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Tag: Bob Arum
It's not the fight that is left in the dog , but whether or not, its bark and bite might send you running
It no longer pains me to say this , but the sport of boxing is now dead ! Granted, we are led to be believe that Floyd Mayweather still provides a great deal of excitement in a boxing ring. My question however , does a Mayweather fight truly induce the fans to appreciate what remains a sport that is really devoid of talent , once you take multi-talented champion out of the picture ?
Slideshow.
Aging veteran, Sergio Martinez recently lost his middleweight title against Miguel Cotto in a tenth round stoppage. Cotto's record coming into this bout was not overly impressive but his manager and promoter are now seeking a bout against Floyd Mayweather , in what would prove to be the biggest purse of Miguel Cotto's career. For Mayweather , he would once again be on his way to banking another $25-$35 million for a meaningless bout . Yet, this is now what the sport of boxing has come to , with their no longer being any meaningful fights taking place, where an undisputed champion is created.
To understand how far this sport has fallen, once can equate that with the Fall of the Roman Empire with the Emperor Nero playing an instrument while that city burned. Suffice to say, the same scenario is now set with the state of play within boxing. Richard Schaefer , former CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Inc , the boxing promotion company founded by Oscar De La Hoya . The former championship title holder and Schaeffer are said to have had a difference of opinion on the direction that the company was being directed . Golden Boy Promotions , Don King Promotions and Top Rank Inc , remain the three largest boxing promotions' companies in North America, with the triumvirate battling to decide which of them holds sway and the power within the sport.
Oscar De La Hoya , Don King and Bob Arum are the three executives who run the respective companies that seem to have a stranglehold on the sport of boxing, where corruption , incompetence and a great deal of mismanagement reigns supreme . While all three promoters see themselves as champions of the sport in selling it to the masses, in reality, the biggest obstacle to the sport remains the fact, there are no undisputed champions in any of the weight divisions within boxing . One has to bear in mind also , with four main international governing bodies , boxing remains splintered among the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO . Given the issue , that neither of these bodies in question seems intent on perhaps merging or sharing similar standards , the only constant has been their title fights remain twelve round contests .
With Manny Pacquiao coming off his recent defeat of Timothy Bradley , the Filipino fighter is once again a world champion. However, in light of that fact, Pacquiao and his promoter, Bob Arum, remain unable to engineer the long-awaited bout with Floyd Mayweather . Both fighters are on the downside of their illustrious careers and the possibility of a mega-fight now taking place does seem remote. Unless the payout in the prize money is right and Mayweather's favor. Then such a fight remains a major topic of debate and conjecture , with no one profiting from their continued stupidity. If the two combatants, cannot come to meet in a civil way, whereby they split a fair share in what would be the biggest boxing match in history. It seems redundant at this point, to consider a proposed bout would still ignite any type of intensity among a fan base of the sport of boxing. Quite possibly, there might be a record number of Pay-Per-View (PPV) buys for such an event, with Mayweather and Bob Arum's Top Rank co-promoting the event.
There are a number of fighters positioning themselves to be viewed as likely challengers for Manny Pacquiao , Miguel Cotto and Floyd Mayweather , but none of them I believe will elicit enough interest whereby fans would be willing to pay $49.95 for the privilege of witnessing such a bout. Mayweather still remains the biggest draw within the sport of boxing , but he has already hinted that upon fulfilling his six-fight deal with Showtime PPV , for which he will earn $200 million . The boxer is likely to retire, with his record remaining intact, without having suffered a loss.
Richard Schaefer's decision to leave Golden Boy Promotions , leaves a void within the organization altogether , with his business acumen engineering the substantial growth of the company. Golden Boy Promotions beyond staging and promoting fights also manages fighters , has a publishing arm , as well as branching out into other lucrative area of the sport and into the area of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). These business decisions have made Oscar De La Hoya an extremely powerful and wealthy man, with a voice big enough to influence a number of major decisions within the sport. Yet, for all the decisions made , boxing has regressed to the point where it is now having to play catch-up to the more competitive and exhilarating genre of MMA , under the UFC banner. Schaefer is likely to start his own company or possibly join Al Haymon or Mayweather Promotions Inc, where Floyd Mayweather is the primary owner of that particular business entity.
The threat to Oscar De La Hoya now, is how to keep his company relevant while remaining among the top promotional groups within the sport. His retention of fighters may well prove difficult if they are close to the end of the contracts with the company. Also bear in mind, many of the fighters saw Schaeffer more as the real brains behind Golden Boy Promotions , with De La Hoya seen as a figurehead, because of his name recognition. Boxing is now self-imploding, because of the ongoing idiocy within the sport and the dog eat dog mendacity being shown between rival groups of promoters, the seediness of the international governing bodies and dare one say , the incompetence of the Nevada State Athletic Commission and their failure to have any proper oversight of their officials ? Las Vegas remains the Mecca for the sport of boxing, but as of late , it has been the state's Athletic Commission, that has many of the sport's fans up in arms concerning the integrity of that agency and its failure to conduct in-depth investigations into the character and integrity of the boxing judges and referees under its jurisdiction.
There is no denying, the explosion in the growth of MMA over the past decade has primarily come from the marketing and shrewdness shown by UFC President Dana White . His eye, for what was considered to be in some circles, a barbaric sport, has now become the fastest growing global phenomena of combative competition in the world and the popularity of MMA has exceeded boxing, with many of its top practitioners being more widely recognized than some of boxing's biggest named fighters. White , his co-founding partners , Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta , now preside over a multi-billion dollar empire , with the mercurial President running the show. Unfortunately, in recent months, Dana White has begun to make a complete ass of himself , with either veiled criticism or threats of fighters who have made the sport so popular , bringing along legions of rabid and loyal fans. Yet, for all the pomposity shown by the executive, he also must now realize that his sport is under threat when he fails to act judiciously in reprimanding fighters who fail to adhere to the sport's strict rules .
For the third time in his career, former middleweight title challenger Chael Sonnen has failed a random drug test , with the fighter now announcing his immediate retirement. Yet, for Sonnen's wrongdoing , White is now seeking to blame the Nevada State Athletic Commission for their draconian measures in suspending the fighter and asking that his license within the state be made permanently inactive. If Dana White wishes to uphold the integrity he believes MMA to have , then he should be pursuing the banishment of Sonnen from the UFC altogether , rather than seeking to support the fighter. It has been a pattern of behavior with Chael Sonnen, which should not be condoned as being in the best interests of the UFC or the genre of MMA. The issue may well be that with the lack of charisma of the current middleweight champion Chris Weidman and the very fact the UFC's greatest fighter and the division's former champion Anderson Silva is in the twilight of his career. UFC now finds itself in a position where its biggest and most popular asset is a champion in Jon 'Bones' Jones , a fighter who marches to the beat of his own drum and is someone who is not ready to have White dictate the terms of when and who he should fight. As immense as Dana White's power is now said to be , he is being looked upon as an executive, who is seeking to become bigger than the sport he has built into global phenomena.
Should one man (White) be able to wield that much power? Well, dependent upon the authority and knowledge shown, I believe that some fans might not have a problem with that ! Yet , in today's sports environment , we have executives such as Bud Selig, David Stern, Mark Emmert and Roger Goodell continually showing a great deal of incompetency , without fully understanding the ever-changing environment around them . One only has to look at Selig's handling of the steroid issue within baseball, Stern's apparent behavior and his failing to reprimand Donald Sterling for his behavior prior to this latest outrage in the NBA . NCAA President Mark Emmert's ongoing lack of credibility on a slew of issues affecting collegiate sports and last, but not least, Goodell's insistence, at the NFL all along, has acted in the best interests of football's retired elderly veterans. With the ongoing apathy of some fans and their staunch support for idiots such as David Stern , I have no reason to believe that things are likely to get any better ! The same can be said for the lack of leadership now being shown within Congress and by a President , who now seems to be bungling his way through his second term in office, as his tenure begins to wind down.
The UFC seeks to bring the best contests possible and those events tend to have the best talent available, in marquee match-ups that headlines each of these shows. On Saturday, another of UFC's usual fare will be on display , when they stage UFC174 , to be held at the Rogers Arena , in Vancouver, Canada, with another championship contest being staged. Headlining the card will be the marquee bout featuring Demetrious Johnson against Ali Baugautinov , as Johnson defends his UFC Flyweight Title . . This will be Johnson's fifth defense of his title, as he seeks to cement his own legacy within MMA and specifically UFC and the champion is a firm favorite in this contest. On the under-card we have welterweight contenders Rory McDonald facing off against Tyrone Woodley, with the winner a likely future opponent for the newly crowned welterweight champion Johny Hendricks . For the welterweight champion, Hendricks would like nothing more than to prove that he is a worthy successor to Georges St Pierre , who relinquished the title rather than be forced to defend it . A great deal of criticism was leveled directly against the former champion by Dana White , who suggested that St Pierre should be willing to defend the title against all contenders. Granted, while that may well true, it might well have escaped White's notice Georges St Pierre was one of the most active champions in UFC history , having made eleven successful defenses of the welterweight title, within a seven-year span. Yet, White with all of his bombastic attitude , sought to somehow ridicule the Canadian and many of his accomplishments within UFC. Makes one wonder, does the UFC President believe that he is above any criticism, while also being critical of Anderson Silva ? It might now be time, for Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta to consider having a new President replace their incumbent partner.
As boxing seeks to steer its way through another crisis of its own making , I firmly believe that the sport cannot regain its lofty status of being one of the country's most beloved pastimes . A famine has ravaged boxing of real talent beyond that of an aging Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather , who are now in the twilight of their careers. Miguel Cotto may well have added to his legacy by winning another world title , but he is no longer the once dominant of five years ago . Within the heavyweight division of the sport, the most dominant champion, just happens to be a Ukrainian still seeking name recognition in North America. Wladimir Klitschko might well be the heavyweight champion , holding the titles that count, but he still remains something of a paradox in what is expected of a truly great champion .
Coming off a lopsided unanimous decision over Alex Leapai , Wladimir Klitschko's next opponent has yet to be decided. With no real credible challengers within the heavyweight division, you simply have to wonder why anyone would bother to take an interest in any boxing match, taking place within this specific weight category. Long gone, are the days of a truly dominant champion, where everyone took note his title bouts. It has been a decade or more since the division had an undisputed champion , with that accomplishment being achieved by Lennox Lewis of Great Britain . Lewis' title defenses were not necessarily memorable, but there were nonetheless the only thing that validated the division, without going overboard.
While boxing remains something of staple across the country , Mixed Martial Arts has yet to make a major inroad within the state of New York. The sport is banned by the New York State Legislature and the <a href=http:// New York State Athletic Commission despite receiving countless petitions by the fans and from Dana White and his partners from the UFC , the ban remains in place . Repeated votes within b both legislative chambers of the New York State Legislature, have seen the members simply reiterate their wish, to not grant a statute for the sport to become legal within New York State. The economic impact for the state would be immense ($135 million annually) but yet, there seems to opposition to a sport that is more regulated than the sport of boxing and where the issues of injuries and specifically neurological in nature, are taken far more seriously than the incompetency that has been witnessed with the an-nihilistic nature of pugilism (boxing) .
m Do you believe, the sport of boxing is under threat from the genre of Mixed Martial Arts? In addition, what are your thoughts to the possible reasons why Richard Schaefer would leave Golden Boy Promotions under such a cloud? Finally, have the members of the New York State Assembly made a monumental mistake, in not legalizing the sport of MMA within the state? Simply leave a comment on this and anything else you believe relevant to this topic and thanks as always for the continued support of this site as it is greatly appreciated !
Picture and slideshow gallery details below .
(1) For the second time in three years , Floyd Mayweather has been named the world's highest paid athlete , having earned $105 million in the last calendar year. The boxer hopes to have a scheduled fight in September 2014 , with the venue being the MGM Grand Casino & Resort Complex , in Las Vegas, Nevada. AP Photo / Richard Trent ….
(2) Miguel Cotto , right , is seen here dispatching middleweight champion Sergio Martinez in their WBC title fight staged at Madison Square Garden in New York City , New York this past Saturday . Also in picture , is referee Michael Griffin . Cotto won the fight with a tenth round knockout of the former champion . AP Photo/ Arturo Gomez ….
(3) LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 01: CEO of Golden Boy Promotions' Richard Schaefer (L) introduces President of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya at the final news conference for the bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Robert Guerrero at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino on May 1, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather will defend his WBC welterweight title against Guerrero. An acrimonious split between Schaefer, a co-founder of Golden Boy Promotion Inc and De La Hoya , has now left that company facing a great deal of uncertainty . Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images ….
(4) UFC Light-heavyweight champion Jon 'Bones' Jones (left) is seen here with UFC President Dana White . The UFC executive has been extremely critical of late, of two of the sport's biggest stars , Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva . St-Pierre has called for more stringent testing protocols within the sport, having at times come under a cloud of suspicion as to his presumed use of a banned substance . The fighter has never tested positive at any time during his professional career within the UFC . However, it now seems ironic, White would leap to the defense of Chael Sonnen , who has now tested positive for the third time in his career , within the sport . A second positive test brings about a mandatory suspension by the UFC , and a third such violation , calls for the immediate banning of that fighter, for life . AP Photo / Rich Arnold ….
(5) Chael Sonnen, a former UFC middleweight and light-heavyweight contender announced his retirement from the sport , having tested positive for the third time during his career. Sonnen has yet to give an explanation for the reasons behind testing positive for a banned substance . This was the third transgression by the fighter , that calls for a mandatory lifetime ban from the sport. Courtesy of MMA World …..
(6) Wladimir Klitschko , left , the linear heavyweight champion is seen here defeating Alex Leapai of Samoa during their WBA , WBO and IBF world title fight . Getty Images North America/ Julio Hernandez ……
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Author tophatal ...........Posted on June 12, 2014 June 12, 2014 Categories Boxing,, MMA, News & Media, News & Sports, Sports, Sports & Social Commentary, Sports Commentary, UFC, UncategorizedTags Bob Arum, Boxing,, Dana White, Don King, Floyd Mayweather Jr, http://wp.me/poxLH-91c, Miguel Cotto, MMA, News & Sports, Oscar De La Hoya, Sergio Martinez, Sports Commentary, UFC, Uncategorized9 Comments on It's not the fight that is left in the dog , but whether or not, its bark and bite might send you running
Shut Up ………. It Is What It Is ……….. It is Boxing What The F#ck Did You Expect … A Bouquet of Red Roses And An Invitation To A Party ?
By tophatal …….. 06/12/2012 …. 11:57 PM (EST)
Well the uproar over the decision in this past weekend's world title fight , for Manny Pacquiao's (54-3-2, 38 KO's) …. WBO welterweight title bout seemingly sent shock waves across the panacea of the sport . Timothy Bradley (29-0, 12 KO's) the challenger , in many respects fought the fight one would come to expect of an adversary . The stage was set with the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada , being the venue for Bradley's title challenge . The promoter Bob Arum whose company Top Rank Promotions Inc. , also happens to be promoter of both boxers and the co-manager of the Filipino multi title-holder and world titlist . Far be it for me to suggest that Arum has a conflict of interest but in the aftermath of the split decision verdict , in which the challenger won the welterweight title, has me wondering why the outrage by the now beleaguered promoter ? Is it not bad enough that Arum himself , has been the subject of several lawsuits and as recently as two years ago . One of his fighters Antonio Margarito was suspended for a year and fined $250,000 having had his wrapped in the hardening substance Plaster-of-Paris prior to a title fight against Miguel Cotto . Arum would later try to wave off the claims that Margarito " cheated " but a monetary the fine and the very fact that two of Antonio Margarito's trainers were also fined and suspended for a year , in light of their r actions shed light on the actions perpetrated .
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Come full circle , to Saturday's PPV ($54-95) event , where the unbeaten Timothy Bradley sought take down a modern-day boxing icon . Manny Pacquiao's last defeat , was in 2008 but what might be even more ludicrous beyond this sanctioned bout by the Nevada State Athletic Commission , is the very fact that one of the three judges , C J Ross , who presided over the bout had less than three years' experience as a judge . Ross was only presiding over his fifth world title fight in such a capacity . If that was not a harbinger of things to come then I certainly do not know what is ! C J Ross , Duane Ford and Jerry Roth were thought to be seasoned veterans of the fight scene but clearly was not the case . As for Bob Arum and the very fact that the split decision drew his ire when it was clear that there would be problems ahead in this bout . This decision if anything , will not change the landscape within the world boxing , as there have been far more egregious decisions rendered in a boxing ring over the years. That has certainly been the case in the state of Nevada and that state's boxing Mecca , Las Vegas. Anyone who believes that to be the contrary has to be a naïve son of a bitch ! In addition, please let us get one thing clear , boxing is no longer the sport of " Kings " , or is it filled with men of integrity . If that were the case , then Bob Arum , Don King , the Nevada State Athletic Commission and New York State Athletic Commission would be doing their utmost to clean up the sport . That has never been the case , with these repeated travesties , we have seen routinely happening within a boxing ring .
Courtesy of Daily Telegraph (UK)
Manny Pacquiao promoter asks Nevada Attorney General's office to investigate scoring in Tim Bradley fight
By Gareth A Davies , Boxing Correspondent ,
Promoter Bob Arum, Chairman and CEO of Top Rank, has submitted a formal request to the Nevada State Attorney General's office for a full and complete inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the scoring of Saturday's WBO welterweight championship fight between defending champion Manny Pacquiao and challenger Timothy Bradley.
The Pacquiao-Bradley welterweight title fight took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, overseen by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Arum has gone to a higher authority in government to instigate an investigation into a fight many are calling the biggest heist since Ocean's 11.
Dissatisfied that the Nevada State Athletic Commission has decided not to call an internal inquiry, Arum said: "The public has a right to know. The fighters have a right to know. The only way to restore fans' confidence in boxing is by letting an independent body investigate every detail of the fight, no matter how big or small. Sunshine never hurt anyone."
Bradley, the undefeated WBO junior welterweight champion, won a controversial split decision, dethroning Pacquiao on scores or 115-113, 115-113 and 113-115, in a fight most ringside media and fans thought Pacquiao won by a wide margin.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission chairman said that it would be standing by the verdicts "of three seasoned professionals" and that there would be no internal investigation. Judge Duane Ford broke his silence to explain his verdict, insisting that Bradley had given Pacquiao "a boxing lesson".
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Click on link provided to read this article in full .
Manny Pacquiao, left, and Timothy Bradley exchange punches in the seventh round of their WBO world welterweight title fight Saturday, June 9, 2012, in Las Vegas. Bradley won by split decision. AP Photo/Julie Jacobson …
Boxing has become a corrupt sport from head to toe , with the two biggest promoters tightening the noose and their grip around the necks of their victim , as if they were a lynch mob that happened to be members of the Klu Klux Klan. Both Bob Arum and Don King are stifling the life-blood out of the sport but their narcissistic asses are far too dumb to realize that fact . Anyone who believes that either has actually made the landscape a much better place for the fans and placed it up on a sure footing acceptance really needs to check what is currently happening within the world of boxing .
The fight itself pitted a boxer in Manny Pacquiao and a puncher fighter in Timothy Bradley . Rounds one through four , saw both fighters routinely looking for opening s to expose the flaws in each other's strategy. Pacquiao would land 345 of 568 (60.7%) punches in this bout , whereas his opponent Tim Bradley landed 185 of 433 (42.7 %) punches as stated by Comput-Box . For much of the fight the Filipino was seen as the aggressor but what may well have persuaded the judges in rendering the verdict was the very fact that many of the telling blows in this bout came from the challenger . With a volatile and racially diverse crowd the vast majority in attendance were undoubtedly there to support Pacquiao . Bradley for his part , had his loyal band of supporters cheering him on in his challenge .
Rounds six through seven this fight ebbed and flowed with both fighter s raising the pace and showing considerably more aggression during the latter rounds . From the ninth round onward this fight became one of desperation for both fighters and it became abundantly clear that Manny Pacquiao may well have felt that his gasp on his title belt was slipping . One thing was clear at the culmination of this title fight and it was that the fans would be in for a monumental surprise . From the eighth round onwards this fight became one where the events unfolding were of sheer ridicule . Timothy Bradley was on his way to a somewhat Pyrrhic and hollow victory. Boos and the utter anger that came about from the announcement of this verdict was met with a great deal of anger and derision from what appeared to be an increasingly volatile crowd .
As a once avid fan of the sport I have to say lost my passion for the "Sweet Science " the moment the heavyweight scene became redundant and nondescript ! It has been almost a decade since the division had an undisputed champion , and not one divisional category in the sport currently has a bona-fide titular champion that rules a division outright . Is there a chance that Lennox Lewis could come out of retirement for $30 million and clean up this lame ass division ? Because there is certainly no boxer on the North American continent capable of doing that, and that includes the over the hill cruiserweight Antonio Tarver . Moreover , we wonder why this sport is under such a great deal of ridicule ?
Recently I read a contributor's piece where he tried to analyze the sport and four others , as if he were analyzing the stock market . If the analysis not so stupid in terms of its lack of information then the very fact that all this individual could provide his readers with , was a few names of note and not much else to give his readers some insight . God knows it is one thing to put a few words on paper but at least have the goddamn common sense to show you have some intelligence with regard to the analysis you are providing on a topic ! It is not fu#king rocket science or is it ? A mind is such a terrible thing to waste .
With the sport having its alphabet spaghetti group of hierarchies overseeing the sport on an international level and on a national level here it is left to the various state athletic commissions . It will only be a matter of time before this sport literally falls off a precipice and into an abyss . There is a reason why MMA under the banner of UFC is now the fastest growing combative sport on the planet . Something, that the aforementioned individual failed to acknowledge in his article other than to mention three named fighters Georges St Pierre , Anderson Silva , and Frank Mir that he happened to know by name . The world of mixed MMA revolves around a great deal more than the aforementioned practitioners . With and with the emergence of Junior Dos Santos , Benson "Ben" Henderson , Jon "Bones" Jones and Dominick Cruz now becoming household names in a burgeoning domestic , and global market place. Many of these fighters have parlayed their newfound fame into commercial endorsements as well as earning seven-figure incomes from their careers within the octagon . Not bad considering where sport of MMA was a little more than a decade ago .
UFC President Dana White in conjunction with UFC co-founders Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta have a well-oiled machine that has now become a multi-billion dollar business concern and empire that is still growing . Wherein , the sport has much better safety protocols that can be found in the sport of boxing , the NFL and MLB (baseball) combined . The protocols put in place for all UFC sanctioned bouts has a medical professional , specifically a neurosurgeon or a triage specialist on site . Furthermore a fighter who is found to have used a banned substance while in training or during has used during the course of a bout has to forfeit their prize money and be subject to a mandatory suspension as rendered by UFC's hierarchy . In the world of baseball and the NFL when left to the likes of Bud Selig and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and how they seemingly handle the misdeeds of the players under the jurisdiction .
All of this idiocy as how to unappealing a combative sport (MMA) is said to be when it has been far more proactive in ensuring the safety of its members than either baseball , football or boxing could ever claim to be and that is a fact , not an aberration . But you would be hard pressed to make the uninformed more acquainted with such instances and the very salient points in question . Stupid is as stupid does ! Run Forrest , run .
Whatever transpires now in terms of an investigation either by the WBO or the Nevada State Athletic Commission not a great is about to change . We have seen far more egregious miscarriages within the sport when it comes to a verdict and that is unlikely to change in the near-term or long-term because the sport has no real wish to change. Bob Arum can pontificates all he god damn wants it is not as he has ever come up with an initiative or proposal that will change the landscape of the sport for the better . Arum like his rival Bob Arum is simply in the sport to make money , nothing more , nothing less . Not that there is anything wrong in making , it is how you go about making it and what lengths you are prepared to go to in order to make that dollar . Let it not be said that either, Bob Arum and Don King have conducted themselves in an appropriate fashion that one would come to expect of the said individuals who are the forefront of their professions .
In the midst of this idiocy, we should remember that while boxing is legal in the state of New York , the state legislature deems MMA unlawful and a dangerous sport . At present Dana White , Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta are making a spirited drive , to place an initiative , that would call for a straight-up-or down vote within the New York State Senate as well as their House Assembly , calling for the legalization of MMA (mixed martial arts) . The fact that the state could profit to the tune of anywhere between $150 to $275 million annually from UFC sanctioned events staged within the state , would provide much-needed economic impact , seems to be lost on the legislators opposing the proposed bill . Within the state of New York as well as neighboring the state , New Jersey , there too , they have seen their fair share boxing travesties in terms several ringside verdicts rendered from the sport of boxing . It is also dawning on the proponents of the bill that they are losing out on a sizeable income from what has now become a multi-billion sport's enterprise . Never let be it said that money cannot " trump " stupidity and what we are currently seeing from New York's legislators is their utter stupidity and otherwise disdain of a sport they simply have no wish to understand.
Nevada , California and thirty-four other states now sanction MMA within their jurisdiction and each said to be happy with the that parent company has conducted their business dealings as well as meeting the prerequisite safety measure called upon by each of the various state athletic commissions . The " Big Apple "/New York City may well be many things but when it comes to understanding the impact that MMA now has , they are most definitely behind the times !
Picture gallery . ( By clicking on an individual frame you can view the picture in its original formatted size)
In light of this fight verdict do you believe that there will be any major changes proposed that will ultimately benefit the sport of boxing ? On the other hand, do you believe as I do , things will remain the same with whatever change being slow and incremental ? If there were to be change within boxing what specifically would you like to see ?
