Now it's time for the main event. It's between Edwin Valero and Antonio Demarco for Valero's WBC lightweight title.
DeMarco is making his way to the ring first. A mariachi band is in the ring for his entrance. He looks calm and collected.
Valero is in the ring now. He looks focused.
Round 1
They meet in the center and touch gloves. Valero goes for a right hook early, while DeMarco is moving back. Valero is showing hand speed. Valero lands a right hand on the shoulder and continues throwing power punches. Valero has a cut on his right cheek. I have no idea where that came from. Valero lands a strong left and right hook. DeMarco is staggered. Good round for Valero.
Spartan117: 10-9 Valero
Uatu: 10-9 Valero
Round 2
DeMarco gets a jab in. Valero gets DeMarco in the corner and goes to work. DeMarco still looks calm. He throws two straight left hands, and Valero backs up. DeMarco catches Valero coming in. Valero complains that he got hit with an elbow. A cut has opened up on the forehead of Valero, and there is no way that is was caused by a punch. The cut is an absolute mess. The doctor surprisingly says he can fight on. Now it's nothing but a brawl in the ring. Valero is swinging away. The mouthpiece goes flying out of Valero's mouth, and the ref stops the action to put it back in. Amazing round.
Spartan117: 10-8 Valero
Uatu: 10-8 Valero
Round 3
Valero is still going for the knockout. Also, the ref did indeed take a point for the elbow last round. Valero is landing strong shots. He's fighting with pure intensity. DeMarco isn't backing down, and he lands two hooks. Valero is measuring up the left hand. Good round for Valero.
Spartan117: 10-9 Valero
Uatu: 10-9 Valero
Round 4
Valero comes out firing once again, still looking for the KO. DeMarco throws back. Valero lands a left hook. They trade punches on the inside. Valero scores with more hooks in the center of the ring. Valero lands a big flurry upstairs to Demarco. These punches have to be adding up. Another solid round for Valero.
Spartan117: 10-9 Valero
Uatu: 10-9 Valero
Round 5
Valero's mouth is hanging open. It may mean that he's gassed. He's still throwing punches in bunches. Valero lands a right hook, then another. DeMarco lands a right hand. DeMarco is standing in the center of the ring and exchanging. Valero backs DeMarco up with a right hand. Valero lands a left hook. That cut is still flowing over the face of Valero. He's really showing his toughness.
Spartan117: 10-9 Valero
Uatu: 10-9 Valero
Round 6
Valero is landing some more hooks. This fight also has open scoring, and the judges have it for Valero. He lands a left-right hook combo, and DeMarco responds with a right hook. Valero ties up. Valero lands a big right hook, but DeMarco answers with a right hook and a straight left hand that back up Valero. DeMarco gets caught in the corner, and Valero goes to work. Another strong round for Valero.
Spartan117: 10-9 Valero
Uatu: 10-9 Valero
Round 7
Valero lands a left hook. Not many jabs being thrown. DeMarco is stuck in the corner again, and Valero is measuring with the power left. The corner is not where DeMarco wants to be. Valero lands three left hooks, and DeMarco throws another punch. DeMarco doesn't look hurt despite taking these punches, but he isn't active enough to win any of these rounds. Valero looks too strong.
Spartan117: 10-9 Valero
Uatu: 10-9 Valero
Round 8
They square up in the center. DeMarco lands a left hook. Valero waves him in. Valero is pouring it on now. He lands a huge left hand. DeMarco is way down on the scorecards. Valero lands a right to the body. Now DeMarco takes more punishment upstairs from all different angles. I wouldn't be surprised if the corner threw in the towel for DeMarco. He keeps taking punches. The action gets stopped because of a punch downstairs from DeMarco.
Spartan117: 10-9 Valero
Uatu: 10-9 Valero
Round 9
DeMarco looks totally discouraged in his corner between rounds. This fight is all but over unless he makes some major changes. DeMarco gets caught in the corner, and Valero continues to put work in. DeMarco eats more combos. DeMarco gets slightly more active and lands a straight right. Valero lands some more combos straight to the head. Valero lands a monstrous left hand in the corner.
Spartan117: 10-9 Valero
Uatu: 10-9 Valero
DeMarco elects not to come out for the 10th round. It's all over.
The winner by TKO at the end of Round 9... and still WBC lightweight titleholder... Edwin Valero.
Posted by spartan117
6.2.10
Luis Carlos Abregu vs. Richard Gutierrez: Round by Round
The undercard of tonight's event on Showtime is a welterweight bout between Luis Carlos Abregu and Richard Gutierrez. This fight will have open scoring and the instant replay is in effect.
Gutierrez, who hails from Miami, Florida, is 24-3-1 with 14 KOs and Abregu, from Salta, Argentina, is 28-0 with 23 KOs.
Round 1
They come out of their corners and meet in the center of the ring. Abregu shows off his hand speed early. He lands a couple jabs and a right cross. He's really loading up on the power punches early. They exchange jabs. Guitierrez throws a couple jabs of his own. He gets in two glancing rights to the body. Abregu throws a nice combo that scores. The ref tells Abregu to watch his head on the inside. Abregu throws a wide right hand that gets blocked. Abregu lands a right hand that causes Gutierrez to step back.
Spartan117: 10-9 Abregu
Uatu: 10-9 Abregu
Round 2
Abregu lands some more jabs and loads up on the right, but he gets caught with a big left from Gutierrez he goes down. He makes it up but is on wobbly legs. He's getting on his bicycle now. There is 1:22 left in the round and Abregu is still wobbly. He is still throwing power shots. Gutierrez can't land a power punch. Abregu is completely back now. His defense looks back and he's throwing some great combos. Great round.
Spartan117: 10-8 Gutierrez
Uatu: 10-8 Gutierrez
Round 3
Abregu is still backpedaling. He may still be hurt. Now he lands a huge combo and Gutierrez is hurt. Gutierrez waves him in. Abregu answers and puts Gutierrez down. He's hurt but makes it up. Abregu tries to close the show but gets clocked with a wide hook from Gutierrez. Abregu is still throwing strong shots. Both men are still on their feet. Ten seconds left. Abregu lands a great combo before the bell.
