It?s been over thirty years since the fighter Carlos Monz?n was on top of the middleweight division, although you might say in his native Argentina he was on top of the world. From the impoverished Barranquita neighborhood of Santa Fe, Monz?n didn?t make it past the third grade. At a young age he began boxing. After a few early professional losses Monz?n, showed a good chin and a bumptious attack, characteristics that helped him against legend Emile Griffith (85-24-2) who Monz?n TKO?d. His early winning streak led him to the Italian title holder Nino Benevenuti. Benevenuti was favored to win over this no name. Their first fight in Monaco showed a heavy-handed and anxious Munz?n corner the lagging Benevunti, until Benevunti?s cornerman threw in the towel. Benevuti tried to kick it away, but it was too late; arrivederci.
Monz?n became a star. He married Sandra Gimenez, still one of the most famous actresses in Argentina. Sadly, his player lifestyle landed him in the pen when he was convicted for killing a women, that is after lucious Gimenez left him.
Is that where champ Sergio Martinez is heading after his recent win? Watching his recent performance against Paul Williams one was reminded of the late Monz?n: assertive, risky although orthodox. And it will not soon be forgotten; the dramatic chin knockout that left Williams facedown on the canvas, will certainly make the 2010 KO highlight reel. Martinez?s prowess is no singular phenomenon as Manny Pacquiao is in the Phillipines; Martinez is one of several up and comers from the land of silver.
Lucas Matthysse (27-1) likewise made a good showing in his first U.S. debut against Zab Judah (40-6). Once again Matthysse exemplifyied the strike power and forward movement that the legend Monz?n made famous. Unfortunately, as stated in this column, he was robbed in the decision. Nevertheless, you can bet Matthysse will be back and like Martinez who lost the first decision to Williams (also perhaps unfairly) he?ll be looking to knock someone on his face next time he?s State-side.
Marcos Maidana ? who is set to box with Freddie Roach?s second favorite, Amir Khan in December ? has demonstrated in his last few fights that he can give and take a punch. His win over Victor Ortiz continues to be one of my favorite fights of the last few years. This is the style of boxing people complain no longer exists: gutsy, grimy and gruesome. His fight with Khan, backed by Roach, will surely be worth watching, that is, if Maidana can keep up with Khan?s speed.
Although nearing forty Carlos Baldomir (46-13-6) was once a fighter to be reckoned with, taking down Zab Judah and Arturo Gatti. His loss to the albiet impressive Saul ?Canelo? Alvarez (up to fight December 4th) may have been the beginning of the end of a formidable fighter.
Oscar de la Hoya has taken notice of the second largest country in South America and its obsession with pugilism. His HBO Next Boxing Generation began featuring nearly exclusively Argentines in 2008. As he well knows, there is interest, talent, and money, if he can bring the good promotin that will finally get them a shot at international status.
In 1932 at Polo Grands the so-called ?Bull of the Pampa? Luis Angel Firpo (34-4) fought Jack Dempsey (61-6-9). For Dempsey, it was only one of a fights, but for Firpo it was the fight of a lifetime. Perhaps if Firpo had won Argentina would be known for its boxing almost as much as it is for its soccer.
?Dempsey and Firpo ? by George Bellows (1924)
