Articles of 2006

Hopkins/Tarver or Cotto/Malignaggi: We Choose, We Lose

Published

19 years ago

March 27, 2006

Michael Woods

Picture a world, please, with no TiVo.

Horrific, I know. I'm severely hooked on “God's machine” myself.

On June 10, in this mental imaging scenario, you will not be able to tape one boxing card while you watch another.

You will have to choose to watch either the Bernard Hopkins/Antonio Tarver or the Miguel Cotto/Paulie Malignaggi card.

A battle between a certain Hall of Famer in his last fight against a Top 10 pound-for-pounder.

Or a battle between a potential next generation superstar against a brash Brooklyner with Gatti-boy hair, fast feet and a faster mouth.

Do you plunk down the money to see the wily vets ply their trade or plunk down the money to see an intriguing style matchup featuring two Gen Y pugilists?

Either way, you gotta plunk.

Sorry fight fans, this is an exercise in imagery, not a utopian fantasy.

Come June 10, either way, you gotta plunk.

Me, I was leaning towards the Gen Y card, put on by Top Rank and Bob Arum, if for no other reason than I've seen Malignaggi from his debut until now, and am sincerely curious if perhaps the Cotto crew made a mistake in matching their bombs-away battler against a cutie who can make him miss.

So at the Tuesday press conference to hype the Hopkins/Tarver scrap at Tavern On The Green in New York City, I put the question to several of the principal's involved in the promotion.

First, Tarver's promoter, Joe DeGuardia. I know Joe from 1999 or so. The Bronx-born and bred dealmaker has been hacking away dutifully for a decade and so this top-tier fighter and lucrative deal with the Borgata are a long time coming.

“You're not a fan if you have to ask why someone should choose the Cotto card over Tarver/Hopkins,” DeGuardia said, neck hair bristling a tad. “It's like if you have the opportunity to watch the Yankees/Red Sox in the World Series, or a Triple A game. Cotto isn't Triple A at this time, but it's no comparison.”

HBO PPV maven Mark Taffet didn't stiffen like the promoter when asked the same question.

“I won't address the question in the context of a fighter (Cotto) HBO has a relationship with, but you have a middleweight legend in his final fight, trying to make history against the light heavyweight king,” he said. “Hopkins is trying to have a legendary ending to his career. The storyline has tremendous appeal to the fans. It will be well worth the fans' time and money.”

After Taffet's pitch, the press conference took place.

We learned that Hopkins will be employing Mackie Shillstone to add 15 pounds the right way, and John David Jackson to shed light on the mystery that is the southpaw stance.

We learned that Hopkins is holding Tarver to a side bet that will pay Hopkins $250,000 (which will go to his charitable foundation) if Tarver doesn't get him out of there within five rounds in Atlantic City on June 10.

We learned that Hopkins thinks Tarver will use his acting stint, for Rocky 6, as an excuse if he performs poorly.

We learned that Hopkins is getting some grays on his head.

We learned that Hopkins wants to be busy in the fight, that he doesn't want to “stick my fans up and leave.”

We learned that Hopkins dressed so sharp that he made me feel like I was dressed in Costanza-wear, sweats and a pit-stained wifebeater. And Tarver looked sharp too. And that DeGuardia thinks both fighters could rule boardrooms in a decade.

We learned that Tarver is not simply money motivated; that he wants the respect of the purists, pundits, rank and file, everyone.

We learned that Tarver has chosen to call himself The Legend Killer, because he foresees himself wrecking Hopkins' farewell bash.

We learned that Tarver believes he should be listed in the Top 3 on P4P lists.

We learned that Tarver might target Calzaghe next, that he knew Lacy was going to get worked and that he wishes he exposed Lacy first. Also, that if one heavyweight unifies the belts, that he would like a crack at the uniter.

And then we learned that Tarver thought even less of my question, why should a fight fan pick your card over Cotto/Malignaggi, on June 10?

“Look around you,” he said, his words dripping with the same venom I hear from the cable company phone rep when I ask if the repair guy can tell me when he'll be coming, instead of giving me a five-hour window. “Turn to the left. Turn to the right. Enough said.”

Alrighty then.

It was left to Hopkins to elucidate, from the fighters' perspective, why a fan should plunk down the cashish on his fight.

“It's either ego or stupidity, no disrespect to Cotto or Malignaggi, they're gonna be champions soon, to go up against this fight of legendary status,” he said. “Anybody that wants to come versus this promotion, unless you got millions like Arum, it's financial suicide.”