Spartan117: 10-8 Abregu
Uatu: 10-8 Abregu
Round 4
Abregu lands a short left hook that staggers Gutierrez early. Gutierrez lands a looping right hook. They are both going for the KO. Gutierrez lands a straight right hand. Now they trade jabs. Abregu lands another right hand. Gutierrez lands a straight right hand. Abregu lands a right hook, and Gutierrez is hurt. He holds on and makes it to the end of the round.
Spartan117: 10-9 Abregu
Uatu: 10-9 Abregu
Round 5
Abregu lands a right hook early. Gutierrez looks to have his legs back. Abregu is still looking for the KO. Not many jabs from either fighter. Both hesitate before throwing. Abregu feints and lands a right hand. Gutierrez lands an uppercut. Gutierrez lands a stiff jab. This has been a better round for Gutierrez. Abregu lands a great right hand with 10 seconds left. That punch won him the round in my book.
Spartan117: 10-9 Abregu
Uatu: 10-9 Abregu
Round 6
Abregu comes out firing. He lands a wide right hand again. Gutierrez lands a good left that sends Abregu into the ropes. Gutierrez misses with a right hook. Abregu is moving backward now. Gutierrez is using good head movement. Abregu's head remains stationary. Gutierrez misses with an uppercut. This round is up for grabs. Abregu lands a left hook, followed by a left-right hook combo.
Spartan117: 10-9 Abregu
Uatu: 10-9 Abregu
Round 7
Abregu misses with a wide hook early. Gutierrez comes back with a right hand to the body. Abregu keeps throwing very wide hooks. Abregu lands a right to the body and one upstairs. A cut opens on the left eye of Abregu. I'm not sure what caused that cut. Gutierrez lands a right hook that staggers Abregu, and he starts moving back. Abregu is on wobbly legs. He looks gassed but continues to throw power shots.
Spartan117: 10-9 Gutierrez
Uatu: 10-9 Abregu
Round 8
The official ruling is that the cut was caused by a punch. Now the ring doctor takes a look at it. The doctor says that he can continue to fight. Gutierrez turns up the pressure now. Abregu gets a good right hand in. Abregu lands another combo to the body. Gutierrez blocks a number of shots from Abregu. Abregu throws another combo and paws at his bloody eye. Abregu continues to throw the wide right hook with little success late in this fight, but he is still winning most of the rounds.
Spartan117: 10-9 Abregu
Uatu: 10-9 Abregu
Round 9
Abregu throws a right hook to start the round. Abregu goes down from a slip. Gutierrez lands a left hook. Abregu gets inside and lands a couple of hooks. Gutierrez tries to lands more meaningful punches, but Abregu is using solid movement. Gutierrez lands a left hook on the beltline. Blood is really pouring form the left eye of Abregu. Gutierrez isn't throwing any combos. Abregu is up on all three of the judges cards, but the press row scorers have the fight a draw.
Spartan117: 10-9 Abregu
Uatu: 10-9 Abregu
Round 10
We are entering the final round. Abregu is on his bicycle now. Gutierrez knows he needs a knockout because of the open scoring. Abregu is moving everywhere around the ring. Gutierrez lands a left hook to the body. The round is halfway over. Abregu lands some hooks to the body. Gutierrez barely misses with a right hook. Abregu throws a flurry. Abregu lands a solid left hook to end the fight.
Spartan117: 10-9 Gutierrez
Uatu: 10-9 Gutierrez
Spartan117: 96-92 Abregu
Uatu: 97-91 Abregu
The judges score the bout 98-90 and 97-91 twice, all for the winner by unanimous decision, Carlos Abregu.
Posted by spartan117
Gutierrez, who hails from Miami, Florida, is 24-3-1 with 14 KOs and Abregu, from Salta, Argentina, is 28-0 with 23 KOs.
Round 1
They come out of their corners and meet in the center of the ring. Abregu shows off his hand speed early. He lands a couple jabs and a right cross. He's really loading up on the power punches early. They exchange jabs. Guitierrez throws a couple jabs of his own. He gets in two glancing rights to the body. Abregu throws a nice combo that scores. The ref tells Abregu to watch his head on the inside. Abregu throws a wide right hand that gets blocked. Abregu lands a right hand that causes Gutierrez to step back.
Spartan117: 10-9 Abregu
Uatu: 10-9 Abregu
Round 2
Abregu lands some more jabs and loads up on the right, but he gets caught with a big left from Gutierrez he goes down. He makes it up but is on wobbly legs. He's getting on his bicycle now. There is 1:22 left in the round and Abregu is still wobbly. He is still throwing power shots. Gutierrez can't land a power punch. Abregu is completely back now. His defense looks back and he's throwing some great combos. Great round.
Spartan117: 10-8 Gutierrez
Uatu: 10-8 Gutierrez
Round 3
Abregu is still backpedaling. He may still be hurt. Now he lands a huge combo and Gutierrez is hurt. Gutierrez waves him in. Abregu answers and puts Gutierrez down. He's hurt but makes it up. Abregu tries to close the show but gets clocked with a wide hook from Gutierrez. Abregu is still throwing strong shots. Both men are still on their feet. Ten seconds left. Abregu lands a great combo before the bell.
Spartan117: 10-8 Abregu
Uatu: 10-8 Abregu
Round 4
Abregu lands a short left hook that staggers Gutierrez early. Gutierrez lands a looping right hook. They are both going for the KO. Gutierrez lands a straight right hand. Now they trade jabs. Abregu lands another right hand. Gutierrez lands a straight right hand. Abregu lands a right hook, and Gutierrez is hurt. He holds on and makes it to the end of the round.
Spartan117: 10-9 Abregu
Uatu: 10-9 Abregu
Round 5
Abregu lands a right hook early. Gutierrez looks to have his legs back. Abregu is still looking for the KO. Not many jabs from either fighter. Both hesitate before throwing. Abregu feints and lands a right hand. Gutierrez lands an uppercut. Gutierrez lands a stiff jab. This has been a better round for Gutierrez. Abregu lands a great right hand with 10 seconds left. That punch won him the round in my book.
