Articles of 2006
Toney/Peter Result Revisited: On Judge Flaherty

Big Bob Mladinich beat me to the punch in securing an interview with Massachusetts judge Dick Flaherty, one of the two arbiters who saw Samuel Peter winning nine rounds to James Toney's three on Saturday night.
Big Bob is truly a consummate gentleman, not as prone to argument as I, so perhaps it is best that I didn't get the chance to quiz Flaherty on his reasoning for choosing Peter by such a wide margin.
Do you give credit for ring generalship, for defensive adeptness, I would have asked, and perhaps my tone would have betrayed my skepticism. After all, these are men's careers and massive earnings power at stake here. The stakes are huge and we must ensure that the judges who are in charge of such high stakes decisions are up to the task…
Flaherty and I have a history, not that I believe he'd recall it. My own memory is impacted by time and collegiate habits, I must admit…
I know the show was in Massachusetts, and I know one of the out-of-towners brought in to lose handled one of the guys that was supposed to win.
I believe it was in Whitman, on a Vinnie Vecchione/KO1 special.
I think it was 1996.
I think it was Ed McAloney. The hard luck guy might have been Alex Ortiz, or Santiago Coriano.
Or maybe it was Robbie Sanchez, and the giftee was Kevin Watts.
Flaherty, one of the judges, awarded the more aggressive, but less effective boxer, and spurned the more subtle display of pugilism offered by the underdog.
He was one of three who didn't give the designated loser a deserved win and I asked him about it afterwards. In a semi heated fashion, I will admit, being a fan of fairness and all.
He barked back at me in defense of his card. We locked eyes and glared. It wasnât a tender moment. I always kept that incident in the back of my mind.
So I read Big Bob's interview with Dick, and I wasn't enthralled with Flaherty's take. I thought he lacked humility and his defense did nothing, absolutely nothing, to make me see things his way.
âNo one within the commission was critical of my score,â said Flaherty. âThe fact is, I think my reputation speaks for itself. I always give 110 percent. My eyes and mind are totally focused on whatâs going on in the ring.â
Just because no one was critical of the score to your face, Dick, the fact that 28 of 29 media members surveyed by Dan Goossen's people saw the fight for Toney doesn't give you a moment's pause? Well, it should.
âYou canât get nervous and you canât second guess or be influenced by others,â said Flaherty to Big Bob. âYou have to have faith in your own abilities. Having done this for so long, I have tremendous faith in my ability to officiate fairly and objectively.â
Glad you do, Dick. I don't, to be succinct. And just because someone has done something for a long time, that doesn't in fact prove his or her competence. I resist the urge to make a political jab at this point…
âIn my opinion Toney was out-hustled by Peter,â he said. âToney took rounds off and Peter, to his credit, outworked him. He was forcing the action and actually out-jabbing Toney, which is not easy to do.â
Really, Dick? I wouldn't agree with that. Peter's nose told the tale in that regard.
I'm still waiting for CompuBox numbers on this one, but I'd be soooo surprised if stats bore you out on this assertion…
And is “hustle” your top ingredient in judging a fight? Who “hustles” more determines who gets the decision? What about skill, Dick? Because Peter “forced the action” he deserved to win 9 of 12 rounds?
I talked to Bert Sugar on Wednesday and he agreed that Flaherty's card was off, way off.
“Why don't we just throw the subtleties and just reward aggressiveness, judge it like a Toughman Contest?” Sugar said.
Boxing fans jump off the bandwagon with every bad decision, so we have to do what we can to minimize them. A closer margin of victory would have lessened the leeriness towards the two 116-111 cards. But saying Toney won only three rounds? That's hard to stomach for everyone I've talked to not associated with Peter's team.
I suggest you get a tape of that fight, Dick Flaherty, and score the bout again.
Because men's lives, and careers are at stake, and it's the right thing to do.
SPEEDBAG
Slowest Saturday weâve had in recent memory, eh? Ollie McCall is the biggest name in action on our shores. Saw a recent story in a paper that trumpeted McCall as having beaten his demons. Those McCall demons are a hearty, make that party hearty, breed, so I wouldnât have been so quick to judge him as rehabilitated if I were the headline writerâŠ
–You all looking forward to the mega OLN card next Thursday as much as I am? Whatâs that? You didnât know that Kid Diamond was featured on an OLN card next week? Ouch⊠Got to say, that series, featuring subpar main events and taped megabouts that weâve all seen umpteen times, must be classified as a major disappointment. It reads now like Arum is misusing the opportunity massively.
–Joe Mesi tries to make it four in a row in his comeback streak on Sept. 15. Heâll work over 36-year-old Jason Weiss (3-1) in Michigan. Hey, Jacko, for 20 Gs Iâll take the whacks.
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 isnât the only division in boxing and 2007 promises to be a banner year in boxing; especially for boxers hailing from Asia.
