Hello and welcome to the first ever “Ask Geno” email bag. I appreciate all of the emails, and quite frankly, I could not believe the response that it received. I thoroughly enjoyed this and keep those questions coming in.
HOLMES SHOPPING NETWORK
Geno,
How do you see these fights going: Larry Holmes in his prime vs. Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Nikolay Valuev, Hasim Rahman, and James Toney?
James
James,
I believe that Larry Holmes is the best heavyweight of all time, although I am against his new policy of charging for every service that he provides on his website. Boxing is about the fans, and sometimes boxers that have accomplished so much lose sight of that. Okay, Larry Holmes vs. Mike Tyson: I would see this as a very exciting bout with Tyson landing early and dropping Holmes several times in the first four or five rounds, but as the rounds went on, and I’m calling this a fifteen round affair, I see “The Easton Assassin” controlling the entire bout from the sixth on and winning a UD. Lennox Lewis would be a handful for the former champ, and it would be close, mainly because of the size of “The Lion.” I do see the passive Lewis in this one, much like he was with Holyfield and Holmes takes another UD, although I would not count out a late TKO.
Nikolay Valuev…do I really have to answer this? If Larry Donald can outbox this giant, Holmes will make quick work of him. This would be a one-sided beating with the big tree being chopped down in five rounds. Hasim Rahman isn’t skilled enough to be in the same ring with Holmes. The fact that “The Rock” doesn’t take the best shot in the world, making the end result of this bout, a TKO in the 14th for Holmes. James “Lights Out” Toney would never be in the bout from the opening bell, and would be stopped in the 8th round.
DUKE OF BROADCASTING
Geno,
I would really like to see Tommy Morrison working as a commentator, because from what I saw of him from the past, he more than held is own while doing it. What do you think? I would also like to see Bobby Czyz back again.
Aaron King
Aaron,
Tommy Morrison did some commentating in the early to mid nineties and he was pretty good. I remember when he worked the Mike Tyson vs. Frank Bruno rematch and he was very insightful and well spoken. He would be fantastic as a commentator, but I don’t believe that’s what he wants. Bobby Czyz was mediocre as a commentator, I thought. I prefer “Sugar” Ray Leonard…he was great both in the ring and out. Czyz, I could take or leave.
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS VITALI KLITSCHKO?
Geno,
What happened to the older Klitschko brother??! I turn my head for one minute and he’s seemingly disappeared! Wasn’t he a champ? He had a title, how did he lose it, who’d he lose it to, when and where is he now??! I am so confused…
James
Geno
When Klitschko destroyed Danny Williams, everyone said Williams was over-classed and a mismatch – always trying to diss the one guy who could of beaten them all. Long live the memory of Vitali!!!
The Duke
Hello Super Sleuths. To answer the first question: Vitali “Dr. Iron Fist” Klitschko was the WBC Heavyweight Champion, but cited injury after injury as reasons why not to fighter the number one contender, Hasim Rahman. He gave up the title and tried his hand at politics, only to fall short. I don’t know if he missed important debates due to injury, which is certainly a possibility, but it didn’t pan out. As for “Beating them all,” in regards to the contenders, I have to disagree. Vitali never really scored a win over a legitimate, ambitious, and durable heavyweight. His entire career is defined by two losses. You can cite the cut and a shoulder injury…whatever, but the fact of the matter is that he failed twice against A level opponents. I am not sold on “Dr. Iron Fist” and I would pick Rahman to beat him any day of the week. So to sum up, Hit it Rockapella!
JOE KNOWS BOXING
Geno,
I think Winky is the only match out there for Joe Calzaghe but the weight might be an issue. What do you think? Winky would not stop him and not sure if Joe could stop Winky either.
Paulie
Geno,
Always enjoy your stuff. My question is this. Now that Joe Calazaghe blew Lacy out the water. Do you see him doing it to Tarver and maybe even moving up to heavyweight, or at least fighting Bell at Crusier? I know he said he wanted some big fights before he retired for the money, and those should pay well. What do you think?
Jay
Paulie and Jay,
Joe Calzaghe would be a big favorite, in my opinion, to beat Winky Wright. It was proven in his last fight with Sam Soliman that he has issues with activity and the Welshman would have a field day and run away with a decision win. I would pick Tarver to defeat Calzaghe because he’s far too big, I think. “The Magic Man” needs to step up and take on O’Neil Bell, but stay away from the heavyweight division. He’s not good enough to defeat the better heavyweights and he’d probably end up like Vassiliy Jirov. I am not surprised that he called out Mike Tyson and has now signed to fight Bernard Hopkins. He’s looking for the least risk for the most money and unfortunately, the boxing fans are the ones that pay for it.
PACMAN FEVER
Geno,
A lot of things has been said and done regarding the aborted rematch between Pacquiao and Marquez. Nobody knows exactly the reason why it failed to materialize except that the Marquez camp priced themselves out of the fight. Here comes your comment that it is mainly because Marquez didn’t really want it. To lure Marquez (before his lost to Chris John), Pacfans went to the extreme calling him out and naming him Juana Manuela Marqueza (a dig on his manhood). Still, the camp of Marquez refuses to bite and travel to Indonesia instead for a paltry sum of US$30,000. With Marquez’s loss to Chris John, that effectively removed him out of Manny Pacquiao equation.