Spartan117: 10-9 Abregu
Uatu: 10-9 Abregu
Round 6
Abregu comes out firing. He lands a wide right hand again. Gutierrez lands a good left that sends Abregu into the ropes. Gutierrez misses with a right hook. Abregu is moving backward now. Gutierrez is using good head movement. Abregu's head remains stationary. Gutierrez misses with an uppercut. This round is up for grabs. Abregu lands a left hook, followed by a left-right hook combo.
Spartan117: 10-9 Abregu
Uatu: 10-9 Abregu
Round 7
Abregu misses with a wide hook early. Gutierrez comes back with a right hand to the body. Abregu keeps throwing very wide hooks. Abregu lands a right to the body and one upstairs. A cut opens on the left eye of Abregu. I'm not sure what caused that cut. Gutierrez lands a right hook that staggers Abregu, and he starts moving back. Abregu is on wobbly legs. He looks gassed but continues to throw power shots.
Spartan117: 10-9 Gutierrez
Uatu: 10-9 Abregu
Round 8
The official ruling is that the cut was caused by a punch. Now the ring doctor takes a look at it. The doctor says that he can continue to fight. Gutierrez turns up the pressure now. Abregu gets a good right hand in. Abregu lands another combo to the body. Gutierrez blocks a number of shots from Abregu. Abregu throws another combo and paws at his bloody eye. Abregu continues to throw the wide right hook with little success late in this fight, but he is still winning most of the rounds.
Spartan117: 10-9 Abregu
Uatu: 10-9 Abregu
Round 9
Abregu throws a right hook to start the round. Abregu goes down from a slip. Gutierrez lands a left hook. Abregu gets inside and lands a couple of hooks. Gutierrez tries to lands more meaningful punches, but Abregu is using solid movement. Gutierrez lands a left hook on the beltline. Blood is really pouring form the left eye of Abregu. Gutierrez isn't throwing any combos. Abregu is up on all three of the judges cards, but the press row scorers have the fight a draw.
Spartan117: 10-9 Abregu
Uatu: 10-9 Abregu
Round 10
We are entering the final round. Abregu is on his bicycle now. Gutierrez knows he needs a knockout because of the open scoring. Abregu is moving everywhere around the ring. Gutierrez lands a left hook to the body. The round is halfway over. Abregu lands some hooks to the body. Gutierrez barely misses with a right hook. Abregu throws a flurry. Abregu lands a solid left hook to end the fight.
Spartan117: 10-9 Gutierrez
Uatu: 10-9 Gutierrez
Spartan117: 96-92 Abregu
Uatu: 97-91 Abregu
The judges score the bout 98-90 and 97-91 twice, all for the winner by unanimous decision, Carlos Abregu.
Posted by spartan117
Edwin Valero-Antonio DeMarco Live Round By Round Updates Tonight (Plus More, Weather Permitting)
The BoxingWatchers are all based in different parts of Pennsylvania. As you may have heard or read, we've had quite a bit of snow here over the past 18 hours. Quite a bit.
Is that going to stop us from bringing people with no access to Showtime live round by round updates of the Edwin Valero-Antonio DeMarco fight? Perish the thought!
I'm not sure who exactly is going to do it, but one of us is going to be posting to the main page starting around 9 pm Eastern tonight. Also on the card is Luis Carlos Abregu facing Richard Gutierrez, and we'll live blog that bout as well.
And who knows? If we're really lucky and the weather cooperates, maybe we'll be able to do the Tomasz Adamek-Jason Estrada fight too. No promises on that one though.
Get snowed in with live boxing updates and join us later tonight!
Posted by The Franchise
Is that going to stop us from bringing people with no access to Showtime live round by round updates of the Edwin Valero-Antonio DeMarco fight? Perish the thought!
I'm not sure who exactly is going to do it, but one of us is going to be posting to the main page starting around 9 pm Eastern tonight. Also on the card is Luis Carlos Abregu facing Richard Gutierrez, and we'll live blog that bout as well.
And who knows? If we're really lucky and the weather cooperates, maybe we'll be able to do the Tomasz Adamek-Jason Estrada fight too. No promises on that one though.
Get snowed in with live boxing updates and join us later tonight!
Posted by The Franchise
5.2.10
Round by Round: Yusef Mack vs. Glen Johnson
Live on ESPN2...
Round 1
Johnson starts as the aggressor. The ring looks very bouncy. Both men jabbing early. Mack throws a few left hooks. Johnson and Mack exchange. Johnson's rights look a little loopy or Mack is dipping away. Nice jab from Johnson. Good overhand from Johnson. Mack answers back. Close round. Both men had more moments than you usually see in a careful first. Could have gone either way.
Uatu: Johnson 10-9
Round 2
Early activity both ways. Not as much footwork and a lot of in-fighting. Both men are landing, Mack gets in a solid shot. Johnson stays coming foward and active. Too many punches to recount them all here. Uppercuts, jabs and hooks from angles from both. Both men are looking confident, in shape, and are there to win. Mack throwing faster combos. I don't know. Another near impossible round to score, but Mack landed a little more cleanly with his combos.
Uatu: Mack 10-9
Round 3
More of the same in Round 3. Johnson on the prowl. Mack moving with the feet more this round. Could he be tiring of the pressure? Or maybe he is just exploiting his speed advantages and limiting Johnson's chances. Teddy Atlas mentions that there is a slight change in Glen's favor this round. He lands a couple of hooks as Mack had his hands low. Johnson jabbing away. Johnson more active. I believe Mack is throwing a tad harder. Johnson's round.
Uatu: Johnson 10-9
Round 4
Hard to believe, but it's been over five years since Glen knocked out Roy Jones. Mack bobbing and weaving away in the corner. Atlas has it 2-1 Mack. They are slugging it out in the phone booth and the crowd gets loud. Johnson winging the body hooks. And again with two more. Mack is staying in the shell. Then he dances away. Johnson has him trapped again but steps away for space. Both men have slowed down with the output. Mack backs up to the ropes. Mack gets in a hard shot. Mack unloads and throws three haymakers. Maybe one landed. Johnson keeps the hands moving to the bell. The round had ups and downs for both men, and in action and activity. Hard to tell where this fight will go by the end. Will give the round to Mack based on the hard rights towards the end.
