Hello RSR Fans and welcome again to “Ask Geno,” our mailbag. Apparently word of mouth is spreading because my happy sack of mail was overflowing with questions and comments, which is why there will be 2 mailbags this week…one today and one tomorrow. I want to give thanks to everyone that has supported me and came to my defense as I came under fire last week from some angry boxing fans. I also want to thank everyone for making this the best boxing mailbag of all time. I might be forced to give out two “Geno Bambino Questions of the Month” Awards at the rate that we are going. It will be like American Idol…sort of.
Speaking of American Idol: Did anyone else watch it outside of me? I am man enough to admit that I watched American Idol…but my wife made me! I wouldn’t really watch it if my wife didn’t order me to sit down with her and view it. Order may be too strong of a word and give the impression that I am whipped, which I of course am not. Anyway, back to Idol. Did you see Meatloaf struggle through that song? He was having seizures while he was singing or something like that as he shook and trembled and his singing really wasn’t that good either. I’m a fan of “Bat out of Hell,” but what I saw on Idol was garbage. I heard that Mr.Meat there has a temper and I surely don’t want to get him upset and have him throw a box of Chocodiles at me. Chocodiles are chocolate covered Twinkies and let me say that they were the bomb. So, Mr. Meaty Meatloaf, if I offended, I am truly sorry.
Last week I did a movie review of “Cat in the Hat” and it went over quite well, so I am going to throw in another. I know that I am a boxing guy, but I believe that I can be more helpful than that. I want to save you people four dollars if I can, or point you in the right direction for entertainment when you can’t find any boxing on the tube. So, rent “Grizzly Man.” It’s a documentary covering this guy’s life with Grizzly bears. He lives beside them and they eventually…eat him. This is non-fiction and a great watch. So, if there is no boxing, and you are looking for a film, watch “Grizzly Man.” I sort of blame the victim for this. If you hang out with bears, you are going to get eaten. Same principal applies to those Richard Simmons Cruises. They must get extra insurance for that trip!
Now, with no further delay and no more movies to review, and no more celebrities to insult, I present to you, the RSR reader, the mailbag.
HEY HE’S HONEST…
Geno,
Geno Bambino: The man with the best damn email bag anywhere
Who do you have in Corrales versus Castillo 3?
I like the Fraza video you did last year. Has the kid fought at all lately? What is Micky Ward up to?
Jay
Jay,
Best damn email bag anywhere? Thanks man. I know that I don’t have much competition out there, but it is great to be recognized. Diego Corrales is the underdog going into this bout, in my opinion. He has a propensity to get hit with left hooks and that is not a good tendency to have against a guy like Castillo. I think that Castillo found the key to beat “Chico” with the left hook. If you look at the history of Corrales, he has been put down by almost exclusively left hooks and because of this and because of what happened the last time, I am going with Castillo in eight rounds.
I’m happy that you enjoyed the Fraza video. Trust me when I say this that RSRTV is returning very soon, and we will present the best video quality and production on the net. Fraza hasn’t fought for a year and there isn’t a fight on the horizon. He has been plagued by injuries and he may have missed the parade because the next season of “The Contender” is starting and the boxing fans may just have forgotten about him. He just didn’t capitalize when he could have. Micky Ward is great and as of now, I believe that he is still in the training game. He makes a lot of local appearances and seems to enjoy his celebrity status. The Gatti bouts really showed the world how great that he was and it was a great way to cap off his career.
SMARTY PANTS
Geno,
Hey just cause you hate Wlad doesn’t mean he sucks. First of I agree with you about Lamon. He needs to rematch him, but you said that Wlad is negotiation with James insetead of Lamon. Dude Lamon is on medical Leave, did you not see his fight with Serguei? His eye is bad. Second the figth with DaVarryl should not be made. Yes it was a crappy ending, but hey DaVarryl had his chance against Chris Byrd and you know what happend right? And when Wlad stepped with Byrd you know what happend, right? I do agree with you about Nikolay and Hasim, those fight need to be made. Anyway good luck and be more smarter when you write.
