By Ross Enamait - RossBoxing.com
19.07 - Finally, the time is here for two of the
best rematches in boxing. For those fans excited about
the Mosley - Forrest rematch, let's not forget the
rematch between light heavyweight contenders Eric
Harding and Antonio Tarver. The two battled previously
for a chance to fight Roy Jones for his world title.
Harding was victorious in an action packed first fight,
which led to his bout with Jones.
Surprisingly then, despite his victory over Tarver
and fight with Roy Jones, Eric Harding finds himself
considered by most as the underdog. Harding is ranked
behind Tarver in all of the major sanctioning bodies.
The IBF ranks Antonio Tarver 1st, the WBA and WBO
has him 2nd, and the WBC has ranked him 3rd.
I am slightly confused by these rankings considering
that Eric Harding is the guy that beat Antonio Tarver?
Did anyone else see that fight? People have questioned
Harding's punching ability. Why don't you ask Tarver
who suffered a broken jaw and ribs from Harding if
he can punch. I'm guessing his answer will be yes.
Or what about George Khalid Jones who entered the
ring against Harding as a 16-0 prospect. He found
himself victim to a nasty 7th round knock out. I'm
guessing that the talented Jones would agree that
Harding can punch. He also brings with him a difficult
style with his tall, rangy southpaw stance. Harding
is difficult to hit and often makes guys look awkward
in the process. He's also a huge light heavyweight
with the ability to muscle guys around.
So you ask, is Harding tough? Well consider that
he fought the man considered by most as boxing's top
pound for pound fighter with a torn bicep. Yes, he
is tough. Eric Harding fought Roy Jones with a torn
bicep until the fight was stopped in the 10th round.
More importantly, he didn't just fight Roy Jones;
he made things difficult for him. Despite fighting
with one hand, Harding fought the most competitive
fight against Jones in years.
Following the fight, Roy Jones was quick to suggest
that he entered the ring out of shape. On the flip
side, he has been reluctant to offer a rematch with
a healthy Eric Harding. If I fought a guy out of shape,
I would be eager to get back in the ring to prove
myself. Roy does not seem so eager. Perhaps it is
because he fought a man in Eric Harding who showed
impressive skills and determination with one hand.
Perhaps he is not in any hurry to find out what this
man could have done with two hands.
Harding has also beat top guys like Demetrius Jenkins
and Montell Griffin. So why does Tarver enter the
ring as the favorite despite the decisive lost to
Eric Harding? Tarver is has notched victories over
guys like Reggie Johnson, Chris Omar Johnson, and
Lincoln Carter since losing to Harding.
Is it because he was a celebrated United States amateur
that fought in the 1996 Olympics? Do promoters see
him as more marketable because of the vast recognition
he received as an amateur? Tarver has even suggested
that he is the tougher man of the two. He highlights
his toughness through his willingness to continue
fighting in their first fight, despite his broken
jaw and ribs. Does this really make sense though?
I always thought that the guy who dealt out the punishment
was the tougher man.
Can you imagine fighting the best fighter in the
world with one hand? Well guess what, Eric Harding
can. He can also tell what it is like to win a round
against the best fighter in the world with one hand.
Eric Harding is a man who grew up in the mean streets
of Philadelphia. He has been shot and almost killed.
Believe me, this man should not be questioned for
his toughness. No one is going to scare Eric Harding
in the ring.
Antonio Tarver is surely a talented fighter. He can
punch and has a vast amateur background. He has brought
Buddy McGirt aboard as his trainer. McGirt has proved
his worth with several fighters of late as he is regarded
as one of the best new trainers in the game. McGirt
himself was a world champion fighter.
There is just one problem though. Buddy McGirt isn't
allowed to throw punches in the fight. He has to step
out of the ring when the bell rings. Antonio Tarver
is on his own when fight time rolls around. Surely,
McGirt is a great trainer but a trainer is only as
good as his fighter. McGirt transformed Arturo Gatti's
style against Micky Ward until Ward pressured Gatti
into his old stand up and bang away style
We
all know what happened to Arturo Gatti. Tarver has
looked impressive though in recent fights. He has
one of the most celebrated amateur careers in recent
years. He clearly has the necessary boxing ability
and the hunger to avenge his only loss.
With all of this said, let's not forget about Eric
Harding's trainer and cutman, Al Gavin. Gavin has
been involved in this game for over 30 years and is
considered as one of the best. So, will Buddy McGirt
give Tarver the advantage that he lacked in the first
bout? I don't think so. Both guys have great trainers
and both guy have great skills. This one will be decided
in the ring, not the corner.
I am picking Eric Harding in this fight. I believe
Harding is headed towards bigger and better things
after this fight. He has recently signed with DiBella
Entertainments. I've been fortunate to know Eric Harding
as I trained along side him while he boxed at the
San Juan Center in Hartford, Connecticut. Harding
is a great guy both in and out of the ring. I believe
that after this fight, Harding will challenge for
a world title. He's got the talent to win a world
title. Either way, the winner of this one is moving
on to bigger and better things.
We all know about the Mosley - Forrest rematch but
make sure you tune in for Tarver vs. Harding Part
II. For all of those who say the light heavyweight
division is devoid of talent, check out this fight
and you will change your mind. You don't want to miss
this one!