Things I think I think - 6/29/11

The California Bar exam sucks.

Juan Diaz should have a better time in Texas, although no exam is easy at all.

Pacquiao-Marquez fight to use instant replay in incidents where fight stopping cuts occur. THANK YOU!!!!

Klitschko Haye is the most watchable heavyweight fight in years, it is hyped up beyond belief and free on HBO. NO REASONS NOT TO WATCH.

What exactly is the big deal with the David Haye's shirt with the cartoon drawing that he didn't even draw? I've heard much much worse things between boxers.

August 27th 24/7 Ortiz Mayweather begins. General public be ready to get dissed by Mayweather again.

I will be cheering for Sebastian Lujan on FNF on ESPN3. Not because we share the same name, but because his ear busting fight against Antonio Margarito strangely is one of my fondest boxing memories.

Tough for Cruz V Faber II to be a boring match. For all you MMA newbies this is a rematch of a WEC match. Here is the full fight video here.
http://www.ufc.com/media/132-WEC26-Faber-Cruz

Boxing really needs to learn from the UFC. They realized that the 132 headliner may not appeal to the general public so what do they do? STACK THE CARD. Silva V Leben, Ortiz V Bader, Condit V Kim, even Guillard V Roller are all good fights.

I have Silva by KO.

Everyone wave goodbye to Tito Ortiz. Thanks for a good career.

Wonder how many Koreans will be watching the Stun Gun Dong Hyun Kim this weekend? Last time he fought there was a full telecast just for him.

Finally some answers for the Nate Marquart saga. Why did he pull out of his fight? He admitted testosterone replacement therapy. The controversial treatments were prescribed by a doctor due to a "legitimate medical condition" since last August.

BTW: THE UFC KNEW ABOUT IT. This is pretty much a known fact. They "gave" him time to clear it up.

I wonder of the UFC knew about Dan Henderson, Chael Sonnen, and Todd Duffee? Hard not to see considering that Henderson and Duffee have exemptions in California.

Quote of the week? Victor Ortiz was asked by reporters what he thought about PacMan PBF matchup. His response: "There's only one problem, I'm fighting Pacquiao next."

Breaking News: Nate Marquardt cut from UFC, UFC on Versus Main Event Scrapped

Nate Marquardt has reportedly failed a medical and will not be fighting on Sunday's UFC card.

The main event for UFC on Versus has been changed recently with the substitution of Rick Story for an injured Anthony Johnson. Now with this recent development Cheick Kongo vs. Pat Barry will become the main event Sunday night.

Also on twitter Dana White has posted a 11-second video stating not only has Nate Marquardt failed his medical and will not be fighting, he will no longer be fighting in the UFC. “Not only is he out of this fight, out of the main event on Versus, he will no longer be with the UFC." said Dana White via twitter.

Story (13-3 MMA, 6-1 UFC) will now face Charlie Brenneman (12-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC).

There has been no clear reason reported on why Marquardt did not pass his medical examination. Many have guessed that weight was an issue, since he was moving down to 170 for the first time in his career. There also is some rumors about drug testing. Best thing to do is to hold off on any judgement and see what actual facts we can find.

Weekend Preview - 6/24

The year has been littered with great weekends of fights so far and this weekend will be no different.

As usual it get kicked off with a good main even in the Friday Night Fights card, then a 3 fight HBO card, and a free streaming EPIX middleweight championship fight. I will be previewing these fights below.

Plus, for us boxing junkies, Telefutura has Brian Vera and James Kirkland on the same card, Telemundo has prospect Jesus Pabon in a sure action fight and FSN is broadcasting Mike Jones likely knockout of professional “opponent” Raul Munoz. Get your DVR’s ready to roll!

HBO Card
On Saturday on HBO's Boxing after dark 9:45ET/PT, there will be triple header headlined by Devon Alexander and Lucas Matthyse.

