DSP Boxing thread. Ding! Ding!

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 2:06 pm

Manny is no doubt at the top of his game but as others have said he'll be no match for PBF. Floyd was just as clinical a boxer as you can get. He neutralized his opponent than just beat him at will. I remember hearing the announcers saying why PBF just didn't finish the fight after the knockdown. I guess he was so much in command of the fight he probably never felt threatened.

I'm not really into boxing much and believe it or not that was the first time I watched PBF fight and it was just an impressive boxing lesson, like FN4.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 2:22 pm

As much as I don't like Floyd, I admire his skills. He's one of the greatest defensive boxers of all time.

Take care,
PK

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 8:32 pm

Good upcoming fights:

Sept. 26: Chris Arreola vs. Vitali Klitschko for the WBC heavyweight title, HBO. Arreola and Eddie Chambers are the top U.S. hopes in the overrated heavyweight division. I don't think Arreola can beat the older Klitschko, as conditioning always is a factor for Arreola. But I'd like to see what he can do.

Oct. 2: Allan Green vs. Victor Oganov, super middleweights, Showtime. OK, this isn't a marquee fight. But Green is one of my favorite fighters, and I think he's pissed he wasn't included in the Super Six super middleweight tournament.

The Super Six World Boxing Classic to unify the super middleweight division starts in October, and it should be a corker. Six excellent fighters are in the tournament: Carl Froch, Andre Ward, Arthur Abraham, Jermain Taylor, Mikkel Kessler and Andre Dirrell. There's not a bum in this bunch; it should be a GREAT tournament.

Showtime is televising the tournament, and it starts Oct. 17 with a smoking double-header featuring unbeaten Abraham against Taylor, and Froch against Dirrell for the WBC title.

More details: http://sports.sho.com/world-boxing-classic.html

Nov. 7: Chad Dawson vs. Glen Johnson, light heavyweights, HBO. A good rematch, as many think Johnson was robbed in their first bout and handed Dawson his first defeat.

Nov. 14: Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Angel Cotto, welterweights, PPV. Mayweather awaits the winner. Should be a tougher test for Manny than Hatton or De La Hoya.

Nov. 21: Mikkel Kessler vs. Andre Ward for the WBA super middleweight title, Showtime. Another Super Six tournament fight. If you've never seen Kessler fight, watch this bout. Dude is very good -- plus he has FEROCIOUS body art.

I think Kessler could win the entire tournament. He gave Joe Calzaghe one of his toughest fights before Calzaghe retired unbeaten.

Dec. 5: Lamont Peterson vs. Timothy Bradley for the WBO light welterweight title, Showtime. Bradley knocked out Nate "Galaxy Warrior" Campbell in his last fight, while Peterson is a promising fighter from D.C. who might be ready for prime time. Peterson supposedly gave Mayweather a tough time in sparring during training for the Marquez fight, although that might be urban legend. Still, a very interesting fight.

Dec. 12: Kelly Pavlik vs. Paul Williams for the WBC and WBO middleweight title, network TBA. I'm probably looking forward to this fight more than any other for the rest of this year. It's Pavlik's power vs. Williams' speed and reach. Pavlik has a tough chin -- just ask Jermain Taylor -- but he looked like crap when losing to Bernard Hopkins, supposedly with the flu. Williams is big-time dangerous, as no top guys would touch him at 147. Now he's at 160, probably a more natural weight for him. He has looked good at junior middleweight, with no discernible loss of speed. But he also never has been hit by someone with Pavlik's power. A fascinating bout.

So ding-ding, fight fans: This is going to be an INCREDIBLE fall for boxing, with great fights damn near every weekend.

Seconds out ... Box!

Take care,
PK

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 12:24 pm

Boxing is dead, eh? Mayweather-Marquez PPV numbers destroy those for competing UFC 103:

http://www.ringtv.com/blog/1142/mayweat ... _ppv_buys/

Take care,
PK

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 6:36 pm

I'd love to see the heavyweight division get some sort of juice back. I am happy with the matchups in the lower weightclasses. Should be some great fights this fall.

