Articles of 2006
Winky vs. Taylor
PRE-FIGHT RANDOM THOUGHTS
Both fighters have advantages in select attributes (for more, go to the March 27th BIAS on The Sweet Science for more info)… but who is going to persevere and why? When you think about it… in 48 minutes you’ll have your winner and maybe for another reason than what you think… I like that about boxing, rarely is the outcome what you think it will be.
Question: Why was Emanuel Steward pretending to get staggered when Jermain was hitting his focus mitts during the taped training sessions?
Does this fight make me feel more enthused about Jermain’s ability if he wins? Most likely not… it depends on how impressive he wins… Should Winky win, it seems like he would be climbing the higher mountain… so why can’t the same be said for Taylor should he win?
I think to myself, good marketing by the Taylor people because they are putting their man in against a respected champion who they believe can’t hurt their guy… (boxing management 101) They see that as a GLARING advantage for Taylor, whether it turns out that way, we’ll see.
Both fighters look in impeccable condition… Winky wears a mock suit into the ring (they never showed the whole getup though)… Taylor wears the SOOOWEEEEEEE Razorback Red…
I personally don’t think Emanuel in Jermain’s corner is going to help him… at least not initially… maybe down the road in another fight. It is impossible that Emanuel could come in for two months and “clean up a habit” that has been with Jermain from the start of his boxing life. What happened to Jermain’s lifelong trainer though… was he kicked to the proverbial curb?
ROUND 1
Taylor trying to counter Winky’s jab with the left hook and not the right hand like the conventional trainer always says. Winky with good jabs…TAYLOR ROUND, behind some good work to the body, but then again Winky brought the fight to Taylor and got off well… A tossup.
ROUND 2
Winky doing exactly what he has to do in order to win this fight… Take it to Jermain. Winky with a real good left with Taylor in the corner. WINKY’S ROUND and much clearer than Taylor’s first round.
Winky is a man taking advantage of Taylor’s bad habit… dropping his right when he throws a left. Hopkins couldn’t do it but Winky’s right jab is.
ROUND 3
Both fighters doing what they do best… Taylor with some effective combinations to the body… AROUND the arms of Winky. TAYLOR’S ROUND
ROUND 4
Taylor’s first few punches out the box looked ponderous, but they picked up as Taylor ended up getting some good steam behind his shots. Winky would be wise to move his head as well as block the shots… those ones dropping in-between are no good for the visage. TAYLOR’S ROUND
ROUND 5
Winky was composed and began to score whenever Jermain touched the ropes. I must remember that power distorts… just because Taylor hits with more authority, Winky ALSO hit Jermain effectively, just not as hard. WINKY’S ROUND
ROUND 6
Both fighters got off well, I’ll take the “waffler’s” way out… (Waffle; see Merriam Webster’s dictionary) EVEN ROUND
ROUND 7
Taylor came out hard and finished strong. TAYLOR ROUND
Comes to my mind that the advantage to fighting someone who can’t punch is the fact that you can see “underwater”… i.e. when your opponent is punching at you, you aren’t getting so hard you can’t stand within the fire and punch back, you actually “keep your eyes open under water.”
ROUND 8
Winky wins the round on good workmanship… put his foot in the pocket and worked like the blue-collar does. WINKY ROUND
ROUND 9
Jermain gone back to his old ways and it seems Emmanuel’s efforts have been negated… not enough time to change or effect what the issue is. If they stop this fight on the eye swelling, I’ll be upset… for lack of a suggestive word. WINKY’S ROUND
I watch Winky’s right leg and how it locks when he steps… I wonder how this has affected his fight style…
ROUND 10
Wow, they both exchanged punches there and it was a very difficult round to call because Winky worked in combo but Taylor’s single shots moved Winky’s body. WINKY’S ROUND
I think I understand now… Winky was so effective when Taylor was against the ropes because Taylor is a stationary opponent and Winky doesn’t need to use his legs to get him. Especially that lead leg that locks up on him when he plants.
ROUND 11
WHAT? I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS! Winky doing what he did against Vargas… gave the fight away in the last 2 rounds by complaining and stepping back, he has to step to Taylor and take it to him…TAYLOR ROUND… maybe. But then again maybe I was more shocked that Winky actually switched boats midstream like that. I dunno, but it can’t be good for Winky, so why do it?
ROUND 12
Why is he fighting like this, it makes no sense… Winky on his toes making the biggest mistake of his life… again… I can’t believe it…TAYLOR ROUND?
FINAL ANALYSIS
Again, I m too stunned and distracted by the sudden shift in the flow of the fight. Winky took the 8th, 9th and 10th in my humble estimation, employing a get at ‘im style… why stop now? “The prevent defense” should be banned, fined and outlawed… it isn’t even good for the fans… Maybe the judges “penalized” Winky… actually took points away for what you may call, “The Florida Fade.”
The decision? I guess I wasn’t the only one who ate waffles tonight (waffle, as in, unable to make a decision). A predictable draw… (They really should outlaw draws as well and force the pros to make a decision.) But let me ask you a question: What if you and your partner went into a dance competition and you made it to the finals and during the final dance off you decided to switch from the flamenco to a soft shoe, or something… Well people, that’s what I thought Winky did in the last two rounds. A fight that was his to win he effectively “lost” because he worried about what Taylor wasn’t doing and not what he himself should be doing. Even if “they” are trying to make Taylor the “poster boy” for boxing, Winky didn’t help himself… didn’t finish as effectively as he could have… close the show. He left the people an open door and they came in and possibly “robbed” him. Yeah, yeah, I know, fool me once shame on you, fool me twice (you know the rest)… But I think Winky has to take responsibility for this one. He knows the ways of the world.
A rematch is most likely going to happen before the year is over, they will talk about it being a pay-per-view event… I think it could work given the investment both fighters made in this fight. But this will be the best of their fights of this I am sure.
ON MARCH 27th I WROTE A Boxer In-depth Analysis System (BIAS) of this WINKY VS. TAYLOR fight for The Sweet Science… check it out and see what did and didn’t come to fruition.
This fight was an excellent fight… very entertaining… I give it an 8 out of 10. By the way, I like HBO getting more of the corner conversations between rounds… There’s got to be a way they can enhance that though for the fans…
Articles of 2006
Peter/Toney Ii: Peter Has The Brutal Punch
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.?
Articles of 2006
The Sweet Science P4P Rankings for Asia
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
Articles of 2006
Iceman Stops Tito Ortiz Win Streak
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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