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Paean to a Fallen Gladiator: Alexis Arguello – 4/19/52 – 7/1/09

Paean to a Fallen Gladiator: Alexis Arguello – 4/19/52 – 7/1/09
By Russ Greenspan-July 3, 2009

Sad word comes from Managua, Nicaragua, that on July 1st, former boxing great Alexis Arguello was found dead in his home from a gunshot wound to the chest that was apparently self-inflicted, particularly given the recent investigative evidence of trace gunpowder on Arguello’s hands. What a potentially ironic, unfortunate ending that would be for a man so well known and fabled for his heart.

Arguello, a 1992 IBHOF enshrinee, had returned to Managua last Sunday from Puerto Rico, where he had honored the late Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame right fielder, Roberto Clemente, who died in an airplane crash while bringing earthquake relief supplies to Nicaragua.

A pending autopsy will ultimately shed light on the issue of causation, though various media agencies have reported that the 57 year old ex-champion, a national hero elected Managua’s mayor last year, had been suffering bouts of depression perhaps occasioned by recent allegations of financial improprieties concerning public funds.

However, others have expressed reservations as to whether Arguello’s death can be that simply explained. In speaking with boxingscene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports, WBC President Jose Sulaiman expressed doubts that Arguello would consider suicide given his recent mayoral triumph, adding that “we are all very sad and we all expect that the right investigation is carried out so that the world will be satisfied with the investigation.”

Far more passionate and pointed, are the words of well respected New York Newsday boxing writer Wallace Matthews:

“I don’t believe it for a moment…if there was one quality that distinguished Arguello throughout not just his 27-year boxing career but the 57 years he spent on this Earth, it was his ability to overcome things that would have laid other men low.…There was one flirtation with suicide by gunshot as he sat in a rowboat with his young son in 1984.

If Alexis Arguello didn’t pull the trigger that day, there’s no way he did it yesterday, not after having pulled his life together once again so spectacularly - more than 20 years after fighting in the jungles of Nicaragua for the Contras, Arguello was elected mayor of Managua only last November.

RSR Remembers Alexis Arguello

RSR Remembers Alexis Arguello
By Geoff “The Professor” Poundes – July 3, 2009

It was with some shock and much sadness that I heard of the news of Alexis Arguello's untimely death this week. Arguello was one of the world's finest ever featherweight, junior lightweight and lightweight boxers, and even performed at the highest level at junior welterweight, where he lost in two of the eighties most brutal contests to Aaron "The Hawk" Pryor, himself one of the boxing icons of that decade.

The shock of Arguello's death at just 57 years of age was compounded by the manner and mystery of his demise - he was found at his home with fatal shotgun wounds to his chest. Early reports from Nicaragua have suggested that the former champion, who had become involved in politics and got himself elected as the Mayor of his hometown Managua, had turned a gun on himself after succumbing to the pressures of office.

Friends and relatives, including ex-fighters and ex-opponents, have rallied round to question the suicide theory - they say that a man who demonstrated such integrity and tenacity in the ring, and who appeared contented and positive just days before his demise, would not have taken his own life. Nicaraguan politics are famously murky and hopelessly intertwined with money, drugs, corruption and murder, and it's not difficult to imagine a man of Arguello's character and honor falling foul of a grubby system that he may not have properly understood.

The truth, no doubt, will be hidden within that system, but what we do know is that the world of boxing has lost too soon one of its finest ambassadors. Alexis Arguello stood out as a fighter - handsome, dashing, a technically superb pugilist, he was a man who insisted on shaking an opponents hand when he stepped into the ring, and doing so again when he left it, regardless of the outcome.

Miguel Cotto: The Threat to Manny Pacquiao

Miguel Cotto: The Threat to Manny Pacquiao
By Geoff “The Professor” Poundes-July 2, 2009

I loved what I saw on June 13th when Miguel Cotto, 34-1, 27 KO’s, eked out a split decision over Joshua Clottey, 35-2, 20 KO’s, at Madison Square Garden. It was a rare event – a top quality fight between two men at the peak of their powers, yes – but more importantly it was one of those occasions when the poorer fighter on the night won, and won legitimately.

Boxing is one of those idiosyncratic sports where the palpably inferior participant can still prevail, either by landing a single equalizing blow, or by tactically out-maneuvering their opponent. Think of Michael Spinks-Larry Holmes, or Ray Leonard-Marvin Hagler.

On the night Clottey looked bigger, stronger, faster and better equipped technically than his Puerto Rican rival, and yet he still lost. By the eighth round Cotto had joined the large crowd in the arena and convinced himself too that he was in a losing fight – so he changed tactics. He ran.

And whilst he was running he pot-shotted long punches from the outside, and tied Clottey up whenever the Ghanaian attempted to get close and utilize his strength and speed. In so doing, Joshua became confused and disoriented – in all his pre-fight planning and plotting he would not have anticipated having to chase the come-forward Cotto – so that he spent long periods contemplating his next move rather than executing any punches.

The result? A clear decision victory for the thinking fighter.

Eddie Chambers: Can he overcome Alexander Dimitrenko this Saturday?