Devon Alexander vs. Lucas Matthyse
Many may remember Matthysse (28-1, 26 KOs) from his recent loss on HBO to Zab Judah in a close fight that Judah was lucky to squeeze out a SD victory. He doesn’t have great boxing skill but has great power. He is coming off of a KO win against, now stepping stone, DeMarcus Corley back in January. He is the brother of Walter Mattyse and has Carlos Baldomir in his corner. He owns a KO victory against Vivian Harris and is slowly building his resume to become a 140pd contender.

Boxing fans may still have a bad taste in their mouths from Alexander’s last performance on HBO against Timothy Bradley. It was hyped as great fight to kick off the year and turned out to be a dud. Both fighters promised action and fireworks while the fight contained more posturing than anything. Bradley controlled Alexander with good distance control as well as outworking (relatively) the St. Louis native until a head butt ultimately sent the fight to the scorecards. This is a crossroads fight for a Alexander who many thought was at the top of the division with his KO victory against Juan Urango last year.

This is a tough fight to handicap, but because of Matthyse’s issues with good boxers (see Zab Judah) I expect Devon to carefully pick him apart. My pick is Alexander in another so so performance. Alexander UD12

Tavoris Cloud vs. Yusaf Mack

The second fight on the televised undercard is Tavoris Cloud vs. Yusaf Mack for Cloud's IBF light heavyweight title in what should be a bang bang fight. Cloud does not know how to not come forward and Mack is no laydown opponent. Cloud has shown good boxing skills, a great right hand and stamina to maintain his pressure over 12 rounds (see Glen Johnson fight)

For Canadian - Haitian Yusaf his last two losses have came against good competition (Glen Johnson and Librado Andrade) and has good boxing skill. Many feel he has a suspect chin and doesn't do well against pressure (once again see his Glen Johnson fight). Sidenote: See why I love Glen Johnson? Win or lose, he exposes fighters for who they are. This is the sign of a real veteran.

Mack should give Cloud a test, but with Cloud’s crowd and judge appealing aggressive pressure Tavoris should come out with a KO victory in the later rounds. What makes this fight even more exciting is the fact that Mack likes to fight when attacked, which will undoubtedly will be the case Saturday night.

If Cloud can get past Mack there are huge fights on the horizon. Dawson, Pascal, and Hopkins loom at the top of the list. Cloud KO10

Bermane Stiverne vs. Ray Austin

Also televised will be upcoming heavyweight Bermane Stiverne vs. Ray Austin in an WBC heavyweight eliminator. Stiverne (20-1, 19KOs) has very good power and a good skill set. His only loss came in spectacular fashion against Demetrice King back in 2007 and he is (8-0-1 since then).

Ray Austin, 40 years old, will keep fighting as long as he gets a paycheck as a stepping stone. It’s too bad good fighters like him will sacrifice his body in this horrendous heavyweight era. With the competition so weak, he will continue to get fights and make “prospects” beat him.

Unfortunately, the Cornelious K9 Bundrage rematch with Sechel Powell for Bundrage's IBF junior middleweight title will not be televised. Fight junkies will remember their first punch double knockdown fight last time they met. (VIDEO AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST HERE IF YOU MISSED IT). If K9 can win this fight he should be in line for a good payday in an unification matchup.

Felix Sturm vs. Mathew Macklin – EPIXHD.COM, EPIX
Sturm (35-2-1, 15 KOs) will be defending his WBA middleweight belt for the 10th time against Irishman Mathew Macklin (28-2, 19 KOs). Both fighters have been criticized for weak competition, but both have plodded away with their careers in workmanlike fashion to rise to the this stage. It’s a very close fight but Sturm should have too boxing skill and will use his good jab to beat Macklin. Also, because of the fact that Sturm is the defending champion and fighting in his home country, Macklin has to win convincingly in order to take this belt away. Sturm UD12.
There is also no reason to miss this fight. It will be shown on Epixhd for a free trial if you sign up. HD streaming boxing? What can be bad about that?

Friday Night Fights
John Molina vs. Robert Frankel
John Molina (22-1, 18 KOs), who is never in a dull fight because of his lack of boxing prowess but incredible power will be facing off with Frankel (28-10-1, 5 KOs). Frankel will likely give Molina a tough fight, but will be eventually overmatched by the sheer talent and power of John Molina. You have no excuse to miss this one as it is once again streaming on ESPN 3.

Things I think I think - 6/22/11

We are now officially on twitter. This @thefightknights thing is just weird. I must be too old school.

God that was a bad Strikeforce card.

Don't want to watch the full replay? Look below for highlights

I wonder how judges score jump guards (thanks to Werdum). Maybe they should start using the BJJ scoring for the ground submission scoring in MMA?

Jeff Monson is done.

Strikeforce is losing momentum ever since the sale to Zuffa.

Cain V, JDS, then Alistair still?

Takanori Gomi V. Nate Diaz announced for UFC 135. Let's hope Nate doesn't smoke weed this like his brother last time. I'm guessing no gogoplata for the other brother.

Get ready for an action packed boxing weekend starting with a great main event on FNF.

Felix Sturm vs. Matthew Macklin free on Epixhd.com may be the best fight of the bunch with Tavoris Cloud vs. Yusaf Mack in a close second.

Saul Alvarez doesn't just look good. He looks exciting.

Tickets for the Alvarez Rhodes fight were as low at 100 pesos. I would have loved those seats.

HBO Real Sports report about Ann Wolfe is a must watch.

With the signing now finalized.. SO EXCITED FOR MAIDANA GUERRERO Aug 27th. Best part? It's in my hometown of San Jose, CA. Can you say live coverage?

Very very excited about joining Bloguin. Check them out at www.bloguin.com

UFC 132 Quick Preview

UFC 132 is July 2nd! Time to start the hype! Here is the extended exclusive UFC promo reel as well as the full fight card.

Dominick Cruz has been on a tear since his lost to Faber. Hair gel can do amazing things. How can Silva v Leben be a bad fight?

This card should be a lot better than last weekends snoozefest Strikeforce card. Full preview coming on the week before the card.

Full card and TV listing

PPV:

Dominick Cruz (17-1) vs. Urijah Faber (25-4) [Bantamweight Title]

Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1) vs. Chris Leben (25-7)

Carlos Condit (26-5) vs. Dong Hyun Kim (14-0-1)

Ryan Bader (12-1) vs. Tito Ortiz (15-8)

Matt Wiman (13-5) vs. Dennis Siver (18-7)

SPIKE TV:

Melvin Guillard (27-8) vs. Shane Roller (10-3)

George Sotiropoulos (14-3) vs. Rafael dos Anjos (14-5)

Preliminary Card:

Brian Bowles (9-1) vs. Takeya Mizugaki (14-5-2)

Brad Tavares (7-0) vs. Aaron Simpson (8-2)

Anthony Njokuani (13-5) vs. Andre Winner (11-5-1)

FK

Saul Alvarez V Ryan Rhodes BAD Wrap

This weekend we saw a glimpse of the future. Saul Canelo Alvarez has been a rising star in the Golden Boy stable for a few years now. Now it seems as though they cannot hide him anymore. He is a bonafide star in his hometown, home state, and home country. Because of his active aggressive style, he pleases the masses and continues on his meteoric rise through the division.

Up this weekend against him was Ryan Rhodes. Rhodes (45-5, 31 KOs) is a battle tested veteran who was supposed to give Alvarez trouble with his jab, his switching stances, and his toughness. Instead, Alvarez passed the test in flying colors. Alvarez showed patience, poise, and decent hand speed.