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(1) Manny Pacquiao listens to the announcer call the decision in favor of Timothy Bradley of their WBO world welterweight title fight Saturday, June 9, 2012, in Las Vegas. Bradley won by split decision. AP Photo/Julie Jacobson …
(2) Manny Pacquiao, left, and Timothy Bradley exchange punches in the third round of their WBO world welterweight title fight Saturday, June 9, 2012, in Las Vegas. Bradley won by split decision . AP Photo/Julie Jacobson …
(3) Manny Pacquiao, left, and Timothy Bradley exchange punches in the 12th round of their WBO world welterweight title fight Saturday, June 9, 2012, in Las Vegas. Bradley won by split decision. AP Photo/Julie Jacobson …
(4) Manny Pacquiao, left, and Timothy Bradley exchange punches in the seventh round of their WBO world welterweight title fight Saturday, June 9, 2012, in Las Vegas. Bradley won by split decision. AP Photo/Julie Jacobson …
(5) Manny Pacquiao, left, lands a punch against Timothy Bradley in the fourth round of their WBO world welterweight title fight Saturday, June 9, 2012, in Las Vegas. Bradley won by split decision. AP Photo/Julie Jacobson …
(6) Timothy Bradley lands a punch to the body of Manny Pacquiao in the ninth round of their WBO world welterweight title fight Saturday, June 9, 2012, in Las Vegas. Bradley won by split decision. AP Photo/Julie Jacobson …
(7) LAS VEGAS, NV – JUNE 09: Manny Pacquiao addresses the media during the post-fight press conference after he was defeated by Timothy Bradley by split decision at MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 9, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images …
(8) Freddie Roach , trainer of Manny Pacquiao, addresses the media during the post-fight press conference after Pacquiao was defeated by Timothy Bradley by split decision at MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 9, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images ….
(9) Timothy Bradley is wheeled into the post-fight press conference in a wheelchair after defeating Manny Pacquiao by split decision at MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 9, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images … (10) Top Rank promoter Bob Arum addresses the media during the post-fight press conference after Manny Pacquiao was defeated by Timothy Bradley by split decision at MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 9, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images …
(11) Brothers and co-owners of the Ultimate Fighting Championship Frank (L) and Lorenzo Fertitta (2nd R), UFC president Dana White (2nd L) and photographer Kevin Lynch attend the 'Octagon' private view at Hamilton's gallery on January 17, 2007 in London, England. The exhibition showcases work by Lynch documenting the world of Ultimate Fighter Championship (UFC) events. Source: Claire Greenway/Getty Images Entertainment ..
(12) Anderson Silva (left) seen here facing the challenger , Chael Sonnen for the UFC middleweight title . Silva would enforce a triangular choke hold for a submission by Sonnen in the waning moments of the fifth round of his middleweight title defense . MMA Junkie ………
(13) Jon "Bones" Jones (R) punches Rashad Evans during their light heavyweight title … bout for UFC 145 at Philips Arena on April 21, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kevin Cox / Getty Images North America …
(14) Jon Jones (L) elbows Rashad Evans during their light heavyweight title bout for UFC 145 at Philips Arena on April 21, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kevin Cox / Getty Images North America ….
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Author tophatal ...........Posted on June 12, 2012 June 13, 2012 Categories Boxing,, http://wp.me/poxLH-4qm, Sports, Sports Commentary, UncategorizedTags Bob Arum, Boxing,, http://wp.me/poxLH-4qm, Sports, Timothy Bradley & Manny Pacquiao, Uncategorized, WBO welterweight title13 Comments on Shut Up ………. It Is What It Is ……….. It is Boxing What The F#ck Did You Expect … A Bouquet of Red Roses And An Invitation To A Party ?
It's Time To Put Up Or Shut Up …………
It now becomes a battle and test of wills but somehow the Los Angeles Lakers as two time defending champions will have to prove that they're worthy of the mantel of being champions . Now down 0-3 in series that most on paper would have the Lakers winning with ease the Lakers now find themselves caught between the Devil and the deep blue sea. The Dallas Mavericks have all but placed that last nail in the coffin of the Lakers during this less than suspenseful series . It's hard to explain but the Lakers faltering at this juncture has more to do with the mindset and complacency that has beset not only this team but also the organization as a whole. The acquisitions made by the Lakers as an addition this team if anything hasn't improved the Lakers albeit that they ended up with the second best record within the Western Conference .
It seems inconceivable that Phil Jackson and the two time —— defending champions could find themselves in such a position . I don't know about you but until the white flag of surrender has been raised I think that no there's no way in hell that the Lakers will give up this series without a fight . That being said if Kobe Bryant is the only one prepared to step up to the plate then there's really not much else to be said concerning the complete ineptitude shown by the Lakers shown throughout this series . Bryant may well be of the belief that there's still a great deal to fight for but he ought to remind his teammates that they ought to get their fat asses off the sidelines and man the fu_k up !
I don't know about you but I've long held the opinion that boxing is actually on its last legs . I find it ironic that a sport that once gripped the nation has now become nothing more than after thought amongst the vast majority of sports fans . The heavyweight division and the title itself was once deemed the most prestigious individual title in sports now that division as well as the title itself has become a parody and metaphor for that is actually wrong with the sport. Manny Pacquiao may well be viewed as the face of the sport at present but once he retires this sport may as well fold its tent and pack it all up. There are no longer any real legitimate stars that can be viewed as the future of the sport and those who are now coming to the fore in many respect they lack a personality and if anything they lack a great deal of skill. Promoters such as Don King , Bob Arum and Oscar De La Hoya have made the sport a complete laughing stock as the pre-eminent promoters within boxing . The welterweight title bout that took place this past weekend between Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosely which was staged at the MGM Grand Casino & Resort in Las Vegas , Ne was if anything , something of a non- event. For twelve utterly boring rounds these two champions of the sport staged a fight that was simply so boring that I for one thought the fans would have been better off seeing two octogenarians in the ring trading blows . Mosely a three time three division champion fought a lackluster fight and and his Filipino opponent simply was unable to live up to the hype that many have now come to expect from the all action spectacles he's given us the majority of his long and illustrious career.
Pacquiao won a unanimous twelve round decision and with it his legacy is still in tact as the best pound for pound fighter on the planet. At this juncture I do believe that it would be in Pacquiao's best interest to retitre as there are no more challenges left for him to attain. A potential blockbuster bout against Floyd Mayweather seems to be a thing of the past and with Mayweather's ongoing legal troubles I for one seriously doubt that fight will ever take place .
Two no hitters have been thrown within seventy two hours and the latest was attained by the Detroit Tigers' — Justin Verlander in his team's —– 9-0 shellacking of the Toronto Blue Jays . This has been the second time that Verlander has achieved this feat and if anything he's proven why it is that he may well be one of the main contenders for the AL Cy Young Award this season. I don't know about you but I've never considered the Blue Jays a team that could compete within the AL East much less the rest of baseball ! They've not been competitive in a decade and a half at least and while the feat of that no hitter can be considered an excellent feat . Come on now we're talking the Blue Jays ! . Watching that team hit is like watching the likes of Mitt Romney , Joe Biden and Tim Geithner explain the inherent problems that plague the US economy. They're simply too stupid to explain it even in laymen's terms that anyone could actually comprehend and likewise with anyone who actually feels that the Blue Jays are a team that can be viewed as being competitive.
As to the Tigers' own aspirations this season within the AL Central I do believe that once again they'll simply underachieve as they have done over the past five seasons . This team has been way too inconsistent for my liking and I feel that Jim Leyland and his coaching staff I do believe are bereft real ideas as to how best to get the optimum out of this team . GM Dave Dombrowski will no doubt make the appropriate acquisitions at the trade deadline needed to make the Tigers competitive enough to be considered a legitimate contender for the World Series .
What thoughts if any do you have with regard to the points raised within this piece ? Simply leave a comment as to your thoughts on this topic .
(1) The Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant leaves the floor after the Lakers lost 122-86 to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of a second-round NBA playoff basketball series, Sunday, May 8, 2011, in Dallas. The Mavericks swept the series. AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez …..
(2) Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, right front, and business partner Todd R. Wagner embrace after the Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 122-86 in Game 4 of a second-round NBA playoff basketball series, Sunday, May 8, 2011, in Dallas. The Mavericks swept the series. AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez ………..
(3) Teammates rush out as Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander(notes), center right, and catcher Alex Avila(notes) celebrate Verlander's no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays in a baseball game in Toronto on Saturday, May 7, 2011. The Tigers won 9-0. AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Darren Calabrese ……
(4) Shane Mosley of the US falls down after being punched by Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines (L) in their bout for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title at the Garden Arena in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 7, 2011. Pacquiao retained the WBO welterweight title by beating Mosley to extend his winning streak to 14 bouts. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS ……
(5) (L-R) Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines throws a right at Shane Mosley in the WBO welterweight title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 7, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP/Photo Gabriel Bouys …….
MLB Scores & results 7th May 2011
NBA schedule Sunday 8th May 2011
Author tophatal ...........Posted on May 9, 2011 May 9, 2011 Categories Basketball, Bob Arum, Boxing,, Detroit Tigers, Don King, Gene Chizik, Manny Pacquiao, MLB, NBA, NBA Playoffs (2011), Sports, Sports CommentaryTags AL Central, Baseball, Basketball, Bob Arum, Boxing,, Dave Dombrowski, Don King, Floyd Mayweather, Jim Leyland, Justin Verlander, Manny Pacquiao, MLB, NBA, NBA Playoffs (2011), Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosely, Sports, Toronto Blue Jays7 Comments on It's Time To Put Up Or Shut Up …………
You Don't Bring Sling Shot To A Knife Fight And You Don't Talk Smack , Then Not Be Able To Back That Shit Up ……………
As much I loathe it , I find US athletes so full of shit wanting to talk smack and then when they have their ass handed to them they essentially have nothing to say in defeat when they've been exposed as a piece of crap. That being said if you're an avid MMA fan as I've become in recent years as I now find professional boxing about as interesting as watching a political debate or the latest GOP raison-de- etre de jour in Donald Trump . Suffice to say if this is essentially the face of Conservatism in America then fuck it !
Saturday night UFC staged its latest event UFC 129 at the Rogers Center in Montreal, Canada . The event itself was headlined with the welterweight title defense of George St Pierre making his eighth consecutive title defense against the unbeaten Jake Shields former titlist within Elite XC and Strikeforce . Shields was said to be St Pierre's sternest test over the course of his already illustrious career . And anyone who has been a fan of MMA will know that St Pierre has been in with the very best within the division .
The undercard had its litany of bouts that if anything may well be the most enticing card put together by the UFC in quite while . You had Randy Couture a former champion at both light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions facing Lyoto Machida the Brazilian martial arts specialist seeking to reassert himself within the light heavyweight division having lost his title in a rematch with Mauricio Rua . Shields came into this fight playing the part of the villain and if anything chose to viewed that way but if anything what might be even more unpalatable as to his position was the fact he chose to denigrate the champion by questioning his integrity and legitimacy as a champion . Well over the course of the five rounds of this title bout all questions would be answered and unfortunately for the challenger it was his own legitimacy as the number one ranked contender that actually had to be questioned because his own display was simply mediocre given his so called record coming into this bout .
Jake Shields like St Pierre's previous opponent Josh Koscheck simply proved that talking smack and not being able to back the shit up essentially proves you to be nothing more than an ass wipe and a pussy ! Having taught the martial arts to members of the military while serving , I can say that I've enough of an insight into MMA . I've over a decade in experience of karate having attained a black belt , practiced not only that particular art but also savate , tai chi , ai-kido and krav-magav . These styles have in principle are taught to various military units around the globe . However within UFC and the genre of MMA it is essentially Brazilian ju-jitsu developed by the Gracie family, that has become the essence of the sport along with Greco Roman wrestling.
Throughout this bout the experience title holder simply showed us why he's viewed as one of the best pound for pound fighters within the sport alongside Jose Aldo and Anderson Silva . St Pierre and Silva if anything , because of their already global popularity are viewed as the faces of the sport. But Aldo has already begun to make a name for himself having carved his way through the bantamweight division to become its most dominant fighter. But it remains to be seen whether or not Aldo will continue to make that division his domain by right or seek to win another title within the UFC possibly in the lightweight division in a possible challenge to the champion there , Frankie Edgar . But that would be predicated upon Edgar making a successful defense of that title in rematch against number one ranked challenger Gray Maynard . Jake Shields simply showed why for all of his experience he simply brought nothing at all to the table as St Pierre exposed him as a flawed fighter despite Shields' expertise as ju-jitsu specialist. Simply put St Pierre used his prodigious martial arts talent as being a karate , ju-jitsu and styling boxing array of jabs . But if anything it was St Pierre's use of his feet and particular his round-house and frontal kicks that dominated this bout . St Pierre added to his already impressive resume' with his eighth successful defense of his welterweight title and a run of nine consecutive wins a record within the welterweight division of UFC .