Eddie Chambers: Can he overcome Alexander Dimitrenko this Saturday?
By Geno McGahee-July 2, 2009

This Saturday, heavyweight hopeful, “Fast” Eddie Chambers, 34-1, 18 KO’s, will travel over to Germany to take on undefeated giant, Alexander Dimitrenko, 29-0, 19 KO’s, in a WBO Title Eliminator. It is a very compelling fight between two legitimate contenders, and both have a lot to lose going into this encounter.

Eddie Chambers isn’t the most exciting fighter in the world to watch in the ring, but that is partly by choice. He doesn’t fight a full three minutes. He is sort of like James Toney, a man that will typically take time off during the round and do enough to win, but not dominate. Chambers is very skilled and has good reflexes and can take a good shot, but he at times seems lackadaisical and appears just to be going through the motions.

The one defeat on the career of Chambers was to Alexander Povetkin, a decision loss in another eliminator. From the opening bell, it was apparent that Chambers could win this fight rather easily and outpoint Povetkin, but he fell asleep and allowed the work rate of his opponent be the deciding factor in the fight.

The big wins on the record of Chambers are over Dominick Guinn, Calvin Brock, and in his last bout, former WBC Heavyweight Champion Sam Peter, but although they are great wins, it’s hard not to be frustrated with Chambers. He ekes by when he doesn’t have to. He allowed all three bouts to be close.

In the Sam Peter fight, he had an out of shape former champion coming off of a bad loss to Vitali Klitschko and he didn’t press the fight. He could land the right hand at will but didn’t use it enough. He didn’t jab enough. He let Peter get his confidence and do some work and win some rounds, but a win is a win at this point. You just have to wonder when the next Povetkin performance is going to occur.

Pound for Pound Lineage: From Benny Leonard to Manny Pacquiao

Pound for Pound Lineage: From Benny Leonard to Manny Pacquiao
By Brian Wilbur-July 1, 2009

To find the best boxer in the world, one simply needs to identify the dominant Heavyweight Champion of the moment. Size matters in this sport. But is it right to give high honors to a giant bumbling oaf like Jess Willard when brilliant technicians like Benny Leonard are rewriting the textbooks on how to befuddle an opponent in the ring? Surely if Willard and Leonard were the same size, Benny would trounce him with both shoes tied together and one hand tied behind his back.

That must have been what boxing writers during the late 1910’s were thinking when they coined the term “pound for pound”. They said that outstanding Lightweight Champion Benny Leonard was the best boxer pound for pound in the world, meaning that if all boxers were the same size but their skill and ability remained constant, Leonard would be the best.

Benny Leonard was an amazing talent who boxed circles around his opponents. He held the Lightweight Championship from 1917 to 1924, when he relinquished the belt by temporarily retiring from the ring. I will begin the lineage at Leonard because he was the fighter who inspired the term “pound for pound” and thus was the original.

However if you asked me, I believe that in Leonard’s era there was an ever better fighter by the name of Harry Greb. Greb was an unbelievable Middleweight Champion during the late 1910’s and 1920’s. Even as a middleweight he was able to beat some of the best light heavyweights of all time, like Gene Tunney, Tommy Loughran, and Tommy Gibbons. Greb even had success against heavyweight contenders of the day. I have Greb as the third best boxer, pound for pound, in boxing history. Mentioning Greb is no knock to Benny Leonard though. Greb is top three all time, but Leonard is surely top 10.

Prior to Leonard and Greb there were others who deserved the moniker even though the term pound for pound had not yet been invented. Fighters like Joe “The Old Master” Gans and “Terrible” Terry McGovern were overbearing forces in their respective divisions around the turn of the last century. They are not in the lineage of this article but deserve mention.

1930’s

I’ll start the lineage back up in 1933, giving the title to Barney Ross after twice besting fellow great Tony Canzoneri with a couple of razor thin decisions. Ross held the crown respectfully until the late 1930’s when other legendary fighters were starting to make their runs. John Henry Lewis was considered the best fighter of 1937 according to an unofficial boxing writer’s poll. Henry Armstrong won Ring Magazine’s fighter of the year in 1937, managing to wrestle the honor away from Joe Louis for one year.

Armstrong made the pound for pound switch official in 1938 when he moved up in weight to defeat Barney Ross and take his welterweight belt via 15 round unanimous decision. I consider Armstrong as the second best fighter, pound for pound, of all time.

Juanma Wins Again: Juan Manuel Lopez Plans to Move on to Bigger and Better Things

Juanma Wins Again: Juan Manuel Lopez Plans to Move on to Bigger and Better Things
By George Diaz Smith-July 1, 2009

WBO Junior Featherweight Champion Juan Manuel López, 26-0, 24 KO’s, defended his projection to being a PPV player defending his title late Saturday night at Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey.

A direct left-handed launched missile to the jaw late in round 9 dropped Canadian Cameroonian Olivier Lontchi, 18-1, 8 KO’s, on the seat of his pants. He got up onto stiffened legs and walked groggily upright to clear his head as he took the protective count in a visibly shaken state hit by a short compacted projectile that lifted his feet clear off the canvas depositing him.

The sense that Lontchi had any mobility left to finish that round was amazing to the Ballroom erupting into cheers. Moments later, once sitting on his stool, an astonishing revelation that once prompted Freddie Roach to keep Gerry Peñalosa glued, forbidding his fighter from competing beyond into the tenth, retold its story again in “Latin Fury 9”.