Vladeze
Vladeze,
I do not hate Wladimir Klitschko, but I am not a blind supporter either. He has been declared by many as the best in the division, and there are some die hard fans that don’t even care if he proves it. I want it to be proven and I am a fan of the movie Die Hard with Bruce Willis. Lamon Brewster needs some time off for certain to heal up, but the fight that most want to see is a rematch between the two. Now, your way of thinking is completely whack. Whack is another word like “props” that I am now using so that I can blend in with the youngsters. Styles make fights and just because fighter A can beat fighter B and fighter B can beat fighter C doesn’t mean that fighter A can beat fighter C. Did you follow that or perhaps I’m not smarter enough…right? More smarter? More smarter?!!! What the hell is with that? You insult my intelligence and you say “more smarter?”
THE NOT SO GREAT PRETENDER
Geno,
This is Docter Wlad Klitschko and you sir are a hater of me. What I do to you? I dare you to come to my fight and say I am no good to my face. I bet I left you like Drago did your buddy Rocky and throw your goatee and all into the fourth row. Bring it on.
Wlad Klitschko
“Wlad,”
When I first read this, I was ready to go down and visit Wladimir Klitschko’s training camp and “bring it on,” but I didn’t for two reasons. One, I am convinced that you are not Wladimir Klitschko, and two, I am not ready to die. I tend to believe that Wlad would not misspell doctor and I don’t think that he would refer to me as a “hater.” RSR readers, this letter is a hoax. Also, I wanted to bring up Rocky vs. Drago. Rocky beat the big Russian, so what is your point about this goatee and fourth row business? When you say “goatee and all” are you referring to what I think that you are? If so, I will find out who you are and press sexual harassment smart guy. I’ll have my friend tell you off and he’ll tell you to go get “more smarter” before trying a trick like this. Vladeze, take care of this guy, will yah?
BEGINNING TO SEE A TREND…
Geno,
Yet another bigoted article by an American boxing writer. Wlad was drugged in the Brewster fight. If Manny and Wlad said it was so, that’s good enough for me. Wlad is the best today. Brewster wants no part of him. You and the rest of the American bigots are just going to have to accept that a white east European is the champ. Get over it!
Steve
Steve,
If Manny and Wlad told you to jump off a bridge, would you. I bet that you would. I take offense at the bigot comment. How dare you sir! How dare you! I call it the way that I see it and if you can’t understand that and chalk it up to racism or whatever, you need to stop reading. Although, I’m not convinced that you do this often, so never mind. Lamon Brewster knocked Wladimir out in their last bout and he will probably do it again, especially if he can slip that Viagra into his water bottle like he did the last time, right? How ridiculous of Klitschko to take away from Brewster’s victory like that by claiming some sort of drugging. It’s even more absurd that people buy into it. A fighter that is in the spotlight like Wlad desperately wants to preserve his reputation because if he doesn’t, he won’t be rolling in dough. He wants to be Scrooge McDuck and swim around in a money bin, and he can’t do that if he’s losing fair and square. So, it was a good strategy by Team Klitschko to claim foul play.
Get over it? How did you know that I didn’t want an Eastern European man to have the championship? How did you know! You found my motivation for writing articles…simply to discredit Eastern Europeans. I have no issue with Western Europeans or Northern, but it’s those darn Eastern ones. Now, I’m assuming that the RSR readers can sense my sarcasm here. For anyone to call me a bigot is wrong Steve. How would you like for me to call you a bad name? How do you like me now, LUNKHEAD? Doesn’t feel good to be insulted, does it, Lunkhead?
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
Hi Humping Geno,
Thanks for giving me the Geno Bambino Award last week! I told my neighbors and officemates about that and they were proud of me! But then again you are right, because at the end of the conversation, there goes the question, “who is Geno, by the way?”
Question:
Geno, in your own opinion, is Muhammad Ali really the greatest boxer? Why?
Thanks in advance and more power!
Paul G.