Not being Fox News or Bill O'Reilly, I like to get the other side of the story whenever I can, so on Thursday, I called Top Rank to get Arum's take on the “Why Choose My Card/No TiVo” question. I've not had any luck getting the big boss to return my calls in the past, so the week before I walked up to him at the Rahman/Toney New York PC, shook his hand, told him who I wrote for and asked if he'd be so kind to return my calls. No problem, he said, and gave me the name of his private secretary. Call her and tell her I said to put you through.

I did as Arum suggested on Thursday, and left several messages. On my second call, the secretary Arum recommended I contact was at lunch. I heard nothing for several hours, so I called back. Then Arum was in a meeting, I was informed. (Politely I will say. The woman answering the phone was quite pleasant on every occasion I've talked to her) I left my number again, politely.

And never heard back.

Mind you, last week, before the Rahman/Toney presser I had left two messages on the machine of Mr. Arum's recommended secretary and never heard back then.

Maybe they aren't fans of the ace golfer over there at Top Rank, and don't like reporters with Tiger's last name.

Maybe they don't read the Internets and don't recognize my byline. I can dig it; most people don't digest bylines. All the copy usually blends together.

But you can Google my name and you'll see stuff I've written for several non-boxing outlets as well as a buttload of fight stuff.

And then, if you don't think my stuff is up to scratch, or whatever you're reasoning is, perhaps you could be so kind to at least show me minimal respect as a professional, and take 20 seconds to call me, tell me that Mr. Arum is too busy to talk, and thank you for trying.

Long story short, people, I tried to get Arum's side on this subject, but no dice.

I digress.

Bottom line, as usual, the loser here in this You Choose, You Lose June 10 scenario is, you guessed it, the fan. They will have to choose and thus lose come June 10 and I'm not clear on why.

Supposedly Arum sent in the 'save the date card' for June 10 and Madison Square Garden way back in 2005. So why Hopkins and Tarver are so hell-bent on that date isn't really clear to me. Taffet did say he tried to get Arum to move the date with a nice offer but his attempt was rejected.

People are saying that no one will blink here.

Too bad.

If I were Arum, besides returning Mike Woods' phone calls, I'd move my compelling show to Friday night. Put it on free HBO. Let more people see Cotto in action. As it is now, probably 250,000 people will tune in to the Hopkins farewell fight. And maybe 175,000 will see the Cotto/ Malignaggi (with Irish John Duddy and other matchups TBA) in a red-hot Garden on PPV.

If no one blinks, as it stands, the fight fans' attentions get divided, and their wallets get conquered. As usual. The wallet gets hit hardest…

Do the right thing, Bob, and blink. Move to Friday. Let Hopkins have Saturday for his farewell bash. Give us schmucks a Friday Freebie, will ya? And give me a call. You guys know the number.

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Michael Woods

Articles of 2006

Peter/Toney Ii: Peter Has The Brutal Punch

Published

18 years ago

December 31, 2006

Adam Berlin

Samuel Peter claims he has dynamites in my two hands?

Heavyweight contenders Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter and James Lights Out? Toney get it on a second time this Saturday from the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Fla. (Showtime).

The hard-slugging Peter, unlike Toney, is one of those strong, silent types notorious for letting their fists to the talking one the opening bell sounds, but the Nigeria Nightmare is as confident as ever and determined to turn Lights Out’s lights out for good.

I have got dynamites in my two hands,? said Peter, according the Lagos, Nigeria Vanguard, and I will crush James Toney once and for all. The Toney camp made the mistake of their lives by protesting and seeking a rematch. I am ready to teach him a bitter lesson.?

Sam Peter walked away with the W for Peter/Toney I at the Staples Center in LA last September, but it was by disputed split decision a verdict so disputed, there was even a dispute about the dispute which forced the WBC’s hand into mandating Saturday’s rematch.

Samuel Peter is the biggest thing to hit African boxing since Ghanaian superstar Azumah Nelson rocked the feather and junior welterweight divisions. The President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Prince Olaide Adeboye, admitted, according to allAfrica.com, We are rooting for Samuel Peter, of course. He is one boy we believe in to bring back the country’s lost glory in professional boxing. I am personally making arrangement to be at the ringside to see him fight Toney again. I was at the first fight in Los Angeles in September.