Now with this win a possible big money match-up now awaits St Pierre as UFC President Dana White looks to put together what will undoubtedly be the biggest fight in UFC history with St Pierre meeting the Brazlian middleweight champion Anderson Silva in catch-weight none title bout. It is a fight that the majority of MMA fans would like to see . And the though the sport has found its niche within the sporting landscape of North America and in many respects it is and has now been outstripping the viewership for many of the PPV boxing bouts now shown on cable . And that if anything now gives us an indication as to why the sport of boxing has now fallen from grace so fast . Simply put , boxing no longer puts together any real marquee bouts that the fight fans there really want to see. I mean let's be honest here , who the hell wants to see an aging Shane Mosley —- fight —– Manny Pacquiao when the former three time multi division titlist , Mosley , is well past his prime ? In truth Pacquiao , himself, now fights , merely for the money and in particular to pad the wallet of his promoter Bob Arum , as Pacquiao remains his only valuable asset in his stable of fighters .
I know that there might not be the vast array of MMA fans out there who will surf the net and perhaps even come across this piece . But I simply want to let many of you out there know that there are some of us about who think highly of this fast growing sport that has found its popularity not only here in North America but also across the globe in some of the most unlikely of places . Granted , there are but only four states where MMA isn't sanctioned legally within the US but over the course of time that will undoubtedly change as the sport makes its presence known even more so and then and only then will the various state legislatures such as New York will find out that once sanctioned they too can profit greatly from seeing this sport provide it with a great deal of money from the economic and financial impact . The Rogers Center was completely sold out with in excess of 55 ,000 fans there not only to see their home town hero George St Pierre defend his title but also the rather special undercard ,
Whether or not you're an boxing or MMA fan how do you as such view either sport ? And if anything do you now believe that boxing is actually on the decline here in the US as well across the globe as the sport of MMA seems to be now expanding and gaining in popularity across the globe ? Simply leave a comment as to your thoughts on the points raised within this piece .
(1) Bantamweight champion Jose Aldo (left) is seen seated next to Georges St-Pierre the UFC welterweight champion at a press conference at the Rogers Centre publicize UFC 129 . Standing is UFC President Dana White , who oversees the organization . Courtesy of UFC.com /MMA Weekly …
(2) Title holder St Pierre is seen here with the challenger Jake Shields prior their headline bout at UFC 129 held at the Rogers Center in Montreal ,Quebec , Canada . MMA Weekly …
(3) St Pierre takes the fight to his challenger Jake Shields (left) . The champion would successfully defend his title completely outclassing the challenger winning by a unanimous verdict in the five round title bout for the UFC welterweight title . UFC.com @ copyrighted material all rights reserved .
(4) Shields lands a punch during their title bout but it'd one of few that the challenger would land in a fight that was dominated by the champion who used all of his martial arts prowess as a karate and ju-jitsu practitioner. His solid boxing skills also came to be being having landed several well timed shots that jolted the challenger . UFC .com …………..
(5) Randy Couture (left) is seen here squaring off with his opponent Lyoto Machida of Brazil. Also pictured is UFC President Dana White . The two practitioners were part of the undercard of UFC 129 stated at the Rogers Center , Montreal , Canada . UFC.com all rights reserved ….
(6) Couture in the foreground gets hit with a frontal kick from Machida which would have devastating consequences for the former light heavy & heavyweight champion as he would be knocked out in the first round by the Brazilian . UFC.com copyrighted material all rights reserved …………..
(7) Manny Pacquiao, center, of the Philippines, poses for photos with trainer Freddie Roach, left, and promoter Bob Arum in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 20, 2011. Pacquiao is scheduled to box Shane Mosley on May 7 in Las Vegas. AP Photo/Chris Carlson …..
(8) (L) Manny Pacquiao and (R) Shane Mosley pose to promote their upcoming fight at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers on February 14, 2011 in New York City. Chris Trotman / Getty Images North America ……….
UFC 129 Results
Author tophatal ...........Posted on May 2, 2011 May 2, 2011 Categories Dana White, Georges St Pierre, MMA, Sports, Sports Commentary, UFC, UFC 129Tags Anderson Silva, Bob Arum, Boxing,, Dana White, Georges St Pierre, Jake Shields, Jose Aldo, Josh Koscheck, Lyoto Machida, Manny Pacquiao, MMA, Randy Couture, Shane Mosley, Sports, Top Rank, UFC, UFC 129, UFC welterweight title6 Comments on You Don't Bring Sling Shot To A Knife Fight And You Don't Talk Smack , Then Not Be Able To Back That Shit Up ……………
You Had Me At Hello ………. !
You Had Me At Hello !
In the Cameron Crowe directed and written movie " Jerry Macguire" there's a scene in the movie where Tom Cruise's character Jerry Maguire ____ his wife in the film played by Oscar winner Renee Zellwegger says the words "you had me hello " . Well here's a case in point as I survey the world of sports and the news forthcoming within that arena . The NFL is still looking as if their problems now will be litigated within the US Federal Court system and in which an upcoming case will be heard in Minneapolis , Minnesota. What both the NFLPA ( union) and the NFL continue to show is that neither side is apparent in actually resolving this matter in which an amicable resolution is reached , albeit that owners Jerry Jones and Robert Kraft have stated that's what they seek with the union led by Executive Director DeMaurice Smith and its executive committee . Pardon me for saying this , but common sense went out the window concerning these deliberations the moment that the union sought to decertify in order that players could challenge the NFL's antitrust exemption status and its legality within the judicial system.
What might be further illuminating and shows that intelligence on the part of the players is merely a preconception , is the fact that they state they're now prepared to negotiate directly with the owners rather than NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell . Less I'm mistaken wasn't the action to instigate the lockout done at the behest of the owners and was enacted by Goodell as the NFL's highest ranking official within the league's hierarchy ? Well folks , there's more to come from this soap opera's saga and the outcome that most sorely await.
Can someone explain to me why it is that everyone is so sold on the New York Knicks even after the team's acquisition of Carmelo Anthony instigated by GM Donnie Walsh and team owner James Dolan ? The problem is that in spite of Anthony's acquisition along with that of Chauncey Billups the New Yorks Knicks have been a rather pedestrian 7-8 whereas the Denver Nuggets in exchange are an impressive 9-6 after Anthony's departure under coach George Karl as the Nuggets try to make a play for a playoff spot in the Western Conference . Something that many may well have felt beyond the Nuggets after this trade was made by GM Masai Ujiri .
I'm not thoroughly convinced that this Knicks' team even with the addition of Anthony and Billups are still good enough even with perennial All Star — Amar'e Stoudemire leading this team and that's with the advent of Mike D'Antoni's coaching philosophy or lack of it thereof. Please don't try and convince me that the Knicks are legit , when they can't even play with any semblance of consistency be it on the road or at home . People were so in awe of this trade that they seem to have forgotten that neither Anthony or D'Antoni's teams have never been known for their defensive capabilities and that clearly has been the case once again with the New York Knicks under D'Antoni's tutelage. Madison Square Gardens may well play host to its litany New York celebrities such as Spike Lee and Chris Rock who may well be in awe of this team's aspirations over the course of the season but the Knicks are going to in for a big surprise should they make the postseason and are still playing at the fame level inconsistency we've seen from the team .
Now as many of you know I'm an avowed boxing fan but as of late I've become disenchanted with the sport and just about anything that's associated with the sport be it from a world title fight or the latest news involving Floyd Mayweather , Manny Pacquaio , two of the sport's biggest stars. I'd recently written a piece that dealt with the fortieth anniversary of the fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier . To my mind that first fight and the duo which followed after-wards to make up the trilogy of fights which has made up the greatest series of boxing matches ever to have been staged at any weight category over the sport's history ! Well this past weekend were led to believe that once again the heavyweight division was once again relevant as Vitali Klitschko would be defending his WBC title against the mandatory number one challenger Odlanier Solis in what was meant to be a bout that the fans would long to see.
The fight itself lived up to the expectations one would come to expect when you have an over hyped challenger and a title holder whose record has been based on meeting opponents either well past their prime or who essentially have been asked to step by now what I largely believe are unscrupulous promoters who don't necessarily are what the fans think just as long as they're making money from these staged promotions . Solis a Cuban emigre essentially gave up after one round having been knocked out Klitschko with effortless ease. Solis' record of having been undefeated merely showed me that the heavyweight division is genuinely devoid of any real talent in spite of what the boxing journalists out there are trying to sell the public. Beyond a disinterested Manny Pacquiao who now merely is fighting for the money and a way of satisfying the ego of his promoter Bob Arum , boxing has now become mundane and about as interesting as watching paint dry or a political debate between two intellectually challenged candidates. Does anyone remember the Vice Presidential debates between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin ? Need I say anymore on the matter ?
A number of my friends know that I'm a former military member who served in the Royal Marines for a 8 1/2 year period serving in various parts of Europe and North Africa . During that time I'd seen active service having been stationed in Northern Ireland , Ethiopia , Eritrea and further afield. And I have to admit those experiences have molded me into the person I am along with my upbringing and post military experience has given me a great deal more insight than I could ever have hoped for . I've long maintained that without the experience of having traveled or an education then your life can be something of a void . Luckily enough having brought up by a single mother and being the eldest of the three my mother drummed it into us that education is of the utmost if we're to strive . Having graduated from high school my initial thought wasn't to enter college as I'd no real idea as to what I wanted in terms of a vocation. So being rather capricious I entered the military much to the dismay of my mother , and my younger brother and sister. That being said after my stint in the military I was lucky enough to be hired by a bank working within corporate finance and my employer at the time paid for my education having enrolled at UCL and then LSE where I was able to obtain an MBA and degrees in International Finance and Economics .
Now in light of ESPN's most recent series of their 30 For 30 series of documentaries to commemorate the outlet's thirtieth anniversary as a sports programming content provider . Their most recent edition was on Michigan's Fab Five which was that hyped team led by Juwan Howard , Jalen Rose and Chris Webber which went to two straight Final Fours in the NCAA Tournament .
This specific episode though commissioned by the cable outlet provider was in fact produced by Rose's own production company (Three Tier Entertainment) in conjunction with ESPN and the episode was one of the better made documentaries made shown by ESPN. In the aftermath of the episode's showing Rose who is also an NBA analyst on TNT's NBA show has been particularly vocal in the fact that he hates the Duke Blue Devils and the very fact that he's felt that African Americans who've played for Mike Krzyzwewski have been Uncle Tom's . Much of Rose's anger in making that statement comes from the fact that he wasn't recruited by by Duke when he became eligible as a college player. I can understand Rose's statement but I do believe that the issues raised shows his ignorance and immaturity as a human being ! . Not only that given the fact that even if he'd come from a single parent home it doesn't change the wholesale environment if what any recruit has to go through once given the chance as a student athlete at any educational establishment . The criteria that has to be met doesn't necessarily change because of one's socio-economic standing or ethnictiy , as Rose clearly believes that it does .
In the aftermath of this all , perhaps Duke's greatest player Grant Hill took umbrage at the statements made by Rose and wrote a concise and illuminating op-ed piece in the Washington Post challenging Rose's statements and preconceived ideas. If it's not bad enough that in this day and age young African American males and female have very few role models to which they can look up to, we now have an idiot like Rose now looking to drag down African American males within his own race who just happen to role models that many of today's youth can look up to , regardless of ethnicity and their sexual identity. What might be even more telling is that Rose hasn't yet issued any type of formal apology or any further statement having made that original remark. It may well have been done as an effort to further publicize the Fab Five episode but if anything to my mind whatever damage done be it slight in some peoples eyes may well be something that can't be recanted and looked at as merely a player feeling aggrieved over an issue. The fact of the matter is as great as Rose's college career may well have been his professional career paled into insignificance where there was nothing exceptional that actually stood out !
Rose may well look back on the statement with some regret but for the moment it looks as if he's prepared ride it for all that it's worth while it provides the actual episode that little extra publicity it might not actually get from ESPN from any additional advertising on the cable network.
It's extremely rare where you get a young athlete that simply takes a sport by storm and where now the expectations become so high after that individual does something that no one literally thought possible. At UFC 128 — Jon Jones the light heavyweight challenger for Mauricio Rua's UFC title belt made such an emphatic statement that has sent a seismic shock wave across the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). In the space of three brutal and clinically decisive rounds Jones literally beat the formidable Rua and in doing so took the title holder's belt with discriminate ease. What was scheduled to be a five round title fight where many felt that Jones would be tested by the vastly more experienced Rua simply didn't come into being. If anything it was the young 23 year old fighter who took the fight to the champion , had him bloodied , bewildered and disheartened long before the fight came to an unlikely ending with a TKO in the third round of the five round title fight.
Now Jones will have to deal with other title aspirants within the division such as former title holders Rashad Evans , Lyoto Machida and the always dangerous and perennial title contender Ryan Bader .The speed and impressive way at which Jones (13-1) has moved up the ranks of the sport and in particular the light heavyweight division with so little allout experience in the UFC ranks speaks to how he has applied himself and the skills that he brings into the genre as a former All American collegiate wrestler. His jujitsu has improved greatly and it only adds to his all round weaponry within MMA . A prospective rematch with Rua seems unlikely given the nature of Jones' victory over the Brazilian . And now what may well await him is a big money defense of his title against Evans the number one mandated contender for the title . Jones replaced Rashard Evans he'd suffered an injury in his preparations to fight Rua at UFC 128 , his replacement was Jones who took the fight on short notice although he'd been in training for an upcoming fight , seen as an eliminator for the light heavyweight title. Now with that belt now his own the newly anointed champion can now pick and choose his challengers while along the way gaining further notoriety , fame and wealth.
On the opposite side of the MMA genre we have the woefully inept and mediocre situation now arising within the sport of boxing . I'm sorry but I can no longer see the relevancy of the sport when the fights that the fans desire to see aren't going to take place ! Over this past weekend Vitali Klitschko (42-2-0 ,39KO's) defended his WBC heavyweight title against what we're led to believe was a credible mandated number one contender by the WBC in Odlanier Solis . Well the fact that this bout took place in Cologne , Germany gives you all the credcence you need to know why the heavyweight division is no longer taken seriously . The boxing scene and in particular the the division no longer resonates with anyone within North America and the very fact that the division is now dominated by a group of lackluster and character devoid aspirants of fighters chasing greatness makes this all the comedic . There hasn't been an undisputed champion within the heavyweight ranks for almost 7 years and it's unlikely that there'll be one anytime soon.
Solis came into this fight with a record (17-0 , 12 KO's) that if anything that on paper seemed impressive but as they say what you see on paper doesn't actually represent anything in terms of a legitimate resume' . This fight was over before the initial bell rang for the opening round and for the fans in attendance at the Lanxess Arena , Cologne had to have been disappointed in seeing the challenger barely last three minutes into the first round having been knocked flat on his backside from a punch that on appearance didn't seem to be all that devastating much less having any real power. But this is now what the sport of boxing has now become by way of many of the fights now being staged for the apparent appetites of the fight fans out there. I'm sorry but seeing an overweight bloated specimen being knocked flat on their ass much less lying prostrate on their back isn't what I for one find anywhere near entertaining ! And that's in spite of fans and boxing writers now talking as if Vitali Klitschko and his brother Wladimir are now the faces of boxing as far as the heavyweight division is concerned . The two have refused to face each other in order unify the titles within the division and create an undisputed champion within the heavyweight ranks. And fight are suppose to take either seriously within the world of boxing ?
Now one can understand why the sport of boxing and in particular the division can't be taken seriously as a legitimate concern . I can only surmise that's why both Don King and Bob Arum as the sport's pre-eminent promoters aren't overly concerned with the division or promoting any of the top ranked contenders within the division who just happen to be Europeans ! In doing so they know for a fact that they'd be facing a losing endeavor in trying to gain anyone's interest in a proposed bout on this side of the Atlantic which is and has always been the epicenter of the fight game.
I personally have lost all faith in the legitimacy in the sport of boxing as it has become devoid of talent , character and most certainly promoters who actually wish to give the fight fans what they want and that's competitive and entertaining fights . That's not really too much to ask at this juncture is it ?
Well it goes without saying the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is in full swing and there have already been one or two upsets that most hadn't envisaged. Suffice to say if your brackets have already imploded because of an errant pick on your part take heart in the fact that you're probably amongst millions who've seen their situation ripped asunder because of that pick . I for one am looking forward to the rest of the tournament as we're now down to the " Sweet 16 " as from hereon in it's now going to be about the contenders being separated from the pretenders .
In light of the weekend's sporting events what if anything has been your own most enjoyable moment ? Simply chime in with your thoughts on the issues raised within this piece and any sporting topic you wish .
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Picture and slide show details below
(1) FILE – In this file photo taken Feb. 1, 2010, then Houston Texans guard Chester Pitts makes a point to members of the House Judiciary Committee during a forum in Houston. Football labor negotiations with the NFL involving a federal mediator broke off March 11, 2011, without an agreement. NFL players have been warned for years about the need to save and the importance of budgeting their money in case of a work stoppage. Well, the lockout is here. All the players have taken a bit of a financial hit already because of the lockout: NFL teams no longer are paying for their health insurance. AP Photo/Pat Sullivan, ……..
(2) NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 21: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones attends the NFL Annual Meetings at the Roosevelt Hotel on March 21, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Despite a NFL owners imposed lockout in effect since March 12 the league is conducting its annual owners meeting in New Orleans. Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images …….
(3) Three of the in famous Fab 5 of Michigan's basketball team of the early nineties that had the five freshmen reach two consecutive NCAA Final Fours . From left to right Juwan Howard , Jalen Rose (center) and Chris Webber . AP /Reuters/ Chris Hill ……………
(4) New York Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni argues a call with referee Ken Mauer (41) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 20, 2011, in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Bucks won 100-95 . AP Photo/Morry Gash ……….
(5) Milwaukee Bucks' Andrew Bogut , right, has some words with New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 20, 2011, in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 100-95. AP Photo/Morry Gash ………..
(6) Pictured a badly beaten Mauricio "Shogun" Rua is somewhat dismayed after his loss to Jon "Bones" Jones. In losing to Jones at UFC 128 Rua lost his light heavyweight title in his very first defense to his younger opponent. MMA Fight Weeky .
(7) Jones (right) took the fight to Rua from the opening round here he's seen unleashing a kick to the champion during their UFC light heavyweight title fight at UFC 128. Both fighters have been suspended by the UFC pending the outcome of their post-fight medical medical results . MMA Weekly.com Ken Pishna …
(8) Jones delivers a frontal kick to Rua's midrift that he was able to avoid but only partially. Jones would use his athleticism and quickness to defeat the Brazlian jujitsu expert with considerable ease. MMA Weekly.com Ken Pishna ………..
(9) Ukrainian heavyweight titleholder Vitali Klitschko celebrates with the winner's belt after defeating Cuban challenger Odlanier Solis after their WBC heavyweight world championship boxing match in the western German city of Cologne on March 19, 2011. World heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko won the fight and defended his WBC heavyweight title with a shock first-round knock-out of Cuban challenger Odlanier Solis. Photo credit should read PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images ………
(10) World boxing champion Vitali Klitschko of the Ukraine, right, watches challenger Odlanier Solis of Cuba go ing down during the first round of the WBC heavyweight title bout at the arena in Cologne, Germany, Saturday, March 19, 2011. Solis lost in in the first round with an injured knee. Klitschko's win was declared k.o. by the referee. AP Photo/Martin Meissner ………..
(11) Cuban challenger Odlanier Solis gets help as he leaves the ring after he lost the fight with Ukrainian heavyweight titleholder Vitali Klitschko in their WBC heavyweight world championship boxing match in the western German city of Cologne on March 19, 2011. World heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko won the fight and defended his WBC heavyweight title with a shock first-round knock-out of Cuban challenger Odlanier Solis. AFP PHOTO / PATRIK STOLLARZ
(12) Ben Hansbrough (23) of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts on the bench in the second half during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the United Center on March 20, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. Florida State won 71-57 in regulation. Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images ……..
NCAA Men's basketball results
Sweet 16 draw
Continue reading "You Had Me At Hello ………. !"
Author tophatal ...........Posted on March 21, 2011 March 23, 2011 Categories Basketball, Boxing,, College Basketball, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Football, Grant Hill, Jalen Rose, Jon Jones, Mauricio Rua, MMA, NBA, New York Knicks, NFL, Sports, UncategorizedTags 30 For 30, Basketball, Bob Arum, Boxing,, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Webber, College Basketball, Denver Nuggets, Don King, Donnie Walsh, Duke (Blue Devils), ESPN, Fab Five (Michigan -Wolverines), Floyd Mayweather, Football, George Karl, Grant Hill, Jalen Rose, Jon Jones, Labor dispute NFL Lockout, Manny Pacquiao, Masai Ujiri, Mauricio Rua, Michigan, Mike D'Antoni, Mike Krzyzewski, MMA, NBA, NCCA Tournament, New York Knicks, NFL, NFLPA, Odlanier Solis, Sports, UFC, UFC 128, US Federal Court System, Vitali Klitschko, WBC (World Boxing Council)17 Comments on You Had Me At Hello ………. !
Being An Ass Never Looked So Bad But Being A Bad Ass Has Its Merits ……
OK so somewhere along the way it may well have occurred to Floyd Mayweather Jr that being an asshole was the only thing he had going for him. He states that he wants to be judged as the "best pound for pound fighter on the planet" but instead he's become a pariah by taking out his anger and aggression on his ex girlfriend and their two young sons. Given the seriousness of the charges the boxer now faces which are felony coercion of a witness , grand larceny , robbery and misdemeanor domestic battery and harassment . If found guilty of the charges in question Mayweather faces up to 35 years in jail. And to top it all of Mayweather has a week to pay $34,000 in bail due to the Clark County Court in Las Vegas Courts, Nevada .
Now while Mayweather's plight seems to have taken a downward spiral the fighter that many viewed that he should be facing as his next opponent is seven time world champion Manny Pacquiao (51-3-2 (38 KO's)) of the Philippines . This weekend Pacquiao faces Antonio Margarito (38-6-0 1 NC (27 KO's)) in a catch-weight title fight being staged at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas this upcoming Saturday night. The fight is being staged and promoted by Top Rank Inc of which owner Bob Arum is the manager of both fighters. The bout itself is being fought for the vacant WBC super welterweight title. And should Pacquiao prevail then it'd be his eighth title at a different weight category. Margarito , himself , has a been a titlist at different weight categories but his lineage and fame isn't as widespread as the Filipino's . However what the fans and press at large are hoping to see is whether or not Pacquiao still has what it takes to defeat a dangerous opponent.
The bout itself is being televised via PPV (HBO —- $49.95) scheduled for 9.00 pm EST in order to garner the best possible viewership on both coasts as well as a worldwide audience. And given both fighters' popularity in their respective countries it has to be said that the Latin and Filipino influence and support will be not only felt internationally but also domestically at the venue. Margarito's return to the ring after his one year suspension following his fight against Miguel Cotto for the WBA welterweight title had many wondering whether or not his return was appropriate given the actions of his corner on the night of the fight . His corner wrapped the fighter's hands with an illicit substance which hardens and formed a substance similar to plaster of paris. Though at the time Margarito denies any wrongdoing on his part he was suspended and fined by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and the World Boxing Association (WBA). Bob Arum questioned the length and severity of the suspension but even he has to admit that the actions of the fighter and his trainers were egregious and dangerous.
Margarito video adds fuel to Saturday's fight vs. Pacquiao
By Bob Velin , USA Today
ARLINGTON, Texas — Not much good news has come out of Cowboys Stadium this season, with the Dallas Cowboys sitting at 1-7 and having just fired their coach.
A Wednesday afternoon news conference, with the $1.2 billion wonder as the backdrop, was supposed to hype Manny Pacquiao's bid for an unprecedented world championship in his eighth weight class Saturday against Antonio Margarito (HBO pay-per-view, 9 p.m. ET). The highly anticipated fight is for the vacant WBC super welterweight title.
Instead, everybody was buzzing over a video that appeared on YouTube that caused plenty of hurt feelings.
VIDEO: Margarito camp mimicks Roach
MARGARITO: Relishes chance at redemption vs. Pacquiao
The video, shot by AOL Fanhouse several weeks ago, shows Margarito and undercard boxer Brandon Rios and their trainer, Robert Garcia, mocking Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, who has battled Parkinson's disease for several years. Margarito and Rios were shaking their hands and head, appearing to make fun of some of the most debilitating effects of the dreaded disease.
Roach, a former boxer and now one of the world's most respected trainers, had little use for Margarito coming into this fight, insisting the Mexican fighter knew of the illegal hand wraps that caused him to be suspended from boxing in the USA nearly two years ago. This is his first fight in the USA since then, but Roach still thinks Margarito should have been banned for life.
Margarito steadfastly denies he knew about the wraps.
After learning of the video, Roach said he would have nothing to say to Margarito, Rios and Garcia ever again.
"I don't give a (bleep) about them," Roach said Wednesday. "They're not my friends. They disrespected me. … They've always been nice to me, but they showed their true colors this time. I don't need friends like that."
Margarito said they were having fun and trying to get Roach mad and meant no disrespect. Asked whether he'd apologize, Margarito said, "Yes, of course."
Garcia tried to defuse the incident when he brought it up during the news conference. "Of course I apologize," he said later. "They were just trying to get Freddie Roach mad. But that's no way to get him mad. That wasn't right."
Asked if he thought it might backfire, making Pacquiao and Roach even more determined for the fight, Garcia said, "Definitely. I'm upset about it. I feel bad. This is not me. People know me. I never talk bad about nobody.
"But I was there. I allowed it. It got a little out of hand. But it had nothing to do with us laughing about that disease."
Margarito said when they started training camp, the two sides were friendly. But the good feelings deteriorated as both sides began jawing about the other.
"It's normal," Margarito said. "It's been a long promotion. We're talking back and forth, that's nothing. It's a sport. We're going to fight on Saturday, and after Saturday we're going to shake hands and move on."
Margarito thinks Pacquiao and his handlers are getting nervous about the fight, which is expected to draw more than 60,000 fans.
"They see me, they see my size and go, 'What are we getting into?' That's all that is. All nerves."
Click on link to read article in its entirety .
As to the prospects of the fight itself Pacquiao is viewed as an odds on favorite but given his opponent's record I do believe that this fight could well be a lot closer than some prognosticators might think. Both are very well rounded boxer and each packs a punch as can be witnessed from their respective records. the two combined have amassed 65 knockouts in a total of 89 (73%) fights over the course of their careers . If there's one thing that we can expect it is that both fighters are wary of each others' knockout power and neither can afford to make a mistake. A win for Pacquiao would cement his already legendary status and legacy but should he succumb to Margarito then for the Latin fighter it would be viewed as a sort of redemption of sorts.
Looming in the background in all of this is what many feel is unfinished business given the fact that a proposed fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao should have already taken place. It is the fight that all fight fans want to see and because of the politics and intransigence on both sides concerning the rules , monetary compensation and the fact that it would appear that Pacquiao's representatives were unwilling to subject their fighter to pre-fight drug testing the bout fell through. What might have been the biggest and most lucrative boxing match in history became a war of words , insults and further pushed the sport into an area where it doesn't need to be. And that's now outside the mainstream of the boxing and sports fans enthusiasts as a whole. And while one might assail the sport as not having any real characters or heroes of note , looming large of this arena are Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather arguably the two most recognized and perhaps the best boxers on the planet without a doubt. Unfortunately for fight fans everywhere it would appear that the fight that everyone wants will perhaps never take place because of one fighter's stupidity while the other now seeks to stake his claim as the best fighter of his era and one of the alltime greats of the sport.
One can only hope that Saturday night's spectacle lives up to perceived hype that has been created . If not then absolutely nothing from hereon in can change the way that the fans are now looking at this sport. It is in many ways a sport that seems to be longer resonating with fans and has in many ways lost its appeal and luster for a number of well chronicled reasons . So much so one could say that with the rise of MMA (mixed martial arts) and in particular the UFC as the main authority of the sport and genre that boxing has now taken a back seat as MMA's fighters have become as widely known and just as popular as many of today's top boxers.
Manny Pacquiao could go a long way in addressing and perhaps changing the course of the sport with a win on Saturday night . And it is hoped that given Floyd Mayweather's legal problems there's a chance that they can be dealt with in such a way the two can perhaps meet at some time in the near future. The gravity of Mayweather's situation doesn't lead me to believe that the justice system will deal with him lightly because of his apparent stupidity but at the same who knows how things may well pan out ?
Manny Pacquiao, right, listens to his trainer Freddie Roach, left, during a news conference Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, in Arlington, Texas. Pacquiao is scheduled to fight Antonio Margarito Saturday night at Cowboys Stadium for the WBC World Super Welterweight title. AP Photo/David J. Phillip ………
Robert Garcia, right, trainer for Antonio Margarito, explains a recently released video as Manny Pacquiao, center, and his trainer Freedie Roach, left, listen during a news conference Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, in Arlington, Texas. Pacquiao and Margarito are scheduled to fight Saturday night at Cowboys Stadium for the WBC World Super Welterweight title. AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Antonio Margarito speaks during a news conference Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, in Arlington, Texas. Margarito is scheduled to fight Manny Pacquiao Saturday night at Cowboys Stadium for the WBC World Super Welterweight title. AP Photo/David J. Phillip ….
Manny Pacquiao, flanked by Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, smiles as he holds the title belt during a news conference Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, in Arlington, Texas. Pacquiao is scheduled to fight Antonio Margarito Saturday night at Cowboys Stadium for the WBC World Super Welterweight title. AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Manny Pacquiao, left, and Antonio Margarito, right, pose with boxing promoter Bob Arum, center, during a news conference Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, in Arlington, Texas. The boxers are scheduled to fight Saturday night at Cowboys Stadium for the WBC World Super Welterweight title. AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Boxer Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines, is gloved-up during a workout in Grapevine, Texas, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010. Pacquiao is scheduled to fight Antonio Margarito, of Mexico, on Saturday in Arlington, Texas, for the vacant WBC light middleweight title. AP Photo/LM Otero ………
Antonio Margarito, of Mexico, punches during a workout in Grapevine, Texas, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010. Margarito is scheduled to fight Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, on Saturday in Arlington, Texas, for the vacant WBC light middleweight title. AP Photo/LM Otero ……..
File photo shows boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., leaving the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas. A Las Vegas court has ordered boxer Mayweather to stay away from his former girlfriend and their two sons after prosecutors say he hit her and threatened to beat his children if they called 911. The 33-year-old Mayweather skipped a hearing Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010, before Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Diana Sullivan on eight misdemeanor and felony charges. AP Photo/Isaac Brekken, ………
Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Diana Sullivan, center, talks with Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s defense attorney Karen Winckler, left, and prosecutor Lisa Luzaich at a hearing Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010, in Las Vegas. The court has ordered the boxer to stay away from his former girlfriend and their two sons after prosecutors say he hit her and threatened to beat his children if they called 911. The 33-year-old Mayweather skipped the hearing . AP Photo/Julie Jacobson ……….
Picture gallery for your perusal . By clicking on individual frame you can view that picture in its original formatted frame .
What thoughts if any do you have on this upcoming bout between Margarito and Pacquiao ? As such will it be of interest to you and if anything how do you feel about the direction that the sport is now said to be going in ? Chime in with a comment on this and any other thought as it relates to the sport of boxing .
😛 * 🙂
Alan aka tophatal ………………………….. 😛
The sultry Simone Anderson
Who wouldn't want to 'hit' that ? I know I would !
Author tophatal ...........Posted on November 11, 2010 November 11, 2010 Categories Boxing,, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Manny Pacquiao, Sports, UFCTags Antonio Margarito, Bob Arum, Boxing,, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, Sports, Top Rank Inc, UFC, WBC (World Boxing Council)14 Comments on Being An Ass Never Looked So Bad But Being A Bad Ass Has Its Merits ……
50,000 People Can't Be Wrong Can They ? Another Reason You've Been Hoodwinked & Conned …….. Does Anyone Not Believe That Bob Arum Is A Con Artist ?
50,000 People Can't Be Wrong Can They ? Another Reason You've Been Hoodwinked & Conned ….. ….Does Anyone Not Believe That Bob Arum Is A Con Artist ?
On Saturday night Manny Pacquaio (51-3-2) defended his WBO welterweight title against journeyman , Joshua Clottey (35-4-0-1,NC) of Ghana. Now far be it for me to suggest that this was a dull fight. But I've found greater excitement in watching paint dry, seeing a scantly clad Rosie O'Donnell act sexually provocative. Anyone who derived pleasure from seeing Pacquiao essentially club an unwilling opponent in front of 50,000 plus people at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington , Texas. Well , they either had to be completely inebriated or just had nothing better to do on the night. And for 12 utterly boring rounds the paying fans had to put up with this diatribe. Never mind the fact that the fight's promoter Bob Arum was trying to pass the event of , as an all-out success . By whose standards ?
Manny Pacquiao, right, of the Philippines, hits Joshua Clottey, from Ghana, during their WBO boxing welterweight title fight in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, March 13, 2010. photo appears courtesy of Associated Press / David J Phillip ..............
Now we can subscribed to the fact that Pacquiao may well be one of the best fighters of his generation . Without a doubt that is undeniable and we can attest to the fact that the fighter can only fight the opponent that's placed in front of him. But for the entire 12 rounds Clottey essentially just stood there and allowed Pacquaio to hit him at will. Now far be it for me to suggest but in all honesty Manny should've been able to knock Clottey out , with the barrage of punches he landed. But for some reason he was unable to do so. Either from the fact that he may well have been told by Arum to make the fight lengthy or from the fact that Manny , himself , just wasn't into the fight and nor was he up to the wish of knocking out a less than receptive Joshua Clottey. For the fans who attended in support of the Filipino fighter , they had to have been tremendously disappointed. Through no fault of his own Manny Pacquiao was once again embarrassed by his promoter, Bob Arum. The champion successfully defended his belt with a unanimous 12 round verdict.
Arlington , Tx (R-L) Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines throws a left to the body of Joshua Clottey of Ghana during the WBO welterweight title fight at Cowboys Stadium on March 13, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. Pacquiao defeated Clottey by unanimous decision. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Tom Pennington .............
The event itself , can't have been helped by the very fact that the undercard itself , left a lot to be desired by the talent that was allegedly on display. Never mind the fact , that the event was screened via PPV and fans were being asked to pay on average between $39-95 to $44-95 dependent upon your cable subscriber , to view this garbage ! Both fighters did very well financially from the bout, with the champion being paid $12.5 million for the defense of his title and the challenger receiving $1.25 million . Now that figure could very well rise, dependent upon the number of paid subscribers for the fight. But who knows what that figure will be and whether or not Arum will make the figure public ? Given the fact that the event in terms of real entertainment, was nowhere near the success he made it out to be.
Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines throws a right to the body of Joshua Clottey of Ghana during the WBO welterweight title fight at Cowboys Stadium on March 13, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. Pacquiao defeated Clottey by unanimous decision. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Jed Jacobsohn ......
We know that Pacquiao and Arum feel aggrieved the proposed bout between Manny and Floyd Maywearther Jr fell through. But had calmer heads prevailed. Instead of the contrived nonsense that took place between the two rival camps. Then perhaps, the fight fans would have been witnessing history being made instead of the diabolical con job perpetrated on the public this past Saturday night. Now there may well be fans out there who'll take the opposite view from myself , as to the evidence of the events of Saturday night. But in reality what has this really done for Manny Pacquiao ? Other than to pad out his stats and add to his bank balance ? If Arum really wanted to create a much better spectacle for the fans in attendance. Then why in hell didn't he seek out a far more credible opponent for Manny Pacquiao to fight ? If Arum and the WBO are suggesting that Clottey as their mandatory ranked number one challenger was the best that the division had to offer . Then there must have scraped the bottom of the barrel to come up with this bout. It had about as much credibility to it as Sarah Palin's nomination as John McCain's Vice Presidential running mate in the Presidential election of 2008. And we all now know how that debacle ended up for the Republicans don't we ?
Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines throws a left to the head of Joshua Clottey of Ghana during the WBO welterweight title fight at Cowboys Stadium on March 13, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The view from the giant jumbotron as viewed by the fans in attendance. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Jed Jacobsohn ..........
The real problem within the sport of boxing is that it has now become divided not only along political lines but also demarcation lines between the sport's two biggest promoters in Bob Arum and Don King . And the international governing bodies are forced to align themselves with who they best feel serves their needs. The scraps or morsels that are left as divided as spoils amongst the other promoters. One can well understand the reason why many now the view sport as being on its last legs and close to extinction . And both Arum and King deny that the sport is on the decline ? Many of the boxers know full well that their sport is on the decline as they've seen the rise in popularity of MMA (mixed martial arts) under the umbrella organization of UFC . If Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions Inc is cognitive of that fact and is now jointly cross-promoting 'MMA bouts' alongside boxing events as a of way of enticing more fans to many of his own promotions . Then you obviously know that there's something acutely wrong within the sport. But the opposite view , is taken by the elderly veteran promoters Bob Arum and Don King. And when one considers the stranglehold that the two have on the sport, is it any wonder its popularity continues to wane ? The two have done more to harm the sport than they have to benefit it. But yet they're seemingly treated as grand pubahs and potentates within the sport.
Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines celebrates in the ring after defeating Joshua Clottey of Ghana during the WBO welterweight title fight at Cowboys Stadium on March 13, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. Pacquiao defeated Clottey by unanimous decision. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Tom Pennington .......
As to what the future now holds for Pacquaio remains to be seen. But the fighter has stated that he would still like to meet Mayweather in the ring to establish who is indeed the better fighter and the pound for pound champion. For the moment we'll just have to take to the wait and see approach. Mayweather has a date himself , as he faces the challenge of Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on the 1st May, 2010. That headline as a bout alone, gives far more credence than the subterfuge that was showcased as a boxing event on Saturday night. But then again who now cares or gives a damn to begin with ?
NB: Click here to view the WBO rankings of the welterweight division.
Alan Parkins aka tophatal ………………..
LL Cool J ………….. 'Mama Said Knock You Out'
Author tophatal ...........Posted on March 15, 2010 Categories Bob Arum, Boxing,, Don King, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Manny Pacquiao, SportsTags Bob Arum, Boxing,, Joshua Clottey, Manny Pacquiao, Sports10 Comments on 50,000 People Can't Be Wrong Can They ? Another Reason You've Been Hoodwinked & Conned …….. Does Anyone Not Believe That Bob Arum Is A Con Artist ?
Pret-A-Porter …………..No I'm Not Buying Into It At All
Absolutely nothing says arrogance and pomposity than when you have two narcissistic individuals trying to 'one up' each other, in order to make and get their point across. And so it goes in the world of boxing. While the world awaits the formal announcement and a date to be set for the impending fight between Floyd Mayeather Jr,(40-0,25 KO's) and Manny Pacquiao(50-3-2,38 KO's). There is already a 'war of words' being waged between the two factions. In this case it's between Mayweather's camp and that of Bob Arum , the promoter of the Philippine fighter.
