Articles of 2006

Corrales-Castillo III Fight Predictions

Published

18 years ago

June 2, 2006

TSS Press

Saturday night live from Las Vegas in a fight broadcast on Showtime, Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo meet for the final installment of their legendary lightweight championship trilogy. Corrales won their first battle with an incredible come-from-behind KO, literally and figuratively snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. Castillo came in overweight in fight two, a theme still being played out as of this writing, and collapsed Corrales in the fourth round to win the bout but not the crown. And now it’s time for the rubber match, the third and presumably last showdown between these two fantastic warriors. This is how The Sweet Science writers see Corrales-Castillo III.

Predicting the winner of this fight is like predicting the winner of the Gatti-Ward trilogy – how do you differentiate between two fighters who throw caution to the wind and aren't afraid to endure pain, who actually invite pain, to inflict their own? But I'll go with Corrales this time, who I'm guessing is still smarting from the last fight and Castillo's weight problems. Although Castillo should be the fresher fighter, Corrales should be hungrier; after all, he has to prove the last time was a fluke. Corrales by late knockout, maybe the 9th round.
Mitch Abramson

The last time we saw Diego Corrales, he was struggling to make it up from a monstrous left hook from Jose Luis Castillo. However, that was hardly the only time in the pair's Oct. 8 rematch in which Corrales was shaken by the two-time WBC lightweight champ. In fact, he was shaken a lot – much more than he had been five months prior in their original war. And it could be that it had more to do with Corrales' rapid demise than Castillo's three-pound weight advantage. Corrales, thin and angular, isn't physically equipped to absorb the kind of punishment he sustained in the first Castillo fight (not to mention wars with Robert Garcia, Joel Casamayor and Acelino Freitas). Skinny fighters are supposed to box and jab. Corrales has rumbled his whole career, and it showed in the Castillo rematch. Castillo, thicker and wider, is too strong for Corrales in 2006. That's why, after another torrid affair, he'll emerge with a 10th-round TKO victory.
Matthew Aguilar

The judges can stay home for this one. Corrales and Castillo have taken turns knocking each other out, and the rubber match promises to end the same way. Corrales would be wise to follow the formula which allowed him to avenge his knockout loss to Joel Casamayor, when he used his height and reach and movement to box his way to victory. But the bet here is that his valor will override his discretion, and that he will, for a third time, go head to head with Castillo. Both men can dish it out, but Castillo’s sturdier chin will spell the difference. Castillo captures the WBC lightweight title by 8th round knockout.
David Berlin

Considering how easily Jose Luis Castillo knocked out Diego Corrales in their second fight, I predict him to do the same next Saturday. I don’t think that the first battle should have been stopped only because Corrales was throwing many unanswered punches to his opponent. After all, Castillo didn’t go down. When Corrales went down twice in the same round, the referee didn’t stop him. In the lighter weight divisions, ten consecutive punches are quite usual. Looking at flyweights or bantamweights, long exchanges are even more common and they don’t go down. I’m sure that Castillo-Corrales 3 will be a great show even if it may be closed by just one uppercut. Castillo by KO 5.
Luca De Franco

I think Jose Luis Castillo is just too rugged and determined and Corrales' chin too available. Castillo by TKO.
Ralph Gonzalez

This blood and guts, dramatic trilogy will come to and end Saturday and I'm going to go all out for Corrales. The injury delaying him and Castillo meeting up in February will have been to Chico's benefit, resulting in a healthier, stronger and more refreshed fighter. Combine a rested, mentally and physically fit Diego Corrales with the skill, the strength and the toughest make up of nearly any fighter around, and you will see him pound out a victory against Castillo.
Amy Green

Castillo TKO 10. Or maybe Corrales TKO 11, or maybe draw, or maybe I don't know what the hell I'm doing. My only real predictions are (a) Corrales not quite as finished as some think and (b) therefore, this will be another great matchup. If Castillo makes the weight, it will indicate he trained hard and should prevail. Maybe. I like Zale if he and Graziano fight a fourth time.
Mike Katz

Castillo has taken the time to get to weight properly this time. He won't fade down the stretch because there will be no late round stretch. Castillo wins by knockout in the middle rounds and it will be a summary judgment against Corrales' dreams of future mega-fights beyond his division.
Patrick Kehoe

We'd like Corrales' chances even better if he could somehow restrain himself from engaging in another war. Alas, he probably can't, but if he boxes and they're the same size this time, we still like Corrales. If Castillo doesn't make weight all bets are off.
George Kimball

