Articles of 2004
Corrie Sanders: Is He Really All That ?
This coming Saturday night former WBO Heavyweight Champion Corrie Sanders fights top ranked contender Vitali Klitschko. This fight is for the WBC title recently left vacant by the retirement of former champ Lennox Lewis. This fight was made basically because of the two strong showings both fighters had in their last outing.
In March of 2003 Sanders, a southpaw stopped Wladimir Klitschko in two rounds to win his WBO Heavyweight title, which is currently held by Lamon Brewster. Klitschko also has been impressive in his last couple fights. In June he gave former champ Lennox Lewis nine kinds of hell before the fight was halted in between the sixth and seventh rounds due to a severely cut left eye. At the time of the stoppage, Vitali was up slightly in the scoring. Six month's later Klitschko stopped top contender Kirk Johnson in two rounds cementing his top contender status.
As it stands right now Vitali Klitschko is the man many believe has the best chance to possibly seize the Heavyweight division. His opponent Corrie Sanders is somewhat of an enigma. He is a southpaw who is known for being a decent boxer with good hand speed and power. Some have inferred that the winner of the Klitschko-Sanders WBC title clash will be perceived as the lineal Champion. If it's Klitschko, I can see why. He is the fighter who probably comes closest to meeting the prerequisite for what fans look for in the Heavyweight Champion. Klitschko is big and strong, he can hit and has a very good chin. On top of that 10 months ago he gave the World's top Heavyweight all he wanted and then some. So basically Klitschko has shown that he is capable of fighting with today's Heavyweight elite.
What if Sanders wins? Corrie has been getting major props as of late regarding his status as one of the World's top Heavyweights. This comes mainly from his two round destruction of Wladimir Klitschko 13 months ago. However, I wonder if he is fully deserving of all this high praise he has been showered with? My question is, outside of Wladimir Klitschko, what has he really done to warrant this standing? And now looking back at Wladimir, that win has to be somewhat re-evaluated. Yes it was impressive, but Klitschko's questionable chin must be considered. Again, not taking anything away from Sanders, but who else has he defeated warranting so much adulation?
Sanders has achieved a rep as being this terrific puncher, but going off of his record this can very easily be questioned. Does knocking out the likes of Johnny DuPlooy, Art Card, a shot Bert Cooper and Levi Billups qualify him as Tua or Tyson? Lets not forget that fat Nate Tubbs did stop him and Mike Dixon, Mike Evans, and Ross Puritty stood up to his best and only lost a decision.
In his biggest and most high profile bout prior to fighting Wladimir Klitschko, he was stopped by Hasim Rahman in May of 2000. In the fight with Rahman, Sanders was taking it to Rahman and beating him from pillar to post. That was until he ran out of gas and was stopped. Stamina and endurance are a problem for Sanders. On top of that he doesn't fight the full round and only fights in spurts. Granted, he is like most punchers, very dangerous early. But once a fighter can make it through the early onslaught, they seem to do much better and make it to the decision when facing him.
Corrie Sanders no doubt can hit, but I don't think he is Tua or Tyson. His hands are pretty quick and he's a fairly good boxer. He deserves to be where he is, fighting for what's being called the linear Heavyweight title. It's just that I don't think he is quite the destroyer that the media and some fans have built him up as being. However, if he goes on to stop Vitali Klitschko, than all the praise he'll be garnered with is well earned and justified.
Articles of 2004
2004 Boxing Pound for Pound List
The final boxing pound-for-pound list of the year for 2004.
1. Bernard Hopkins: The top guy from beginning to end, Hopkins took care of Oscar De La Hoya with a body shot in the biggest fight of 2004. Now, he'll wait for Jermain Taylor to progress a little further, or he'll go the rematch route with Felix Trinidad. Either way, Hopkins stands to earn a lot of money in 2005 and extend that all-time middleweight reign.
2. Floyd Mayweather: How long has it been since we've seen Mayweather in a meaningful fight? Certainly not in 2004, when he outpointed the difficult DeMarcus Corley. He's slated for a January outing against a no-name. Enough stalling, already, “Pretty Boy”. Fight someone we care about (preferably Kostya Tszyu), or you'll lose your #2 position sometime in 2005.