And this time, for some miraculous reason, Lontchi, already shaking his head as if he be saying to himself, “Incredible…. incredible” at the end of the ninth, sat with a shell shocked look of disbelief that for all intended purposes all the conditioning in the world wasn’t good enough to curtail the agonizing feeling he couldn’t shake. Juanma, in making his fourth defense of his WBO Junior Featherweight Title, has been good enough to silence critics about going championship rounds.

These precious rounds that go extended over eight are what define prospect from champion, and the unrelenting boxer kept the gas pedal on the exhilarator to the maximum, only a presumed cautionary first round seemed to have left no doubts that López was studying his options carefully.

Those became crystallized thereafter in the second stanza where the fighter from Caguas used the old-fashion one-two lowering the boom on Lontchi — a right that partially penetrated the side of Lontchi’s head at 1:44 — but enough to rattle his cage and raise suspicions seeing whether Olivier would be the 14th straight victim to get knocked out by the shrewd stylist, a sense that no invaluable technique should be overlooked.

Huggers and Haters: What to Think of Floyd Mayweather JR

Huggers and Haters: What to Think of Floyd Mayweather JR
By Daniel “Tex” Cohen-July 1, 2009

Floyd Mayweather, JR., 39-0, 25 KO’s, is doing everything he can to return to boxing with a flair. After taking the stuffing out of the Manny Pacquiao’s destruction of the once-proud Ricky Hatton shortly before their fight, Mayweather has begun his campaign to prove that he was always the best son, adopted or otherwise, of his overly proud father. Mayweather fights with his wits and his skill, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes when he’s in the ring. No one can take that away from him.

In case you’re A) From Mars or B) Isolated on a small island without any media save the RSR website, Mayweather will be taking on Juan Manuel Marquez in his return fight on originally scheduled for July 18th. Some fans and members of the Boxing media have questioned the validity of this challenge while others fully applaud the fight. Mayweather will be attempting to reestablish his position as the Pound for Pound Champion of Boxing, an honor made only somewhat non-fictional by the half-public, half-private workings of Oscar De La Hoya’s newest toy, the Ring.

For those that know of the Ring Magazine (and I would assume that’s most of you), you’re already well aware of the implications of a Pound for Pound Title. While the belt was originally created in an effort to give respect to the fighters outside of the Heavyweight Division, the Pound for Pound Title holds no sanctioning power and may have morphed beyond its original size by serving as the bedrock for discussion and debate amongst boxing-heads. Pundits obsess, and rabid fans use it to whack the rabid fans of other fighters over the heads.

FAMILY SECRET: Filming Day 4, the Debut of Crazy Carl Robinson

FAMILY SECRET: Filming Day 4, the Debut of Crazy Carl Robinson
X Posse Press Release – June 30, 2009

On June 27, filming resumed on the upcoming X Posse Productions/Webhead Entertainment film: FAMILY SECRET. Crazy Carl Robinson of DEMON SUMMER, MIDNIGHT SKATER, and THE RED SKULLS debuted in an X Posse/Webhead Entertainment production as Geno McGee, SR., the father of the main character. It was another productive day of filming, featuring Leeann Aubuchon, Forris Day, JR., Jeremy Weiskotten, and Daniel Renzi.

Geno McGahee’s FAMILY SECRET will be one of the most shocking and disturbing horror films in years, written and directed by Geno McGahee. The Director of Cinematography is John Golden, Assistant Director Steven Joseph Adams, Special Effects Director Rick Caride, Make Up by Leeann Aubuchon, Editor Forris Day, JR., and this movie is a co-production of Webhead Entertainment and X Posse Productions.

Below are some production photos from the June 27 shoot:

Wladimir Klitschko – Heavyweight Division Trash Man

Wladimir Klitschko – Heavyweight Division Trash Man
By Mike “Rubber Warrior” Plunkett-June 30, 2009

As I sit here and write this article my beloved city is on the verge of a massive public services walk-out. The strike deadline is but mere hours away, ironically just hours after the start of summer and the timely appearance of the hot weather, and Wladimir Klitschko’s latest “public service” to the sport of boxing. Day care, parks and recreation and paramedic services all stand to be affected and although there is never a good time to see such services put on the shelf, the hot weather surely makes the need for pools, parks and medical services all the more crucial. As an added bonus to this pending dilemma, garbage removal will come to a complete standstill. The last time we had garbage removal stop it was back in 2002 for a period that lasted eleven days. I recall seeing mountains of trash covering the corners of city blocks, causing an eye sore and posing a monumental health risk to those that lived in otherwise fine neighborhoods. We had a very hot summer that year and the late-night stench that would find its way to your olfactory senses was enough to make a skunk blush.

Years ago I lived beside a terrific guy that worked for The City of Toronto as a trash man. He described the inns and the outs of his profession, not the least of which was the fine compensation and package of benefits. He was a “veteran sanitation engineer” as he’d call it; well beyond letting the knock on his livelihood get in the way of his groove and sense of pride and service. He loved to tell any and all over a hot barbeque or a few cold ones just how difficult and threatened their happy way of life would become if he and his army of fellow city clean-up men were to stay home even for a week. Jaime knew his profession was devoid of glamour but certain on the value and merits he and the unsung army of diligent workmen brought to the equation. Nobody that I know of to date aspires to such a role but the fact of the matter is when there’s garbage to be picked-up your neighborhood sanitation engineer suddenly looks like a God-send.