Paul G.,
How the hell are you doing man? They have every right to be proud of you because your question rocked!!! Your officemates will come around. They will one day say: “Oh Geno…he’s the @#$#@ with the mailbag.” Okay, Ali…is he the greatest? My unpopular answer is a big NO. Without question, Muhammad Ali was a great fighter with a lot of heart and charisma, but there were so many gift decisions and questionable calls throughout his career, that seem to get blurred by the die hard Ali fans. I would pick Joe Louis to beat him and a prime Mike Tyson would probably catch him. Ali did the best against slow and plodding boxers like Frazier, Foreman, and Liston.
You can’t dispute the fact that Ali took on all comers, but he lost to Jimmy Young and was on his way to losing to Ron Lyle before the referee prematurely stopped it. The Ali legend is part fact and part fiction, and most give him more credit due to his political achievements. Give Ali Sonny Liston’s personality and see where he lands historically. So, I would rank Ali in the top five, probably, but he is not the best of all time, in my opinion. I know that there’s a guy on our message board that I was debating over this point and I’m sure that he is ready to have it out again, but Ali fans are Ali fans and it’s difficult to argue. They have their opinion and I have mine, but remember I am the expert. That should tell you right there that I’m right. Yeah right! LOL Paul, you have to support me on this one, or I will never give you the most prestigious award of all time again! More power to you as well my friend and for the uniformed, “humping Geno” is a reference to the mailbag coming out on hump day. There is no humping of Geno going on here…well, not that I know of. I am a deep sleeper.
THE BRITISH ARE COMING TO MY DEFENSE
Geno,
I am British and I don’t see anything that you wrote about Ricky Hatton as biased in any way. You ranked him in your pound 4 pound ratings and gave the reasonable opinion that he will not do so well at welterweight. Many British commentators are saying the same thing.
I was amazed and disappointed then when I saw the response of some British readers who accused you of American xenophobia.
My question is this, even before the second Gulf War, there was an anti- Americanism around the world (most notably in places like France but also in Britain too), where do you think this negative sentiment comes from? My theory is plain jealousy, especially from former European world powers, over America’s economic and military dominance. The world seems to delight in the failure of American sportsmen. This seems irrational and unreasonable to me as, apart from odd failures, America has been the greatest force for good in the world for over a century. Where do you think this negativity came from?
Pedro Magee
Pedro,
First and foremost: Thank you. I really got hammered last week by some angry Brits and I’m glad that I don’t have an entire country against me. I was as honest as possible in my assessment of Ricky Hatton, who I admire as a fighter and person, by the way, but sometimes when you critique a national hero and you are from another country, the backlash can be swift and improper. So thanks again for your support.
I think that there is idiocy all over the world and if people knew each other instead of going on stereotypes and preconceived notions, the world would be a better place. This is like going and buying a Sony Plasma T.V. and smashing it and then saying: “That teaches Sony!” I would like to think that America has pushed for the good of mankind, and they have at times, but there are other motivations and that’s where the resentment usually comes from. You know, I wish that people would just talk to each other…but it’s not going to happen. I believe that the majority of people are good, but they are usually followers and believe what they are told and go with the majority.
I apologize to every boxing fan because I’m straying off topic here, but bare with me. The negativity is mutual and I see it every day here in the States. I think that we need a worldwide group hug. I volunteer to hug all the attractive women worldwide if it helps to keep the peace. My wife would probably approve…maybe not. She has a hard enough time allowing me to keep skinamax AKA Cinemax. So, I think that the wrong people are running the show around the globe and the hatred will continue.
THIS AND THAT
Geno,
I can’t wait another Wednesday to read your mailbag. Anyway, that brings even better excitement.
Do you classify boxers as one-dimensional and others as scientific? As for example “Pacman” and Barrera. In my opinion, I can say boxing is an art and being one-dimensional does not mean you are inferior from the scientific ones. It’s the boxer’s artistic style on boxing. What do you think?
Also can you explain what’s the difference between a TKO and KO.
Thanks and long live RSR!
Dan
Dan,
How are you doing my friend? The feedback and reaction that I received from the RSR readers has been unbelievable and sincerely appreciated. RSR tries to be here for the fans of boxing more than any other site because we are true fans of the sport ourselves. RSR was created out of necessity because the other sites don’t seem to really know the history of the game, with a couple of exceptions. I’m happy that my mailbag amuses you and I appreciate you as a reader.