Pacfans are doing the same with Barrera and with Barrera nowhere to go… he is force to call out on Pacquiao. But we do not know for sure what is the real reason why Barrera is calling out on Manny just now whereas before when Manny’s camp is trying to get a fight with Barrera they always have a reason. Now that Manny is on top of the world and with fights already scheduled until September of this year, team MAB all of a sudden is making noise. Geno, perhaps you know something that we ordinary fight fans don’t know behind this move of Barrera camp.
Emmanuel D Mallari JR.
Emmanuel,
To answer your question: I think that Barrera is only running his mouth to keep his name in the papers. He can go the rest of his career and be happy without facing the Pacman again. Very rarely can a boxer completely reverse the result of the initial bout and MAB took such a vicious beating…why would he want to do it again? He can make a world of money by putting on these garbage PPV’s with mismatched opponents. Why take on Pacquiao? He’s sort of like the kid in high school that is saying he’s going to beat the heck out of a kid that is absent, but when he actually comes to school, he doesn’t say a word. He is just blowing smoke. No way does he want Pacman. If it’s offered, he will probably pass and say, “Can I have Kevin Kelly again?”
Geno,
He is the best fighter world. You like him? I think he beat MAB again. What do you think?
Binky
Binky,
I like the Pacman very much. His style is very exciting and he will be a handful for any fighter he faces.
Geno,
I think he is going to knock Marco out again in the 6th round. What do you think? Do you think our beloved Manny could have beaten Alexis Arguello at featherweight?
Randy
Randy,
Alexis Arguello would probably be too much for Manny. I think that he is too strong, but then again, that straight left hand is so quick that anything is possible.
Geno,
JMM would still be a good match for the PACMAN since he made a draw and the PACMAN wants his revenge What about a tune fight offer JMM $60,000 which is a lot more than what he got for the CJ match and PACMAN gets 3 million plus PPV people will still want to watch this fight?? What do you think?
Astig
Astig,
When it comes to Pay Per Views, nothing surprises me. JMM’s back is against the wall and perhaps now he will press for a rematch, but to put a fifty dollar price tag on it isn’t right. Boxing fans get the shaft like no other sports fans.
Geno,
It is a shame putting Marquez in the league of Pacman. He can never win against the Mexican killer.
Gerry
Gerry,
I’m not going to touch that “Mexican Killer” remark…thanks for the comments.
Geno,
Hell yeah! The money is with the Pacman and JMM thought that he was much more worthy of a big purse when in fact, he couldn’t even make a clean win over CJ! What a loser! What a social climber!!!
Evosbm
Evosbm,
I can’t say that I blame MAB, JMM, or Erik Morales for not wanting to get in the ring with this guy. He is a heavyweight puncher that can take anyone out with one punch.
Geno,
JMM is primarily known for his war with the very popular Manny Pacquiao. This one made me rofl…hahahah!!!
Kadyo
Kadyo,
I’m glad that I could amuse you and thanks for the Internet jargan…LMAO! Jeez, when will that stuff ever stop?
Geno,
Should a rematch of Barrera vs. Pacman take place, MAB would be kissing the canvas again…most likely.
Mario G Visitacion SR.
Finally, I agree Mario,
MAB gets knocked out quickly in a rematch with the Pacman.
GOTTA GET BACK IN TIME
Geno,
I know that you like Emmanuel Augustus from your articles. If you had to compare him to a fighter from the 1940’s and 1950’s, who would you compare him to and why?
DJ
DJ,
I am a huge fan of Emmanuel Augustus. I know that he just lost his last bout, but I will tune in whenever and whomever he faces. It really sucks that he has never gotten the big fight that he craved and perhaps with Ricky Hatton searching for an opponent, Augustus may squeeze his way in. Probably not. If I had to compare him to a fighter of the 1940s-1950s, it would have to be Vince Martinez, a welterweight from that era. He had this playful spirit that Augustus brings to the game. There were differences in style, but they both had this confidence and fun spirit that they brought to the ring. DJ, many props to you, my friend. That was a good question. I must also apologize for the Huey Lewis and the News song reference in the title…I know that they were horrible, but for some reason, I couldn’t get that tune out of my head.
HEAVYWEIGHT EXCITEMENT
Geno,
Rahman has no chance of beating Toney. He is a has-been at best, one win over a glass jaw Lennox Lewis doesn’t make you a great boxer. Even though Toney is old and out of shape, he will always have his defense to fall back on. It’s also a good thing Vitali Klitschko did retire because Rahman would have been crushed in a matter of minutes. Klitschko was all the heavyweight rank had to offer…besides his little brother that will destroy Chris “Feather Fisted” Byrd and maybe Audley Harrison if he ever gets a good bout.
