The Middleweights, The Super Middleweights and the Light Heavyweights
Whilst I admit to not being Joe C Wales' biggest fan, you cannot but admire what he has done in his career. However, his 2008 for me was not as impressive as has been claimed in many quarters, Roy Jones was a shell, and the decision against Bernard Hopkins was very close. For me, fights against Bad Chad Dawson, and a rematch against Hopkins would be a fitting farewell for Calzaghe, and would do much to curtail a lot of the criticism he receives for avoiding fighters. These being the two most dangerous opponents out there for the Welshman.
However, neither of these fights will happen as Calzaghe is sure to retire, leaving a few unanswered questions, and criticism for some that his record lacks the inform, quality opponents, to be a truly great career.
Should Calzaghe retire, then this could open the door for Dawson, who none other than Floyd Mayweather Jr regards as the best pound for pound fighter out there at the minute. For me Dawson still has work to do, but look out for a fight against Hopkins.
Kelly Pavlik is in need of a good start to 2009 after being outclassed in a disappointing show against Bernard Hopkins. Back at Middleweight I expect Pavlik to continue to impress, but should avoid any other foray into a heavier division.
Here are the other articles in this series: Welterweight Pound for Pound 2009, Lightweight and Light Welterweight, and finally retired king Floyd Mayweather Jr
Friday, 9 January 2009
2009 the Year of the Pound for Pound Boxer? Part III
The Welterweights
Antonio Margarito will surely dispatch Shane Mosley in late January, then turn to a rematch with Miguel Cotto, Michael Jennings aside, and the winner of this rematch would surely be next for Punisher Paul Williams.
Williams enjoys, or suffers, from the tag as “most avoided fighter in the world”, and this can only further harm his challenge on the pound for pound title.
What Williams did last year, in moving in between 147 and 160lbs was impressive and there is no reason why he cannot continue to challenge and succeed anywhere up to 168lbs.
However, it is at 147 where I think he could make a real mark, as already having a victory over Margarito, you feel he would be able to out work Cotto, much the same way Margarito did, although granted he doesn't have Tony's granite chin.
Then how would a returning Floyd Mayweather deal with the freakish physique and reach of the 6' 1” Williams, as well as his 100 punch a round work ethic. Floyd is approaching 32 and has not fought since his 10th round KO over Ricky Hatton, so would he suffer in the same way as De La Hoya for this inactivity, and could Williams be the man to take advantage of this?
I think Mayweather Jr will avoid Williams like the plague, given he is the greatest threat out there to that perfect record, and this will continue to be a problem for the Punisher, as he is such a dangerous opponent.
Here are the other articles in the series: Floyd Mayweather Jr, Lightweights and Light Welterweights and finally the Middleweights, The Super Middleweights and the Light Heavyweights
Antonio Margarito will surely dispatch Shane Mosley in late January, then turn to a rematch with Miguel Cotto, Michael Jennings aside, and the winner of this rematch would surely be next for Punisher Paul Williams.
Williams enjoys, or suffers, from the tag as “most avoided fighter in the world”, and this can only further harm his challenge on the pound for pound title.
What Williams did last year, in moving in between 147 and 160lbs was impressive and there is no reason why he cannot continue to challenge and succeed anywhere up to 168lbs.
However, it is at 147 where I think he could make a real mark, as already having a victory over Margarito, you feel he would be able to out work Cotto, much the same way Margarito did, although granted he doesn't have Tony's granite chin.
Then how would a returning Floyd Mayweather deal with the freakish physique and reach of the 6' 1” Williams, as well as his 100 punch a round work ethic. Floyd is approaching 32 and has not fought since his 10th round KO over Ricky Hatton, so would he suffer in the same way as De La Hoya for this inactivity, and could Williams be the man to take advantage of this?
I think Mayweather Jr will avoid Williams like the plague, given he is the greatest threat out there to that perfect record, and this will continue to be a problem for the Punisher, as he is such a dangerous opponent.
Here are the other articles in the series: Floyd Mayweather Jr, Lightweights and Light Welterweights and finally the Middleweights, The Super Middleweights and the Light Heavyweights
2009 the Year of the Pound for Pound Boxer? Part II
The Lightweights and the Light Welterweights
Manny Pacquiao's destruction of Oscar De La Hoya propelled him to the top of the overall pound for pound list, a position he deservedly holds after a year in which he won three very tough fights, in three separate weight divisions.
One man seeking another shot at the Pacman is Lightweight Juan Manuel Marquez, who is looking to complete a trilogy of bouts against the Fillipino.
Marquez's next bout will pit him against Juan Diaz in February, but look out for him to be chasing Pacquiao, irrespective of the outcome of the Hatton fight. Marquez, still aggrieved by a very close split decision and a draw against the current pound for pound number one, could fancy his chances if Manny moves back down to lightweight.
Pacquiao will fight Hatton in May, and a win for Hatton could move him up the list significantly, but perhaps not quite to the top. However, following this up with revenge over Mayweather Jr would surely mean the Hitman was top of all but the harshest critic's pound for pound rankings.
