Quick Boxing Thoughts

Arthur Abraham V Andre Ward

Good to see the Super Six semi final get underway. Andre Ward scores yet another impressive victory. It is kind of sad to see a fight go exactly how you expect, but Andre Ward's final match (Froch or Johnson) and the Lucian Bute fight on the horizon is something to look forward to.

I also like the fact that Arthur Abraham came out quicker than he usually does. He is a notoriously slow starter, but had the mindset to change that. Unfortunately, was just in there with a better boxer.



Kendall Holt V Julio Diaz

This was a good fight that I saw streaming on ESPN3. Julio Diaz was expected to wear down the quicker Kendall Holt and push him into retirement. Instead it was Kendall's faster hands and power that put an end to this fight quickly in the third round. Julio Diaz is now the one in the crossroads of his career and may be looking for a way out the sport. Kendall Holt on the other hand is primed for another few big name fights in a stacked division. I like a lot of the names he's being tossed in there with, like Marcos Maidana.

Sharif Bogere V Raymundo Beltran

Were we watching the same fight? Yes I know that Bogere has more to lose.. but 97-93 on one judge's score card? I don't know about this one.. I'm guessing that Bogere doesn't want another head butt filled fight with Beltran. Tough fight, interesting to see where Bogere goes from here.

Random Thoughts:

Go Sharks.

Why does Cris Arreola get credit for coming to a boxing match in shape? I don't remember the last time my boss gave me credit for showing up on time.

Ring magazine just took Floyd Mayweather off their P4P list. Not dropped in the rankings. Completely off.... Ouch.

MMA note: Did anyone see Patricky Freire's three nut kicks in the main event Bellator 44? Double Ouch.

Upcoming: Bernard Hopkins V Jean Pascal II

I will be writing a full preview of this fight as well as the Chad Dawson tilt. But look at this face off with Max Kellerman (easily the coolest thing Max has done on HBO). Animosity sells. Love it.

Breaking News: Lesnar out of 131

Another day, another injury that torpedos a main event. Brock Lesnar was scheduled to fight Junior Dos Santos in a Heavyweight title eliminator in UFC 131. The winner was to fight current heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez. Looks likes we will have to wait again as Lesnar's diverticulitis has acted up.

Replacing him will be Shane Carwin, the heavy puncher that ironicly, Lesnar recently pulled of out a fight with as well. No news yet on when Brock will return, however, the PPV numbers will likely suffer. Regardless of what you think of him, Lesnar is a huge PPV draw. If you follow the economics of the UFC at all, Lesnar's last three fights have all done over a million PPV buys and is the top 3 bought events in UFC history.

Ward V Abraham headlines a Boxing filled weekend.

A great weekend of boxing is ahead of us kicking off with three televised cards (Telefutura, ESPN2, SHO) on Friday and finishing off with the first of the Super Six Tournament semifinal matches.

Kendall Holt V Julio Diaz – ESPN2 - Friday

Kendall Holt (26-4 14 Kos) has always earned a bit of soft spot in my heart dating back to his debacle in Columbia against Ricardo Torres. He doesn’t have a very crowd pleasing style but is a good fighter that will be a tough test for any up and coming junior welterweight. He takes on Julio Diaz (38-6 27Kos) in the main event of Friday Night Fights. Julio has decent power but has lost most every time he steps up in class. Both are former belt holders and are trying to figure out who will continue. They are both reaching an age and a point in their careers where they need a few more big fights, or to retire. I expect a good scrap. I think the question isn’t whether Holt is the better boxer, he is, the question is Holt will be able to stay away against Diaz in the later rounds.

As always this fight will be on ESPN2 and ESPN3.com available for streaming. I will say this over and over again, streaming boxing fights on ESPN3 is a godsend.

Sharif Bogere vs. Raymundo Beltran - SHO - Friday

The Friday Showtime card features up and coming Sharif Bogere (19-0, 12 KOs). Sharif has looked like a beast in the early part of his career. The storyline in this fight here is a familiar one. A young up and comer takes on a scrapper who has had a tough career and will force the young guy to fight. Ray (Raymundo) Beltran (24-4, 16 KOs) is a come forward Mexican fighter who will make the fight intesting. Beltran’s claim to fame is his occupation as Manny Pacquiao sparring partner. Some experts see the first tough fight for Sharif in this matchup. I see Sharif Bogere winning an easy unanimous decision. Note: Look out for Sharif's lion head for his ring entrance.. scary..

Arthur Abraham vs. Andre Ward – SHO - Saturday


In Carson, California the Super Six semifinal round begins. While many will criticize the Super Six tournament for its injuries, withdrawals, and conflicts, boxing fans cannot deny that the tournament has already produced some stellar fights. Andre Ward (23-0 13 KOs) may be the best in the division, currently ranked #5 FK P4P, and shows no signs of slowing down. He hasn’t had a tough fight since his early pro days. However, if you followed his early career there still may be some questions about his chin. Those questions were supposed to be answered by wins over Edison Miranda and Allan Green, but not one of them landed a solid shot against him.