Peter has the brutal punch, and to me he was the clear winner of the first fight. But the WBC Board of Governors, of which I am a member, voted 21-10 for a rematch. There was nothing those of us Africans on the board could do in the circumstances. But I believe Peter will confirm he is better than Toney and will then go ahead to meet the champion and claim the belt for Nigeria and Africa.?

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Articles of 2006

Iceman Stops Tito Ortiz Win Streak

Published

18 years ago

December 31, 2006

David A. Avila

LAS VEGAS—UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck “Iceman” Liddell’s fists proved too much for Huntington Beach’s Tito Ortiz who was stopped in the third round before a sold out crowd at the MGM Garden Arena on Saturday.

The punching machine Liddell (20-3, 13 KOs) repeated his victory in UFC 66 over the much-improved grappler Ortiz who has improved his punching and blocking. Ortiz was trying to avenge his loss of April 2004.

Despite all the new weapons displayed by Ortiz it wasn’t enough as Liddell pummeled the former champion and retained his title with a technical knockout at 3:59 of the third round. Referee Mario Yamasaki stopped the bout.

“This was the most satisfying victory of my career,” said Liddell, 36, of Santa Barbara. “Tito came back real tough.”

Ortiz (15-5, 8 KOs), a former wrestler, worked on his boxing technique knowing he would need it against the former boxer Liddell. But Liddell’s experience allowed him to find the right moment to pounce on Ortiz.

“I had him hurt, I just kept throwing punches,” said Liddell who also knocked down Ortiz in the first round with a left hook.

Ortiz was gracious in defeat.

“Chuck is the best fighter Pound for Pound in the (mixed martial arts) world,” said Ortiz, 31, who suffered a gash on the side of his left eye from a punch. “I’m disgusted by myself. I let my fans down.”

Other bouts

Underdog Keith Jardine (12-3-1) knocked out Forrest Griffin (13-4) at 4:41 of the first round in their light heavyweight showdown. A right uppercut followed by a left hook wobbled Griffin who was sent to the floor by a barrage of punches. On the ground Jardine landed right after right until referee John McCarthy stopped the fight for a technical knockout.

“I couldn’t believe he was hurt,” said Jardine about Griffin who is known for his resiliency. “I was so nervous coming into this fight, but now I know I belong here.”

Canada’s Jason McDonald (18-7) choked out Chris Leben (15-3) in a middleweight bout that was up for grabs. Though Leben seemed to control the fight with stunning left hands, once the fight went to the ground McDonald managed a chokehold at 4:03 of the second round. Referee Steve Mazagatti saw Leben was unconscious and stopped the fight.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski (12-5) caught Brazil’s Mario Cruz (2-2) with a sneak right hand while both were tangled on the ground. Then the Belarusian pummeled Cruz until referee Herb Dean stopped the fight at 3:15 of the first round.

Third season winner of the Ultimate Fighter television reality season Michael Bisping (12-0) of Great Britain won by technical knockout over Eric Shafer (9-2-2) at 4:29 of the first round. A knee knocked Shafer groggy then Bisping knocked him to the ground and pounded him. Referee Mario Yamasaki stopped the bludgeoning.

Thiago Alves (16-4) caught Peru’s Tony De Souza (15-5) with a knee as he attempted to dive for his legs in a welterweight contest. After that it was pretty much over as Alves pummeled De Souza at 1:10 of the second round forcing referee John McCarthy to halt the bout.

Gabriel Gonzago (7-1) proved too strong for Carmelo Marrero (6-1) in a heavyweight bout. At 3:22 of the first round Gonzago of Massachusetts manipulated his way into arm bar forcing Pennsylvania’s Marrero to tap out.

Japan’s Yushin Okami (19-3) pounded Georgia’s Rory Singer (11-6) into submission at 4:03 of the third round of a middleweight bout. Okami seemed the more-rounded fighter with effective kicks to the head and more accurate punching.

Christian Wellisch (8-2) jumped to a quick start with an accurate left hook that rattled Australia’s Anthony Perosh (5-3) in a heavyweight bout. During the first round it seemed the Sacramento fighter might end the fight but the Aussie hung tough. Wellisch won by unanimous decision.

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Articles of 2006

The Sweet Science P4P Rankings for Asia

Published

18 years ago

December 31, 2006

Scott Mallon

There are claims that boxing is dying. Hogwash. The heavyweight division isn’t the only division in boxing and 2007 promises to be a banner year in boxing; especially for boxers hailing from Asia.