Here are the other articles in the series: Floyd Mayweather Jr, Welterweights and finally the Middleweights, The Super Middleweights and the Light Heavyweights
Manny Pacquiao's destruction of Oscar De La Hoya propelled him to the top of the overall pound for pound list, a position he deservedly holds after a year in which he won three very tough fights, in three separate weight divisions.
One man seeking another shot at the Pacman is Lightweight Juan Manuel Marquez, who is looking to complete a trilogy of bouts against the Fillipino.
Marquez's next bout will pit him against Juan Diaz in February, but look out for him to be chasing Pacquiao, irrespective of the outcome of the Hatton fight. Marquez, still aggrieved by a very close split decision and a draw against the current pound for pound number one, could fancy his chances if Manny moves back down to lightweight.
Pacquiao will fight Hatton in May, and a win for Hatton could move him up the list significantly, but perhaps not quite to the top. However, following this up with revenge over Mayweather Jr would surely mean the Hitman was top of all but the harshest critic's pound for pound rankings.
Here are the other articles in the series: Floyd Mayweather Jr, Welterweights and finally the Middleweights, The Super Middleweights and the Light Heavyweights
2009 the Year of the Pound for Pound Boxer?
Mayweather, Pacquiao, Williams, Margarito, Cotto, Juan Manuel Marquez, Hatton, Calzaghe, Dawson, Hopkins.
These are just some of the names which will battle it out in 2009 for the title of world's best pound for pound fighter.
First up, is Floyd Mayweather Jr
Floyd Mayweather's return now seems inevitable, mainly due to fiscal reasons, and his attempt to return to the summit of the pound for pound rankings may be difficult.
How will more than a year out of the ring affect his chances of a successful return? Will he suffer from the ring rust, which, along with weight drain, hampered De La Hoya so badly against Pacquiao?
For me, Mayweather's success, and his return at all, depends on the fights which are available, but the winner of Pacquiao v Hatton seems most likely, with a decent tune up before that to ensure he is as sharp as he'll need to be to face either Pacquiao or Hatton.
Here are the other articles in the series: Lightweights and Light Welterweights, Welterweights, and finally the Middleweights, The Super Middleweights and the Light Heavyweights
These are just some of the names which will battle it out in 2009 for the title of world's best pound for pound fighter.
First up, is Floyd Mayweather Jr
Floyd Mayweather's return now seems inevitable, mainly due to fiscal reasons, and his attempt to return to the summit of the pound for pound rankings may be difficult.
How will more than a year out of the ring affect his chances of a successful return? Will he suffer from the ring rust, which, along with weight drain, hampered De La Hoya so badly against Pacquiao?
For me, Mayweather's success, and his return at all, depends on the fights which are available, but the winner of Pacquiao v Hatton seems most likely, with a decent tune up before that to ensure he is as sharp as he'll need to be to face either Pacquiao or Hatton.
Here are the other articles in the series: Lightweights and Light Welterweights, Welterweights, and finally the Middleweights, The Super Middleweights and the Light Heavyweights
"Boxing is a dying sport" - Why I disagree with Joe Calzaghe
Fellow British champion Carl Froch described Joe Calzaghe's remarks as a “bitter comment” from a boxer just “fighting old men”, and for me Calzaghe’s claim couldn’t be further from the truth, especially when considering the current British fight scene.
Not since the heady days of Eubank, Watson, Benn and Collins have we had a crop of British fighters to rival Hatton, Calzaghe, Haye and Froch. All world champions in their respective divisions (Hatton at Light Welterweight and Haye as Cruiserweight) and all seeking out the biggest fights against the world best…well three of them are at least, Mr Calzaghe?
Calzaghe’s comments could just be an attempt to justify his decision to retire when there are still legitimate fights out there which could improve his legacy, but to me they are ill-informed and don’t represent the current state of the sweet science and British boxing in particular.
In 2008 alone we had Pacquiao v De La Hoya, Margarito v Cotto, Hopkins v Pavlik, Manny Pacquiao v Juan Manuel Marquez II, Casamayor v Katsidis and Adamek v Cunningham, all great bouts which would appear to disprove Calzaghe’s allegation. I would say boxing is in rude health, both on this side of the Atlantic and worldwide.
We have some truly great boxers, some veterans still fighting and some really good emerging talent. MMA in the form of UFC is taking off and is very popular, but is too different from boxing to be a real threat (look out for a future post on this one) and there will always be young men out there dreaming of being champion of the world, at whatever weight.
Calzaghe should quit making derisory comments about the sport which has done so much for him, and him for it, and fight on. He showed against Roy Jones Jr he still has speed and can fight so why quit now? There are fights out there, but it seems his perfect record is now too precious for him to risk.
Welcome to Boxing Twenty Four Seven
In this blog I will discuss topical boxing issues, feature fighters, both established and up and coming, and keep you informed of all things to do with the sweet science.
I am based in the UK, so will be featuring a few British boxers, but I will not be neglecting fighters from around the world.
Comments and suggestions from readers are very welcome, and invited, as well as requests for boxers and fights you would like to see featured on the site.
I am based in the UK, so will be featuring a few British boxers, but I will not be neglecting fighters from around the world.
Comments and suggestions from readers are very welcome, and invited, as well as requests for boxers and fights you would like to see featured on the site.
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