On a slightly similar note...my brother, who loves the fight game, just texted me - he is eating dinner at a local Italian restaurant in Philly and Bernard Hopkins is at the table next to him

Said he had some nice conversation with him...solid dude.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 6:50 pm

Diablo25 wrote:I'd love to see the heavyweight division get some sort of juice back. I am happy with the matchups in the lower weightclasses. Should be some great fights this fall.

If Arreola can upset V. Klitschko tomorrow night, that will give the heavyweight division a serious infusion of juice. You'll have an American heavyweight champion for the first time since Shannon Briggs in November 2006. But Briggs beat a nobody Belarus to win the WBO title.

Arreola would be legit if he beat V. Klitschko. Might set up a great revenge bout against his younger brother, heavyweight champ W. Klitschko.

The fight is on HBO tomorrow night.

Diablo25 wrote:On a slightly similar note...my brother, who loves the fight game, just texted me - he is eating dinner at a local Italian restaurant in Philly and Bernard Hopkins is at the table next to him Said he had some nice conversation with him...solid dude.

BHop is a nice story of redemption. Dude did five years in jail for various crimes but learned to box in prison. He used boxing as an escape from his prior life and became a great champion. In fact, there's the famous story in which the warden told BHop as he was leaving jail, "see you again when you wind up back here," to which Hopkins replied, "I ain't ever coming back here."

Hopkins was right.

Take care,
PK

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:53 am

"Manny Pacquiao's nickname is 'The Mexicutioner.' He's beaten more Latinos than the police. Pacquiao...unanimous decision."

- George Lopez, Comedian, Actor, and Host of Lopez Tonight!

Many more predictions from boxers, athletes and celebrities:

http://www.thesweetscience.com/boxing-a ... ns-galore/

Can't wait for this fight Saturday night!

Take care,
PK

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 11:39 am

Pacquiao is very quick and Cotto has slowed down since the Margarito fight. That will cost Cotto the fight in the late rounds if it goes to decision IMO. If Cotto tries to use his size like Hatton did, he'll be staring at the stars. He should try to use his great jab and his defense is much better than what people give him credit for. I expect a great fight but I think Manny will be the last man standing.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 12:18 pm

10spro wrote:If Cotto tries to use his size like Hatton did, he'll be staring at the stars.

Not so sure about that, since Cotto is bigger than Hatton. One can make the argument that Cotto is the first prime, true welterweight Manny ever has fought.

Hatton was a bloated, one-dimensional light welter, and Oscar drained the hell out of himself to drop to 147. Plus he was washed-up when he faced Manny.

Cotto was a big-time seek-and-destroy fighter at light welter, but he's become much more of a counterpuncher since he has climbed to 147. I think Manny will be the aggressor in this fight, not Cotto, even though Cotto is the bigger man.

Two facts to consider:

One, Manny's calves are 3 inches bigger than Cotto's. So even though Manny is a smaller man, he develops tremendous power and snap to his punches due to the pivot and push from his huge calves.

Two, Clottey cut Cotto badly in Cotto's last fight. If Manny can open that cut and chip away at it, this fight could go to the cards after the fourth if the doctor stops the bout. I hope that doesn't happen and that the fight is decided by the fighters or judges, but it's something to remember and consider.

Can't wait for this fight! Good Lord, it's only Tuesday, and I'm already giddy with excitement and anticipation!

Take care,
PK

jLp vAkEr0 · Post by **jLp vAkEr0** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 2:49 pm

Odds are against Cotto, but he'll still represent our colors proudly on Saturday.

COTTO! COTTO!! COTTO!!

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 3:10 pm

jLp vAkEr0 wrote:Odds are against Cotto, but he'll still represent our colors proudly on Saturday.

COTTO! COTTO!! COTTO!!

Indeed, Javi. All of PR should be proud of Cotto. He is continuing the proud legacy of Puerto Rican fighters such as Gomez, Benitez, Trinidad, Camacho, Calderon, Vazquez and so many more.

Take care,
PK

jLp vAkEr0 · Post by **jLp vAkEr0** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 3:32 pm

pk500 wrote:
jLp vAkEr0 wrote:Odds are against Cotto, but he'll still represent our colors proudly on Saturday.