3. Felix Trinidad: “Tito” stormed back with a magnificent knockout of Ricardo Mayorga in 2004, and now hopes to capitalize on it with big money fights. He'd like nothing more than a rematch with his only conqueror, Hopkins, but he may also opt for old nemesis Oscar De La Hoya. Either way, Trinidad is sure to fight a big fight sometime in the coming year.
4. Kostya Tszyu: What a difference one fight makes. As recently as late October, the boxing world was wondering whether Tszyu was even serious about the sport anymore. We found out with a second round demolition of Sharmba Mitchell. And that made the junior welterweight division very attractive. Tszyu has several options now, including Arturo Gatti and Mayweather or even a hop up to welterweight to challenge Cory Spinks. Let's hope one of them happens in 2005.
5. Manny Pacquiao: Pacquiao fought twice in 2004, and what a fight the first one was. His thrilling war with Juan Manuel Marquez was the best brawl of the year, and there is a chance that the two rivals will go at it again in 2005. If not, Pacquiao has a list full of options: Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, etc. Pacquiao will fight one of them in the next year.
6. Marco Antonio Barrera: Another guy thought to be washed up when the year started, Barrera resurrected his career for the second time with a masterful victory over Paulie Ayala and a close decision over rival Erik Morales in another great fight. Barrera is obviously shooting for a return with Pacquiao, who decimated him in November 2003. Barrera says it was an off-night. Hopefully, we'll find out if that was the case.
7. Winky Wright: Winky entered the “superstar” realm in 2004 with a pair of decision victories over Shane Mosley. The first was very impressive, as Wright practically shut Mosley out. The second was closer, but proved once again that Winky was the superior fighter. He'd like a shot at Trinidad or Oscar De La Hoya, but neither will happen. He'd probably be best off shooting for a name like Fernando Vargas or Ricardo Mayorga.
8. Juan Manuel Marquez: After several years on the outside looking in, Marquez is finally in a position to make some money after his courageous performance against Pacquiao. He rose from three first-round knockdowns to wage the fight of his life in a fight that was ruled a draw. It would also be interesting to see Marquez against countrymen Barrera and Erik Morales.
9. Erik Morales: “El Terrible” fought another great fight against Barrera, but, again, it was in a losing cause. He has now lost two of three to his fierce rival, and probably wants nothing to do with him anymore. But, eventually, talk of Barrera-Morales 4 will come up again. In the meantime, Morales could shoot for Pacquiao or Marquez.
10. Glencoffe Johnson: The newest entry, Johnson pumped some life into boxing in 2004 with a pair of upsets of Roy Jones Jr. and Antonio Tarver. Now, he's set to make some really big money in rematches with either, or a shot at old conqueror Hopkins. Either way, Johnson is better than anyone imagined.
11. Jose Luis Castillo: Castillo made some comeback noise of his own in 2004, beating Juan Lazcano for his old vacant title and decisioning Joel Casamayor for another big win. He says he wants Kostya Tszyu next, and if that materializes, boxing fans will be in for a treat. If not, Castillo vs. Diego Corrales is a great fight.
12. Oscar De La Hoya: Hard to erase that picture of De La Hoya grimacing in agony courtesy of a Hopkins shot to the ribs, but the “Golden Boy” had no business fighting at 160 pounds. He should drop down to junior middle or even welterweight again if he has any hope of regaining his past form. But 2005 could be the final year for one of boxing's all-time great attractions.
On the brink: Antonio Tarver, Diego Corrales, James Toney
Articles of 2004
Heavyweight Joe Mesi Bringing Lawsuit
As reported by the Buffalo News, Joe Mesi is suing the New York State Athletic Commission and the MRI center that conducted tests on the heavyweight boxer after his bout with Vassiliy Jirov. Mesi reportedly suffered brain injuries in the Jirov bout, which has left his boxing status uncertain.
