Articles of 2006

Mayweather vs. Baldomir Post-Fight Analysis

Published

18 years ago

November 6, 2006

Going into this fight Baldomir is the epitome of confidence and anyone with a modicum of Boxing Intelligence would have to wonder why? This is by far and away the best fighter he has fought and potentially will ever fight… does he feel his ability to absorb what Floyd has and answering back with his own will be enough? It may take water a while but it always wears down the rock. I think back to parallels in boxing matches and the one that is most prominent is the Ali vs. Bonavena fight. Oscar was strong, gave Ali no respect and took the fight to him much the same way. Nor was Oscar undefeated at that point, as he had lost to Frazier, Floyd Patterson, Jimmy Ellis and many names you wouldn’t recognize, yet something was ignited in him that would help him ALMOST win. He had Ali in real trouble …but ALMOST only counts with horseshoes and hand grenades. The fact that Baldomir really believes he can win is what makes this fight worth watching and now I am interested in this fight… Scheduled for 12 it stands to figure “Little Ringo” will get his chance to do something and then we may really get the chance to see what Floyd is made of. Scarface said, “Every dog has its day”… they say Baldomir has had two already… after day, comes night, I can’t see it happening, but that’s why I am tuning in.

I like Floyd’s a la Caesar ring entrance. I can’t believe that Emanuel Steward says that he feels this fight against Baldomir is the first “real fight” Mayweather has had. To say that is to disqualify every professional fight Mayweather has had… the exceptional champions he has defeated.

Round 1
Baldomir looks wooden and tight. Arm-punching. Floyd’s round… he was the aggressor… I think this psychologically surprised Baldomir who expected Mayweather to be on his bike from the get-go.
Mayweather

Round 2
Mayweather looked better making Baldomir miss and picking his shots with sharp counters. Although PBF’s corner may be wrong telling him to go to the body this early.
Mayweather’s round-but closer than the first round.

Round 3
Got Baldomir hesitating now through feints because Baldomir has missed so much he is losing confidence. Baldo doesn’t like the fact that Mayweather uses the elbow when he comes in but Baldomir is trying to hug him up, so it’s fair. Let’s say Floyd is preempting a foul. Mayweather round.

Round 4
Mayweather making the mistake (maybe not in this fight) of trying to time the right uppercut and just getting grazed with the right hand of Baldomir… that’s how Uncle Roger made brain cell deposits to the Canvas Bank of America when fighting Juan Laporte. He cannot afford to get too confident. Mayweather round.

Round 5
Baldomir has to realize that he has to take shots in order land his own… He is trying to box with this man and getting potshot. Mayweather easy.

Baldomir’s rude awakening:
Every fighter gets one at some point in their career… like when everyone told Ray Leonard, Duran is easy to hit, just a slugger (2nd round…RIIING)… like when everyone told Hearns that Leonard can’t punch or take his punch (6th round… RIING), like when everyone told Forman Ali can’t fight no more (8th round RIIING), Baldy’s people told Baldomir how he was going to be too strong for Mayweather, (RIIING). They were on the inside at times and Baldomir felt the strength of Mayweather and realized this kid isn’t some flimsy fighter who was gonna cave in at the first stiff wind… Learning this mid-fight is one of the worst on the job training methods there is!

Round 6
Mayweather keeps raising his chin too high and Baldomir is just skinning it. He may be lucky to not get jarred by the shot in later rounds but in the interim he is playing select a punch with Baldomir’s face. A memo to future opponents of PBF. Mayweather’s round.

Round 7
Nice defensive moves by Mayweather, center ring they exchange right hands, dangerous… if Baldomir was a puncher maybe there is a bigger effect. Ringside an in-his-prime Roy Jones comparison is made. The thought darts through my mind that the diff between them is Roy had a much more effective and complex offense, whereas Mayweather, although he has a very effective “sculptor’s” offense (he chips away at his subject) has a much tighter defense.

Round 8
Nothing I haven’t said before.

Round 9
The Mayweather jab really coming into play. The thought comes to mind once again that
Merchant talks about the wonderful exhibition but the fight isn’t good because there is no drama, true… everyone wants to see Rocky, but the appreciation of the skills should be considered here.

