By Ted Sares – Okay, mates, blokes, friends, amigos, and/or aficionados pull up a comfortable chair near your computer, pour some nice single malt Oban with its West Highland character, and torch up a nice Rocky Patel Renaissance Toro (Rocky describes the Renaissance as reminiscent of old style Cubans — rich and decadent. “It’s the kind of cigar that your father’s grandfather smoked,” he says.)). It’s now time to discuss all things boxing, and this month’s topics are the following, but feel free to inject your own topic as long as (hopefully) it pertains to boxing:
1) Evander Holyfield, by most accounts, beat the “Russian Giant” in Switzerland, but neither fighter did anything to write home about. That said, what should “The Real Deal” do now? Should he continue what some are calling his quasi-delusional pursuit of becoming undisputed heavyweight champion of the world? Should he walk away? Just what should he do?
And speaking of this less than glorious fight, does it give some validation to Joe Calzaghe’s recent comment that “Boxing is Dying?”
2) David Haye seems to be the best (and perhaps only) hope to break the Eastern Euro’s hold on the heavyweight division. But I see his pick of Vitali Klitscko as being the wrong brother to fight? I think his chances of landing his explosive right on Wlad’s suspect chin could mess up the Ukrainian’s ring composure and give the brash “Haymaker” and opportunity for a quick icing ala Corrie Sanders.
As well, I would like to see 254 pound Chris Arreola step up and fight either Eddie Chambers, Jameel McCline, Lamon Brewster, Matt Skelton, or perhaps Kevin “King Pin” Johnson. At this point, I don’t think he is ready to take on Haye.
3) With Pinoy boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao apparently in firm talks to fight Ricky Hatton in May, he may be biting off more than he can chew, particularly if the .the match takes place at Hatton’s natural weight of 140. Moreover, Ricky’s demolition job on Paulie Malignaggi signals he is back on track. As fellow writer James Slater says, “the mid-ring explosion figures to be spectacular.” Of course, the winner could/should fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a super mega fight of monstrous financial proportions. How do you feel about all of this?
4) Soon, fans will be picking their “Fighter of the Year.” Kelly Pavlik blew his shot against Bernard Hopkins who in turn blew his against Joe Calzaghe. Antonio Margorito’s name had been prominent earlier. “The Tijuana Tornado” did a number on the rugged Miguel Cotto and blew away Kermit Cintron, but Joe Calzaghe became a true “Legend Killer” by beating both Hopkins and Jones in the same year. Vic “The Raging Bull” Darchinyan, fought three times this year showing tremendous improvement with new discipline and focus.
But wait! Manny Pacquiao’s destruction of the “Golden Boy” and earlier 2008 wins over David Diaz and Juan Manuel Marquez propel him to the top in my opinion. Do you agree or disagree?
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