I do classify fighters as one-dimensional and others as versatile. Pacman can be considered one-dimensional, but why change what works? He is like a smaller Mike Tyson that just goes in there with grit and heart and tries to take out his opponent. There is no secret to how the Pacman is going to fight, but there haven’t been many out there that have been able to stop it. MAB is versatile. He can box and punch. By no means does this mean that he is superior to Pacquaio. Different fighters have different styles and styles make fights.
A TKO happens when the referee has seen enough and jumps in to stop the fight or the corner ends it. A KO happens when the referee reaches the count of ten and the boxer is still in dreamland.
Long live RSR! My Publisher “Bad” Brad Berkwitt just addressed this very thing the other day with me. I will quote him, “Geno, as long as I have a dime in my pocket, RSR will live on at least during my lifetime,” We are here for you people and RSR will be here for the long haul as long as the people keep coming to visit us. Thanks and keep reading!
A FUN MAILBAG
Geno,
Good job with the mailbag. I will say that you are a good sport in answering all the emails on PacMan. You are well on your way to becoming an honorary Filipino! Am I crazy to be looking forward to Baldomir vs Gatti?? I know these two aren’t the best or most skilled fighters but I think this is going to be a war! What are your thoughts? My prediction is that it’s fight of the year with a possible trilogy brewing. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Christian
Christian,
Thanks for the mad props. I cannot wait until I get the certificate that says: Honorary Filipino. That would rock! You are not crazy. I am looking forward to Gatti-Baldomir as well, and I’m picking the champion to retain his title. Gatti is good, but he is REALLY overrated. Baldomir has been consistent and he may not hit that hard, but he is really strong and considering Gatti’s vulnerable skin, I think that a stoppage victory for the champion is in the cards.
MORE MAILBAG…I NEED MORE MAILBAG!
Geno,
It’s me again. I hope that your mailbag will become daily. I love reading those questions and answers of yours!
Rommel
Rommel,
At the rate that it’s going, I may have to do a mailbag a day. This week, I am doing two because of the amount of comments and questions that I received. I have always said that if somebody takes the time to email me, I should have the courtesy to respond. So, if you need to get an RSR fix and the mailbag isn’t new, check out the message board. We have some pretty entertaining things going on there.
Geno,
Hello there!!! I’m here once again! This is my third time writing to you and I definitely appreciate that you answered my questions and comments. By the way, I’m here once again because of some things I read in the internet. They are comments about the boxing matches last Saturday. A supposed “analyst” from a boxing website saying that due to the first round KO inflicted by Barrios to Nagy that there’s a good possibility Barrios will run Pacquiao, Morales, Marquez and Barrera out of the ring! I mean how unfair and ignorant can you get even if it just a mere possibility and a good one at that. And that analyst dare calls himself an analyst? Please somebody stop me!
Just because of that performance by Barrios doesn’t mean he can just run them out like chickens, right Geno? Crazy I should say. And how bout the comment made by Barrera wherein he said that in comparison with Juarez, Pacquiao is just a one-dimensional fighter and that Juarez is better. Whew! what can you say about these crazy comments?
Personally I think that Barrera is just sour-graping, just agitating the Pac, or it is just his arrogance. He can’t accept after all this years that he was badly beaten by the Pac. By the way, the analyst I’m talking about dares to call himself an award-winning writer and other so-called accomplishment. He is not even half good and unbiased as you are Geno. OK till next question of mine. I hope I can have your answer soon.
Thanks,
Powerpac
Powerpac,
How are you doing my friend? First, there are so many idiots out there the label themselves as boxing analysts and experts, but the fact of the matter is that most of the internet boxing sites are garbage. If you want instant results, there’s a website for that. If you want crappy interviews from illiterate thugs, there’s a site for that. Before I began writing, I was subscribed to a website for a good couple of months where it was not so great to be a member. I was definitely disappointed and elected to give out an opinion and interviews that are actually interesting. There are some good boxing sites out there, but they are few and far between. That’s why I am at RSR. I sincerely appreciate the compliments and I will continue to do my best.