Mike Cash
Mike Cash,
Rahman has one heck of a chance to beat Toney and I’m beginning to lean that way. This is the first real heavyweight with a big punch that Toney has faced. I love boxing, and I love the hype, but Vitali was as much hype as he was substance. Nothing on his professional ledger proves that he was the best in the division…top ten, yes. The best? No way. I’m not sold on Wlad either, who will probably get beyond Byrd, but I wouldn’t bet the house on it.
Geno,
This is the fight that I want to see, which is or was shaping into a real grudge match. I give Toney the edge because of his superior boxing skills and ability to take a punch. Also, I believe that pay per views have gotten way out of hand. There’s no way that Judah-Mayweather JR. should be on PPV, and Hopkins? Why won’t he go away? His fights are no longer entertaining. Finally, what happened to Prince Naseem? He gets on itty-bitty loss and that’s it? He was nothing more than a loud mouth phony.
Aaron King
Aaron,
Pay per views have gotten WAY out of hand. Back in the day, a pay per view meant something, but not anymore. The under cards are usually garbage, with the exception of the ESPN PPV that aired. Don King, back in the day would put together great PPV cards, and even though the main event lacked the drawing power that an early Tyson fight would, you still paid your money to view it because it was going to be an entertaining night. Now, we have Brock vs. Lawrence. Prince Naseem Hamad was great, but I don’t see him doing much on his comeback tour. If he can fight regularly and get back the sharpness and timing that he once had, a bout with him and the Pacman would certainly be an attraction.
Geno,
I don’t have any questions, but I do have some predictions. Toney will not KO Rahman, but will punish him with counter punches on the way to a UD. Mayorga will KO De La Hoya in four or five rounds. These are my predictions and remember where you heard it first!!!
Daniel Telley
Daniel,
Reasonable predictions and good luck with them, but the “heard it first” line needs to go. You used it and some others use it and it just seems juvenile. I wonder what life would be like if everyone elected to use that line after they said something. “Mr. McGahee,” the doctor could remark. “You have cancer. Remember where you heard it first!” I would not be pleased.
ALLOWED TO FIGHT? POSITIVELY NOT
Geno,
Tommy Morrison obviously has a very complex form of denial. Bleeding is routine occurrence in boxing to the extent that sometimes it is difficult to tell where the blood is coming from. If Tommy were fighting now the fight would have to be stopped the second he were cut. In a blood bath fight such as Erik Morales vs. Manny Pacquio both fighters are drenched in each others blood. What is an ordinary and non-distressing occurrence in many fights would mean the passage of a deadly virus in the case of Morrison. No discrimination involved. Hopefully Morrison’s case will never reach a courtroom. As long as he tests positive, he has no case.
Eric
Eric,
I could not agree more. Tommy Morrison cannot be allowed to box again for the other fighter’s safety and also for the livelihood of the game. There are all kinds of groups out there that have tried and will continue to try to prevent boxing from continuing. They are desperately seeking something like this to feed on and say: “See!!! Look at how dangerous it is! Stop it!!” I will not be happy if boxing is ever banned. I will have to write about Nascar. VROOM!
I COULDA BEEN A CONTENDA…OR AT LEAST WATCH IT ON T.V.
Geno,
What is the story on The Contender series? I liked it last year, but wondered if it’s coming back on? If so, when? Has Sergio Mora fought since that robbery they gave him over Peter Manfredo? I like Sergio but he has zero power and will get beat the minute he steps up. I hope he put some of that cool mill away for the future.
Juan
Juan,
As far as I know, ESPN should be airing the program very soon. I really liked the program too and I look forward to its reappearance on television…hopefully without the sound effects this time when the punches landed. Sergio Mora has not fought since his last bout and I believe that he will not step up any time soon. I think that he will milk this “Contender Championship” for as long as he can, and all the power to him. If he can continue to make all of this money by fighting other top fifteen guys in eight round bouts, then so be it.
RJJ’S FUTURE
Geno,
Is RJJ done, or is he training for a comeback?
Nick
Nick,
I believe that Roy is not training specifically for anyone at this point, but he is not done yet. Roy is not done. Roy has a lot of life left in him. Roy also talks about himself in third person every time that he speaks, which Geno McGahee finds to be completely foolish.
A NEW NICKNAME
Geno,
Evander was not proven to be butting intentionally. Vitali was not proven to be ducking Rahman. Mediocre competition is not Toney’s fault. Most heavyweights are just afraid to look bad. When reporting, be a little more neutral, Mr. Bias.
Shazam/Me
Okay,
It does not have to be proven that Holyfield was butting intentionally. It was my opinion, much like the Vitali situation. What sort of proof do you seek? Do you want Evander to jump up and down and scream: “I head butt on purpose!” Being neutral is not part of being a writer. You look at a situation, evaluate it, and then draw your own conclusions. Would you rather have me write: Evander is a boxer. He was the heavyweight champion of the world. He was bald. He dances with the stars. Of course not. Then again, feel free to cut and paste that Holyfield statement and then we can be friends and I won’t be Mr. Bias anymore…right?
Thanks to all for your questions and comments and for making me work this week. I welcome all questions/comments and I will answer everything that I receive or my name isn’t Mr. Bias.
