Articles of 2004
Heavy Issues for Cruiser Vassiliy Jirov
Tough decisions lie ahead as former cruiserweight champion Vassiliy “The Tiger” Jirov saw his record as a heavyweight drop to 0-2 as he was knocked out by Michael Moorer last week. The bout, televised on “The Best Damn Sports Show Period” was a battle of attrition as both men had their moments, but Jirov once again found the heavyweight power too much to handle when taken into deep waters.
The problems for Jirov are that he is not a big guy in a heavyweight division full of super-sized fighters with heavy hands. He earned a reputation for being a tenacious body puncher and was an in-your-face fighter who kept the pressure on his opponents and wore them down. Cruiserweights couldn’t cope with his attacking style and high volume work rate.
However, since his move up to the heavyweight division, Jirov has found that his punches do not have the same impact on his larger opponents and that his opponents can crack pretty well themselves. So for a guy who has always fought coming at his opponents and is there for the hitting, tough decisions lie ahead.
Consecutive defeats to two smaller heavyweights suggest that Jirov is in over his head.
In the fight against Michael Moorer, Jirov was ahead on the cards until being stopped by Moorer. What got Jirov ahead was his solid bodywork and combinations while Moorer was more economical with his punches. In the third round a combination left hook to the body coupled with a clash of heads put Moorer down to a knee for a count. Officially it was scored a knockdown, as the shot to the ribs was significant.
Moorer recovered well, started to pick up his own volume, and by the eighth round the fight was evening up. The end came in the ninth as Jirov came in as he usually does and Moorer peppered him with several solid blows punctuated by a flush one-two combination that sent the Kazakhstan native careening to the canvas. Jirov got up too soon on uneasy legs and would have been best served to take a knee and rise at the count of eight. Instead, Jirov was up right away, fell back into the ropes and came forward off them looking like his legs were ready buckle with one false step. Correctly, the bout was stopped, and so might be Jirov’s heavyweight career.
“The Tiger” made a decent – albeit losing – debut as a heavyweight by coming on strong late in the bout and dropping undefeated Joe Mesi three times. Unfortunately he had been out-boxed for much of the fight and had neither the power nor the time to finish Mesi. At 6’1” and 227-pounds, Joe Mesi is not a big heavyweight by today’s standards and Jirov couldn’t win that fight. Against Moorer he faced an opponent who stood just 6’2” and packed in 247-pounds into his robust frame. Not exactly the biggest and baddest of the bad, but still too big and too much for Jirov.
As a cruiserweight Jirov only suffered one defeat and that was in a very exciting fight to now-heavyweight James Toney. While heavyweight money is better than that paid at cruiserweight, it is clear that Jirov will never be a top heavyweight. Until losing to James Toney most people considered Vassiliy Jirov to be the best sub-200 pound fighter in the world. Of course Wayne Braithwaite, Jean Marc Mormeck and O’Neil Bell would certainly take exception to that claim. So what now?
The choice seems clear for Jirov. There is plenty of competition at cruiserweight and there are big money fights ready to be made. At heavyweight there is no future beyond being out-gunned by bigger stronger fighters as we have already seen.
In boxing the obvious choice isn’t always easy to make and Vassiliy Jirov has some heavy decisions ahead.
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 Articles2 weeks ago
Japan’s Budding Superstar Junto Nakatani KOs ‘Petch’ Chitpattana in Tokyo
-
Featured Articles2 weeks ago
Results and Recaps from Riyadh where Artur Beterbiev Unified the 175-Pound Title
-
Featured Articles3 weeks ago
Bygone Days: Muhammad Ali at the Piano in the Lounge at the Tropicana
-
Featured Articles1 week ago
Murtazaliev KOs Tszyu to Keep IBF World Title
-
Featured Articles3 weeks ago
WBA Feather Champ Nick Ball Chops Down Rugged Ronny Rios in Liverpool
-
Featured Articles4 weeks ago
Boxing Odds and Ends: ‘Paint-Gate,’ the Haney-Garcia lawsuit and More
-
Featured Articles4 weeks ago
Alycia Baumgardner is Legit, but her Title Defense vs Persoon was a Weird Artifice
-
Featured Articles3 weeks ago
Avila Perspective, Chap. 300: Eastern Horizons — Bivol, Beterbiev and Japan