Interesting article in today's New York Times about the boxing team at Westpoint and their recent national championships.
"For more than 100 years, the United States Military Academy has required incoming male cadets to complete an introductory boxing course. The first lesson, both basic and brutal, never changes. Fist, meet face."
In MMA, this weekend finds top pound for pounder George "Rush" St. Pierre defending his UFC welterweight belt (170 lbs) against Dan "The Outlaw" Hardy at UFC 111 in Newark, NJ. Brit Hardy (23-6-1) will be looking to emulate his training partner Matt Serra's stunning upset of St. Pierre (19-2) three years ago at UFC 69. While the hard hitting Hardy says he is up to the task, do not expect St. Pierre to make the same mistake again. Instead, St. Pierre should continue his recent streak of dominance with a win and further his case as the best P4P in the world.
Also at UFC 111, Frank Mir takes on Shane Carwin for the interim heavyweight belt. Mir (13-4) claims that given Carwin's size and style, this will be a good tune-up fight for the champion Brock Lesner. If the fighters stay on their feet, the hard-hitting Carwin 11-0 will have the advantage as Mir has proven adverse to getting hit in the face. If they go to the ground, Mir's jiu-jitsu will carry him to a victory.
In the square circle, the most intriguing fight will be the next chapter of Showtime's excellent Super Six World Boxing Classic. "King" Arthur Abraham takes on Andre Dirrell in the second round of this super middleweight (168 lbs) tournament. In his first round fight, Abraham (31-0) knocked out and possibly retired former middleweight champ Jermain Taylor. Dirrell (18-1) lost an ugly split decision to Carl Froch in his first round fight. Dirrell won an Olympic bronze medal as a middleweight for the U.S. in Athens in 2004. German Abraham held the IBF middleweight belt for several years before moving up in weight for this tournament. His vicious knockouts of Edison Miranda and Taylor should concern Dirrell, especially given that his first defeat of Miranda came after surviving several rounds with a severely broken jaw. Dirrell slick southpaw style and sometimes ugly clutching and spoiling tactics could frustrate Abraham's normal conservative approach. Dirrell's grabbing in particular caused issues with the judges in the last fight, but his style was effective in slowing down Froch. Abraham should be prepared to up his punch output and work the body rather than staying behind his normal hands up, peek a boo defense, waiting to land the big punches. This fight will be determined by his game plan for Dirrell.
As I understand, Mayweather's camp is claiming that Pacquiao won't give blood samples after the initial press conference. Blood testing is what differentiates the Olympic style testing from the standard urine testing that the Nevada Athletic Commission conducts and which Pacquiao has never failed. Mayweather Sr has implied that Pacquiao's exceptional power and ability to maintain his speed through various weight classes is due to performance enhancing drugs. Pacquiao's nutritionist claims that Manny uses legal supplements and trainer Freddy Roach has said in the past that they have no issue with the tests. There have been steroid issues in boxings past. Shane Mosley tested positive after beating Oscar de la Hoya the second time. Mosley claimed he had unknowingly taken illegal substances. Fernando Vargas tested positive following his loss to Oscar. While drugs do not therefore guarantee victory, it would definitely tarnish PacMan's historic accomplishments. More to come as details allow.
Pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao meets Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand this Saturday night. Pacquiao will be looking to claim yet another title as Cotto'sWBO welterweight belt (147 lbs) will be on the line. In addition, the fight will most likely determine who will meet Floyd Mayweather Jr. for what would be the biggest fight possible in the sport today.
Pacquiao has risen steadily through the weight divisions, claiming titles along the way. His retiring of Oscar De La Hoya placed him on the mainstream sport stage, although his classic battles with Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Juan Manuel Marquez had made him a favorite among boxing fans much earlier. His explosive speed, lethal left hand, and style of controlled fury have made him a dangerous fighter to his opponents and occasionally himself. Under the tutelage of Freddie Roach, Pacquiao has blossomed into an all around fighter with power in both hands and uncanny ring control. He has coupled this with a disciplined approach to this training and a series of precision gameplans.
Cotto is one of the deep welterweight division's top fighters and one of the pound for pound best. His controversial loss to Antonio Margarito at the end of possibly loaded gloves was thought to have taken his warrior spirit. He has followed this setback with a series of tattoos while claiming the WBO belt from Michael Jennings. Cotto's methodical style has caused some to label him as a boxing robot. His powerful left hook and vicious body attack have proven too much for most opponents.
Pac Man followed his win against De La Hoya with an annihilation of Ricky Hatton. His pin point accurate punches and superior hand speed overmatchedHatton from the opening bell. His second round knockout was an all time classic.
Cotto defended his belt against Joshua Clottey in his last outing. Cotto suffered a severe cut over his left eye due to a clash of heads from the third round on. His resiliency in fighting through this disadvantage did much to quiet questions of his resolve. Cotto's use of distance and the jab allowed him to eke out a split decision.
Pacquiao's decisive victories and seeming mastery of the sport at the hands of Roach have allowed him to attain the P4P crown. He is the favorite Saturday as most think his speed will be able to eventually conquer Cotto's brawn.
Despite his welterweight fight with De La Hoya, Pacquiao has never fought a natural 147-pounder. The fight is set at 145 pounds in an effort by his camp to bring Cotto down. That being said, Cotto will most likely still pack more power than Pacquiao has faced. Some observers believe that Cotto is being underestimated and that his punches, particularly to the body, will wear down the naturally smaller Pac Man. If he is able us his strength to inflict damage on Pacquiao and land his jab consistently, he could overwhelm him.
Despite a friend`s comparison of Manny's pre-fight movie career chronicled on HBO`s excellent 24/7 to Rocky III, I do not see Cotto playing Clubber Lang to Pacquiao`s Balboa. Pac Man has been consistently prepared and focused for his recent outings, and I believe his camp is taking the threat of Cotto seriously.
I predict that Pacquiao's speed will allow him utilize both hands to jump in and score points while avoiding too much punishment from Cotto.
Kirkland, who last fought in March, has been incarcerated since April at the Federal Correctional Institution in Bastrop, Texas, about 20 minutes from Austin, after being arrested for buying a firearm at a gun show. He could be out by June, according to Michael Miller, Kirkland's personal attorney and co-manager.
Kirkland would get credit for the approximately six months he has already served. In addition he can earn credits for good behavior and Texas rules allow for the final six months of his sentence to be served in a halfway house, Miller said.
Hopefully, the Golden Boy can be a positive influence and keep James in the ring.
Besides Miller testifying on Kirkland's behalf, so too did his promoter, Golden Boy's Oscar De La Hoya, who made the trip to Austin with others from the company.
"I told the judge that James made a stupid mistake that cost him dearly," De La Hoya told ESPN.com after leaving the hearing."I told the judge, yes, we all make mistakes and we all need role models. I want to take James under my wing and guide him. He's never had that before."
Floyd Mayweather Jr. ends his 21-month "retirement" on Saturday night when he faces Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand. Competing with the first ever UFC in Dallas, Mayweather is hoping to establish his claim to the #1 pound for pound title as well as the #1 PPV draw. It remains to be seen whether the PPV numbers Mayweather vs Oscar De la Hoya and Mayweather vs Ricky Hatton garnered were not due to his opponents.
Mayweather (39-0) will be coming back from an almost 2 year break. He retired unexpectedly, backing out of an agreed rematch with De la Hoya and forfeiting a multi-million dollar payday. Their prior bout set the record for PPVs for a boxing match. Mayweather claims that he has returned to reclaim his throne as the P4P king and because "boxing needs him." There have been reports that his ongoing battles with the IRS may play a role as well.
Marquez (51-4-1) is ranked #2 pound for pound in the world by the Ring. He has established himself as the preeminent Mexican boxer, and his punishing style has endeared him to fans. In the past, he has suffered multiple knockdowns and cuts only to comeback and will himself to victory.
"Money" Mayweather's last outing was against Hatton in December 2007. While Hatton attempted to swarm Mayweather early on and appeared to frustrate him briefly, Floyd dictated the fight. Having toyed with Hatton for several rounds, Mayweather landed a perfect check hook which sent Hatton into the corner post and onto his back. While Hatton regained his footing, Mayweather quickly knocked him out.
"Dinamita" Marquez took his belt to Juan Diaz's hometown of Houston Texas in his last fight. Before a raucous crowd, Diaz pressured Marquez from the first bell. Attempting to use his youth and power against the older Marquez, Diaz pinned Juan against the ropes on several occasions. Displaying his grit and veteran wisdom, Marquez was able to survive these early rounds and exact his revenge on the depleted "Baby Bull." After putting Diaz down with right hands towards the end of the 9th round, Marquez finished him off with an uppercut to claim victory.
The proceedings on Saturday night will have implications throughout the boxing world. Looming over this fight is the possibility of a match with the P4P king, Manny Pacquiao. Following Floyd`s exit, De la Hoya tapped Pacquiao for his replacement. Pacquiao returned the favor by sending the larger De la Hoya into retirement. Following this, Pacquiao knocked out another former Mayweather opponent when he sent Hatton into career limbo and possible retirement with one of the all time great knockouts. Mayweather has scoffed at claims of Pacquiao being the sport's king. Nonetheless, a Mayweather victory will almost surely set the stage for a superfight between him and Pacman. For Marquez'z part, he too seeks Manny but for different reasons. Pacquiao and Marquez fought to a draw in 2004 at featherweight (125 lbs). Their rematch in 2007 at super featherweight (129lbs) was awarded a split decision to Pacquiao. Many observers has stated that Marquez could have easily been given both decisions. Following this fight, Pacquiao moved up to lightweight (135 lbs) and beyond. Marquez has followed Pacquiao up in weight, claiming the linear championship and seemingly searching for a final meeting with Pacman.
Marquez should enter the fight with a familiar game plan for Mayweather. He will attempt to go to the body to slow him down while overwhelming him with punch output. This strategy, while sound, is incredibly difficult to execute against the talented Mayweather. His shoulder roll defense is one of the best ever, with the possible exception of a young James Toney. In addition, Mayweather's speed should be more than Marquez can overcome. As with the Hatton fight, Mayweather will enjoy size and strength advantages over his opponent despite a 144lbs catchweight that would seem to favor the naturally lighter Marquez. When coupled with his speed, this makes for a seemingly one sided affair.
I predict that this fight should go the distance with Mayweather winning by decision.
Fedor will debut for Strikeforce this Fall when the first fight under the contract puts him on Showtime, which is also a bit of a surprise. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker had previously commented that if his company were able to sign Fedor, it would probably necessitate and immediate move to pay-per-view. All of Fedor’s previous fights in the U.S. have been on pay-per-view.
"I am looking forward to going back to work and fighting at the highest level," said the 33-year-old Emelianenko in a statement issued by Strikeforce. "Strikeforce is a top fight promotion that houses some of the greatest fighters in the world. I am prepared to fight any of them."