The lawsuit alleges Mesi's medical records were improperly released to the NYSAC. The records, the lawsuit goes on to allege, were then released to the media, prejudicing Mesi's right to have his status reviewed by the appropriate boxing authorities.
The lawsuit does not seek specific monetary damages, as the extent of damages will be affected by whether Mesi is able to resume his career as a leading heavyweight contender.
Mesi hopes to have his status reviewed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission within the coming month. The ruling of the NSAC promises to be key in whether Mesi will be able to resume his boxing career.
Articles of 2004
The Best in Chicago Boxing Returns
Dominic Pesoli's 8 Count Productions and Bob Arum's Top Rank Incorporated along with Miller Lite presents SOLO BOXEO DE MILLER, THE ARAGON RUMBLE, another installment of The Best in Chicago Boxing on Friday, January 14th, broadcast live internationally as part of Telefutura's Friday night professional boxing series.
The newly remodeled Aragon Ballroom is located at 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. near the corner of Lawrence and Broadway in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood and is easily accessible, just 4 blocks west of Lake Shore Drive and just 4 miles east of the Kennedy expressway. There are three large parking lots located within a 1/2 block of the Aragon Ballroom. Additionally, the Howard Street Blue Line stops just across the street. Doors will open at 6pm with the first bell at 7pm.
Headlining the action packed card is the American debut of super-bantamweight Ricardo “PIOLO” Castillo, 12-2 (6KO's) of Mexicali, Mexico as he squares off in a scheduled ten rounder against WBO Latino Champion, Edel Ruiz, 24-12-3 (13KO's) of Los Mochis, SI, Mexico. Castillo will be accompanied to the ring by his brother, World Lightweight Champion Jose Luis Castillo.
In the co-main event of the evening, one of Chicago's most popular fighters, middleweight “MACHO” Miguel Hernandez, 14-1 (9KO's), battles hard swinging local veteran “MARVELOUS” Shay Mobley, 7-4-1 (2KO's), of One In a Million Inc.in a scheduled eight rounder.
The huge undercard bouts include;
Carlos Molina vs TBA, six rounds, junior middleweights
Frankie Tafoya vs TBA, four rounds, featherweights
Ottu Holified vs. Allen Medina, four rounds, middleweights
Francisco Rodriguez vs. LaShaun Blair, four rounds, bantamweights
Rita Figueroa vs. Sarina Hayden, four rounds, junior welterweights
Said Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions, “it was a terrific evening last month and our fans were thrilled to be at the Aragon to watch David, Speedy and Luciano. David Diaz's fight against Jaime Rangel was a fight people will talk about for a long time. Our commitment to our fans is to make every event of ours better than the last one. This main event is terrific, both guys are very tough Mexicans who won't take a step back.
The fans love Miguel and Mobley figures to be a very tough opponent. Him and David Estrada had a six round war last June at our show. And the undercard showcases a lot of new, younger talent that is coming out of Chicago right now. Tafoya and Holifield have both had very successful beginnings to their careers and Francisco Rodriguez comes with fantastic amateur credentials and David Diaz says he has all the talent to be a great pro.”
“We've got big plans for 2005 and this show should take up right where last months show left off. The huge crowd loved the action last time and I'm sure they'll say the same thing this time.”
-
Featured Articles4 weeks ago
Avila Perspective Chap 301: The Wrath of Tszyu and More
-
Featured Articles4 weeks ago
Murtazaliev KOs Tszyu to Keep IBF World Title
-
Featured Articles3 weeks ago
Omar Trinidad Defeats Argentina’s Hector Sosa and Other Results
-
Featured Articles3 weeks ago
Notes and Nuggets from Thomas Hauser
-
Featured Articles3 weeks ago
Foreman-Moorer: 30 Years Later
-
Featured Articles2 weeks ago
Floyd Schofield Wins a Banger and Gabriela Fundora Wins by KO
-
Featured Articles2 weeks ago
With Olympic Boxing on the Ropes, Three Elite U.S. Amateurs Shine in Colorado
-
Featured Articles3 weeks ago
Coachella Prospects Manny Flores, Grant Flores and Jose Sanchez All Win at Fantasy Springs