He won every round on the Fight Knights scorecards and eventually stopped the Englishman in the final round. Alvarez’s sharp crisp combinations were unmatched and unanswered by Rhodes. Instead all Rhodes could do was turtle up every time Alvarez would start throwing, leaving room to work to the body.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has been mentioned as a possible opponent. However, this will likely wait and simmer because they are both making such good money taking fights that don’t have as much risk. Alvarez’s team is targeting the Victor Ortiz V Mayweather PPV for another match and early rumors have Vanes Martirosyan (2004 Olympian 30-0 19Kos) as the early favorite to get that match. Regardless of who he fights next, the boxing world will be waiting. Huge fights are on the horizon with big names that promise big action. (Cotto, Margarito, Williams, Martinez). Best quote of the night? The star himself when being asked who he wanted next.

“I will fight anyone, even if it’s the devil.”

If only more fighters would do and say that.

Also on the undercard was Adrien Broner taking out Jason Litzau quickly in the first round. In our preview, we noted that Litzau’s style was tailor made for Broner’s mayweather-esque style. Broner controlled most of the action in the beginning of the first round and then connected with a right left combination. After that, it was the “American Boy” hanging on for until referee Curtis Thrasher had to step in after a hellacious uppercut that landed flush. Broner should be considered a title contender soon and will have to start taking on bigger and bigger names. Jason after a good upset win against Celestine Caballero, will need to go back to the drawing board. He is still young enough to pick back up and get another good name fight before calling it a career.

HBO Weekend Preview 6/18/11

Saul Alvarez V Ryan Rhodes

HBO – B.A.D. – Boxing After Dark – 6/18/11

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will be defending his newly minted 154 pound belt for the first time against his mandatory challenger Ryan Rhodes.

Alvarez (36-0-1, 26 KOs) has been an exciting prospect to watch. He has a entertaining style, a good story, and interesting demeanor. His left hook and right hand are as good as any in the division and he has big fights looming on the horizon. The last time we saw him he fought another UK fighter in Mathew Hatton. Hatton, Ricky’s younger brother, was able to go the distance with Alvarez despite taking huge shots throughout the fight. Because of Hatton’s lack of punching power, Alvarez was able to maintain a large amount of pressure throughout the fight.

Ryan Rhodes (45-4, 31 KOs) is a well traveled a 34-year-old southpaw who tendency to switch to orthodox throughout his fights. Rhodes, a former European junior middleweight champion, has been fighting in the middleweight weight class for most of his career. This is his third shot at a world title, he lost to Otis Grant in 1997 much earlier in his career and an interim middleweight shot in which he was stopped by Jason Matthews in the 2^nd round. His last four fights have been TKO victories and is currently on a 10 fight win streak. He is best remembered probably for his 2009 bout with Jamie Moore (when he won his first European title) in a slug fest. (See below for the full fight, it’s a damn good one)

Both fighters have good jabs and use it to set up their hooks with the same hand. Both fighters like to wear down their opponents (albeit in slightly different manners). Rhodes will be the bigger man in the ring and probably has a foot speed advantage. The fight storyline will likely whether the stalker and can more effective or the stalkee can effectively stay away. It’s hard to see Rhodes coming out with a victory here, it is his first fight outside of the UK and is up against a rising superstar. However, while many in the boxing community is seeing this as the first fight that Alvarez has a chance of losing.

While I expect Alvarez to have a tough fight against Rhodes counter punching southpaw style, I also expect Alvarez to wear Rhodes down with raw power and talent and eventually stopping him.

Jason Litzau V Adrien Broner

Broner (20-0, 16 KOs) is coming off of a disappointing performance against Daniel Ponce De Leon in his last fight on HBO. Broner will have the motivation to put that fight behind him against someone who is tailor made for his flicker stance style. Jason Litzau is coming of a career reviving win against Celestino Caballero last November on HBO. If Broner doesn’t show up and work, Litzau with his aggressive high punch output style, may make it a tough night. I expect Adrien Broner to cruise here.