Floyd Mayweather JR: The Rightful Pound for Pound King

Floyd Mayweather JR: The Rightful Pound for Pound King
By Daniel Poland-June 30, 2009

As boxing fans around the world stacked their fridges with beer in preparation for the May 2nd super showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton, hours before the first bell a much anticipated announcement was made, the ring return of former pound for pound king and 5-Division World Champion Pretty Boy Floyd “Money” Mayweather was announced. On July 18th, he will go head to head with pound for pound contender, Mexican warrior Juan Manuel Marquez.

Mayweather will tell you he is the pound for pound king but his inactivity has the whole world disagreeing with that statement. I am the biggest Mayweather fan and it kills me to say he isn’t pound for pound best, but after the Marquez fight, if he comes away with an impressive victory, I will definitely have him alongside Filipino Manny Pacquiao on the pound for pound list.

It was December 8th, 2007, at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada. Floyd Mayweather stepped into the ring to defend his Welterweight Championship against the formerly undefeated Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton. He found no trouble in dominating the British hero en route to a tenth round knockout. Mayweather had once retired after he beat Oscar De La Hoya in May 08 but taunts from the Hatton camp led to his return.

After beating Hatton, he said he weren’t going to retire from the sport but take a long vacation which seemed fair enough. He had been in two of the biggest boxing fights of the year and deserved the time off, but it wasn’t long till the announcement of an Oscar De La Hoya rematch. This angered a lot of the fans as there was no need for such a fight.

A Look at Mirko “CroCop” Filipovic

A Look at Mirko “CroCop” Filipovic
By SJ Jarapa-June 30, 2009

“I don’t know if I will take the heavyweight title… I don’t know… But I will die trying.”-- Mirko “CroCop” Filipovic

Mirko “CroCop” Filipović is often billed as the most lethal power-striker in the game and with good reason – he has sent just about every big name to the pits with a single left head kick.

Not limiting power to a single limb, both his fists bear more than enough means to drop nukes and turn steel of any fighter’s flesh to ash – hell even his weaker right leg could probably swing sufficient force to destroy a moving truck. Many claim his right leg “Hospital”, his left leg “Morgue.”

It makes me wonder just how many terrorists were actually struck to death by the left and how many were hospitalized by the right to be taken hostage throughout his days as Commander of Croatia’s most elite Anti-Terrorist Unit.

If Iraq was the stage, the numbers could possibly triple that of his victories over in the rings of K1, PRIDE, DREAM, and the UFC. And I think that is precisely the case. Or, then again, maybe not for a CroCop deployment to Iraq would have laid out a less destructive but more economical invasion of the country with beautiful results and not the atomic bombardment it didn’t deserve.

Why this didn’t happen, beats me… but perhaps it had to do with issues regarding the salary. Let’s just say the price of 10 nuclear warheads is not enough to cover the expenses that come with a single CroCop kick.

CroCop’s daring conquests in K1 and MMA garnered him honors enough to impugn the regality of past conquerors marked with the designation “Great” and has previously earned him a seat in the Croatian parliament – much like my homeland’s own Manny Pacquiao.

I vividly remember watching CroCop’s fights with my old Croatian buddy who studied over here for a brief while.

To her, Mirko CroCop Filipovic is divine with a halo suspended well above the heavens and all else are but shadows and dusts. She even claimed CroCop would dispose of Mike Tyson without breaking a sweat when a fight between the two was proposed.

Of course, I disagreed – I thought the prime Iron Mike would whip CroCop many servings of hell. I told her that with blunt force and got a crisp slap on the cheek. No lie. My face hurt like a burnt tongue the next morning.

When CroCop got embarrassed by Kevin Randleman with a KO due to overconfidence, although, I felt disappointed at the time, considering I’m a fan – I couldn’t help but laugh. And the outcome of that was her pulling on my hair and nearly bequeathing baldness to my youth.

Brian’s Boxing Mailbag (Thoughts On Victor Ortiz Plus Manny Pacquiao Questions)

Brian’s Boxing Mailbag (Thoughts On Victor Ortiz Plus Manny Pacquiao Questions)
By Brian Wilbur – June 29, 2009

Prior to Saturday night, Victor Ortiz had received more exposure than any other prospect has in a very long time. He was on the front page of the ESPN boxing web-page, he had a promo segment on Sportscenter, his face was plastered on various boxing websites, and he was headlining a card on HBO. Ortiz was being groomed by his promoter and the boxing powers that be to be the next cash cow, the face of the next generation of pugilism.

Boxing certainly could use another superstar on the magnitude of an Oscar De La Hoya, Sugar Ray Leonard, or Mike Tyson. The sport has become a niche commodity, only coming out of the closet and into the mainstream sports news when one of the above mentioned superstars were involved in a major bout.

On Saturday night Victor Ortiz was TKO'd by an unknown named Marcos Maidana. At first glance you would assume that Golden Boy Promotions had picked the wrong young prizefighter to back as the next great champ. To get Ortiz as much prime face time must have taken a ton of effort and money. Well, surely Ortiz's stock has taken a hit with the unexpected loss but don't think that the investment was all for nothing.