The best way to look at this fight is to ask one question: Can Diego Corrales box for twelve rounds against Castillo without being drawn into a war? My answer is “no, he can't” and therefore I will go with Jose Luis Castillo by stoppage one more time. Corrales tends to cut more now, in addition to having been dropped about a dozen times in his career including three times against Castillo in their two fights. Corrales could use his jab and one-two his way towards breaking down Castillo late, but he won't and the battles he has been in have taken their toll and are starting to show. Corrales is an entertaining fighter and can't help but brawl with Castillo and therefore tilt the bout in Castillo's favor. I have always loved Corrales for the way he fights and he genuinely comes across as a good kid despite mistakes he has made outside the ring. Both men may go down but Castillo will stay around longer and get the stoppage win as Corrales beaks a cardinal rule in boxing by hooking with a hooker.
Joey Knish

They're a lot of variables I, unfortunately, don't have inside information on. How compromised will Castillo's strength be by not just having to make 135, but by doing all of these scheduled weight-ins leading up to the fight? (That's not to say making the lightweight limit is a picnic for Chico, either.) How has Corrales been looking in camp…To what degree has the extra rest revitalized him…What does the battle-tested beanstalk have left at this point in his career? Also, will he consider using his god-given height this time, and work his jab and deadly straight right as he did in his rematch against Casamayor? Without having answers to these questions, I will assume that Chico will brawl on the inside as long as the fight lasts; that Castillo will be drained by making weight, but so will Chico. What is verifiable: While Castillo got stopped in their first match (and let's face it, that was something of a miracle), he doled out much more punishment overall; in the sequel, he dominated every round, and that left hook from hell that took Chico out was the worst single shot Chico's ever taken. So why should anything be that different this time around? It shouldn't. Castillo is stronger, more durable, and the better inside fighter. Castillo by TKO in the 10th.
Zachary Levin

Castillo's weight may have made a difference in the second go-round, but not enough to sway the outcome. In their first fight, Corrales got lucky. I don't see him finding his four-leaf clover this time. Castillo has his number. He's too strong, too smart and did it too easily in the second fight to overlook his dominance of Chico. This time around, Corrales will hang on a little longer but not much; Castillo in six via TKO.
Scott Mallon

Castillo nearly beat him the first time and beat him handily the second time. Whether or not he will beat Corrales without the weight advantage is yet to be seen. My guess is he does. Castillo TKO 6.
Bob Mladinich

Castillo early. I believe he has the mental edge following the weight issues the last time they met; in a fight as tightly matched as this I think that will be the crucial difference. As an observation, the decision to allow Corrales to go through with the second fight in light of those weight disadvantages should be recorded as one of the worst pieces of career management I can recall. Hopefully, both men leave with enough fire left to engage in contests with the likes of Hatton, Cotto and Freitas after the fight. Because all are enthralling possibilities. Castillo KO5.
David Payne

Diego Corrales isn't planning on slugging it out for the third straight time with Jose Luis Castillo. He fought Castillo's fight twice and is too smart to make that same mistake again. Instead, Corrales will try and use his height advantage and superior hand-speed to combat Castillo's attack. Whether or not Corrales can be successful in using his jab and keeping an effective distance is the key to winning this fight. Both fighters want this one badly and will seemingly go to any lengths to end the trilogy on top. Castillo's struggle to make the lightweight limit may make him more vulnerable in this fight and the revenge factor for Corrales has motivated him more than I've ever seen before. If you're betting on this fight, hold your breath and good luck to you. I like Corrales by decision in a more strategic fight that shows glimpses of the action-packed drama that captivated us all thirteen months ago.
Benn Schulberg

Because he cannot adapt or because it is a matter of machismo, Corrales will once again fight Castillo's kind of fight and once again he will get knocked out.
Ed Schuyler

This one's a toss-up, so let me grab a quarter. Assuming both fighters make weight, I see another repeat of their first fight, an all out fistic spectacular which will be fascinating to watch yet terribly hard to score. As a former wrestler and current pugilist my quarter just landed on heads… which means Castillo will probably resort to sucking “water weight” to avoid tipping the scales. It's fast, it's fairly easy, yet in the end – regardless of how much weight you put back on in a couple of hours – it kills your stamina. Considering that, I'll take Corrales by an extremely close decision or a late round TKO.
Alex Stone

We all knew the first bout had tremendous potential, but nobody would have predicted the war that transpired. Both fights were thrilling from the opening bell to their abrupt ends and both had a cloud of controversy hanging over them. For their third bout, Castillo will make weight, Corrales’ mouthpiece will stay in, and the two will slug it out in the first major contender for Fight of the Year. Castillo by KO.
Aaron Tallent

Who's got more mileage left in them? I'm leaning towards Castillo. They both have a ferocious hunger to win, but Corrales' chin will betray him midway through this bout, and Castillo will emerge as the Gatti to Corrales' Ward when this third (and final?) installment is finished.
Michael Woods

After all is said and done regarding any questions left over from the first two encounters, Castillo and Corrales are basically back to square one in regard to picking a winner. In a match like this, checking out the weigh-in is crucial prediction-wise. That said, my original call was Castillo by TKO, so we'll go back to the future with that.
Phil Woolever

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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

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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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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