While Asia isn’t Vegas or Atlantic City, it is a region packed of diamonds in the rough; undiscovered gems and potential superstars who wait for their moment in the sun.

The Sweet Science P4P Rankings – Asia

1) Manny Pacquiao – There’s no way to dispute Pacquiao is the best fighter in Asia, if not all of boxing. He’s exciting, he wins with Je Ne Sais Quois and is definitely “the man” in boxing.

2) Pongsaklek Wonjongkam – Although his competition leaves much to be desired, his longevity and skills are undeniable. He is currently Thailand’s only world champion and is undefeated in ten years. Need I say more?

3) Chris John – A victory over Juan Manuel Marquez, however controversial, shows he belongs at the top of the heap. He easily outpointed Renan Acosta to close out 2006 and should have no trouble defending against Jose Rojas in February. A fight with Pacquiao would not be a good move on his part but a rematch with Marquez would not hurt – especially if he defeats the Mexican again.

4) Hozumi Hasegawa – Hidden away in Japan, Hasegawa is a sharp punching southpaw who put former champion Veeraphol Sahaprom to sleep. He recently bested Genaro Garcia and his herky-jerky style will give fits to any one who steps in the ring with him.

5) Masomori Tokuyama – Tokuyama has never shied away from a good fight and although he only fought once in 2006 (UD12 Jose Navarro), he ledger shows wins over Katsushige Kawashima (twice), Gerry Penalosa (twice) and In Jin Chi (twice). A fight with Hozumi Hasegawa is a distinct possibility in 2007.

6) Nobuo Nashiro – With only seven fights under his belt he took on WBA champion Martin Castillo – and defeated him. Although he’s only fought a total of nine fights, nearly all have been against quality opposition. A victory in a rematch with Castillo would cement his claim as the king of the 115-pound division.

7) Yukata Niida – This light-hitting minimumweight defended his title twice in 2006, winning a technical decision against unbeaten Eriberto Gejon (Tech Win 10) and the other on points over Ronald Barrera (W 12). Scheduled to meet Katsunari Takayama early next year – the best has yet to come for this WBA belt holder.

8) In Jin Chi – Won back the title he lost to Takashi Koshimoto in January from Rudolfo Lopez. While there’s little uncertainty to his skills, at thirty-three, 2007 may provide some insight as to just how much he has left.

9) Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai –Sor Nonthachai is an exciting, top-shelf fighter with an iron chin. Has no trouble making mincemeat of mid-level opposition and deserves a title shot in 2007. Time is running out.

10) Rey Bautista – He’s young, relatively inexperienced in big-time boxing, but will continue to shine in 2007. One of the better prospects in boxing, he should snag a title in 2007.

Asian Fighters Ranked in Ring Magazine

Pound for Pound:

Manny Pacquiao (Philippines): #2

Jr. Lightweight

Manny Pacquiao (Philippines): #1
Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai: #9

Featherweight

Chris John (Indonesia) #1
In Jin Chi (Korea) #3
Takashi Koshimoto (Japan) #5
Hioyuki Enoki (Japan) #7

Jr. Featherweight

Somsak Sithchatchawal (Thailand) #4

Bantamweight

Hozumi Hasegawa (Japan) #2
Veeraphol Sahaprom (Japan) #3
Ratanachai Sor Vorapin (Thailand) #6
Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym (Thailand) #10

Jr. Bantamweight

Nobuo Nashiro (Japan) #1
Katsushige Kawashima (Japan) #7
Pramuansak Phosuwan (Thailand) #10

Flyweight

Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (Thailand) #1
Takefumi Sakata (Japan) #7
Daisuke Naito (Japan) #10

Jr. Flyweight

Koki Kameda (Japan) #1

Minimumweight

Yukata Naiida (Japan) #2
Eagle Kyowa (Japan/Thai) #4
Katsunari Takayama (Japan) #5
Rodel Mayol (Philippines) #7

Boxing in Thailand

There’s no shortage of boxers in Thailand. With a huge pool of Muay Thai fighters to draw from and several talented amateur boxing prospects turning pro after the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Thailand seems destined to remain a boxing powerhouse in Asia.

The country is known for having tough, determined and disciplined fighters who give their all whenever the step in to the ring. However, consistently losing while fighting abroad and padding their records with no-hopers has done nothing to enhance their reputation.

Whether because of a lack of marketability, a lack of funds or their unwillingness to travel abroad, the vast majority of boxers from Thailand remain a mystery to fans in the west. If anything though, the boxing scene involving Thai fighters will be active. In fact, it’s one of the most active in the world; since 2000, the number of fights has nearly doubled in the country.