Ortiz, despite losing on the grand stage, put up one hell of an effort and gave boxing fans exactly what they wanted: entertainment. A hardcore fan base is built by consistently thrilling the audience. Arturo Gatti was not a dominant champ by any means, but he sold out all of his fights because he was so exciting to watch.

The boxing public, and even some of the general public, now knows who Victor Ortiz is. And they want to see him again.

In this week's mailbag I answer a ton of Manny Pacquiao related questions from the legions of loyal Pacfans out there. I also comment on the Mayweathers, David Haye, Wladimir Klitschko, among other topics. Enjoy!

(Managing Editor’s Note: At one time Pacland was a good home for Brian's bag, but for one reason or another Dong Secoya stopped placing it on his site. We always support the Manny Pacquiao fans and want this bag open to all, so we hope that others from Pacland will still visit RSR and continue to have their questions answered by Brian Wilbur. We love hearing from you.)

Pacland Snubs RSR

Hey man, what's up? I seldom participate in asking questions in your mailbag but I make sure I get to read RSR. I try to make my questions count though as always. Anyways, I have a couple of issues here. First, I was just wondering why RSR articles including your mailbag are no longer included on PACLAND? I try to read PACLAND everyday but I also have to go to another browser and pull-up RSR. It wasn't the case before right? What gives? I mean it may help generate hits right?

Second, and as far as I know, Cotto’s belt will not be on the line should he and Manny fight if below 147 right? Are you hoping that they meet at 147 with the belt at stake just like what Hatton did?

And my third and final is about an article by John Chavez.

I don't know man but I am a very, very, very, big Pacfan but I'm also very logical and reasonable when guys like you will predict against Pacman but you have certainly have valid justifications. But man, his article is offended me a bit.

Thanks, Chief! Keep on keeping on, after all, we can't win them all!

-Rotciv54

Rotciv54,

I don't have a problem with Pacland posting links to my articles. I wish they would because I talk about Manny Pacquiao a lot and I think Pacfans enjoy my bag from the response I get every week. You have to ask the people at Pacland why they stopped posting links to RSR. I don't know why. If you find out why please let me know. Maybe we could start a petition to get RSR back on!

The welterweight belt could be on the line as long as the fight is held below 147 pounds. 147 is the upper weight limit but there is no lower weight limit. That is how Henry Armstrong was able to put the Lightweight and Welterweight Championships on the line simultaneously in the 1939 fight against Lew Feldman. Both men weighed under 135 pounds. If both camps agree on the catch weight of 143 and both men agree that the title will be on the line then it is fair game.

I read the article and I don't agree with everything that John Chavez says about Pacquiao being overrated. He is discrediting the wins over De La Hoya and Hatton too much. However he is making an argument and we may find out as Pacquiao continues to fight very dangerous and accomplished foes that John is right. You never know, he could be right. Like I said, I don't agree, but we'll see. Time will tell the whole story.

Joshua Clottey is as good as any welterweight in the world. He might be able to beat Manny Pacquiao, absolutely. If you can entertain that idea that Mosley or Cotto have a solid chance to beat Pacquiao then you have to say that same about Clottey. Even though he is world class and on that level, Joshua is not a potential Pacquiao opponent because he lacks the market appeal. He is not a big enough name.

Lennox Lewis & the Hall of Fame … A Retrospective

Lennox Lewis & the Hall of Fame … A Retrospective
By Geoff “The Professor” Poundes-June 29, 2009

So Lennox Lewis, 41-2, 32 KO’s, former heavyweight champion, has been inducted into the Hall of Fame at Canastota. Lewis, an Englishman by way of Canada, won the WBC Heavyweight Title in 1993 by decisioning Tony “TNT” Tucker. He got himself knocked out in 2 rounds by Oliver McCall in his third defense of the title, regaining it from the same man in 1997 with a fifth round stoppage.

In 1999 Lewis unified the titles with a decision over Evander Holyfield, after the two had fought to a draw earlier in the year. In his fourth defense of the unified belts he again got himself knocked out, this time by lightly regarded Hasim Rahman in 2001 over five rounds. Seven months later, Lewis set the record straight, knocking Rahman over in 4 rounds to regain his titles.

He went on to beat a washed-up Mike Tyson in his penultimate contest, before struggling through Vitali Klitschko’s 2003 challenge in which the Ukrainian seemed to have the better of things before succumbing to cuts.

No-one doubts that Lennox Lewis was the dominant force in heavyweight boxing in the post-Tyson era (I like to think of the Tyson era as effectively ending in 1996 with the second Holyfield debacle, after which “Iron” Mike was more fudge than metal). Lewis stood at the head of the heavyweight division for 10 years and 18 title fights, and deserves credit for his longevity and achievements.

Geno’s Boxing Corner

Geno’s Boxing Corner
By Geno McGahee-June 29, 2009

Wlad wins, Vitali targets Valuev

Wladimir Klitschko has eliminated another undefeated heavyweight contender in Ruslan Chagaev in his last outing. Unfortunately, the IBO/IBF/WBO Heavyweight Champion cannot electrify the crowd with his safety first approach to the game. I don’t think that he can be held totally responsible for this last boring encounter, as Chagaev looked confused before the first bell rang.