Uatu: Mack 10-9
Round 5
Atlas agrees with me that Mack stole it late. Mack comes out aggressive, active and throwing hard. He looks like a new man. Left for Mack. A little bit of a lull as the two men look at each other. Body work from Johnson. Atlas believes Johnson has lost a bit from his motor. Hard in-fighting both ways with combos. Nice right from Glen. Johnson doesn't seem to be overwhelmingly effective, but he was more active and had to have landed more as well.
Uatu: Johnson 10-9
Round 6
Johnson stays aggressive and chops and chops. Down goes Mack in the corner! Two minutes to go. Mack is backed against the ropes. Johnson is staying on him but is trying to keep space. Johnson has slowed already. Mack mostly in the shell. Johnson lands to the head. Mack back to the ropes. Mack gets hit with the straight right. Down goes Mack again! Mack gets up again. He is a little wobbly. Johnson lands a hook to the head, and Mack takes a knee! The ref waves it off. Johnson takes it!
Your winner by TKO at 2:21 of Round 6, Glen "the Road Warrior" Johnson
Interview to follow...
They joke about Glen finding the fountain of youth.
They ask about Glen's plan involving the right hand.
Glen says he was actually looking for the left hook to the body, but it wasn't working so he went to the right.
He says he started a little bit tight.
Atlas mentions to him about a spot where he may have showed his age.
Glen says it was a conscious effort, but he says he is getting a little bit old so he has to be smart.
Glen says Tavoris Cloud is tough and all action, but the fight would be explosive, and Cloud is the type of fighter he likes to fight.
Posted by uatu
Round 1
Johnson starts as the aggressor. The ring looks very bouncy. Both men jabbing early. Mack throws a few left hooks. Johnson and Mack exchange. Johnson's rights look a little loopy or Mack is dipping away. Nice jab from Johnson. Good overhand from Johnson. Mack answers back. Close round. Both men had more moments than you usually see in a careful first. Could have gone either way.
Uatu: Johnson 10-9
Round 2
Early activity both ways. Not as much footwork and a lot of in-fighting. Both men are landing, Mack gets in a solid shot. Johnson stays coming foward and active. Too many punches to recount them all here. Uppercuts, jabs and hooks from angles from both. Both men are looking confident, in shape, and are there to win. Mack throwing faster combos. I don't know. Another near impossible round to score, but Mack landed a little more cleanly with his combos.
Uatu: Mack 10-9
Round 3
More of the same in Round 3. Johnson on the prowl. Mack moving with the feet more this round. Could he be tiring of the pressure? Or maybe he is just exploiting his speed advantages and limiting Johnson's chances. Teddy Atlas mentions that there is a slight change in Glen's favor this round. He lands a couple of hooks as Mack had his hands low. Johnson jabbing away. Johnson more active. I believe Mack is throwing a tad harder. Johnson's round.
Uatu: Johnson 10-9
Round 4
Hard to believe, but it's been over five years since Glen knocked out Roy Jones. Mack bobbing and weaving away in the corner. Atlas has it 2-1 Mack. They are slugging it out in the phone booth and the crowd gets loud. Johnson winging the body hooks. And again with two more. Mack is staying in the shell. Then he dances away. Johnson has him trapped again but steps away for space. Both men have slowed down with the output. Mack backs up to the ropes. Mack gets in a hard shot. Mack unloads and throws three haymakers. Maybe one landed. Johnson keeps the hands moving to the bell. The round had ups and downs for both men, and in action and activity. Hard to tell where this fight will go by the end. Will give the round to Mack based on the hard rights towards the end.
Uatu: Mack 10-9
Round 5
Atlas agrees with me that Mack stole it late. Mack comes out aggressive, active and throwing hard. He looks like a new man. Left for Mack. A little bit of a lull as the two men look at each other. Body work from Johnson. Atlas believes Johnson has lost a bit from his motor. Hard in-fighting both ways with combos. Nice right from Glen. Johnson doesn't seem to be overwhelmingly effective, but he was more active and had to have landed more as well.
Uatu: Johnson 10-9
Round 6
Johnson stays aggressive and chops and chops. Down goes Mack in the corner! Two minutes to go. Mack is backed against the ropes. Johnson is staying on him but is trying to keep space. Johnson has slowed already. Mack mostly in the shell. Johnson lands to the head. Mack back to the ropes. Mack gets hit with the straight right. Down goes Mack again! Mack gets up again. He is a little wobbly. Johnson lands a hook to the head, and Mack takes a knee! The ref waves it off. Johnson takes it!
Your winner by TKO at 2:21 of Round 6, Glen "the Road Warrior" Johnson
Interview to follow...
They joke about Glen finding the fountain of youth.
They ask about Glen's plan involving the right hand.
Glen says he was actually looking for the left hook to the body, but it wasn't working so he went to the right.
He says he started a little bit tight.
Atlas mentions to him about a spot where he may have showed his age.
Glen says it was a conscious effort, but he says he is getting a little bit old so he has to be smart.
Glen says Tavoris Cloud is tough and all action, but the fight would be explosive, and Cloud is the type of fighter he likes to fight.
Posted by uatu
4.2.10
Valero-DeMarco, Adamek-Estrada, Johnson-Mack: Predictions
The Franchise says...
Is Edwin Valero ready to graduate from seldom-seen phenom to bona fide rising star? If so, that process may begin this Saturday, when he headlines a Showtime broadcast by defending his WBC lightweight belt against Antonio DeMarco.
This one promises to be explosive for as long as it lasts. DeMarco likes to come forward, using jabs to set up his powerful left hand. He's also got a sturdy chin, as he showed en route to the ninth-round KO of Anges Adjaho last summer that earned him this title shot.
The question is whether any chin is enough to stand up to Valero, who became the stuff of internet legend by racking up 18 first-round knockouts in a row to begin his professional career. He's averaged almost five rounds of work over the last three years, but every one of his fights has ended with his foe unconscious or unable to continue.
DeMarco is taller and rangier, suggesting that he may find some success staying on the outside. But that isn't his usual M.O., and he also tends to be a slow starter.
Those two things could prove to be his downfall. Questions still remain about Valero's overall skill set, but they won't be answered this time out as the Venezuelan notches a mid-round KO.
In New Jersey, former two-division titleholder Tomasz Adamek will continue to try climbing the heavyweight ranks as he steps in against Jason Estrada. Newark's Prudential Center should be rocking, as a strong Polish-American contingent always turns out in force to support Adamek.
