23.11.05 – By Michael Montero: “Pretty Boy” Floyd: Last Saturday Floyd Mayweather blew out a shot Sharmba Mitchell (as expected). The boys at HBO were calling this a “virtuoso” performance by the Michigan native – they must have a short memory. Almost a year ago Kostya Tszyu absolutely destroyed Mitchell – knocking him down four times in three rounds. Mayweather’s output was half that of Tszyu’s (two knock downs) over twice the time span (six rounds) against a Sharmba Mitchell who was a year older.. So I must ask – just how “virtuoso” was Pretty Boy’s performance? The self proclaimed “pound for pound king” needs to start fighting other pound for pound fighters soon because he’s losing his credibility (and marketability at the same time).
Klitschko and Rahman:
First of all – anybody who believes that Vitali was ducking “The Rock” probably believes that Elvis and Tupac are still alive, kicking it on a beach somewhere. Some of the spin doctors in the boxing media tried to do what they always do – destroy the credibility of their biggest competition – and many of you fools bought into it.).
Recently a promoter apologized for the incorrect (and unprofessional) things that his camp said about the newly retired champ – through his lawyer of course. Second – many people are claiming that Rahman earned his title the same way that Klitschko did a couple years ago and that’s bullsh*t. The Ukrainian murdered Kirk Johnson, a highly rated contender at the time, to earn mandatory status in the WBC. When Lennox Lewis ran scared from a Klitschko rematch and retired – Vitali had to fight the number two guy, Corrie Sanders, for the vacant belt. Doctor Ironfist’s prior three opponents before his title fight? Johnson (top contender), Lewis (best heavy of his era) and Larry Donald (top contender). Hasim Rahman on the other hand squeaked out a boring decision over Monte Barrett to earn his mandatory status (with the bogus title of “Interim Champion”). For those of you who don’t really know Barrett – he’s a guy with 17 KOs in 35 fights (that’s less than half folks), he’s a guy who was knocked down five times by Wladimir Klitschko in Germany, he’s a guy who’s shining moments were defeating unproven (and over-hyped) prospects Owen Beck and Dominick Guinn (he has never beaten a legitimate contender). When Vitali Klitschko suddenly retired due to injuries – Rahman was handed his championship belt by the WBC. His prior three opponents before his “interim” title fight? Kali Meehan (B level fighter), Terrence Lewis (who?) and Rob Calloway (blown up cruiser/punching bag for heavies on the come back trail). Gimme a break…
Lacy and Calzaghe:
I don’t think people realize just how big this March 4th bout is. This is more than just unification – it’s two of the top fighters in the world getting it on – it’s the young lion versus the old lion – most importantly it’s giving the fans what they want! I hope that this fight gets the press it deserves in the states and serves as a model for other top fighters (and promoters) out there to do the right thing and make the best possible matches.
The Fat Man and the Turkey:
The sick, sarcastic bastard in me wonders just how much turkey James Toney will consume tomorrow. I’m guessing that he’ll manage to stuff an entire twenty-five pound bird into his gut before he tunes in to watch the Detroit Lions lose to the Atlanta Falcons (I, like Toney, am from Detroit and unfortunately I’m a Lions fan by default). Seriously – who has the job of cooking (and cleaning up) for this guy tomorrow? Let my offer my sympathy to that poor soul now…
Enjoy your turkey day everybody – ciao!