Standing in front of him is Arthur Abraham (32-2 26 KOs) who is coming off the worst year of his career. Coming into the tournament Abraham was undefeated and some felt was the favorite to win. Then, after a grand entrance by putting Jermain Taylor into retirement, he lays two eggs against Andre Dirrell and Carl Froch. He did the right thing after those two losses and took a tuneup on his home turf. Now he comes back into enemy territory and fights perhaps the best in the division.

I see a good fight with Andre Ward using his out boxing skills to pecker Arthur with shots and then avoid and hug when Abraham uses his lunging body shots. Barring a shot that Andre doesn’t see hitting him, he should cruise to an easy decision.

The winner of this match meets the winner of what should be another entertaining scrap, Carl Froch V Glen Johnson in the finals.

UFC 129 Fight Recap

UFC 129 Results and Recap

1. Pablo Garza Flying Triangle Choke in round 1 (4:31) vs. Yves Jabouin.

2. John Makdessi KO with Spinning Back Fist in round 3 (1:27) vs. Kyle Watson.

3. Jason MacDonald Triangle Choke in round 1 (1:37) vs. Ryan Jensen.

4. Ivan Menjivar TKO with Elbows & Punches in round 1 (1:30) vs. Charlie Valencia.

5. Claude Patrick Unanimous Decision vs. Daniel Roberts

6. Jake Ellenberger KO with Punches in round 1 (2:42) vs. Sean Pierson.

7. Rory MacDonald Unanimous Decision vs. Nate Diaz.

8. Benson Henderson Unanimous Decision vs. Mark Bocek.

9. Vladimir Matyushenko KO with Punches in round 1 (:20) vs. Jason Brilz.

10. Lyoto Machida KO with (Silva) Front Kick in round 2 (1:05) vs. Randy Couture.

In an unanimous decision Jose Aldo retains his featherweight title against Mark Hominick but notwithout blood, gasps and gashes.

The 24-year-old Aldo made his entrance riding on his confidence but as soon as he stepped into the octagon the electricity quickly turned thick with tension.

The beginning of round one started at a quick pace, laying a few hands testing each other’s stand up.

Aldo sets Hominick up and scores a takedown but Hominick on his back attacks with an arm bar. Aldo with top position throws singles, both fighters engage with lots of grappling. For the lack of action McCarthy warns the fighters to pick up the pace.

Aldo begins to throw sharp elbows resulting in a cut to Hominick’s left eye. The round ends with

Hominick looking worn out.

Aldo begin round 2 with kicks to the leg and mid-section. There’s a noticeable gape from Aldo’s openmouth as Aldo throws punches while Hominick trades shots with him.

Trying to set Hominick up again with a takedown, Hominick sees it coming and easily stuffs it and puts together some slick boxing. Eating a few shots Aldo manages to catch Hominick with another takedown.

Top position again, with very little ground and pound from Aldo, McCarthy stands them up.

Round 2 ends with Hominick delivering kicks which Aldo catches and gets another takedown

Before the round 3 starts, Hominick comments to his corner that he could feel Aldo fading.

Hominick starts round 3 throwing and landing straights and jabs putting his trademark on Aldo’s eye but Aldo still looked strong returned with his own strikes and takedown attempts. At this point whether Aldo succeeds or not Hominick is aware of the takedown, whereas all Aldo was watching for are Hominick strikes.

Putting together 2 clean hits Aldo puts Hominick on his back. Aldo rains blows but realizing he couldn’t finish him, Hominick survives on the ground both fighters look exhausted.

The start of the round 4, Aldo was the aggressor utilizing both kicks and strikes but Hominick wasn’t going anywhere that was until he threw 2 jabs and in return Aldo threw 2 of his own that lead to Hominick on the canvas with a goose egg on the top of his head. Aldo seizing a weakness attacked the giant golf ball on Hominick head until a doctor was called.

Standing Hominick up, the crowd gasped at the sight of Hominick’s second head. After a quick look, the doctor clears the fighter to resume.

The last round the fighters continue to scrap. Aldo lands a great uppercut but Hominick manages to puts Aldo on his back and goes to work.

A cut on Hominicks face opens and blood gushes on the canvas, the champion is on ground getting beat.

The crowd gets louder and cheers on Hominick who’s attacking from all sides to finish the exhaustedAldo who isn’t returning any shots or submission attempts of his own.

The fight ended in the hands of the judges but did deliver the drama.

In a unanimous decision George St. Pierre retains his belt but not without sustaining an eye injury in the third round.

The main event starts out with George St Pierre striking at a distance where Jake Shields can’t take him down. Shields manage to catch one of Pierre’s leg and pushes him into the fence but with the better leverage Pierre turns Shields around and frees himself away from the fence.

The action returns to the middle of the ring, Pierre’s hands are looking good against a visibly stiff

Shields. Possibility bating Pierre to close the distance, Shields let’s Pierre throw strikes but realizing Shields is at a distance, Pierre sets up multiple spin kicks to the body of Shields.

Pierre looking loose is throwing whatever he wants, a left hand catches Shields on the button and sends him flying to the canvas. Respecting Shields’ BJJ, Pierre smartly does not go in with the ground and pound.