Estrada is a legit heavyweight whose fighting weight is usually just above 240 pounds, but he's not especially tall (listed at 6'1") or powerful (only four knockouts in 16 career victories). That means he may have trouble keeping Adamek from getting in close and making him pay when he does so.
Eventually, Adamek is going to run into someone who reminds him why it's tough to take on the big guys when you give up too much weight. I don't expect it will be this Saturday, though, as I see Adamek battering his way to a late-round stoppage.
Last but not least (and actually first in chronological terms), venerable Glen Johnson headlines Friday Night Fights in an IBF light heavyweight title eliminator against Yusaf Mack. Few boxers can be counted on to give 100 percent in the ring as Johnson, even at 41 years of age.
Mack certainly has a bit of both skill and power, and he's yet to lose since stepping up to campaign at 175. But Johnson has beaten and lost to opponents tougher than anyone on Mack's resume, and he's always in shape to go the full 12 rounds.
Still, it's hard to get the image of Johnson's last fight, a second loss to Chad Dawson, out of my head. Did he finally start to feel his age, or was Bad Chad just better prepared for him the second time around?
Let's say for the sake of argument it was a bit of both. The Road Warrior is starting to near the end of his journey, but I'm not sure he's quite there yet.
Maybe my heart is outvoting my head on this one, but I like Johnson to take a close decision.
Posted by The Franchise
Is Edwin Valero ready to graduate from seldom-seen phenom to bona fide rising star? If so, that process may begin this Saturday, when he headlines a Showtime broadcast by defending his WBC lightweight belt against Antonio DeMarco.
This one promises to be explosive for as long as it lasts. DeMarco likes to come forward, using jabs to set up his powerful left hand. He's also got a sturdy chin, as he showed en route to the ninth-round KO of Anges Adjaho last summer that earned him this title shot.
The question is whether any chin is enough to stand up to Valero, who became the stuff of internet legend by racking up 18 first-round knockouts in a row to begin his professional career. He's averaged almost five rounds of work over the last three years, but every one of his fights has ended with his foe unconscious or unable to continue.
DeMarco is taller and rangier, suggesting that he may find some success staying on the outside. But that isn't his usual M.O., and he also tends to be a slow starter.
Those two things could prove to be his downfall. Questions still remain about Valero's overall skill set, but they won't be answered this time out as the Venezuelan notches a mid-round KO.
In New Jersey, former two-division titleholder Tomasz Adamek will continue to try climbing the heavyweight ranks as he steps in against Jason Estrada. Newark's Prudential Center should be rocking, as a strong Polish-American contingent always turns out in force to support Adamek.
Estrada is a legit heavyweight whose fighting weight is usually just above 240 pounds, but he's not especially tall (listed at 6'1") or powerful (only four knockouts in 16 career victories). That means he may have trouble keeping Adamek from getting in close and making him pay when he does so.
Eventually, Adamek is going to run into someone who reminds him why it's tough to take on the big guys when you give up too much weight. I don't expect it will be this Saturday, though, as I see Adamek battering his way to a late-round stoppage.
Last but not least (and actually first in chronological terms), venerable Glen Johnson headlines Friday Night Fights in an IBF light heavyweight title eliminator against Yusaf Mack. Few boxers can be counted on to give 100 percent in the ring as Johnson, even at 41 years of age.
Mack certainly has a bit of both skill and power, and he's yet to lose since stepping up to campaign at 175. But Johnson has beaten and lost to opponents tougher than anyone on Mack's resume, and he's always in shape to go the full 12 rounds.
Still, it's hard to get the image of Johnson's last fight, a second loss to Chad Dawson, out of my head. Did he finally start to feel his age, or was Bad Chad just better prepared for him the second time around?
Let's say for the sake of argument it was a bit of both. The Road Warrior is starting to near the end of his journey, but I'm not sure he's quite there yet.
Maybe my heart is outvoting my head on this one, but I like Johnson to take a close decision.
Posted by The Franchise
2.2.10
Franchise Thoughts: Tomasz Adamek Deserves More TV Love
One of the more exciting men in the heavyweight division will be in action again this Saturday night. Unfortunately, the fight won't be televised in the U.S. even though it's taking place in New Jersey.
The man in question is former light heavyweight and cruiserweight titleholder Tomasz Adamek, who made the jump to heavyweight last fall and seems determined to stay there. He'll face Jason Estrada at the Prudential Center in Newark, at the top of a card that should be well-attended but won't be carried by any of the usual boxing cable outlets.
With the Brothers Klitschko dominating their recent competition, the heavyweight division continues to have a need for anyone who can inject some adrenaline into the proceedings. Adamek could certainly fill that role, but so far, the TV folks haven't been convinced.
It's not because he doesn't come to fight. Adamek loves to mix it up, and his combination of solid power and a sturdy chin usually lends itself to an excellent show.
In December of 2008, Adamek edged out Steve Cunningham in a thrilling bout (one that was carried by Versus) that featured three knockdowns and plenty of back-and-forth action. His next fight against Johnathon Banks also had its moments and ended with Adamek prevailing with an eighth-round TKO.
Adamek resides in Jersey City but originally hails from Poland. Every time he fights at the Prudential Center, he gets a crowd reaction many American boxers don't get in their own country.
Yet his crowd-pleasing style and hometown popularity hasn't translated into much interest from HBO or Showtime. The problem could be his opposition. There was some talk in 2009 about Adamek fighting Bernard Hopkins, but that never happened, and he chose to move up to heavyweight instead.
His first clash with a big man was in Poland against countryman Andrew Golota. Because of the time difference and the (probably correct) opinion of most boxing observers that Golota was washed up, it's understandable that cable passed on that one.
Estrada isn't a stiff, but he's not ranked among the top 10 heavyweight contenders and isn't a well-known commodity. He's definitely not the type of foe who is bringing his own viewers to the party, which certainly doesn't help Adamek's case.
It remains to be seen if Adamek will have enough success in his current division to eventually land a shot at one of the Klitschkos. If he does, he'll face the same daunting size disadvantage that has proven insurmountable for so many others, but I can almost guarantee that Adamek will give a good account of himself even in defeat.
