor Frank – Fiction. Jesse Brinkley is a B level fighter. He does not belong in the ring with Lucian Bute. This is another huge mismatch, if it gets made it will only be done to showcase Bute in front of his adoring fans. To compare this match up with any one bout in a super six tournament would be a travesty.
Ramon – Fiction: I can understand the question in that given their styles, we’ll likely see an entertaining bout but Bute is in a different class and he’ll probably blow him out inside 6 rounds. All three Super Six bouts though are of more interest to me however. Ward vs Dirrell should be very interesting and Abraham vs Froch promises to be very explosive. Though Green looked way out of his league against Ward, he may match up with Kessler much better.
Scorecard: I’d say that I’m more interested in seeing Bute-Brinkley then Green-Kessler but that’s about it. I think Brinkley makes a solid fight but I’m not sure he’s even in the same league as Bute. I know Ramon probably gave the better answer but I have too much respect for Igor to let him get blown out. 3-2-1 Ramon.
After a hard fought bout my streak of sucking up to the boss and giving the nod to Ramon continues as the editor in chief pulls out a close decision victory over the young up and comer Igor Frank.