A win is a win, but the boxing fans want their champions to excite them, and despite the incredible knockout percentage, the bouts that Klitschko partakes in are slow waltzes until he drops the bomb. A guy like Chagaev, that fought the totally wrong fight with Wlad, had little to no chance. In his last bout, he looked very rusty. In his win over Valuev, he moved around but didn’t have the ability to avoid Nikolay’s blows! Nikolay is much slower than Wlad, packs less of a punch, and is far less skilled. So why was Chagaev not just going for the kill from the get-go?

Many boxers that step into the ring with Wlad apparently try to outthink him. It’s a terrible mistake. They remain on the outside and while they are thinking, Wlad is pushing out his jab and looking to land the right hand. For a fighter to beat Wlad, they have to attack him and risk being knocked out early. This is why David Haye seemed like the perfect opponent to bring out the best or worst in Wlad. It would have been an exciting fight but we got Chagaev instead.

So we didn’t get any surprises and the title(s) stayed exactly where they were. The only thing that surprised me was the lack of enthusiasm from Chagaev. I thought that he would have at least done one run at it…one consistent attack to see if he could land a bomb that would win it for him, but he was a deer in the headlights from the opening bell.

Boxing One-Ups MMA: Knocks One of its Elites

Boxing One-Ups MMA: Knocks One of its Elites
By SJ Jarapa-June 29, 2009

9 seconds.

Was all it took…

Tim Sylvia, a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, has to be playing with rubber ducky in a tub-full of alcohol to quell the harsh, unforgiving depression dealt him by a very, very, very old boxing fist and with it the 48-year-old former WBO Heavyweight boxing champion Ray Mercer has given the boxing world something to crow about.

After all most Mixed Martial Artists have always fancied themselves superior to boxers. Well, all it took was a single right hook to dispel that claim this past June 13, 2009.

Tim Sylvia began with a kick but with a flash of right from Ray Mercer, the fight was over – destroying the man whose 24 wins included victories over two former champions and quite a handful of top contenders.

RSR Weekly Message Board Update

RSR Weekly Message Board Update
By Mike “Rubber Warrior” Plunkett-June 29, 2009

Last week went a long way towards making up for all of the recent big fight pull-outs and high-profile cancellations as we were treated to a candidate for Fight of the Year honors and a glimpse at the most recent career step of Puerto Rico’s next great fighter. “Victor Ortiz-Marcos Maidana – Wow” by Jrc26 looks back at the brutal ring war between the two highly rated heavy-hitting light welterweights, and the controversy that ensued in its aftermath as it pertains to Ortiz and his future in the sport. “Juan Manuel Lopez – His Next Couple of Bouts for 2009” examines the accelerating career pattern of this star in the making, looking back at his most recent stoppage of the undefeated Olivier Lontchi, his possible inability to land a marquee match at super bantamweight and the likelihood of a move up to the featherweight division sometime over the next six months.

The RSR June Prediction League has all but reached its rightful conclusion. With the results of but one bout left to be unearthed, it looks as though perennial bridesmaid Tremble may actually have walked the aisle after countless visits to the church. All that stands between that honor and a moment of history is the official rendering of the verdict, something I’ll make a point of noting in my next update. As for taking the shot yourself, the RSR July Prediction League is now posted and awaiting your best efforts at predicting the outcomes on twenty-eight intriguing fistic contests ranging from up and coming newbs all the way through to world-class title bouts featuring talented marquee names sure to entertain one’s lust for combat. For those of you are not currently a member of RSR and would like to take part in the various forums or in the RSR July Prediction League which will remain open until Wednesday July 1st, act now using the link to submit your request!

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Arthur Abraham Successful on SHOBOX

Arthur Abraham Successful on SHOBOX
By Geno McGahee-June 28, 2009

IBF Middleweight Champion Arthur Abraham, 30-0, 24 KO’s, fended off the game challenger Mahir Oral, 25-2-2, 7 KO’s, with a tenth round knockout. Abraham’s strength was once again on display and proved too much for Oral, who would hit the canvas five times in all, three times in the final round.

Abraham can now look forward to hopefully facing Kelly Pavlik in a showdown to determine the true middleweight champion. It would be interesting to see how Pavlik would deal with the strength of Abraham. With each and every win by Abraham, he is making it clear as to who Pavlik should opt to face in his next big challenge.

RSR Wishes a Happy 45th Birthday to Lead Writer (England) Geoff "The Professor" Poundes

RSR Wishes a Happy 45th Birthday to Lead Writer (England) Geoff "The Professor" Poundes
RSR Press Release–June 28, 2009

The entire Team at RSR wishes our very own Lead Writer (England) Geoff "The Professor" Poundes a Happy 45th Birthday today.

Click Here To Wish Geoff a Happy 45th Birthday

The King of the Middleweight Division Returns Tonight

The King of the Middleweight Division Returns Tonight
By Geno McGahee-June 27, 2009

The IBF Middleweight Champion, “King” Arthur Abraham, 29-0, 23 KO’s, will be defending his title against the relatively unknown Mahir Oral, 25-1, 10 KO’s, on SHOBOX. Abraham has long been considered the “other middleweight champion,” living in the shadow of Kelly Pavlik, but after “The Ghost” lost to the old man in Bernard Hopkins, the playing field is somewhat level. Pavlik isn’t the indestructible force he once was and Abraham is still undefeated and chugging along.