Let's hope we don't have to wait for that to happen to see him on TV in the U.S. again. The goal of any network that shows boxing is to put on entertaining fights, and putting Adamek on the schedule could only help.
UPDATE: I still wish Adamek was on cable, but it's been brought to my attention that there is a way to see his fight with Estrada. That would be through GoFightLive.tv, where the card is available for $9.99. Alas, it's not available through the site in Poland.
Posted by The Franchise
The man in question is former light heavyweight and cruiserweight titleholder Tomasz Adamek, who made the jump to heavyweight last fall and seems determined to stay there. He'll face Jason Estrada at the Prudential Center in Newark, at the top of a card that should be well-attended but won't be carried by any of the usual boxing cable outlets.
With the Brothers Klitschko dominating their recent competition, the heavyweight division continues to have a need for anyone who can inject some adrenaline into the proceedings. Adamek could certainly fill that role, but so far, the TV folks haven't been convinced.
It's not because he doesn't come to fight. Adamek loves to mix it up, and his combination of solid power and a sturdy chin usually lends itself to an excellent show.
In December of 2008, Adamek edged out Steve Cunningham in a thrilling bout (one that was carried by Versus) that featured three knockdowns and plenty of back-and-forth action. His next fight against Johnathon Banks also had its moments and ended with Adamek prevailing with an eighth-round TKO.
Adamek resides in Jersey City but originally hails from Poland. Every time he fights at the Prudential Center, he gets a crowd reaction many American boxers don't get in their own country.
Yet his crowd-pleasing style and hometown popularity hasn't translated into much interest from HBO or Showtime. The problem could be his opposition. There was some talk in 2009 about Adamek fighting Bernard Hopkins, but that never happened, and he chose to move up to heavyweight instead.
His first clash with a big man was in Poland against countryman Andrew Golota. Because of the time difference and the (probably correct) opinion of most boxing observers that Golota was washed up, it's understandable that cable passed on that one.
Estrada isn't a stiff, but he's not ranked among the top 10 heavyweight contenders and isn't a well-known commodity. He's definitely not the type of foe who is bringing his own viewers to the party, which certainly doesn't help Adamek's case.
It remains to be seen if Adamek will have enough success in his current division to eventually land a shot at one of the Klitschkos. If he does, he'll face the same daunting size disadvantage that has proven insurmountable for so many others, but I can almost guarantee that Adamek will give a good account of himself even in defeat.
Let's hope we don't have to wait for that to happen to see him on TV in the U.S. again. The goal of any network that shows boxing is to put on entertaining fights, and putting Adamek on the schedule could only help.
UPDATE: I still wish Adamek was on cable, but it's been brought to my attention that there is a way to see his fight with Estrada. That would be through GoFightLive.tv, where the card is available for $9.99. Alas, it's not available through the site in Poland.
Posted by The Franchise
Want to Watch More Boxing? Check Out SecondsOutTV.com
Don't think this is a paid endorsement, because we don't do anything like that. It's just a helpful suggestion in case your boxing needs aren't being fulfilled by the current lineup of cable broadcasters.
To watch more fights that may not be televised in your neck of the woods, it may be worth your while to pay a visit to SecondsOutTV.com. The site offers live streaming video feeds of boxing matches, as well as archived content that includes some past world title sites.
Though I can't vouch for the site's 2010 lineup, it is currently touting deals with promoters in Ukraine and Canada that will have it showing 30 live fights this year. In 2009, I used it to watch Jean Pascal-Adrian Diaconu II, as well as a few other bouts. The streaming is pretty good, and while the video isn't exactly HD quality, it was good enough to allow me to score the fights with a fair amount of confidence.
A subscription fee gives you access to all of the content, but it's free to sign up for an account that allows you to purchase fights a la carte. It was only a few bucks for the aforementioned Pascal-Diaconu fight, though fees vary by region.
One of the things I'm always wishing for is more live boxing on the internet, and hopefully we'll see more of it in the next few years. SecondsOutTV.com certainly won't replace the TV outlets that carry boxing, but it's a nice way to catch a few fights you wouldn't otherwise see.
Posted by The Franchise
To watch more fights that may not be televised in your neck of the woods, it may be worth your while to pay a visit to SecondsOutTV.com. The site offers live streaming video feeds of boxing matches, as well as archived content that includes some past world title sites.
Though I can't vouch for the site's 2010 lineup, it is currently touting deals with promoters in Ukraine and Canada that will have it showing 30 live fights this year. In 2009, I used it to watch Jean Pascal-Adrian Diaconu II, as well as a few other bouts. The streaming is pretty good, and while the video isn't exactly HD quality, it was good enough to allow me to score the fights with a fair amount of confidence.
A subscription fee gives you access to all of the content, but it's free to sign up for an account that allows you to purchase fights a la carte. It was only a few bucks for the aforementioned Pascal-Diaconu fight, though fees vary by region.
One of the things I'm always wishing for is more live boxing on the internet, and hopefully we'll see more of it in the next few years. SecondsOutTV.com certainly won't replace the TV outlets that carry boxing, but it's a nice way to catch a few fights you wouldn't otherwise see.
Posted by The Franchise
30.1.10
Shane Mosley Signs Contract to Fight Floyd Mayweather on May 1
Maybe boxing will be able to heal the wounds to its goodwill following the disintegration of the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight faster than we thought. First Manny agreed to face Joshua Clottey, and now Floyd's bout with Shane Mosley is all but a done deal.
Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports is reporting that Mosley has signed his contract to fight Mayweather on May 1 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Iole's piece states that Leonard Ellerbe expects Floyd to sign his contract ASAP, and that a press conference will take place in New York to announce the fight within the next few days.
I've used some space elsewhere to spell out my complete feelings on this announcement, but suffice it to say that I'm impressed that Mayweather agreed to the bout. Yes, Shane is no spring chicken and has been inactive for over a year. But if you don't think Mosley poses at least some danger as a foe for Floyd, your opinion of him must be pretty low indeed.
My early gut feeling says Mayweather will win the fight because his defense will trump Mosley's offense. But I'll be pulling for Sugar Shane since he's a personal favorite of mine.
Does the fact that Floyd is facing the man many consider to be the next best guy make Manny look worse? Not really, because Mosley wasn't available when he was putting together a fight - Andre Berto hadn't pulled out of his fight with Shane at that point - and Clottey is no pushover.
It's certainly a good look for Mayweather and a nice situation for Mosley to get at least one more big payday before he calls it a career. And who knows, perhaps victories by Floyd and Manny will have them revisiting their negotiations for later this year.
I don't know anyone who would be opposed to that.
Posted by The Franchise
Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports is reporting that Mosley has signed his contract to fight Mayweather on May 1 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Iole's piece states that Leonard Ellerbe expects Floyd to sign his contract ASAP, and that a press conference will take place in New York to announce the fight within the next few days.
I've used some space elsewhere to spell out my complete feelings on this announcement, but suffice it to say that I'm impressed that Mayweather agreed to the bout. Yes, Shane is no spring chicken and has been inactive for over a year. But if you don't think Mosley poses at least some danger as a foe for Floyd, your opinion of him must be pretty low indeed.
My early gut feeling says Mayweather will win the fight because his defense will trump Mosley's offense. But I'll be pulling for Sugar Shane since he's a personal favorite of mine.
Does the fact that Floyd is facing the man many consider to be the next best guy make Manny look worse? Not really, because Mosley wasn't available when he was putting together a fight - Andre Berto hadn't pulled out of his fight with Shane at that point - and Clottey is no pushover.
It's certainly a good look for Mayweather and a nice situation for Mosley to get at least one more big payday before he calls it a career. And who knows, perhaps victories by Floyd and Manny will have them revisiting their negotiations for later this year.
I don't know anyone who would be opposed to that.
Posted by The Franchise
29.1.10
Possible Revenge for Miguel Cotto the Only Good Thing About Antonio Margarito Fighting Again
It's hard to think of another athlete from any sport, let alone another boxer, who went from likable to despised as quickly as Antonio Margarito. Maybe Ivan Drago to the Russians in Rocky IV, but a real life example escapes me.
One minute Tony was a hard-working welterweight who finally got his shot at the big time, and a few months later he's boxing's Public Enemy No. 1 thanks to the illegal plaster-like substance found in his hand wraps. It was a huge fall, but a deserved one for a man who was prepared to put Shane Mosley's well-being in danger.
And let's face it: that lack of respect for another man's health is what separates Margarito from the Mark McGwire's of the sports world. It's one thing to give yourself an edge and something else entirely when that edge could result in serious injury - or worse.
Margarito is set to return to the ring in less than two months on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey bout in Dallas. The setting is important, because it allowed Margarito to apply for a license in Texas instead of seeking reinstatement in California, where he was punished in the first place.
Kevin Iole's recent column on Yahoo! Sports explains why Tony should be allowed to box again. Iole doesn't like it, but he points out that the Tijuana Tornado is following the rules that are in place.
He served his suspension and switched trainers. He didn't apologize or admit any wrong-doing, but that's to be expected when the entire strategy for Margarito after the controversy was to pawn the whole thing off on former trainer Javier Capetillo.
For what it's worth, I agree with Iole's theory that there was no way Margarito didn't know about the wraps. I also don't think it was the first time he did it, and on that point I can speak from personal experience.
For over a decade, I worked at an amusement park where one of my main job duties was to uncover internal theft. Almost to a person, the employees we eventually caught red-handed tried to claim it was their first time. We were able to prove that most of them were lying.
That thought allows us to segue to the last man to lose to Margarito, Miguel Cotto. As most boxing fans know, Cotto suffered a brutal 11th-round stoppage, the first of his career and a beating from which some observers think he still hasn't recovered.
Was Margarito cheating on that night too? We'll never know for sure, but logic tells us there's a very good chance. Cotto has pretty much done everything but say he believes it.
With Tony active again, one gets the feeling that Cotto is licking his chops at the thought of avenging that defeat. Knowing what we do about what makes Miguel tick, I;d be surprised if he didn't.
Assuming Margarito wins his comeback bout and Cotto gets past his next foe (supposedly Yuri Foreman in June), expect the talk of the two of them facing each other again to heat up. On one hand, it stinks, because it will be a big payday that Margarito doesn't deserve.
But Cotto is a class act who is a credit to boxing. He's well worth rooting for, and if he's able to exorcise some demons, it will make up for the distasteful sight of Margarito fighting in the spotlight again.
It doesn't sit well with me that Tony is back. I'm a big believer in second chances, but not once you've proven to be so callous with another man's health, or at least his livelihood.
Still, if it gives Cotto a chance for some revenge and redemption, I'm all for it. That may be the only way this story has a satisfying ending.
Posted by The Franchise
One minute Tony was a hard-working welterweight who finally got his shot at the big time, and a few months later he's boxing's Public Enemy No. 1 thanks to the illegal plaster-like substance found in his hand wraps. It was a huge fall, but a deserved one for a man who was prepared to put Shane Mosley's well-being in danger.
And let's face it: that lack of respect for another man's health is what separates Margarito from the Mark McGwire's of the sports world. It's one thing to give yourself an edge and something else entirely when that edge could result in serious injury - or worse.
Margarito is set to return to the ring in less than two months on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey bout in Dallas. The setting is important, because it allowed Margarito to apply for a license in Texas instead of seeking reinstatement in California, where he was punished in the first place.
Kevin Iole's recent column on Yahoo! Sports explains why Tony should be allowed to box again. Iole doesn't like it, but he points out that the Tijuana Tornado is following the rules that are in place.
He served his suspension and switched trainers. He didn't apologize or admit any wrong-doing, but that's to be expected when the entire strategy for Margarito after the controversy was to pawn the whole thing off on former trainer Javier Capetillo.
For what it's worth, I agree with Iole's theory that there was no way Margarito didn't know about the wraps. I also don't think it was the first time he did it, and on that point I can speak from personal experience.
For over a decade, I worked at an amusement park where one of my main job duties was to uncover internal theft. Almost to a person, the employees we eventually caught red-handed tried to claim it was their first time. We were able to prove that most of them were lying.
That thought allows us to segue to the last man to lose to Margarito, Miguel Cotto. As most boxing fans know, Cotto suffered a brutal 11th-round stoppage, the first of his career and a beating from which some observers think he still hasn't recovered.
Was Margarito cheating on that night too? We'll never know for sure, but logic tells us there's a very good chance. Cotto has pretty much done everything but say he believes it.
With Tony active again, one gets the feeling that Cotto is licking his chops at the thought of avenging that defeat. Knowing what we do about what makes Miguel tick, I;d be surprised if he didn't.
Assuming Margarito wins his comeback bout and Cotto gets past his next foe (supposedly Yuri Foreman in June), expect the talk of the two of them facing each other again to heat up. On one hand, it stinks, because it will be a big payday that Margarito doesn't deserve.
But Cotto is a class act who is a credit to boxing. He's well worth rooting for, and if he's able to exorcise some demons, it will make up for the distasteful sight of Margarito fighting in the spotlight again.
It doesn't sit well with me that Tony is back. I'm a big believer in second chances, but not once you've proven to be so callous with another man's health, or at least his livelihood.
Still, if it gives Cotto a chance for some revenge and redemption, I'm all for it. That may be the only way this story has a satisfying ending.
Posted by The Franchise
26.1.10
What Has Joe Calzaghe Been Up to Anyway?
Though we now know that Allan Green is taking over for Jermain Taylor in the Super Six World Boxing Classic, one of the more fanciful yet intriguing suggestions I heard from other boxing fans was getting Joe Calzaghe to come out of retirement and join the tournament.
That certainly would have been a blast, and it would have made the Super Six an even bigger deal in Europe (where it's already more significant than it is here in the U.S.). There's virtually zero chance it would have happened, but hey, it's always fun to dream.
Anyway, since this is boxing we're talking about, quite a few fans seem to be skeptical that Calazghe will actually stay retired. But from all indications, he seems to be enjoying his life outside the ring.
What's he been up to since beating Roy Jones in November of 2008? Glad you asked.
In what may have been his most visible activity, Calzaghe was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, the U.K.'s version of (and indeed, the inspiration behind) Dancing With the Stars. That didn't end so well for JoeCal, but it may not have been a total loss, either, as reports have it that he ended up with a pretty nice consolation prize.
He also got more seriously involved with the business side of the sweet science, starting Calzaghe Promotions to help mold the next wave of U.K. boxing talent. Joe's venture promoted two cards in 2009, with more said to be on the way soon.
Last and certainly not least, Calazghe has been donating time and money toward several worthy causes. He's thrown his weight behind both Latch, and organization devoted to researching ways to defeat childhood cancer, and Beatbullying. And no, the latter doesn't involve Joe administering physical beatings to bullies... though that would be a fun twist.
Joking aside, our European readers may be interested in Calzaghe's next endeavor. That would be his Undefeated Dinner, a gala event to be held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on March 22.
Promising a night of entertainment from world class performers, all of the proceeds from the dinner will go to support Help for Heroes, a charity that aids British military personnel wounded in the world's current conflicts.
It's a cause that clearly means a lot to Calzaghe.
"I will always be proud of my record of having retired as the undefeated world champion after 18 years as a professional," Calzaghe said in a press release announcing the event. "But it was only when I met some of our servicemen and saw their sacrifices that I truly understood the meaning of undefeated.
"They are an inspiration to us all. I can think of no better use of money raised from my testimonial dinner than for it to make a contribution towards the better futures of those who have made such unimaginable sacrifices for their country."
Tickets for the gala aren't cheap (£550 plus VAT per person, or tables of ten for £5,000), but the price includes a champagne reception, a three-course dinner, complimentary drinks and the live entertainment. Full details are available at Calzaghe's official website.
Whether you cheered him on or rooted against him, you have to admit that Calzaghe's relatively brief time on top of the sport of boxing wasn't boring. We may never see him in action again, but he's applying his fighting spirit in other areas, and smart money wouldn't bet against him continuing to make an impact.
Posted by The Franchise
That certainly would have been a blast, and it would have made the Super Six an even bigger deal in Europe (where it's already more significant than it is here in the U.S.). There's virtually zero chance it would have happened, but hey, it's always fun to dream.
Anyway, since this is boxing we're talking about, quite a few fans seem to be skeptical that Calazghe will actually stay retired. But from all indications, he seems to be enjoying his life outside the ring.
What's he been up to since beating Roy Jones in November of 2008? Glad you asked.
In what may have been his most visible activity, Calzaghe was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, the U.K.'s version of (and indeed, the inspiration behind) Dancing With the Stars. That didn't end so well for JoeCal, but it may not have been a total loss, either, as reports have it that he ended up with a pretty nice consolation prize.
He also got more seriously involved with the business side of the sweet science, starting Calzaghe Promotions to help mold the next wave of U.K. boxing talent. Joe's venture promoted two cards in 2009, with more said to be on the way soon.
Last and certainly not least, Calazghe has been donating time and money toward several worthy causes. He's thrown his weight behind both Latch, and organization devoted to researching ways to defeat childhood cancer, and Beatbullying. And no, the latter doesn't involve Joe administering physical beatings to bullies... though that would be a fun twist.
Joking aside, our European readers may be interested in Calzaghe's next endeavor. That would be his Undefeated Dinner, a gala event to be held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on March 22.
Promising a night of entertainment from world class performers, all of the proceeds from the dinner will go to support Help for Heroes, a charity that aids British military personnel wounded in the world's current conflicts.
It's a cause that clearly means a lot to Calzaghe.
"I will always be proud of my record of having retired as the undefeated world champion after 18 years as a professional," Calzaghe said in a press release announcing the event. "But it was only when I met some of our servicemen and saw their sacrifices that I truly understood the meaning of undefeated.
"They are an inspiration to us all. I can think of no better use of money raised from my testimonial dinner than for it to make a contribution towards the better futures of those who have made such unimaginable sacrifices for their country."
Tickets for the gala aren't cheap (£550 plus VAT per person, or tables of ten for £5,000), but the price includes a champagne reception, a three-course dinner, complimentary drinks and the live entertainment. Full details are available at Calzaghe's official website.
Whether you cheered him on or rooted against him, you have to admit that Calzaghe's relatively brief time on top of the sport of boxing wasn't boring. We may never see him in action again, but he's applying his fighting spirit in other areas, and smart money wouldn't bet against him continuing to make an impact.
Posted by The Franchise
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