Connect with us

Articles of 2009

Jorge Arce: Small Frame, HUGE Talent

Published

on

In the United States, many of us are predisposed to a fascination with all things large.

McDonalds gets this. Plastic surgeons installing silicon blobs get this. And those in charge of making and marketing fights get this.

This is why we have an egregious situation in the fight game that needs to be remedied. No, not the excess of fare offered on a pay-per-view basis. For now, that model has been smacked down by the harsh overhand right dispensed by the marketplace, as fans that could previously be relied upon to buy PPVs are now saving their money for other more necessary expenditures, like food, and rent.

I’m talking about the absence of “little guys” on pound for pound lists. Go ahead, get Googling, and bring up some pound for pound lists from your fave fightwriters. You’ll notice that men weighing under 135 pounds are severely underrepresented on said lists. It’s a case of, “If you ain’t big, you ain’t go the gig.”

Of course, P4P lists are ultra subjective, so we can argue til we’re blue in the face that a bias against smaller fighters doesn’t exist. But I point to myself as Exhibit A in building a case for bias against the minis. I’ve always been a fan of the big boys. Something about the frame, and the possibility of a one-punch rubout, has always appealed to me. I can identify with them, being of a large frame myself, and there is also an element of aspiration involved; I look at (insert your own archetypical heavyweight of awe inspiring physique and marble-shattering punching power) and see what I could be, if only I reign in my bad eating habits and genetic failings.

But when I look at Vic Darchinyan, or Jorge Arce, or Chris John, I cannot say the same. No offense to any of them, master pugilists all. But they all weigh 120 or 130 pounds, walking around. In that context, I find I have very little in common with them. And for that reason, me and others who are of average and above-average size tend to have a conscious or subconscious aversion to giving them their due when it comes time to craft a pound for pound list.

But now that I have named this glaring defect, it is high time I tame it, or at least, spread the word about the mistreatment of the smaller pugilists at the hands of fuller framed fightwrighters.

Because really, the more time you spend watching the under 130 crowd, the more impressed you are bound to be, and the more likely you are to place guys like Vic and Jorge on your P4P list.

With this in mind, I am gearing myself up for the Feb. 7 Vic Darchinyan/Jorge Arce clash at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.—-to be shown on Showtime–in which Darchinyan’s 115-pound International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) world titles will be on the line. The winner should, with a strong showing in a reasonably tight scrap, be rewarded with a place on more P4P lists.

Arce himself delved into the issue of the smaller pugilsts being overlooked and perhaps more tragically, underpaid, on a Wednesday conference call to hype the faceoff.

“Little guys don’t get paid the money we deserve,” said the 29-year-old Los Mochis-Mexicao native with a 51-4 record.  “We give exciting fights every time we go out there.  I just go in there and do the best I can to give the fans a good fight.  Once this fight is over I hope people will remember it for a long time.”

The man has lost once since 1999, and that was to a world class talent, in Cristian Mijares (UD12 loss in 2007). If there is a compelling reason why he isn’t on more P4P lists, let’s have them.

But Arce, smartly, isn’t consumed by the slight and instead will work to convince non-believers that he deserves both their respect and fatter paydays. ”It doesn’t bother me (that I’m not in the pound-for-pound rankings),” he said.  “I try to do the best I can.  If I win this fight I think that I have to be considered as one of the best fighters in the world.’’

Certainly, the trash talk between the two men cannot be dismissed as dimunitive. “I will knock him out,” said Arce, who unfairly was dismissed as all style and no substance after the Mijares loss, because of his showy ring entrances.  He shot down this line of thinking.

“I know when I can do my entrances and when I can plan things.  Sometimes fights are not interesting so I have to do something to entertain them.  But this fight speaks for itself and I don’t have to do anything.  He is a great champion and this will be a great fight.  I know he will do everything to knock me out in one punch and we’ll do everything to put on a show. The extra isn’t needed. My career was taking off, (but) then when I lost to Mijares, people thought I wasn’t as good of a boxer as some people thought I was.  They thought I was just a singer and a celebrity and an entertainer.  But everyone has bad nights. I just had a bad night that day. The media and fans don’t understand that I can have a bad night.’’

No, there is nothing jockey-sized about Arce’s determination as he counts down to Feb. 7. “I don’t see this fight going 12 rounds,” he said.  “I see it as a knockout.  If he knocks me down once I’m going to get back up.  He’s going to have to throw a lot of punches to knock me out.  He’s in for a long night. I’m always self assured who I am and what I am about.  When I train for fights like this I feel invincible.  If he hits me three times I hit him six.  If he hits me five I hit him ten. I’m fighting for life or death. No one can stop me.”

Still on the fence, or think you’ll pass on the Feb. 7 super fly showdown? Still hold onto your supersized bias? Maybe you think the flys can’t and don’t deliver the mayhem and controlled violence you crave? Maybe Arce’s promise to deliver the goods, in stark terms, will change your mind.

“I love to see blood,” he said. “I give fans blood, and when I get blood on me, I love that. It gets me more aggressive. I hope we can give fans a long fight on February 7 with a lot of blood.”

What more can we ask? If he delivers on his promises, of knockdowns on both sides, a KO against a fighter with a 31-1 record, Arce deserves a payout in the realm of money and respect.

Jorge Arce is big talent, in a small package, and I am, moving forward, pronouncing myself more open to appreciating the skills and talents of fighters in and around his weight class.

This message has been sponsored by the International Society For The Advancement Of Lighter Weight Pugilists (ISALWP).

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles5 days ago

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

Italy-Mourns-the-Death-of-Legendary-Boxer-Nino-Benvenuti
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles1 week ago

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

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

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

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

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

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles7 days ago

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

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles3 days 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 Articles4 days ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles10 hours ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles10 hours 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 days 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 Articles4 days 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 Articles5 days 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 Articles7 days 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 Articles1 week ago

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

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

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

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

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

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

Italy-Mourns-the-Death-of-Legendary-Boxer-Nino-Benvenuti
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Italy Mourns the Death of Legendary Boxer Nino Benvenuti

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending