Connect with us

Articles of 2004

The Boxing Drought is Almost Over

Published

on

Hold on boxing fans, you've nearly made it through this dry spell that rivals any drought that the Sahara Desert has experienced. Since Felix Trinidad's emphatic return to the ring three weeks ago at the Madison Square Garden against Ricardo Mayorga, boxing has taken an early hibernation.

But as the leaves turn and the calendar turns to the month of November, boxing finishes with a flourish and embarks on an unusually busy end to the calendar year. Starting on the first weekend of November till mid-December, you'll see a downpour of high-profile fights.

NOVEMBER 6TH

Kostya Tszyu- Sharmba Mitchell II: This is an eagerly anticipated rematch that has been postponed twice in the past year. Their first bout, which took place in 2001, was a hard-fought and competitive contest that saw Tszyu win by TKO as Mitchell had to call it a day with a bum left knee.

Regardless of what the sanctioning bodies say, Tszyu is still the recognized jr. welterweight champion of the world. But, while Mitchell has stayed busy and bided his time, Tszyu has not fought since stopping Jesse James Leija in early 2003.

When they finally meet again (knock on wood), this is a battle between the two premiere 140-pounders in the world.

NOVEMBER 13TH

Chris Byrd- Jameel McCline, John Ruiz-Andrew Golota, Hasim Rahman-Kali Meehan, Evander Holyfield- Larry Donald: This pay-per-view card being put on by Don King features his squadron of heavyweight titlists in pretty competitive bouts, but in truth, this really a high profile 'Heavyweight Explosion.'

And call me a sicko – I've been called worse – but there's a part of me that is actually looking forward to the streetfight between Ruiz and Golota. The only thing missing when these two hook-up at the Madison Square Garden will be the chains and knives.

And while this isn't exactly the golden age of heavyweight boxing, it's still good to see the best face each other in any division – even the heavyweights.

NOVEMBER 20TH

Winky Wright-Shane Mosley II: The only reason this bout is being made is because it has to happen contractually. Let's be realistic, their first hook-up in March was so lopsided in Wright's favor that many believe a return match isn't warranted at this time.

But there is some drama involved here, still. Can Mosley make the proper adjustments with new trainer Joe Goossen to turn the tide? Also, if Mosley should drop another fight to Wright, is his career as a world class prizefighter over?

NOVEMBER 27TH

Marco Antonio Barrera- Erik Morales III: Hey, does anything personify the spirit of Thanksgiving and the holidays like two heated rivals beating the hell out of each other?

To boxing fans, no.

Barrera and Morales are the Mexican version of the Hatfields and McCoys. The bottom line is that they have an absolute hatred for each other and you figure that no matter what stage of their careers they are at, they will always bring their 'A' game to the table when they square off.

Now, you hope that this trilogy doesn't go the way of Chiquita Gonzalez-Michael Carbajal, a series that got more tepid as it went along. But, you never know, it could go the way of Ali-Frazier, which after a historic first meeting, had a rather dull rematch, before the memorable 'Thrilla in Manila.'

DECEMBER 4TH

Jose Luis Castillo- Joel Casamayor, Jeff Lacy-Omar Sheika, Samuel Peter-Jeremy Williams: This tripleheader, which will be televised on Showtime is your classic 'fight fans card.' No, it won't attract anyone outside your usual die-hards, but it figures to be an attractive card top-to-bottom.

Castillo, is considered by many to be the premiere lightweight in the world, and he faces the classy Casamayor. Lacy faces the shopworn, but still heavy-handed Sheika in his first defense of his IBF super middleweight crown. And then Peter, 'the Nigerian Nightmare' (with apologies to Christian Okoye) faces his first test when he fights the resurgent Jeremy Williams.

There are dueling shows this night as HBO will be televising Jermain Taylor-William Joppy. While Joppy is a recognizable name in the middleweight division, you wonder just how much is left in his gas tank after the frightful beatings he has taken against the likes of Felix Trinidad and Bernard Hopkins.

DECEMBER 11TH

Vitaly Klitschko- Danny Williams: Williams is here because of his upset win over Mike Tyson in the summer. He tries to play the role of giant killer again when he faces Klitschko, the current WBC heavyweight champion.

Klitschko always seemed to play second fiddle to his more highly acclaimed brother Wladimir, and while he may lack his grace and offensive skill, he possesses certain things that Wladimir lacks, namely the ability to take a punch. He's come a long way since he was dubbed ' Quitschko' for his calling it a day against Chris Byrd in 2000.

DECEMBER 18TH

Antonio Tarver-Glen Johnson: OK, this match-up has not been finalized, but it is being discussed seriously.

But if it does happen, being in the middle of December and the start of the college bowl season, this bout should be dubbed 'the Roy Jones Bowl' as both Tarver and Johnson have shattered the myth of 'RJ.'

Currently, these two are universally recognized as the top two light heavyweights in the world. Both fighters are out to prove that their wins over Jones were no fluke.

Now, by this time our thirst for boxing should be satisfied.

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles1 week ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Paro
Featured Articles1 week ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles5 days ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles1 week ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

A-Boxing-Card-in-Alabama-Goes-Pfft-A-True-Tale-from-the-Underbelly-of-the-Sweet-Science
Featured Articles2 days ago

A Boxing Card in Alabama Goes Pfft: A True Tale from the Underbelly of The Sweet Science

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles6 days ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles6 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

When-Boxing-Was-Big-on-the-Fourth-of-July-A-TSS-Classic
Featured Articles9 hours ago

When Boxing was Big on the Fourth of July: A TSS Classic

A-Boxing-Card-in-Alabama-Goes-Pfft-A-True-Tale-from-the-Underbelly-of-the-Sweet-Science
Featured Articles2 days ago

A Boxing Card in Alabama Goes Pfft: A True Tale from the Underbelly of The Sweet Science

Mexico's-Francisco-Rodriguez-Jr-is-the-TSS-Fighter-of-the-Month-for-June
Featured Articles3 days ago

Mexico’s Francisco Rodriguez Jr is the TSS Fighter of the Month for June

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles5 days ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Holly-Holm-Joshua-Edwards-and-Rene-Alvarado-Sparkle-on-the-Paul-Chavez-Undercard
Featured Articles5 days ago

Holly Holm, Joshua Edwards, and Rene Alvarado Sparkle on the Paul-Chavez Undercard

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles6 days ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles6 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles1 week ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Paro
Featured Articles1 week ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles1 week ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending