By Grey Johnson
23.07 - Told ya.
Well ok, it wasn't really a spectacular win for Forrest, but I personally thought he deserved to win more than Mosley did. Sugar Shane disappointed me with his approach to fighting Vernon. He didn't throw nearly enough punches, and clinched more than trying to outbox Forrest. There were many rounds in the fight that were close to call, and I gave most of those rounds to Vernon. If Shane had landed...let's say, more than five punches in a round, he would have grabbed a win.
Props of the week go to Antonio Tarver. I may not like his attitude, but he did a excellent job in defeating Harding. I didn't expect Antonio to do much in that fight, and after the first three rounds, I assumed I was right. He showed me that one punch really makes a difference in boxing.
The Grey Johnson Silver Turkey of the week goes to Luan Krasniqui. Damn, he was a serious quitter. He could have just roughed out a few more rounds against Staleta or whatever, and he would have won the fight. That had to be the biggest lack of heart ever demonstrated a ring since Golata against Tyson.
So, looking ahead to this week, we have a couple of classic heavyweight matchups. The great Larry Holmes takes on Butterbean in what will be a 10 round war. Plus, the great champion Johnny Ruiz fights tough contender Kirk Johnson for the real heavyweight title.
Ok, sarcasm off. Seriously folks, I don't give a crap about either of these fights, except that I hope Johnson wins...god forbid I have to watch Ruiz and Holyfield do the drunken waltz for twelve rounds.
Ok, I all fairness, let's took at the fights this week:
Aaron Davis (48-6) vs. Ross Thompson (25-5-1)
Nice, former contender-now-turned-semi-contender Aaron Davis finally returns against the trash-talking Ross Thompson. I'll take Davis by decision in this one, because of his experience, and he's the bigger man.
Robert Allen (32-4) vs. Tito Mendoza (27-3)
Hell yeah, now this is a matchup!!!!!!!!!!!!! Winner gets Bernard Hopkins, and this fight is hard to call. I really like Tito Mendoza, and I WANT him to win, but something tells me Allen is going to give a hell of a fight, resulting in a close decision. Try not to miss this fight!
DaVarryl Williamson (16-1) vs. Corey Sanders (23-6)
The "Touch of Sleep" takes a huge step up against Corey Sanders. Sanders has been on a roll as of take, and I think he'll win this one by tko in the middle rounds. DaVarryl just doesn't have enough experience, and hasn't fully developed his defense yet.
John Ruiz (37-4-1) vs. Kirk Johnson (32-0-1)
Don't care....Johnson W12.
Tim Austin (24-0-1) vs. Adan Vargas (37-3-1)
Not too shabby, HBO. Vargas is coming off a knockout loss, and will give a valiant effort, but I think Austin is too good to lose.
Byron Mitchell (23-1-1) vs. Julio Cesar Green (25-4-1)
I am absolutely outraged Julio Cesar Green is getting a title shot. He hasn't had a win in a century. Plus, he last fight was a lackluster draw. Sounds like a real title contender. Whatever. Mitchell KO8.
Clifford Etienne (24-1) vs. Frans Botha (44-4-1)
YEEEEEEEEAH BABY! The Black Rhino will show you all that he is back, though he doesn't have a chin! Look, if David Bostice and outbox Botha for ten rounds, so can Etienne.
Lamar Murphy (26-6) vs. Dairo Esalas (26-1)
Interesting fight, this is a week of decent mid-level fights. Murphy should pull off a workman-like win against the inexperienced Esalas.
Larry Holmes (68-6) vs. Eric "Butterbean" Esch (63-2-3)
I don't care...Holmes KO5. Please Larry, rid the world of the 'Bean.
OTHER FIGHTERS IN ACTION THIS WEEK: Elvir Muriqui, Robert Frazier, Curtis Barker, Brian Viloria, Jorge Paez, Gary Balletto, Oliver McCall (?), Hercules Kyvelos (?), Calvin Brock, Golden Johnson, Carl Daniels, Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, Cosme Rivera, Dorin Spivey,
Take care, and enjoy a jam-packed week of fights!
P.S. I can get the Bean-Holmes pay per view, I'll by it if anybody can give me a good reason.