Abraham may not have had the line of impressive KO wins that Pavlik does, but he is consistent and one of the toughest men in boxing. He fought for eight rounds with a broken jaw to outpoint the power-punching Edison Miranda. He would dispatch Miranda quite easily in the rematch, showing the improvement in his game.

The challenger is an afterthought at this point with nobody giving him much of a chance to pull the upset, but his team is not losing hope. Mahir stated that he could not be “better prepared” and that he will be coming to win this Saturday night.

The easy choice is Abraham to successfully defend but problems making weight and perhaps overlooking Oral may give the boxing world a surprise, but it seems unlikely. Abraham is a professional and one of the strongest pound for pound fighters in the game. Expect him to win and then hopefully demand a match with Pavlik.

Daniel Jacobs Thrashes George Walton on ESPN2 FNF’s

Daniel Jacobs Thrashes George Walton on ESPN2 FNF’s
By Russ Greenspan-June 27, 2009

Friday night at Tucson, Arizona’s Desert Diamond Casino, George “Blaze” Walton, 20-4, 12 KO’s, learned all about the “terrible toos” against world rated (WBA #8) middleweight Daniel “The Golden Child” Jacobs, 17-0, 15 KO’s, who was too young, too strong, too fast and too talented for him to contend with.

The unbeaten Jacobs dropped Walton in round two with a cuffing left hand, and ruthlessly battered the 35 year old veteran throughout another half dozen increasingly one sided chapters, before forcing referee Bobby Ferrara’s hand at 1:59 of the eighth. The loss was Walton’s first inside the distance of his twelve year professional campaign.

In the evening’s co-featured heavyweight mismatch, 2008 U.S. Olympic Bronze Medalist Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder scored a one punch knockout over designated patsy Kelsey Arnold, 1-3-3, 0 KO’s, at 1:13 of stanza number one. This was a farce from Jump Street, with Arnold swinging madly at the 6’7” Wilder, who calmly avoided these efforts before rendering the former Toughman competitor turned landscaper inert for the ten count.

Wilder now has six straight first round KO’s, which are entertaining and impressive but relatively meaningless, until “The Bronze Bomber” faces more legitimate opposition. But that young man sure can whack.

RSR CEO/Publisher "Bad" Brad Berkwitt to Appear on News Channel 8 Sports Talk TV Show Tonight

RSR CEO/Publisher "Bad" Brad Berkwitt to Appear on News Channel 8 Sports Talk TV Show Tonight
RSR Press Release-June 26, 2009

Our very own CEO/Publisher "Bad" Brad Berkwitt will make his monthly appearance Friday, June 26th, with Host Glenn Harris on News Channel 8 Sports Talk TV Show live from 8:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Sports Talk is viewed in Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland.

Make sure to tune in for nothing, but lots of talk about boxing. You might even be able to call in and ask "Bad" Brad a Boxing question.

Juan Manuel Lopez Headlines PPV Saturday Night

Juan Manuel Lopez Headlines PPV Saturday Night
By George Diaz Smith-June 26, 2009

The think tank that goes off says WBO Junior Featherweight Champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” López, 25-0, 23 KO’s, who turns 26 just three days after this title defense, is pondering a more significant assertion as top Boricua headliner in his first Pay-Per-View outing. HBO has exclusive rights for the affair that’s about to unfold Saturday at the Atlantic City Boardwalk, and, Juanma will be the main course to holding another PPV generator besides Puerto Rican compatriot Miguel Cotto who can do a bit of fighting.

A simple test of numbers at the conveniently affordable package of $34.95 per-purchase could become the perfect barometer to better earnings. Reluctantly it couldn’t come at a more challenging time for López; who’s in a race for collecting belts; as fate has the penchant for weight-gaining. The 122-pound knockout specialist is promoting that incentive, and the plunge is his own choice to either sacrifice another stab to the overture of a mega-fight; or relinquish it in search of bigger fish to fry.

With Raffa Márquez in another negotiation, the possibility of fighting Izzy this premature on his balance sheet, and at this weight, is almost certain of detailing specifics that aren’t mercifully brought into the picture. We don’t know where the Linear Super Bantamweight Champion will make his stop at either featherweight, or junior lightweight, not that inconceivably he may make both attempts.

Rising Stars Featured on ESPN2 FNF’s

Rising Stars Featured on ESPN2 FNF’s
By Russ Greenspan-June 26, 2009

This Friday June 26th, Tucson Arizona’s Desert Diamond Casino plays home to some young gems of the fistic variety, when unbeaten middleweight Daniel “Golden Child” Jacobs, hot junior middleweight prospect Erislandy Lara and 2008 U.S. Olympic Bronze medalist Deontay Wilder are showcased on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights.

The world rated (WBA#8) Jacobs, 16-0, 14 KO’s, takes on thirty five year old George “Blaze” Walton, 20-3, 12 KO’s, in the ten round main event. Walton is a rugged competitor and former Golden Gloves champion with nine victories in his last ten outings, including a six round unanimous decision over former junior middleweight titlist Carl Daniels.

Walton has never been stopped during his twelve year plus professional campaign, but in Jacobs, faces a two-fisted boxer puncher with good hand speed and temblor powered fists that have sent all but two of his sixteen challengers packing shy of the final bell, eight within the opening frame.

