By Vitali Shaposhnikov: When looking at any fighter’s record, the first thing we identify is the numbers: how many wins vs. losses, and how many knockouts. While that figure can be impressive, it means very little without what comprises it. Sometimes its not how many opponents you beat, it’s who they are and what they have accomplished. Yuri Foreman is one of those fighters who had a perfect unbeaten record, but was unable to stay on top when facing a seasoned veteran.
Looking at his record of 28-1-0, he seems like a solid pick for any good fight. Late 2009 he won his first world title from an older Daniel Santos via a 12UD. At that instant, he became a legitimate title holder. Hopes of his supporters skyrocketed, and his stock went through the roof. Personally, I went another road about it. Santos, while a decent fighter, didn’t seem to have that fire and hunger for victory during their bout. He fought well, but his heart did not seem to be a part of his effort. Yuri on the other hand, was eager to get the title and make his name known.
After winning the fight, Yuri had a barrage of people wanting to step inside the ring with the champ. Even Pacquiao was mentioned at one point in time. After that fell through, the best option was to pick the former WBO Welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. Sure Cotto had just lost to Pacquiao, but Miguel’s name still had a price and pride to it. Unfortunately, via many excuses about his knee and a 9th round TKO at the Yankee stadium in New York, Foreman lost his fresh title.
So what’s next for Yuri? I am afraid this answer doesn’t have too many positive outcomes. A decent challenger in Cotto didn’t have too much trouble taking the fight to Yuri. Imagine what a brilliant Manny Pacquiao would do to the Belorussian hope. Unfortunately Yuri’s road back to the top may prove to be much longer and harder than most expect. Getting a title fight will take some time. Having said that, I don’t think that Yuri should fight for the title anytime soon even if the opportunity presented itself. This is not the right time for him to prove that his loss to Cotto was a fluke due to his knee injury. This is the perfect opportunity to present himself as a true champion and worthy world title challenger by decisively beating a couple of top contenders. Taking another title fight and losing it, would end this young fighter’s career, while taking it step by step and adding value to his stock/record would be of most benefit.
I hope to see Yuri back in the ring feeling and looking great sometime soon. If he takes time and makes the right choices, I am confident we will see him fighting for a title yet again.