Barrios scored a quick KO, but Nagy was certainly untested. He was stopped by Acelino Freitas who I have never really been impressed with. The fact that Barrios has been down so many times in his career doesn’t bode well for him when he faces the Pacman. He may be young enough to outlast MAB and EM. Make no mistake, Barrios is a good fighter and a future opponent for the big three, but it’s a wee bit too early to label him a world beater.
MAB stating that Juarez was a better fighter than Pacman may be referring to style over talent. The proof is in the pudding and MAB was beaten into pudding. Bill Cosby could have stopped that fight because he is, after all, the pudding man. Damn, those pudding pops were the bomb! They tried put them out again, but they aren’t the same. Am I alone when I say that Cosby isn’t funny? I know that I primarily like dirty humor, but my buddy told me: “Geno, you have a kid now. Watch Cosby’s stand up, and you will get a kick out of it. You will relate to it.” Well, I rented it and because my pal lied to me, he got a kick in the grapes. That comedy special was crap…but holy crap, were his pudding pops good.
I’m not encouraging this, Powerpac, but feel free to email that so-called analyst and tell him where he can stick his awards. I hope that they are the size of the Stanley Cup…OUCH!
SANCTIONING BODIES
Geno
Why do different organizations call their weight classes different names? For example: The WBC calls it 154 junior middleweight and the WBA calls it super welterweight.
Jack
Jack,
I have a very good explanation for this. They are morons. They will do anything to differentiate themselves, and they are constantly pushing for more money. The world titles are basically meaningless. They have champions and super champions in many of their divisions. So, they do it mostly to separate themselves from the other organizations. They are a joke.
MAB-JUAREZ AFTERMATH
Geno,
Good day to you. This is the first time that I wrote, although I’ve been reading your articles for quite some time now and I must say, you’re one of the few whom boxing fans can rely on when it comes to real boxing analysis, and for that, a SALUTE! I just watched MAB vs. Juarez last Sunday (saturday in U.S.) and can’t help but wonder. If MAB took a beating from a slower (but a powerful punching) boxer like Juarez, how the hell MAB always calls on a fight with Pacquiao? He will definitely go down just like EM, and I think EM fought way better during his fight with MP than MAB did with Juarez. Looks like MAB with those many many career fights will soon “drop his curtains.” Don’t you think so?
Pinoy Ako
Pinoy,
Welcome to the RSR Mailbag!!! Thanks for the salute. There is no question that MAB was not himself against Juarez and it is obvious that he is slowing down. As much as the people want the MAB-Pacman rematch, I hope that Team Barrera doesn’t accept because the proud warrior that he is, he most likely going to be taking a vicious beating. If anyone has a chance against Pacman, it’s Erik Morales. He beat him before and he may just have one great fight left in him. I would still wager that Pacman takes it, but EM has a fighting chance. MAB does not.
I wouldn’t say that MAB is going to drop his curtains anytime soon. Curtains is slang for panties, right?
Geno,
Good day to you Geno, and I just can’t help myself not to comment on the draw verdict between MAB and Juarez and to make matters worse, they made MAB as the winner of that fight. I know that Juarez had won that fight and a draw verdict already robbed him of that crown. I think Barrera’s career is over. He’s all done. He’s much slower now and he don’t have the strength he used to have.
One more thing, are the judges in boxing using manual tabulation scorecards? Why don’t they use computers? Once they entered the score for that round they can’t change it anymore so that in the future we will not having this kind of conspiracy again.
Atong
Atong,
How’s it going? A little off topic. When you said: “I Can’t Help Myself,” I automatically thought of that hit by the Four Tops. Sugar Pie honey bunch…you know that I love you. (Note: Not singing to you Atong…just singing in general.) Okay, where were we? MAB’s career is basically over. I agree with that statement. He should retire right now, but this is prizefighting and the prize is money and Pacman brings $$$$$. I just hope that MAB makes it through in one piece.
I had Barrera winning by one point, but it could have gone either way. Juarez should have pushed harder down the stretch and he would have scored a TKO, but he was content going the distance.
A lot of judges are old and you expect them to use a computer? They can’t even figure out a DVD player. This isn’t a shot at the elderly, but there are very few that use computers. They are afraid of the “new fangled” things that are “porn machines” and “promote Viagra.” Old people hate the internet for the most part. In all honesty, they system has flaws and it always will. Even if we used computers, all you need is one of these geek hackers to mess with it. I can’t tell you how many viruses I’ve gotten because I look at por…I mean, I look at music sites. Yeah, music sites. They are very exciting. Peace out Atong!!!
Geno,
I watched the whole fight of MAB and Juarez, and I think Juarez won the fight. He had thrown hard punches and had countered every punch that MAB thrown to him. A draw would be the least he could get but to lose the fight via scorecards would be a controversial one. What do you think will happen if MAB fights Pacman this year? Thanks
Spencer
Spencer,
I wish that my name was “Spencer.” I would be “Spencer for Hire,” just like the T.V. show. I could be a detective or a male escort. Geno for hire doesn’t have the same ring to it. Anyway, I can’t argue with anyone that had Juarez winning because it could have gone either way and the best shots in the fight were landed by him, but I don’t have a quarrel with the final decision. If MAB fights Pacman this year or in the future, I see him getting knocked out again. It’s just not the right fight for this legend. He needs to ride off into the sunset.
Geno,
Good day sir. I would just like to ask for clarification regarding the outcome of the BARRERA-JUAREZ fight.
Would you actually believe a miscalculation happened during the announcement of the winner??? How could this have carelessly happened??? How old are the people adding the scorecards??? This is ridiculous!!!
For them to commit this is negligence or perhaps manipulated! I think the influence might come from OSCAR!
If they easily revert the decision, why did they not revert the decision of the PACQUIAO-MARQUEZ fight when clearly the judge admitted the mistake??? Please enlighten me…thanks…
Raymund
Raymund,
Everyone makes mistakes, but at this high of a level, it’s troublesome. I’ve seen the scorecard system and it’s pretty primitive. It doesn’t need to be computerized because I think that it would cause more problems, but they could certainly improve it. I don’t know if Oscar De La Hoya has his hands in the pants of the judges. I don’t think that he has his golden hands in their pants…I just don’t want to believe it. I don’t think that there is a lot of controversy with the MAB bout. I think that it was just a mistake.
There was a difference between the MAB-Juarez bout and the Pacman-JMM match. The scorecards were incorrectly added in one and the other one was calculated correctly and the decision is final, regardless of what the judge said afterward. I thought that Pacman clearly defeated JMM, but it’s spilled milk. The end result didn’t hurt Pacman’s career at all, so it doesn’t really matter.
Geno,
You maybe right to say that Barrera should rethink his proposed fight with the PACMAN. But the way the judges handed down their decisions, if feels as if there is going to be PAC vs MAB II rather than Rocky getting the rematch. I watched the fight on television and for me Marco lose the fight. This is a gift decision for Barrera, just like ODLH vs Sturm, for the next big thing to happen. What do you think?
Joel Jonelas
Joel,
They are definitely pushing for a MAB-Pacman rematch. HBO wants to milk MAB for all he’s worth and they feel that he has one more PPV left in him. Sturm did not be Oscar De La Hoya…he beat De La Hoya’s chubby twin, I think. That was the chubbiest that I’ve ever seen “The Golden Boy” and he paid for it. Sturm should have won that fight. Oscar De La Chubby’s record is 0-1-0, in my opinion, but when he becomes Oscar De La Hoya, he is a fantastic fighter. I would like to see a rematch between those two, but I don’t see it happening.
FROM BELFAST WITH LOVE
Geno,
A bit of a delayed email but I just wanted to chat about the Hatton fight.
For my money Hatton definitely won this fight. Every time Collazo started to take control or win two rounds in a row I always felt Hatton raised his game again and made sure he stayed ahead on points. Winner by one point on my card.
I did think the comments about Hatton ruining the fight were a bit harsh. Look at it again and Collazo never initiated ANYTHING in the whole fight. I think with Hatton being so eager to impress in America and get that long sought after Vegas date he had to chase an opponent who seemed happy to back off all night long and counter. Hatton wanted a showpiece fight and Collazo’s style forced him to lunge in. And of course the first round knock out made Hatton very reckless – imagine the reaction if he’d put Collazo away inside three rounds. But his performance will definitely have to improve for PBF – but after the Tszyu fight I know Ricky can raise his game to that level.