COTTO! COTTO!! COTTO!!
Indeed, Javi. All of PR should be proud of Cotto. He is continuing the proud legacy of Puerto Rican fighters such as Gomez, Benitez, Trinidad, Camacho, Calderon, Vazquez and so many more.

Take care,
PK

No doubt.

Cotto hasn't had the impact on the people that Tito, Gomez and Benitez have, but he could get very close with a win vs Pac-Man.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 4:22 pm

What's the vibe like this week in PR for the fight, Javi? Are a lot of people talking about it? Will the streets of Bayamon, San Juan and the like be quiet Saturday night because everyone is watching the fight?

Just trying to get a feel for it, man. I hope everyone is hyped. It must be so cool for an entire island or nation to get behind one guy in a major sporting event.

I can't think of one sporting event in America outside of the Super Bowl that would unite everyone in front of their TVs, stopping daily life, the way a Pacquiao fight does in The Philippines or how I presume a Cotto fight does in PR.

Take care,
PK

dskrizzy · Post by **dskrizzy** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:03 pm

Javi! Long time pare'. Hope your keeping well.

Good luck to Cotto and respect to the people in the PR.

Manny's on point these days and he has the best team in the business with Freddie, Alex, and Buboy. Game plan is in place.

Good luck to Cotto. Cuz if he's as slow as he looks on the vids I've been seeing... Real talks... Dude is in TROUBLE!

Freddie see's stuff to exploit... I can't wait...
Not like Manny needs any more motivation than normal, but the typhoons will make him even hungrier if that is possible. To give our people something to be happy about... Even for just a minute.

Just hope Cotto don't fight dirty when things go bad, which he has been known to do... Good clean fight, and pray nobody gets hurt.

Mabuhay Manny... Good Luck Cotto!

d.

jLp vAkEr0 · Post by **jLp vAkEr0** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:56 pm

pk500 wrote:What's the vibe like this week in PR for the fight, Javi? Are a lot of people talking about it? Will the streets of Bayamon, San Juan and the like be quiet Saturday night because everyone is watching the fight?

Just trying to get a feel for it, man. I hope everyone is hyped. It must be so cool for an entire island or nation to get behind one guy in a major sporting event.

I can't think of one sporting event in America outside of the Super Bowl that would unite everyone in front of their TVs, stopping daily life, the way a Pacquiao fight does in The Philippines or how I presume a Cotto fight does in PR.

Take care,
PK

There's a ton of hype, PK.

But nothing like a pre-Trinidad fight.

Cotto still hasn't grabbed the hearts of Pricans like Tito did. Tito was just so down to earth and at the same time, so accessible. Pricans just identified more with him, they still do.

The day after Hopkins "murdered" Tito, the whole country was in mourning. Just a sad sad day for everyone. I still remember people at the bar crying, it was like a family member had died. Just surreal.

Plus, Tito's fights where just fun to watch, non stop action. So many times he went down only to comeback with a super-KO.

Cotto is a more reserved dude. He's like a robot.

What's funny is that the guy hangs around a ton in his native Caguas, and drinks like a motherf@cker. I've heard some nasty stories about him related to alcohol.

Still, he's loved in PR, and we'll all be pulling for him.

But the hype is helped too by the figure of Pac-man, who btw has a huge following down here.

I'm just hoping for a great fight, and if he loses, let it not be by KO. It's really sad to see your fellow countrymen go down for the count.

jLp vAkEr0 · Post by **jLp vAkEr0** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:59 pm

dskrizzy wrote:Javi! Long time pare'. Hope your keeping well.

Good luck to Cotto and respect to the people in the PR.

Manny's on point these days and he has the best team in the business with Freddie, Alex, and Buboy. Game plan is in place.

Good luck to Cotto. Cuz if he's as slow as he looks on the vids I've been seeing... Real talks... Dude is in TROUBLE!

Freddie see's stuff to exploit... I can't wait...
Not like Manny needs any more motivation than normal, but the typhoons will make him even hungrier if that is possible. To give our people something to be happy about... Even for just a minute.

Just hope Cotto don't fight dirty when things go bad, which he has been known to do... Good clean fight, and pray nobody gets hurt.

Mabuhay Manny... Good Luck Cotto!

d.

D,

WTH? You alive?