Possessed of a distinguished amateur pedigree, Jacobs recorded 137 wins against just 7 defeats while capturing 13 national titles, including four New York State Golden Glove championships, and first place honors in the 2003 Junior Olympics, 2004 U.S. National Championships (in the 19 and under division), and National Golden Gloves. He has continued this winning trend since he began fighting for pay in December, 2007, en route to “go[ing] from being the number one prospect to the number one contender.”

Golden Boy Promotions is staging the evening’s programmed festivities, and according GB’s President Oscar De La Hoya, Daniel Jacobs is truly one of the sport’s brightest up and comers, but “…this fight will truly gauge where Jacobs is in the division.”

Heavyweight Hopeful Danny Batchelder Speaks to RSR

Heavyweight Hopeful Danny Batchelder Speaks to RSR
Interview by Dan Hernandez-June 24, 2009

“I just feel good about myself and my chances in this division.”--Danny Batchelder

On Friday night, July 17, 2009, heavyweight contender, 6’1, 225 pound, Danny “Danny Boy” Batchelder, 25-6, 12 KO’s, hopes to dash the long-awaited comeback of 6’8, 235 pound, Lance “Mount” Whitaker, 32-5-1, 27 KO’s, at the newly renovated and beautiful Redondo Beach Auditorium located at 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd. , Redondo Beach, California. A good turnout is expected as these two fighters are trying to make a statement in the heavyweight division and will be supported with an interesting mixture of a female headliner, Tatina “Tiny Tyson” Anderson at 140 pounds, and three MMA contests.

Batchelder, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada, has held the light heavyweight WBA Continental World Title, the Cruiserweight NABA World Title, and the WBC Cruiserweight Continental World Title, suffering defeats in his last three fights, losing a highly controversial split-decision to James “Lights Out” Toney, in May of 2007, and being stopped by former WBO Heavyweight Champion, Lamon Brewster by way of a 5th round knockout. All accounts of this fight had Danny ahead until being caught. His other significant loss was to unbeaten Alexander Dimitrenko, a 6’7, 250 pound Russian heavyweight, in March of 2007.

Batchelder, who has a daughter aged 11 and two boys, 3 & 2 years of age that stay with his brother in Danny’s native New York while in training, is hungry to prove he belongs with the big heavyweights and welcomes the opportunity to fight one-time top contender, “Mount” Whitaker, who is equally motivated to show that he is a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. Both fighters are sporting new fight teams, fresh outlooks, and a desire to make 2009 their best year.

Danny, 32, who has been fighting professionally since he was 19 years of age, believes with all his heart that he has learned his lessons well and intends to make a serious assault on a heavyweight crown. He was eager to speak about his past fights, future plans, and his learning experiences, I found him refreshing, colorful, and a real pleasure to speak with. Now, as for his boxing future, well; we’ll let his fists do the talking.

The UFC: A Nightmare for the Carpenter

The UFC: A Nightmare for the Carpenter
By SJ Jarapa-June 25, 2009

What do you get when you pit an Aztec psychopath against a crazed primate? Only a top if not the leading contender for fight of the year – from the onset the clash between Diego “Nightmare” Sanchez and Clay “The Carpenter” Guida seemed as though it was destined for immense and endless evocations of thrill that one could engrave on stone to stir inspiration in storytellers and ignite the hearts of all future combatants.

And indeed, that was what they wrote this past weekend.

Clay Guida ignited many cheers from the crowd as soon as he stepped into the arena and it never ceased even long after the sound of the final bell. Guida, one of the most eccentric figures of the lightweight division, came in as wild as ever and had to subject himself to a series of whipping from his team just to calm the tremors sired by his over-enthusiasm before he entered the cage.

When Diego Sanchez emerged from the tunnel, it was made certain that everyone watching was in for a hell of a night. Sanchez, heralded as the most intense enigma the UFC has ever seen, rounded the fences of the octagon without taking his eyes off Clay Guida – who returned the stare with a crazy look of his own – with a mean-face so ridiculous you can’t help but laugh.

Once in the cage, Sanchez bounced over to his opponent’s corner and screamed into Guida’s face, “Let’s do it homie! Let’s do it!”

Finally, the bell signaled the opening round – both men instantaneously skyrocketed from their places and bombarded each other with salvos that could wake the heaviest of sleepers. Unfazed by Guida’s skills on foot, Sanchez lunged in with uppercuts followed by hooks and straights then another uppercut, rocking The Carpenter for well over a minute or so. But Guida was never deterred that even with his vision clogged and mind in a haze he kept on challenging Sanchez’s relentless bombing.

Later, as the action went on, Guida’s chin was further tested with a gutsy left kick that landed precisely on the switch – and yet Guida did not once looked hurt and welcomed even more punishment. Clay Guida is so crazy that you just have to love him – there is no room for hate with this one – and Diego Sanchez equally. I actually have new nicknames for both – Quetzalcoatl and Captain Caveman.

Quetzalcoatl, the legendary Serpent Deity of the Mayans, referred to or rather identified by Spanish Conquistadors and Clerics alike as a god-ruler – apt for one who sees himself a modern day Aztec, Conquistador, Conqueror as Diego Sanchez.

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