While Asia isnât 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 â Asia
1) Manny Pacquiao â Thereâs no way to dispute Pacquiao is the best fighter in Asia, if not all of boxing. Heâs exciting, he wins with Je Ne Sais Quois and is definitely âthe manâ in boxing.
2) Pongsaklek Wonjongkam â Although his competition leaves much to be desired, his longevity and skills are undeniable. He is currently Thailandâs only world champion and is undefeated in ten years. Need I say more?
3) Chris John â 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 â especially if he defeats the Mexican again.
4) Hozumi Hasegawa â 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 â 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 â With only seven fights under his belt he took on WBA champion Martin Castillo â and defeated him. Although heâs 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 â 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 â the best has yet to come for this WBA belt holder.
8) In Jin Chi â Won back the title he lost to Takashi Koshimoto in January from Rudolfo Lopez. While thereâs 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 âSor 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 â Heâs 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
Thereâs 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, itâs 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 â Thailand â 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 â Thailand
1) Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (Flyweight) â Definitely the top dog in Thailand
2) Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai (Super Lightweight) â Heâs a seasoned fighter who has proven himself in the big-time. Heâs 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) â After losing to Vladimir Sidorenko heâs bounced back. Heâs young, he can punch, but the former interim champion needs to prove himself against a name fighter.
4) Somsak Sithchatchawal (Super Bantamweight) â 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) â He doesnât 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 wonât be enough. He can no longer make the Jr. Flyweight limit and with no punch heâll have a hard time competing against the âbig boys.â Although heâs now rated second by the WBC, he doesnât deserve to be.
5) Sirimongkol Singwancha (Super Lightweight) â Get this guy a fight. Heâs better than Jose Armando Santa Cruz and would have beat up Inada had the fight taken place. Heâll 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) â He doesnât 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 wonât be enough. He can no longer make the Jr. Flyweight limit and with no punch heâll have a hard time competing against the âbig boys.â Although heâs now rated second by the WBC, he doesnât deserve to be.
7) Pramuansak Phosuwan (Super Flyweight) â A genuine tough guy. Always calm and focused no matter how heated the battle. But at thirty-eight, heâll be in trouble should he fight one of the divisionâs elite.
8) Veeraphol Sahaprom (Bantamweight) â Will be lucky to get another crack at the title. Although he has a puncherâs chance of winning a belt, thatâs about all he has left at this point. A third shot at Hasegawa is unlikely.
9) Oleydong Sithamerchai (Minimumweight) â Heâs 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. Heâll need to defeat a name opponent to convince me.
10) Saenghiran Lookbanyai / Napapol Kittisakchokchai (Super Bantamweight) â 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 WBCâs world.
In Kittisakchokchoiâs lone shot at the big-time, he was TKOâd 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 VEGASâUFC light heavyweight champion Chuck âIcemanâ Liddellâs fists proved too much for Huntington Beachâs 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 wasnât 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.
âThis was the most satisfying victory of my career,â said Liddell, 36, of Santa Barbara. âTito came back real tough.â
Ortiz (15-5, 8 KOs), a former wrestler, worked on his boxing technique knowing he would need it against the former boxer Liddell. But Liddellâs experience allowed him to find the right moment to pounce on Ortiz.
âI had him hurt, I just kept throwing punches,â said Liddell who also knocked down Ortiz in the first round with a left hook.
Ortiz was gracious in defeat.
âChuck is the best fighter Pound for Pound in the (mixed martial arts) world,â said Ortiz, 31, who suffered a gash on the side of his left eye from a punch. âIâm disgusted by myself. I let my fans down.â
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.
âI couldnât believe he was hurt,â said Jardine about Griffin who is known for his resiliency. âI was so nervous coming into this fight, but now I know I belong here.â
Canadaâs 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 Brazilâs 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 Peruâs 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 Pennsylvaniaâs Marrero to tap out.
Japanâs Yushin Okami (19-3) pounded Georgiaâs 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 Australiaâs 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.
-
Featured Articles3 weeks ago
Christian Mbilli Demolishes Demond Nicholson to Inch Closer to a Title Shot
-
Featured Articles4 weeks ago
Results from Manchester where Chris Eubank Jr Avenged a KO Loss in a Dominant Fashion
-
Featured Articles4 days ago
Tedious Fights and a Controversial Draw Smudge the Matchroom Boxing Card in Orlando
-
Featured Articles4 weeks ago
Avila Perspective, Chap. 250: Liam Smith vs Chris Eubank Jr II in Manchester
-
Featured Articles3 days ago
Skavynskyi and Bustillos Win on a MarvNation Card in Long Beach
-
Featured Articles2 weeks ago
Derbyâs Sandy Ryan Poised to Unify the Welterweight Title in Her U.S. Debut
-
Featured Articles2 weeks ago
William Zepeda Wins by KO; Yokasta Valle Wins Too at Commerce Casino
-
Featured Articles2 weeks ago
Luis Alberto Lopez Retains his IBF Title, Upends Joet Gonzalez in Corpus Christi