I emailed you a ton of times, waited for a reply from you till the last minute for my fantasy NBA league. It won't be the same without you buddy. You changed your email?

Anyways, hope you're boy goes down hard!

Tons of respect down here for Pac-Man, but I'll be pulling for Cotto.

COTTO COTTO! COTTO!

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:01 pm

Javi vs. D -- BRAWL!

The one thing I noticed about Manny in the third episode of "24/7" is that he looks more bulked up than he did for the Oscar or Hatton fights. He always looks in phenomenal shape, but his torso muscles looked really THICK, as if he knows Cotto will hit him harder than anyone he's faced.

Yet Manny still looks ridiculously fast. Combine that with the HUGE advantage in trainer experience and skill for Manny, and I see him either winning with an early KO or a decision.

This fight either will end early with a Manny KO if he is able to exploit a flaw or weakness in Cotto like he did against Hatton, or it will go the distance, with Manny winning a unanimous decision.

I don't think Cotto will leave himself nearly as vulnerable to Manny's shots as Hatton because Cotto has become much more of a counterpuncher at welterweight than the seek-and-destroy fighter he was at light welter.

Take care,
PK

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:41 pm

Javier, good luck to PR. But in the end Cotto va a decir 'No quiero mas, no mas'.

eman · Post by **eman** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:07 am

I love Pac, but I think the added weight finally catches up with him.

Look at it this way, he's beaten a washed up DelLaHoya and an inflated Ricky Hatton. Sure, he looked amazing in both fights, but Cotto is miles better than either of those guys, right?

Anyone know if it's legal to bet online? I'd love to put a few $$ on Cotto, but not sure what that entails seeing as how I live in PA.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:30 pm

eman wrote:Anyone know if it's legal to bet online? I'd love to put a few $$ on Cotto, but not sure what that entails seeing as how I live in PA.

There must be some offshore gambling site that's taking bets on this fight.

I'm picking Manny to win, but a bet on Cotto wouldn't be foolish at all. This fight is that close.

Good luck!

Take care,
PK

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 2:50 pm

Just finished watching Pacquiao-Cotto 24/7 on HBO. A great show. They showeowNow well trained both fighters are for this fight, the problems on both camps, Miguel firing his uncle Evangelista who's his trainer, Paq-Man's corner problems between Ariza and his senior advisor M. Koncz. Personally, I think he's just there for the ride.

One thing for sure, I like both guys, their humility, their tight family bond, their boxing records. Manny has been doing so much for his country as mother nature hasn't been too kind to the Philipines the past few months. Geez, this guy is a legend back home.

I am pumped. It should be a great fight, I am picking Manny's lightening speed to win by decision.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 3:07 pm

10spro wrote:Just finished watching Pacquiao-Cotto 24/7 on HBO. A great show.

My oldest son and I watched the fourth and final segment this afternoon, too!

"24/7" is an institution around our household. My son hums the theme music quite a bit. We watch every segment. Great show -- worth every Emmy it wins.

The final segment of Pacquiao-Cotto is free today on HBO's boxing Web site:

http://www.hbo.com/boxing/

Take care,
PK

grtwhtsk · Post by **grtwhtsk** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 4:32 pm

Agree with all here, 24/7 is terrific. My wife complains after watching it because she says that she finds herself liking the "other" boxer. In this case, she is talking about Cotto.

I am pumped. As one of the commentators said, it will be interesting to see how Cotto is affected by Manny's power. He brought up that fight with Oscar, and how even though he was battered, Oscar never went down. Cotto is younger, and will not be as easy to hit (without punches coming back). It will be interesting to see what happens if Cotto can hit Manny square on.

Enough talk, ring the bell!

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 7:21 pm

So does the winner of this fight get a matchup with PBF? If so who would make the better opponent?

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 7:32 pm

Rodster wrote:So does the winner of this fight get a matchup with PBF? If so who would make the better opponent?

Yes, especially now that Sugar Shane Mosley -- who has called out PBF and been denied -- is fighting Andre Berto on Jan. 30.

I think Manny makes a much tougher opponent for Floyd. Speed kills, and Manny's speed rivals that of Floyd. Plus the contrast of Manny's offense vs. Floyd's defense would be fascinating.

Take care,
PK