Interesting note on the telecast. Howard Lederman is going to be commentating as an analyst for the televised undercard match. Roy Jones Jr. has to sit out because he promotes Jason Litzau, Max and Larry were both unavailable. Interesting to hear Mr. Lederman speak more than 30 seconds at a time.

Now sit back and enjoy the what many consider to be Fight of the Year of 2009.

Things I think I think - 6/15/11

Let's say this first.

RIP Genaro Hernandez. Good career. Good boxer. Great Person.

With that... on with things that I think I think

UFC 131 was satisfying.

Dave Herman’s UFC debut should keep him around for a while.

Dos Santos V Velasquez has become a very big fight.

When are we going to start having non title 5 rounders main events? We pay enough money for at least one.

K-Flo already in title contention after one fight in the division? Only in the UFC.

Nice to see Sergio Martinez re-up with DiBella. They both deserve better than to be in the Golden Boy v Top Rank drama.

Still still salivating over Maidana V Guerrero. Finish this deal.

Congrats to the STAR STUDDED hall of fame inductees. Tyson, Chavez, Tszyu thanks for the memories.

Please no one buy the proposed Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. V Peter Manfredo Jr. fight. PLEASE. Take a stand.

I love this weekend's HBO Boxing After Dark. I mean c'mon, the nicknames of the main event is Cinnamon VS. Spice Boy.

UFC 131 Recap

Jesse Bongfeldt vs Chris Weidman

This fight was aired on Spike TV as one of the prelim fights but still had to have been a contender for submission of the night with Bongfeldt tapping out Weidman with a perfect standingguillotine choke.

He told Joe Rogan in the after fight interview that he had suffered a knee injury during the fight also stating that he had already had 4 surgeries on the same knee, we will keep an ear out to see if this injury will result in surgery number 5.

Sam Stout vs Yves Edwards

3 mintues and 50 seconds is all Sam Stout needed to put Edwards to sleep with a devastating left hook which left Edwards still on the ground as the post-match interview was taking place.

Donald Cerrone vs Vagner Rocha

The stand up skills of Cerrone were on show in this bout and Rocha’s lead leg was the target. Rocha was unable to take Cerrone to the ground and was made to pay. Cerrone was the winner in a unanimous decision.

Dave Herman vs John Olav Einemo

A two round war with each fighter hurting the other at one point or another but it was Herman that stopped Einemo after a big knee followed by a big left hook that dropped Einemo with Herman then opening up on Einemo before the referee stepped in to stop the fight.

Demian Maia vs Mark Munoz

This fight went the distance with both fighters known as grapplers to many peoples surprise this ended up being a stand up battle with both fighters possessing explosive power eacher had the other rocked during the fight. Mark Munoz getting the victory with a unanimous points decision.

Kenny Florian vs Diego Nunes

Florian showed no ill effects from the dramatic weight cut to make 145lbs telling Joe Rogan after the fight that before going into camp he weighed in at well over 180 lbs.

He controlled the second and third rounds with ease to take the points victory also saying that he plans on staying at this weight class and making a run for the title.

Junior Dos Santos vs Shane Carwin

Shane Carwin showed great hart to survive a first round onslaught from Dos Santos that had Carwin on the ground against the cage and left him bloodied and with a badly broken nose. Junior controlled the remaining rounds with his super-fast hands and even took Shane to the ground twice in the third round to come out the victor by a unanimous points decision.

PACIFIC XTREME COMBAT DEBUTS IN THE PHILIPPINES VIA PXC 24

PACIFIC X-TREME COMBAT (PXC), the premier Mixed Martial Arts promotional organization in the Pacific region, announces its arrival in the Philippines with a bang, staging PXC-24 on June 11^th at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila.