In closing – how do you fancy in the Corrales -v- Castillo fight? I hope Corrales wins and fights Hatton, I think Corrales could be tailor made for the Hitman.
And why oh why are they letting Holyfield fight on? He seems too proud to stop himself so surely someone else should before his story has a very very sad ending!
Gerard from Belfast
Gerard,
Good to hear from you my friend. I had Collazo eking out a victory, but it could have gone either way. I do think that Ricky Hatton holds excessively. If the rules were enforced, he would be in trouble…just as John Ruiz would be. I blame David Tua for the way that John Ruiz fights. Before the fight, and I may be wrong here, but I think that the “Tua man” asked Ruiz for a pre-fight hug. Ruiz refused and was beaten mercilessly because of it. Ruiz vowed on that day to hug every opponent as many time as he could. Keep in mind that I’m not one hundred percent sure that that’s the way it went down, but maybe it was. Find me somebody that will dispute it. You can’t? That’s what I thought.
Collazo is a counter puncher and he didn’t fight as well as he could have. He definitely should have pressed it in the later rounds and he would have probably won it. Hatton was exposed. He is great when he’s facing a puncher like Tszyu or Maussa, but a slick boxer will give him hell and a fight with PBF wouldn’t be a good idea at this time. I have to give Hatton credit though. He came to the states to gamble. He could have stayed in England, made gobs and gobs of money and retired, but he was willing to test his skills and I give him all the credit in the world for it.
Corrales is one of my favorite fighters and I will be rooting for him to win, but I am going with Castillo. If Corrales wins again, a fight with Hatton would be interesting, but “The Hitman” would probably be too strong and rough for “Chico.” Maybe if Corrales could get the jab going and avoid close quarters with Hatton, he’d have a chance, but I would be favoring the Brit big time.
Evander Holyfield is a fool. He has this notion that he is going to return and unify the heavyweight title, but he is beyond shot. At one time, he was a great warrior, but not anymore. He has become a dirty fighter that is so full of himself that he will risk his life in order to get a pat on the back and some people screaming: “You’re still the best champ!” Well, this story is going to end on a sour note. My concern is that we are going to see a fight poster that reads: Holyfield vs. Klitschko. It’s not out of the question and it’s not out of the question that Holyfield could be carried out on a stretcher. I would make it likely.
SHOWDOWNS
Geno,
Please give us your thoughts and comments on the upcoming Corrales versus Castillo and Taylor vs. Wright showdowns. Your input is appreciated.
Astig
Astig,
As I mentioned earlier, I am going with Castillo. As for Taylor-Wright…I am going with Winky. Winky is a big guy. Can Taylor deal with a big Winky in his face all night? I couldn’t! The skill of Wright is going to bring him to a close and possibly split decision. Then again, I thought that Hopkins eked out both fights against Taylor…so maybe he will win another close and possibly controversial decision. So, I am reluctantly leaning toward Winky. I am glad that my Winky input is appreciated.
LACK OF EXPOSURE
Geno,
Geno, first let me say that I’m always delighted at your insight and personal view on the fight forum. Big ups to you my friend. Now my question…why is there so little coverage on the upcoming Cotto fight? I understand that it will be on the Hopkins-Tarver under card (or is it?) and I don’t see how that would detract from the main fight’s promo, so why all the hush hush about it?
Thanks again Geno.
Joe
Joe,
The Tarver-Hopkins and Cotto-Malignaggi PPVs are happening on the same night, and I just saw the first commercial promoting Cotto’s important match up. I just don’t think that the public is that interested in Paulie Malignaggi. He is a slapping and arrogant fighter that doesn’t seem to have a huge shot of beating the strong Miguel Angel Cotto. The feather-fisted fighter…say that ten times…has this tendency of leaning on his right side, unprotected. Cotto’s left hook will probably end it. I don’t know why they didn’t place this bout officially on the under card of Hopkins-Tarver. If it were Hopkins-Tarver, Cotto-Malignaggi, and one more reasonable bout, the pay per view may have been worth renting. They throw in the never-was, Hector Camacho, JR., and who really wants to see him fight? What a lame card and a lame PPV. I advise the people that are renting a PPV that night, opt for Cotto-Malignaggi. It will be a good bout while it lasts and John Duddy is on the card and he is the bomb!