Round 10
More of the same… Mayweather picking his punches and jumping out of the way. Baldomir’s fanning the joint. You can’t tell me all that money and Mandalay Bay has no air-conditioning.

Round 11
The monotony of a lopsided beating is a sleeping pill. I know it sounds bad, but at the same time as being a fighter you are also an entertainer and people come to be entertained… if you can turn it on a little more… even if they are fake flurries circa Ali vs. Jimmy Young, then why not? Give the fans a little something that justifies the ticket.

Round 12
Mayweather giving the round away raising the right hand, telling Baldo to “come on” and simultaneously putting the engine into reverse. He is way ahead, crowd boos. Always wondered what a guy was thinking when he does that. Baldomir’s round.

MAYWEATHER BY UNDENIABLE, UNQUESTIONABLE, UNDISPUTED DECISION
If it were as Emmanuel Steward said, and this was the first time Mayweather has fought a real champ (I was as stunned as Floyd when Emmanuel said that) … or, this is his first dangerous fight, then you gotta give a flying colors thumbs up to Floyd for an amazing performance… BUT, if you see Floyd as a future hall of famer, someone who deserves to be placed into the elite category of the Sugar Rays, Durans, Ali (singular) and such… an athlete/entertainer, someone who understands the moment and in tune with the 9000 fans that came out to see him perform and hundreds of thousands of fans who tuned in worldwide via closed-circuit, then maybe he fell short THIS performance. Yeah, he bit Larry Merchant’s head off in the post-fight interview and I can’t say I blame him, but at the same time, Larry was asking a completely legitimate question that may have been misinterpreted by Floyd given the history of Larry and his way of asking fighters questions that would cause one to cringe… fighters are getting hip. Floyd wanted praise for the win, no matter how he got it. He fought a strong man with a broken hand (?) who walks around as a light-heavyweight… Floyd went through a very physical and mental journey preparing for this fight and probably wanted more than anything to be bathed in praise that wasn’t forthcoming. I am sure he will look at this fight and in retrospect learn a lesson, and being the talent he is, I am sure amend his style to accommodate the fight fans needs while satisfying his own.

This fight showed once again that boxing isn’t about how much you can lift but how often you can PUNCH! Strength has no place in the ring against a man who knows how to box.

To judge this fight on a purely entertainment level, I would give it 6 out of a possible 10. It left much to be desired, but you can’t blame Floyd for everything. If Baldomir prepared even remotely close to how he should’ve, he would’ve been a little more effective and the fans would’ve been treated to a closer affair. “He was too fast” is not a legitimate excuse for that type of performance at the level they are. Watching it from a fighter’s POV I give the fight an 8… I think Floyd may be dabbling in the weights and that is why he is throwing one punch at a time and not very many combinations these days, but I could appreciate the skills. The fight could’ve been a 9 or 10 if Baldomir held up his end of the bargain.

UNDERCARD ANALYSIS
Arreola vs. Wills
Seen Wills before he turned pro and he was a kid with limited experience but a lot of heart and potential… something got in the way of fulfilling that potential and it could be Hollywood, it could be personal issues, it could be the fact that he doesn’t have to struggle for his next meal… but I don’t think that fight was indicative of his true ability.
Arreola wins, looked impressive and was active if not very creative.

Williams vs. Pakao
Brought in as the sacrificial lamb, Pakeo was getting stuck like a pig. One thing nice about this Williams kid though that is a beautiful thing to see and that is his ability to move his hands effortlessly… but what’s unusual, almost creepy, is his ability to throw punches almost emotionlessly. Definitely a future force in the middle divisions… when he does get hit it will be during an exchange. They talk about Williams not being a devastating puncher and he doesn’t seem to be, but I have seen enough fights in my life to know that if you were to see his opponent’s face that evening or the next day, you would think a herd of cattle had run over it. Many if not most of the punches Williams throws are “placement” punches. There were definitely punches that snapped back the head, but most were of the cruise-control nature. Ref stopped it at the right time. Pakao has to take some responsibility for the lopsided beating, even though he showed amazing heart.
Williams by mercy stoppage. Would like to see him vs. Mayweather… That’s a fight!

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Michael Olajide

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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