Boxing promoter and Top Rank Inc President & CEO, Bob Arum. The promoter's charge , Manny Pacquiao is due to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr in early 2010 - in a highly anticipated welterweight title fight that'll also be co-promoted by Mayweather and Arum's Top Rank Inc. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Joe Caravetta ...
Arum and Mayweather are at logger heads over the fighter's request that his opponent, Manny Pacquiao be subjected to random blood and urine tests between now and the scheduled fight due to take place on the 13th March, 2010. Mayweather wants the testing to be done in accordance with the USOC and that of WADA. Arum for his part seems all aggrieved by this all, as if it implies that his fighter , Pacquiao is an alleged cheat. Given the fact that the sport is already as corrupt as it can be. And also in light of what had taken place when another of Arum's charges, Antonio Margarito was found to have used an illicit covering on his hands in his defeat of Miguel Cotto in a welterweight title bout. One could well understand Mayweather's actions. But given that this may be nothing more than 'one up-manship' on the part of Mayweather , his love of controversy and the limelight. This all becomes much ado about nothing. Or does it ? Many now feel that the sport should fall in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency as well as the USOC and its testing protocols for athletes. Somehow the sport of boxing (in the United States) is so far behind the '8 ball' on this one issue, that it doesn't even bear thinking about.
But if in large part both camps are now at an impasse from the mere fact that Arum and his fighter won't acquiesce to the request of Mayweather. Then what was meant to be the most anticipated fight in boxing history could very well go 'up in smoke' without a punch ever being thrown between the two fighters. Fight fans around the world have eagerly awaited this much anticipated bout. In large part because you've two immensely talented fighters and in most people's minds the two best 'pound for pound' fighters on the planet. Never mind the fact they've both got their own loyal band of devout followers across the globe.
This event is too good a spectacle to be all of a sudden implode because of one fighter's possible wish not to take a blood and urine test over the scheduled weeks and months leading up to the event itself. Arum and Pacquiao may well feel slighted. But would it actually hurt either man's reputation were they to acquiesce ?
Manny Pacquiao (left) and Floyd Mayweather Jr (right), the two are scheduled to meet in a higly anticipated welterweight title bout in the early part of 2010. It'll be the fist major title fight of the decade. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ A Randolph ..................
The bout itself though it appears in jeopardy , I'd certainly like to think that calmer heads will prevail and that something amenable can be worked out between both camps. As entrenched as they both appear to be. There's far too much at stake now for either party to back out of this deal. Someone amongst 'the three' will have to be the bigger man and step up to the plate and come to some sort of an agreement. If not then irreparable harm could be done to their reputations , as well as to the sport of boxing. And as the sport now stands at present , this is the very last thing that it needs.
Courtesy of the Los Angeles Times
Mayweather promoter: 'I'm not saying the fight is off'
[Updated]
There's no love lost between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Bob Arum, the promoter of Manny Pacquiao whom Mayweather split with a few years ago and went on to fight in the major events he says Arum deprived him of.
So when Arum told the Grand Rapids, Mich., Press today that the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight was "off," it should be noted that past animosity can lead to short tempers.
[Updated at 11:30 a.m: Arum elaborated today, telling The Times he does believe the fight is off because "we have suggested everything possible to make this happen and it's falling on deaf ears." He added, "Mayweather is not the commissioner of boxing."]
Arum is bothered that Mayweather's camp has asked Pacquiao to agree to Olympic-style random drug testing overseen by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. Pacquiao, said Arum, has agreed to blood tests more than 30 days before the fight and right after the fight, but not so close to the actual first bell.
[Updated at 11:30 a.m.: Those independent tests would be used instead of the current pre- and post-fight urine tests required by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Arum said he won't agree to the testing protocol of USADA because he said that organization has the right to request multiple tests, extra blood and a blood sample on fight night. Arum agreed that USADA was not likely to request a sample just before fight night.
In order to view this piece in its entirety just click on the text shown
If the impasse between the two camps is as cavernous as it is now believed to be. Then the fight fans will be denied a fight that has been long time in the making. On the other hand the issues being raised while it may have no veracity in the argument being put forth by Mayweather. It does bear being raised , as not enough is really being done by the sport to counter act the use of illicit substances. Once in a while we hear of fighter having fought and after a post fight test has been conducted we're made aware that there's been an illegal substance within their system. The customary apology is sometimes made and the fighter and his manager are then fined and mandatory suspension is given to the fighter. And in some cases to that fighter's trainer , if it's known that they acted in conjunction in the subterfuge of cheating.
Throughout his career Pacquiao has conducted himself like a gentleman in and outside of the ring. He has treated his peers and opponents with the utmost respect. And that is a compliment to the Filipino boxer and his entourage. Albeit , that Arum ,with his checkered past tends to intervene to say some rather disdainful and obnoxious things about some of his Pacquiao's opponents at one time or another. But then that's to be expected in order to 'ramp up' the 'hype and publicity' behind a major fight.
Courtesy of Yahoo Sports
Blood test issues turns to test of will
By Kevin Iole Yahoo Sports Writer
The hotly anticipated fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao was teetering on the brink of collapse on Wednesday over a dispute regarding drug testing procedures, a debate that has some experts standing on Mayweather's side.
On Wednesday, Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank proposed a drug testing schedule that would include three blood draws and an unlimited number of urine tests in an attempt to salvage the bout that hit a negotiating snag on Tuesday, when Mayweather's side insisted on random Olympic-style drug testing administered by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. The world's top two boxers had agreed to meet on March 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for what is expected to become the largest-grossing bout in the sport's history.
Arum said frequent urine testing is sufficient in the final 30 days to prevent either fighter from using performance-enhancing drugs. He said Pacquiao is willing to submit blood samples in early January, in mid-February around 30 days prior to the fight and then again in the locker room immediately upon conclusion of the fight.
In the interim, Arum insisted urine testing would be sufficient.
"Everything can be picked up by urinalysis," Arum said. "Everything."
Travis Tygart, the CEO of USADA, disputed Arum's contention and said a combination of blood and urine testing is required to be effective. He also said that to be most effective, athletes would have to be subject to random testing while out of competition.
If any testing is conducted in the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight outside of what is mandated by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, it would be during competition since the fighters are scheduled to start training in early January.
In order to read Kevin Iole's article in full just click on the link provided
Mayweather on the hand, nothing gives him greater pleasure than to mock an opponent in the run up to and after a bout.Though rarely will he actually laud praise upon another fighter. He has some respect for the history of the sport but his 'greatest respect' shall we say say is …to portray himself as the narcissist we all know him to be and the boxer and fighter he believes himself to be. He has long felt that he's not received the credit due because others have looked upon Oscar De La Hoya as being the 'mainstay' and 'savior' of the sport over the last decade.
And that may well be the case as De La Hoya has proven to be the biggest draw in the history of the sport in terms of PPV revenues. His fights alone have grossed an estimated $450 million over the course of his illustrious career. Mayweather hasn't even exceeded half that amount in his own esteemed career. And therein, may well lie the jealousy behind Floyd Mayweather Jr and his antagonistic tendencies. He believes that the respect due to him has long been overdue. And now that he's finally getting the acclaim and the due accolades, he still somehow finds a way to alienate the masses.
If this fight now fails to take place at the time envisaged, then there will be a great many fans of the sport left wondering in what direction is the sport going and why won't it adopt merely the most simple of policies in order to safeguard its very own integrity.On this one issue alone the sport of boxing is so far behind 'the 8 ball' that it doesn't even bear thinking about. With the various state athletic commissions as well as the international governing bodies of the sport each adopting its own set of guidelines. It's hard to distinguish what there is right that is being done inside the sport of boxing. And what there is that is being done wrong. So divergent are their policies that there's no uniform guideline that solely regulates this issue.
What are your own thoughts on this matter as well as the possible title fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao ? I look forward to reading and responding to your comments.
Author tophatalPosted on December 24, 2009 Categories Bob Arum, Boxing,, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Manny Pacquiao, Sports, USOC, WADA (World Anti Doping Agency)Tags Bob Arum, Boxing,, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Manny Pacquaio, Sports, USOC, WADA (World Anti Doping Agency)9 Comments on Pret-A-Porter …………..No I'm Not Buying Into It At All
Mr Cotto Meet Mr Pacquiao , Mr Pacquiao Meet Mr Cotto ……….Gentlemen Please Box
Once again the fading sport of boxing seeks to enrich our lives with another of their extravaganzas. This time around it's a welterweight title fight being broadcast via PPV ($54.95 11:00pm ET Saturday 14th November 2009). The two combatants will be WBO welterweight champion, Miguel Cotto (34-1,27 KO's) who faces challenger, Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2,37 KO's). This highly anticipated fight takes place this Saturday, at the MGM Grand Casino & Resort, in Las Vegas, Nevada. And the bout itself is being promoted and staged by Bob Arum of Top Rank Inc. , in conjunction with several of Top Rank's media partners and patrons.
Boxer Manny Pacquiao (L) smiles as he poses with WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto during the final news conference for their bout at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino November 11, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao and Cotto will meet in a WBO welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand on November 14. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The bout itself, will lure the real fight fans to see one of the sport's modern day heroes in Manny Pacquiao. And though he hasn't a welterweight title to his name. He's viewed as the linear champion within the welterweight division. And Arum, as the promoter of both fighters is in the enviable position of making a great deal of money from the event and for both Cotto and Pacquiao. It is expected that the bout may well draw in excess 1.75 million buys,realizing in excess of $ 96 million from the anticipated buys alone. And when one adds in the gate receipts of between $10-$15 million , not including the international broadcast rights, concessions and memorabilia sales. And the bout is expected to gross in excess of $110 million. Arum, and neither of his fighters, have made it public as to what the split may well be, between the fighters. But it is expected that neither fighter will walk away with less $20 million each , once the accounting and financial details have been taken care of.
Pacquiao takes care of business with his dismantling and then devastating knockout of Ricky Hatton for the IBO light-welterweight title. Pacquiao defeated the Englishman with a second round knockout in their title fight. The venue was the MGM Grand,Las Vegas, Nevada.
And on the 2nd May 2009 , the whole world knew then , what we all continue to believe now. Manny Pacquiao is the best pound for pound boxer in the world.
Pacuquiao coming off two devastating wins over former champions, in Oscar De La Hoya (39-6, 30 KO's) and then his sensational display in dismantling and then knocking out Ricky Hatton (45-2-32 KO's). Well, it has led many to believe that the same fate awaits Miguel Cotto. And though the WBO champion feels that he's the one with the far more accomplished skills as a fighter. The vast majority of us in the know, are fully aware as evidenced by the recent displays by Pacquiao. Skills may mean one thing but if you can't back it up in the ring. In the end it all counts for nothing. Personally, I favor Pacquiao to end this fight in a knockout in the early to mid rounds of the bout. Especially, given the fact that Cotto's skin is very much like porcelain. He's never been known to be able to take a good shot to the chin. And when cut, his skin essentially opens up to any laceration by way of effective shots to the head. In essence , Cotto's skin is like that of a newborn baby. He cuts all too easily and given Pacquiao's proclivity to end his fights rather spectacularly. The only way I can see Cotto overcoming Pacquiao, is to dictate the pace of the fight and to try and use his reach advantage over the challenger. If not then this bout could finish in devastating fashion.
Fans and members of the press convene at Yankees Stadium at a press conference to publicize the upcoming WBO welterweight title bout between title holder, Miguel Cotto and the challenger , Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines. At the podium behind the dais is Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach taking questions from the press and fans alike. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Will Hart ……….
Cotto's resume' as a fighter ,though not littered with as many high profiled names as his opponent's fight record. Nonetheless, he's faced some stiff opposition over the course of his career. But in many people's eyes the loss to Antonio Margarito gave us something of a glimpse as to the vulnerability of the fighter. And even though it came back to haunt Margarito as to his actions. Nonetheless, we saw one of the more corrupt sides to the sport. And at the same time, how ineffective the governing bodies are with regard to the sport of boxing. It's something that essentially has curbed the appetite of the fight fan in general. The laissez-faire attitude of the IBF, IBO, WBA and WBC has become an anathema to us all.
Cotto and Pacquiao pose for the press on the hallowed ground of Yankees Stadium in New York City, New York. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Will Hart ................
Cotto's most recent bout saw him win comfortably in defeating Joshua Clottey (35-3-0, 20KO's,1-NC). A fighter who's now on the downside of his career but someone who's still respected amongst his peers. And that's solely for the main reason he comes to bang and bang he does with the very best of them. And though it led to Cotto dethroning the then WBO champion. The bout, and the way it ended was non too impressive. Cotto did enough to win but he was nowhere dominant as he,himself had hoped to be.
Cotto stands over Joshua Clottey in the first round of their WBO welterweight title fight. Referee Arthur Mercante Sr, looks on at the events . picture appears courtesy of Top Rank Inc. - Chris Farina ................