The Sweet Science P4P Rankings – Thailand – August 2006

1) Pongsaklek Wonjongkam
2) Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym
3) Somsak Sithchatchawal
4) Wandee Singwancha
5) Sirimongkol Singwancha
6) Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai
7) Veeraphol Sahaprom
8) Pramuansak Phosuwan
9) Terdsak Jandaeng
10) Oleydong Sithamerchai

Current Sweet Science P4P Rankings – Thailand

1) Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (Flyweight) – Definitely the top dog in Thailand

2) Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai (Super Lightweight) – He’s a seasoned fighter who has proven himself in the big-time. He’s one Thai who can fight outside of Asia. He has an abundance of skills and one-punch power. His overall ability and ease in dispatching anyone other than championship caliber get him the runners-up spot.

3) Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym (Super Bantamweight) – After losing to Vladimir Sidorenko he’s bounced back. He’s young, he can punch, but the former interim champion needs to prove himself against a name fighter.

4) Somsak Sithchatchawal (Super Bantamweight) – Was his win over Monshipour a fluke or was Celestino Caballero just that good? Did Sithchatchawal catch Monshipour at the right time and can he rebound from the devastating loss? The jury is still out.

5) Wandee Singwancha (Flyweight) – He doesn’t have much of a punch which will be his downfall in the end. He can box, as was evidenced in his recent victory over Juanito Rubillar, but this won’t be enough. He can no longer make the Jr. Flyweight limit and with no punch he’ll have a hard time competing against the “big boys.” Although he’s now rated second by the WBC, he doesn’t deserve to be.

5) Sirimongkol Singwancha (Super Lightweight) – Get this guy a fight. He’s better than Jose Armando Santa Cruz and would have beat up Inada had the fight taken place. He’ll fight anyone but his biggest obstacle is staying motivated fighting tomato cans in Thailand. Like many Thais, he needs a fight against a name opponent.
6) Wandee Singwancha (Flyweight) – He doesn’t have much of a punch which will be his downfall in the end. He can box, as was evidenced in his recent victory over Juanito Rubillar, but this won’t be enough. He can no longer make the Jr. Flyweight limit and with no punch he’ll have a hard time competing against the “big boys.” Although he’s now rated second by the WBC, he doesn’t deserve to be.

7) Pramuansak Phosuwan (Super Flyweight) – A genuine tough guy. Always calm and focused no matter how heated the battle. But at thirty-eight, he’ll be in trouble should he fight one of the division’s elite.
8) Veeraphol Sahaprom (Bantamweight) – Will be lucky to get another crack at the title. Although he has a puncher’s chance of winning a belt, that’s about all he has left at this point. A third shot at Hasegawa is unlikely.

9) Oleydong Sithamerchai (Minimumweight) – He’s fought better than the usual opponents faced by Thais at his level and he moves up one spot with the departure of Terdsak Jandaeng. He lacks the punch and is in the wrong division to become a superstar. He’ll need to defeat a name opponent to convince me.

10) Saenghiran Lookbanyai / Napapol Kittisakchokchai (Super Bantamweight) – These two square-off in early March, supposedly to see who deserves a shot at Israel Vasquez. Kittisakchokchai has the edge in experience but some feel Lookbanyai has the edge in heart and is the favorite.

Neither has defeated a top twenty fighter and yet are ranked number one and two respectively in the WBC’s world.

In Kittisakchokchoi’s lone shot at the big-time, he was TKO’d in 10 by Oscar Larios. His dreadful performance against Larios and lack of quality opposition leads me to believe Saenghiran might have more of a shot at beating him than some suspect. Regardless, neither of them lasts longer than six rounds with Israel Vasquez.

Honorable Mention: Wethya Sakmuangklang, Denkaosan Kaovichit, Devid Lookmahanak, Nethra Sasiprapa, Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo, Pornsawan Kratingdaenggym

Thai Fighters Ranked in Ring Magazine

Pongsaklek Wonjongkam: #1 Flyweight
Pramuansak Phosuwan: #10 Jr. Bantamweight
Veeraphol Sahaprom: #3 Bantamweight
Ratanachai Sor Vorapin: #6 Bantamweight
Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym: #10 Bantamweight
Somsak Sithchatchawal: #3 Jr. Featherweight
Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai: #9 Lightweight

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