PAC SACK
Geno,
With MP scheduled to rumble on EM this October. What do you think is the chance of Morales after that brutal loss to Pacquiao in their 2nd fight? Do you think EM’s handler has made the right choice of doing it again with the Pacman instead of fighting a lighter opponent first before rumbling it out with the Pacman? Lastly, what can you say on the 19-yr. old Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista who fought on the under card of Barrera-Juarez?
Thanks and More Power!
Kian
Kian,
Although I favor Pacman to win, I do give EM a shot. He will try to employ the same tactics that brought him to victory in their first encounter and every great champion can turn it up one last time, when needed. I think that the handlers made the right choice because they are 1-1 and EM has the right to know if he was the better man that had a bad night. Ray Bautista is a prospect, but it is still early to tell just how far he will go. I really look forward to see his career develop.
Geno,
What do you think will be the outcome if Pacman and Barrios will collide? Who has the advantage in power and strength, stamina?
Jan Mendoza
Jan,
I would love to see the bout, and it might just happen, but I would pick the Pacman to win via knockout due to the suspect chin of the arrogant Barrios. I think that Barrios is stronger, but the power and stamina edge is the Pacman’s. I have never seen Pac tired in the ring and he has always been in wonderful condition. Even though Barrios is heavy-handed, Pacman is a mini-Tyson and has knocked out guys that aren’t used to being on the canvas. Barrios would have to pull an upset in order to win this one.
Geno,
Sir, do you think Morales will win in their 3rd fight if that will push through? Who do you think between the 2 will be knocked out?
Voncat D’ Executioner
Voncat,
I don’t think that EM will win the rubber match, but I give him a shot. If somebody is going to be knocked out, it will be EM. No way does Pacman lose this one by KO. EM has been an overrated puncher throughout his career. He is a good puncher and he can wear people down and stop them that way, but I can’t see him giving Pacman a consistent beating and stopping him because he would put himself in the danger zone. Danger Zone…wasn’t that a horrible song by Kenny Loggins? Does any of our RSR fans like Kenny Loggins? I remember when John “Super D” Duplessis entered the ring to face Julio Cesar Chavez and the Loggins tune: “This is it” was blaring. Right then, I said: “Chavez has this one.” You can’t be considered seriously if you are entering the ring to Kenny Loggins. He may as well have come out to the Weather Girls: “It’s Raining Men.”
Geno,
Hi my friend. About Morales, I think he talks a lot of $hit. He said Pacman has no power and that he is just exhausted.
Rjay
Rjay,
Most fighters talk a lot of smack. That’s part of the game. It makes it interesting. I remember when Mike Tyson was talking about his upcoming bout with Razor Ruddock that: “If he doesn’t die. It doesn’t count. If he’s not dead, it doesn’t count.” Mike Tyson was the man when it came to talking smack. I remember poor Alex Stewart needed to change his shorts he was so terrified of Iron Mike. Going into the bout, I thought that “The Destroyer” was going to put up a good fight, but he was scared because Mike talked so well. He said: “It’s going to be a long, long night for Stewart. He’s been talking a lot.” I don’t mind when two boxers are friendly and the world is perfect and there are hugs all around, but when there is bad blood and sportsmanship, I love it. So, anything that EM says about the Pacman is perfectly natural. It’s the way of the boxer my friend.
Okay, that is it for today, but tomorrow, there will be more of “Ask Geno.” You people really impressed me this week. If you didn’t see your question or comment in today’s bag, it will be in tomorrows. Remember, no question goes unanswered.
I also would like all the RSR readers to check out our message board. It is where you can express your opinion with other RSR readers and the RSR writers in an environment, which is truly without any garbage like you see on so many other message boards on the net. We are there too. So, check it out and have some fun people and I will see you tomorrow.
