Boxing

 

Let's Not Forget The Other Rematch On Saturday

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!

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