As I alluded to earlier, if the champion is to prevail. Then, he'll have to make use of all of the physical advantages that he can avail himself of. His opponent is a fighter ,who can either box his way through a fight , or he can indeed turn the bout into a slugfest between he and Cotto, on the night. The latter scenario, I believe wouldn't at all bode well for the champion ! Cotto has to prove himself a worthy champion. A loss here, and in essence his career takes a backseat for the foreseeable future. A win for the challenger, further cements Pacquiao's legacy as one of the all-time greats of the sport of boxing. And with the win would come another history making achievement. Winning the WBO welterweight title would make him the first fighter in history to win a title in seven different weight categories. And there haven't been many boxers to have titles multiple weight divisions over the years. There've been but a handful , and all have had illustrious careers. If Pacquiao is to join them , which in all honesty I believe that he will. Then there'll be no doubt in anyone's mind as to who the best fighter has been this decade.
Mr Cotto meet Mr Pacquiao, Mr Pacquiao meet Mr Cotto. Gentleman ,Please Box ! This has the makings of being an instant classic and I surely hope that the event itself lives up to the hype ! It's something that the sport of boxing surely needs !
NB Current welterweight titlists as recognized by the various international organizations.
Shane Mosley(46-5,39 KO's) WBA (World Boxing Association)
Andre Berto (25-0,19 KO's) WBC (World Boxing Council)
IBF(Int'l Boxing Federation)is at present vacant.
Author tophatal ...........Posted on November 13, 2009 November 13, 2009 Categories Bob Arum, Boxing,, Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya, Sports, Top Rank IncTags Andre Berto, Bob Arum, Boxing,, Joshua Clottey, Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Shane Mosley, Sports, Top Rank12 Comments on Mr Cotto Meet Mr Pacquiao , Mr Pacquiao Meet Mr Cotto ……….Gentlemen Please Box
Beauty Is In The Eye Of Beholder ……..Oops We've Another Heavyweight Champion of The World ….
So here I am, scouring the "net" as well as US editions of several British newspapers I subscribe to ,in order to keep myself abreast of what's happening back home in the land of my birth. Quite often I'll also take in the BBC America network outlet for the latest business and international news. CNN and Fox News may well believe that they're best at covering a story with in depth coverage and analysis. But in actuality they pale by comparison , when judged against the professionalism shown by the journalists of the BBC .
Best to be seen and not heard ? Paris Hilton and Tara Reid are getting far too much exposure than is needed. Can someone remind them that they need a modicum of talent and intelligence as well ? Not unlike what we're now witnessing within the heavyweight division of boxing. picture appears courtesy of getty images north america/ Julian Proctor ………..
If it's not enough of anathema, to think that the heavyweight boxing division is now ruled by East European boxers. It's enough to make one ask the question where's the talent of yesteryear in terms of boxing within the division ? It was bad enough seeing the claims of one aspirant from the US bite the dust with such embarrassment. That the talk of Chris Arreola (27-1, 24 KO's) returning to the ring , is being met without as much as excitement, as the next on screen performance of Paris Hilton or Tara Reid . Neither of whom, it can be said was all that talented to begin with, when it came to the art of acting. But then again, if you're a testosterone driven hetero sexual male. The thespian talents of either is hardly the thing that'll lure you to watch either of these two females.
Vitali Klitschko (right) the champion proves his dominance in stopping Chris Arreola (left),the challenger for his WBC heavyweight title fight held at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. Arreola was forced to retire at the end of the 10th round of the bout. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mark J. Terrell …
Arreola , for his part has reminded us how devoid of home grown talent this country really is, when it comes to the heavyweight division of boxing. Furthermore, the excuses being made that most athletes shy away from the sport because there's more money to be made playing in the NBA , NFL or MLB . Well, that's akin to saying I don't really want to get but I'll try my hand and at something else less painful. Any sport runs the risk of an athlete being hurt at some point in their career. That's part and parcel of being an athlete to begin with. It's not solely about making money. It's the thought of challenging one's self against the obstacles placed in your way and being able to overcome it for the gains at the end of the day. Money , fame and the notoriety is just a bye product of it all.
The newly crowned WBA heavyweight champion of the world, David Haye (center foreground) who won the title with a unanimous decision over the former champion, Nikolai Valuev of Russia. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Shaun Curry ……….
Chris Arreola in his last bout challenged Vitali Klitschko (38-2-0,37 KO's) for the WBC heavyweight title. His challenge was met with the usual customary reverence one could come to expect of a champion unwilling to let an inferior opponent try and avail themselves of something that is not rightfully theirs. He forced the challenger to retire in the tenth round of their scheduled twelve round title fight at the Staples Center , in Los Angeles, California, on the 26th September 2009.
Valuev (left) looks to defend himself against the challenger , Haye, in their WBA heavyweight title fight held in Nurumberg , Germany on the 7th November 2009. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Shaun Curry ………
Courtesy of Yahoo Sports and Associated Press:
Haye defeats Valuev for WBA heavyweight title
By David Hein , Associated Press Sports Writer
NUREMBERG, Germany (AP)—David Haye certainly backed up his brash prediction.
Haye used his superior quickness to surprise Nikolai Valuev, winning a majority decision on Saturday night and winning the WBA heavyweight title.
The British challenger came close to knocking down Valuev for the first time in his 16-year pro career during the final round, but had to settle for the decision. The scores were 116-112 on two of the judges' cards, and a 114-114 draw on the other.
"The key was my speed," Haye said. "People don't realize I am very fast. And I have a powerful punch. I'm athletic, and if I wasn't a boxer I would be playing football or rugby."
The former cruiserweight titleholder won his third fight at heavyweight, despite giving up nearly a foot and 100 pounds to the tallest and heaviest champion in history.
"Everybody thought I was crazy," Haye said, "but I knew I could make him miss."
Haye had spent months taunting fellow heavyweight champions Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko, and even embarked on a press tour to promote a fight against Wladimir Klitschko before it was called off. Now, he'll probably escape facing the two men considered the best in the division because his first defense of the WBA title is supposed to be against John Ruiz.
The former titleholder earned the shot by stopping Adnan Serin in the seventh round earlier in the night—and already Haye is offering another prediction.
"He's a good fighter who is very underrated," Haye said of the American. "He is not the most spectacular, but I don't feel like I will struggle with him. He's about the same size as me and I think I will knock him out."
Valuev dropped to 50-2, and admitted that Haye was too quick for him.
"Tonight only one thing happened that I didn't expect," Valuev said. "It was like a marathon for me. It was like a track event. I wasn't ready to run that much.
"The judges made their scoring and I think the last round made the difference, especially the end of it."
Haye tried to keep Valuev on the move, opening with a left to the Russian's chin followed by a powerful combo. Valuev struggled to catch Haye, finding him only with left jabs.
Haye said he injured his right hand hitting Valuev in the head, likely in the second round.
"It was like punching a brick wall," Haye said.
Nicknamed "The Hayemaker," the Brit connected with big rights and lefts to Valuev's head to build up his points lead. Valuev finally came alive beginning in the fourth round, but in the sixth Haye landed a right-left combo and two solid lefts.
Haye continued to make Valuev work while finding holes, including a strong right followed by a left to Valuev's face in the ninth. After another big right in the 10th, Haye wrapped up the fight by landing two left hooks that left Valuev wobbly in the 12th.
Valuev covers up and is still getting caught by the challenger , David Haye , in their WBA heavyweight title bout. picture appears courtesy of afp dpp/getty images / Timm Schamberger ………
As much as it pains me to say this with regard to the sport of boxing and in particular the heavyweight division. The sport is now getting what it thoroughly deserves by way of a lack of real talent and charisma within the heavyweight scene ! For far too long the likes of promoters Don King and Bob Arum have force fed the public so much mediocre talent within the division over the last decade. That when the retirement of Lennox Lewis came about. They were essentially like a chicken running around the coop ,after its head had been severed. It suddenly occurred to them that the well had finally ran dry. And the fact that there wasn't a decent US fighter of a known caliber , talent and charisma within the current climate-much less on the horizon. It led to a dearth of East European fighters coming center stage and challenging the US's dominance within the division. Now, not only have they challenged it but they're also now dominating the the division to an extent not previously seen.
Valuev seated in his corner listens as his trainers give him some much needed advice during his title defense against the challenger David Haye. Valuev would suffer the second loss of his professional career in losing a unanimous 12 round decision to David Haye. picture appears courtesy of afp dpp /getty images/ Timm Schamberger ………
With the division being so fractured an no real intent in unifying the division. There are now three different champions who lay claim to holding a version of the heavyweight title. The IBF and WBO titles are held by Wladimir Klitschko(53-3, 47 KO's) , the WBC title is held by Vitali Klitschko and the recent recipient of the WBA title is David Haye (23-1, 21 KO's) of Great Britain. And though not a great deal is known about Haye . Other than the fact the he was once the undisputed cruiserweight champion. The fact of the matter is we're now no clearer or closer now, in getting an undisputed champion within the heavyweight division.
Haye looks to evade a shot from Valuev while on the ropes in their title bout. The scene of the event was the Nuremberger Verischerung Arena in the city of Nurumberg , Germany. picture appears courtesy of Bongarts/ getty images/ Alex Grimm ……….
The Klitscko brother as holders 3/4 of the recognized titles have refused to fight each other. Thus, while making a complete mockery of the division. And the respective bodies of the governing organizations, for which they hold those belts seem powerless to do anything about it all . Either that, or they completely refuse to force mandatory showdown between the two brothers. And Haye for his part, as the newly crowned champion has been saying all of the right things. But one essentially knows, that saying something and then doing it , are completely two different things. He's called out both brothers in the past , merely as a publicity gimmick. But now that he's got a piece of the title. He'd better be ready to back up those challenges one way or another. But first Haye must make a mandatory title defense against journeyman and former title holder John Ruiz (44-8-1,30 KO's-1 NC). The fact that the WBA think this bout is appealing to the fans. Well, it only goes to show how out of touch not only are the various governing bodies. But it also shows us that the promoters still haven't learned a lesson at all. They're still of the belief that these are the types of fights the fans want to see within the division. Nothing could be further from the truth at this juncture.
We know longer have the likes of either Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis or Evander Holyfield to entertain us . So instead , it's the usual perfunctory pattern of tomato cans and buffed up meatballs we're allegedly told is what is now for good for the heavyweight division. And that in effect to the downward spiral of the sport as a whole.
Haye's victory over the former WBA champion Nikolai Valuev (50-2-0,34 KO's-1 NC) was as unexpected , as it was in some ways it was not. Valuev's primary claim to fame, is that he has been the tallest and heaviest champion in history. Hardly the credentials one would come to expect of a world champion. His skills are basically pedantic and his maneuverability in the ring has always come into question. As too has the fact that he cannot take a punch. For man who's 7 feet tall and weighing in excess of 375 lbs, his chin is remarkably soft as porcelain. As evidenced in his bout against Haye, when he was repeatedly rocked by left hooks and upper cuts to the chin. Several times throughout the bout he became groggy and unable to keep his footing – that he came close to being knocked out by the man who as as the challenger, was a 100 lbs lighter than the champion, Valuev.
Haye cannot hide his emotions having just pulled off the shock upset in defeating the now former champion , Nikolai Valuev of Russia for his WBA heavyweight title in Nurumber, Germany. Haye now faces a mandatory defense against former champion John Ruiz of the United States. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Timm Schamberger ………..
The shape of boxing and in particular the heavyweight division is in such a poor state. That to use the analogy ……"emergency is there a doctor in the house" ? Well, let's just say that one seriously doubts that a doctor would be predisposed to resuscitating the patient. If anything, it would be far more generous to call on the services of Dr Jack Kevorkian. Too harsh an outcome ? The premise may not appear to be right but it's better than dealing with the travesty we're now witnessing within the sport !
WBC heavyweight rankings 1 through 10 :
1 Ray Austin (US) (28-4-4,18 KO's)
2 Oleg Maskaev (Kazakhstan) (36-6-0,27 KO's)
3 Odlanier Solis (Cuba) (15-0, 11 KO's)
4 Alexander Povetkin (Russia) (17-0, 12 KO's)
5 Kevin Johnson (US) (22-0-1, 9 KO's)
6 James Toney (US) (72-6-3,44 KO's – 2 no contests)
7 Manuel Quezada (US) (29-4, 18 KO's)
8 Denis Boystov (Russia) (26-0, 21 KO's)
9 Samuel Peter (Nigeria) (32-3, 25 KO's)
10 Tomasz Adamek (Poland) (39-1, 27 KO's)
Author tophatal ...........Posted on November 9, 2009 November 9, 2009 Categories Boxing,, David Haye, Heavyweight titlists, Nikolai Valuev, Sports, Vitali Klitschko, WBA heavyweight title, Wladimir KlitschkoTags Bob Arum, Boxing,, Chris Arreola, David Haye, Don King, Heavyeight titlists, Lennox Lewis, Nikolai Valuev, Sports, Vitali Klitschko, WBA heavyweight title, Wladimir Klitschko3 Comments on Beauty Is In The Eye Of Beholder ……..Oops We've Another Heavyweight Champion of The World ….