PXC-24, an event presented by San Mig Strong Ice, in cooperation with Beer Below Zero, with venue partner Resorts World and Media Partners FHM and TV 5 will feature 8 exciting Mixed Martial Arts fights, including a heavy-weight title bout between “The Champ”, Roque Martinez from Guam, taking on the challenger, Kelvin “The Big Hit” Fitial of Saipan. PXC-24 Promoters are excited to showcase elite international fighters from Brazil, Korea, California, Florida, Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, and some of the best up and coming talents from the Philippines. “We have one of our best fight cards ever coming to Manila for the June 11^th show,” according to PXC President & Founder, Joey Calvo. “The heavy-weight fight should be a war…and these two guys are over 250 pounds with knock-out power and a lot of heart.”

Calvo is a black-belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu who has trained with some of the best in the world, and founded PXC in 2004 after promoting several amateur events in Guam.

PXC is well-known in Guam as a springboard for MMA fighters to bigger shows in the US, including the UFC. PXC has produced over 50 MMA events, with over 22 professional shows under their belt. With their expansion to the Philippines, PXC Promoters feel that they will help build up the first ever Filipino MMA fighter to the highest level of the sport in the world. According to EJ Calvo, PXC Promoter / CEO, “PXC will help place a fighter in the UFC…before the PBA places a player in the NBA. MMA is the world’s fastest growing sport, and we know the talent is out there and they just a need the opportunity to compete at a higher level and get exposed on the world stage.”

As a bonus for fans, Filipino-American UFC superstar, Brandon Vera, will be attending the event as a trainer for another Alliance MMA fighter from San Diego, California. PXC often hosts some of the best MMA fighters in the world, who corner or coach their gym-mates…with the likes of BJ Penn, Enson Enoye, and Mark Laimon.

PXC has partnered with TV5, one of the most aggressive television stations in the country, to broadcast the events on a regular basis on their new sports channel, AKTV.

UFC 131 Dos Santos vs Carwin

Main Event
Dos Santos vs Shane Carwin

Main Card
Kenny Florian vs Diego Nunes

John-Olav Einemo vs Dave Herman

Damian Maia vs Mark Munoz

Donald Cerrone vs Vagner Rocha

Sam Stout vs Yves Edwards

UFC 131 Preview

The UFC action continues on Saturday night when Omigawa and Darren Elkins kicks off what is sure to be an entertaining PPV. Strangely, this was the UFC that was derailed by the announcement that Brock Lesnar was going to be off the card due to his illness. However, the replacement was announced to be Shane Carwin, the UFC fans quickly started to salivate at what is sure to be a good action heavyweight fight in the main event.

Shane Carwin VS. Junior Dos Santos

As much as a 50/50 as we have seen in recent main events. Carwin is going to come forward and land hard shots. Junior is going to try to make it into a ground and pound game.

For those of you that aren't convinced of the fireworks. Remember, the two have combined for 22 first-round stoppages (12 for Carwin and 10 for Dos Santos) in their 26 fights.

Either way, it's simply who can impose whose will. It's hard to against the bigger fighter in these types of fights, but it's hard to see Junior putting Carwin away early after not being able to finish Roy Nelson in his last fight. Carwin of course is going need to show that he more than a 1 round fighter. Also, people often for get that Carwin is a former Division II collegiate wrestling national champion. It will be hard to take this guy down. Regardless, very interesting fight. Very.

Kenny Florian Vs. Diego Nunes

The story here is the incredible shrinking Kenny Florian. Usually when fighter's career progress they become larger. It's harder to keep the weight down as metabolism slows with age. Yet with Kenny Florian, this is his record 4th different weight class since joining the UFC ranks as a TUFer. In reality, he should have never been fighting at 185 pounds but was doing it for the sake of a shot in the TUF competition.

Kenny is coming off of a loss to Greg Maynard who is simply outwrestling and beating anyone not named Frankie Edgar

Things I think I think 6/8/11

Things I think I think.

Victor Ortiz v Floyd Mayweather is Mayweather's toughest challenge since never.

That aforementioned PPV should beat Pacquiao and Moseley's numbers.

Martirosyan would be smart to stay as far away from Saul Alvarez as possible.