Standing Shields up, Pierre puts together some nice boxing and kicks to end the round.

Round 2, Shields is looking more active with his hands but Pierre is patient throwing straights and landing overhand rights.

Pushing Shields back, Pierre gets enough room to roundhouse Shields in the mid section. Realizing he needs to close the distance, Shields pushes forward but can’t seem to inflect much damage. Pierre continues to throw over hand rights like a machine, all Shields can do is defend.

The round ends with Shields squared up with Pierre catching strikes.

Catching their breath, round 3 starts out with a brawl but Shields is not cracking Pierre’s superb striking skills to get a takedown.

Pierre’s overhand right is proving very effective but a scrappy Shields continues to work in the pocket. But Pierre had clearly neutralized Shields in the third round but not without damaging Pierre’s right eye.

The beginning of the 4th round Pierre is noticeably concerned with his right eye. But that doesn’t affect his performance as he throws Shields to the ground and stands back up, both fighters are looking crisp.

Shields pushes the action but Pierre’s relentless offense lands a great kick into Shields head. Pierre is landing hard hitting blows but Shields is unfazed, taunting Pierre and landing his own shots opening a cut on Pierre’s face. Obviously injured, Pierre can’t finish off Shields.

HL

In the final round, sensing a wounded Pierre, a tired Shields throws for the fences but defending

champion counters with the better combination. At this point the exhausted Shields wasn’t even

looking for the takedown.

The fight ends with the 2 fighters in the middle of the ring.

Breaking News: Maynard V Edgar 3 is off!

The injury bug has hit the UFC again. As reported here previously the UFC schedule has been wrecked by injuries.

This time, both fighters, Greg Maynard and the champion, Frankie Edgar both pulled out of their main even at UFC 130 scheduled for May 28th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.. They were scheduled to fight for Edgar's belt and settle the score after what has been a very entertaining two fights.

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Matt Hamill has now moved to the main event and Frank Mir vs. “Big Country” Roy Nelson is the co-main event.

I don't know if UFC plans to have the same number of PPV buys with the main event going to the wayside, but perhaps a $10 discount? I think that way be wishful thinking..

Quick Thoughts on Manny Pacquiao vs Shane Mosley Card

The Main Event Manny Pacquiao vs Shane Mosley had everyone on their toes.  Hoping the tough Shane Mosley can maybe light a few fireworks like the surprising 2nd round onslaught that occured in his match with Floyd Mayweather Jr.  This would end in disappointment as Shane decides to defend most of the fight.  The hype from the Margarito fight still lingering in fight fans heads keeping Shane relevant in the top welterweight division as a boxer and a exciting fighter, but both fall short tonight.

No aggression was shown by Shane.  Throughout the fight he was being defensive with no answer to any of Pacquiao's attacks, he never won a round in my opinion.  The commentators say it takes two to fight, and for this particular fight is it true, it was more of a sparring session for Manny.  Im sure Manny's sparring partners did more than Shane did in 12 rounds.  Shane spent most of the fight back petaling and his combinations were non existence.  Sometimes punchstat numbers dont tell the story in a fight, but in this fight it states it loud and clear.  Shane did not want to engage.

Manny Pacquiao fought as much as Shane let him.  After knocking Shane down with a inside straight left, Shane was on the retreat for the rest of the fight.  Manny tried to bring the fight to Shane but Shane just was not willing to engage.  If we have learned anything from Pacquiao's previous fights, we know he sometimes likes to shell up on or off the ropes, Shane never capitolized.  It seemed that Shane watched some of Pacquiao's previous fights and said wow okay ill stay away from this guy... and... he did.  With a fully retreating fighter infront of Pacquiao, Pacman still got his licks in with some nice combinations, the straight left and the left uppercut after a right hook or jab especially.  Manny made the most of what was presented to him and takes a Unanimous Decision improving his record to (53W-3L-2D).

Jorge Arce vs Wilfredo Vazquez Jr  was the undercard and what a treat.  With the classic in-fighter vs boxer match-up it turned out to be a fight with firework the main event was missing.  Two bantamweights going to war.  Throughout the whole fight pressure from Arce really tested the up and coming prospect Vasquez.  The pressure was great in the early rounds but Vazquez made some changes with his footwork and was able to handle Arce's attack and countering beautifully and able to knock Arce down in the forth.  But if you know Jorge Arce, he is a blood and guts warrior with unquestionable heart, keeps the relentless pressure pushing Vazquez back in every round making him fight off the ropes making each round hard to judge with both men fighting valiantly.  With scorecards extremely close Jorge digs deep and in the 12th round puts together a barrage punches catching Vazquez against the ropes and Vazquez's corner throws in the towel (water bottle) to stop the fight.

This fight was a great fight with heart shown by both fighters a must see for boxing fans, a great display of skill and heart by both fighters.

Fight Camp 360 Episode 3 - Pacquiao vs. Mosley

May 7th is quickly approaching. I've heard many people say that there is no bad guy in this fight and that makes it boring.

I think the fact that both guys like to come forward will make this fight very very watchable. Predictions and analysis in a few days.

Enjoy.