04.02.04 – By Chris Askov: Annually, “The Ring” magazine complies a hopeful list of “10 fights we would like to see” in the coming new year. “The Ring’s” list is intended to contribute positively to the next twelve months of boxing by suggesting the creation of meaningful and interesting bouts. This article is written as a companion piece to “the Ring’s” article and the spirit of promise it encapsulates. As i see it, a terrific schedule of boxing is achieved not only by proposing the making of entertaining contests, but also by carefully omitting fights which are potential stinkers. While “The Ring” lists a total of 10 bouts that boxing fans what to see in 2004, I, so as not to seem to pessimistic, will suggest merely 5 matches that are at once unnecessary and undesirable.
Zab Judah vs. Cory Spinks
Early this year the boxing community learned that current WBO 140 pound champ Zab “super” Judah will step up to face undisputed welterweight champion Cory Spinks. While i take nothing away from the tremendous skills of either fighter; i do question the logic of pairing the two. In the fight, Judah’s terrific hand speed will compete against the superb defensive skills of Spinks. Both men have demonstrated a “safety first” approach throughout their respective careers. Also, each man has shown a serious aversion to getting hit. Most notably Judah since his TKO loss at the hands of Kostya Tzysu. These facts suggest that once the bell sounds for Judah vs. Spinks the fight will quickly become what is generally referred to as a “boxing clinic.” The term “boxing clinic” is a not so secret code which indicates a boring fight. Since neither man will take the initiative and bring the fight to the other, this bout will be a carefully fought chess match that is destined to end in an unspectacular split decision. Juhad vs. Spinks will closely resemble Judah’s penultimate bout against Demarcus “chop chop” Corley which, like this fight, pitted two southpaws against one another. Judah vs Corley was waged underneath a main event which is where Judah vs Spinks belongs as well.
Roy Jones vs John Ruiz II
There are several reasons why rematches are made. One, the first fight ended in some sort of controversy. Two, the bout was so closely fought and genuinely entertaining that a return engagement is attractive to both the fighters and the viewing public. Three, the opportunity for a big purse presents itself. A potential Jones/ Ruiz rematch fulfills none of these criteria. The fight was clearly one-sided. Accordingly, Jones was awarded a well deserved unanimous decision and the WBA heavyweight title. Over the course of twelve rounds Jones was rarely, if at all, tested by the lethargic Ruiz. Jones blinding hand speed and superior boxing acumen exposed Ruiz for what many suspected he was; a paper champion. The lone entity that is anxious for the proposed rematch is the World Boxing Association. The WBA currently has Ruiz ranked as the number one contender to Jones’ belt. As such, they are threatening to strip Jones if he does not make the mandatory defense of his title. The best reason this fight will not happen lies in the fact that Jones demands a $10,000,000 minimum for heavyweight contests. Ruiz promoter Don King cannot justify paying that type of scratch for a bout that has very little promotional appeal. In all probability, Jones will vacate the title and champagne at 175 pounds where he is the undisputed king. Thus sparing us from viewing another obvious mismatch.
Evander Holyfield vs anybody
The time for “the real deal” to retire is now. Predicting James “lights out” Toney’s victory over an aged Holyfield was easy. Watching the younger Toney batter the former champion was not. It is difficult for Evander to accept retirement because he still has the heart of a champion and a perfectly sculpted physique to boot. However, he no longer possess the twitch muscles necessary for him to counter punch effectively. In addition, he can see punches coming but can no longer move quickly enough to dodge them. Unfortunately, despite his embarrassing loss to Toney (not to mention his equally pathetic performance against Chris Byrd), and the obvious erosion of his skills, we have not seen Evander Holyfield’s swan song just yet. Word is that the “warrior” will except a deal to be promoted by the Darwish Brothers (Hani and Wald) under the banner of Knockout Promotions. A comeback fight sometime this year is already in the works. Officially, Evander has cited his quest to once again become the undisputed heavyweight champion as his motivation for continuing to fight. Unofficially, and according to the precepts of common sense, it is generally believed that maintaining his multi- million dollar home and supporting his numerous illegitimate children are the reasons Evander continues to fight.
Joe Mesi vs someone outside the top five
Joe Mesi to this point in his career has been handled very carefully. His opponents have been hand picked and he has padded his record accordingly (28-0, 25 ko’s to date). Mesi’s last two bouts have been televised to a nation wide audience on HBO’s Boxing After Dark. All this amounts to the indisputable fact that it is time for “Baby” Joe to finally grow-up and challenge himself against the elite of the division. With the possible retirement (or more likely scenario of a “one and done” fight against Vitali Klitschko) of linear champion Lennox Lewis, the opportunity for a young heavyweight to shake up the division is at hand. Lewis’s retirement combined with Mesi’s tremendous fan base in Buffalo, general popularity, and potential marketability afford Joe the opportunity to gain financial and vocational rewards most boxers can only dream about. The missing part of the equation is a name opponent next to Mesi’s on the promotional poster. However, Mesi appears to have plans of his own. It was recently announced that Mesi’s next adversary will not only be someone outside the top five, but someone outside the heavyweight division. Mesi’s next opponent will be former IBF cruiserweight champion Vassiliy Jirov. Jirov will make his heavyweight debut as more cannon fodder for the reluctant Joe Mesi. Mesi vs. Jirov will be the chief supporting bout to Mosley/ Wright on March 13 Pay Per View. While the smaller Jirov presents an interesting match-up, he is by no means a step up in opposition for the bigger and stronger Mesi. One is forced to wonder if Mesi will ever challenge himself so long as HBO hands out lucrative deals for lesser known opponents.
De La Hoya vs. Vargas II
Oscar has confirmed that he will make his return to the ring on June 5. Unable to negotiate a satisfactory deal for a rematch with Tito Trinidad or Shane Mosley the “Golden Boy” will likely turn his attention to a familiar opponent. Although no one has been named yet, it is widely believed that his adversary will be once defeated foe Fernando Vargas. Both men have a huge fan base in the latino community and therefore stand to make a very nice payday. “Bad Blood II” might more accurately be billed as “For the Love of Money.” Nothing that took place within the four corners warrants a rematch between these two men. Oscar won convincingly by knocking out Vargas late in the fight. However, the pay per view buys were fantastic and there is no reason to believe that a rematch will generate any less money. Look for this fight to be waged at 160 pounds as Vargas does not maintain the level of fitness he once did. Not without enhancement drugs anyway.