Froch looked good beating Glen Johnson, but 117-111 was not an accurate score Mr. John Stewart

Watching Zbik V. Chavez Jr. was like watching a pillow fight. I can name at least 5 fighters with more power... EVEN AT WELTERWEIGHT.

Sergio Martinez immediately asked to be the mandatory challenger to Julio Ceasar Chavez Jr.'s newly acquired belt. Looks like some dodging is imminent.

There is NO WAY Brandon Rios V Urbano Antillon is going to be a dull fight.

UFC 131 will be much more entertaining than UFC 130.

The main event is my pick for fight of the night.

AWESOME: prelims for UFC 131 will be streaming on Facebook. Boxing should take a hint.

EVEN MORE AWESOME: Monitors for judges at UFC 131. It's about time that fight sports caught up to technology.

Shane Carwin looks scarier with no hair.

The Canadians (UFC 131 is in Vancouver) won't be cheering CA-NA-DA, CA-NA-DA like us Americans.

Why is Gina Carano out of Strikeforce because of a failed medical? What was the actual reason? Who knows? Actually I don't care that much.. just and excuse to put her picture here.

Breaking News: Floyd Mayweather Jr. agrees to fight Victor Ortiz

Floyd Mayweather Jr. will end his 16 month vacation to fight Victor Ortiz on Sept. 17th. There has been no venue set but will likely be in Las Vegas. This had been placed on Boxrec for a while but there was no official word until Floyd himself confirmed.

In typical Floyd fashion he tweeted Tuesday afternoon, "My fans have been waiting long enough. Floyd Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz. Sept 17, 2011 for the WBC world championship"

Mayweather (41-0, 25 KOs) hasn't fought since winning a unanimous decision over Sugar Shane Moseley. The last time he fought a southpaw was Zab Judah (current IBF junior welterweight champion) and Zab gave Floyd some trouble in the early rounds with his straight left.

Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KOs) just came off the biggest win of his career defeating previously undefeated Andre Berto in a slugfest this last April. Ortiz brings an interesting style that will surely pressure Floyd into fighting. He comes forward, throws a decent amount of punches and has a relatively porous defense.

An immediate question that pops out to me deals with Ortiz always being fast starter and Mayweather being a notoriously slow starter. Mayweather has shown in the his history a tendency to get his in the early parts of his fights (see Moseley, Judah, Corley). While all of those fighters weren't able to put Mayweather away, Ortiz isn't the fighter that likes to let off the gas pedal (sometimes to his own peril see fight with Maidana)

Of course Mayweather's decision to fight Victor Ortiz will come under fire of critics who want to see the mega matchup between him and Manny Pacquiao. However, this is a good fight for any boxing fan. There are great storylines. There are great strategic questions. There's going to be There is going to be some good boxing.

Things I think I think - 6/1/11

I think I think...

Golden Boy apologizing to Manny Pacquiao and settling the defamation case may be the best thing that has happened to boxing in the last decade.

Tavaris Cloud versus Jean Pascal is a great idea.

Brock Lesnar is going to be out of the fighting game in less than 3 years.

I was right about UFC 130 not being worth the money.

Speaking of not worth the money... David Diaz won't fight Juan Manuel Marquez for less $250k. (Rampage got 250k for his UFC 10 payday)

Phil Davis looks like he's wearing shoulder pads... without his shirt on.

This weekend's super six semifinal matchup between Carl Froch and Glen Johnson is to decide who will lose to Andre Ward next.

Dan Henderson is going to lose to Fedor, proving absolutely nothing.

Emanual Steward is an overrated trainer.

Rampage Jackson is not a top 3 lhw. Sorry Dana

I'm actually excited about TWO heavyweight boxing matches? Someone pinch me.

This year's BJJ US Open will be at San Jose State! Live coverage coming!

Nice to see Andre Ward re-sign with the group that brought him up.

Rachel Cordingly (Carl Froch's girlfriend) makes boxing girlfriends better than tennis girlfriends.