A Sucker's Punch

Hah, the sucker-punch heard 'round the world! If you thought boxing wasn't already in the toilet, imagine a stuffed toilet overflowing onto the floor. Or worse, a stuffed pay-toilet overflowing into your living room! Hopefully, like me, you've stopped paying for any Floyd Mayweather fight that isn't verses Pacquiao.

(Yeah-yeah, Manny won't take the drug test...baloney! Manny Pacquiao agreed to three separate drug tests, one before the fight, one after the fight, and one anytime Mayweather's people wanted Manny to take one, so then Floyd decided he wanted Manny to take five drug tests. Huh? Mayweather's not serious, and Manny's people are smart enough to know he's only playing games. Let us know when you're serious Floyd.)

But this fight makes a gas station urinal look like a drinking fountain.

1. First, Ortiz attempts to intentionally head butt Mayweather twice before he finally lands the third head-butt right on Floyd's kisser.
2. Joe Cortez, the referee, fails to spot the infractions and take a point away from Ortiz for the two deliberate-head-butts prior to the final infraction. (There's no warning for an intentional head-butt, rather an immediate point deduction.)
   
3. Then, while Ortiz is apologizing to Mayweather, Mayweather sucker-punches Ortiz in a cowardly and unprofessional manner -- as he first pretends to hug Ortiz.
   

If you paid for this one...heh-heh, then Mayweather sucker-punched you TOO!

Recap: James Toney vs. Sam Peter

With four first names between two guys, the headliner bout sounded like four guys were fighting in the main event. When the night was over, it was about as exciting as watching four guys fight!

The Mighty-Moe personally watched this bout unfold at the Los Angeles Staples Center. When I came back home, I watched it again on Showtime just to hear what the commentary was like. Ooh, whadda scrap! The only mar on this beautiful event was the ugly decision.

Sitting ringside, the consensus was that James “Lights Out” Toney clearly won the fight. At the end of the event, it was Toney’s name that the crowd was cheering.

Having said that, when I watched the televised version of the same event and came away with the same conclusion -- with the exception that I attempted to score the fight while sitting infront of my TV.

Attempting to give Peter the benefit of the doubt, I scored the fight five rounds a piece with two rounds even. The two rounds I scored even I would have scored for Toney, but since Peter was active, I scored them even. With that, lets say the judges gave those two rounds to Peter, with the one point deduction for rabbit punching to the back of Toney’s head, that means that Peter walks away with a one point margin on the decision.

The scores on two of the judge’s scorecards were 111-116 for Peter. That means they only gave Toney three rounds in the entire fight. This is not only a travesty of boxing, but it’s death Nell. Boxing cannot survive decisions like this.

The Might-Moe can always tell a bought-off judge because they come in pairs. You see: you don’t have to buy all three judges, only two. When the decision read, 111-116 for Peter, then 115-112 for Toney, I knew the fix was in. 115-112 for Toney was the more accurate score for the fight. However, a reasonable person could differ a couple points in either direction – and that would be acceptable – but NOT 116-111 for Peter. Absurd...even the two judges in agreement couldn’t agree on the same rounds for Toney!

I understand the argument for Peter’s victory is that he landed the harder shots. And, yes, while Peter hurt Toney on three occasions, Toney never hurt Peter. But that doesn’t automatically create a victory for Peter. Toney never went down, and was controlling those rounds up until the time he was rocked. And, afterwards, Toney regained control of the fight.

It was clear, the better fighter schooled Sam Peter; James Toney landed the cleaner punches, landed more punches, and controlled the majority of the tempo for the fight.

If it was merely a contest of strength, then have the two athletes bench press and be done with it. Winner takes all.

As for the evening, the Mighty-Moe was able mingle with the glitteratti, and shake hands with Nicolai Valuev, Don King and Lou Duva.

Pacquiao vs. Larios

This weekend, Manny Pacquiao (41-3-2 and 32 KOs) faces Oscar Larios (56-4-1 and 36 KOs) in a battle of Super Featherweights (130 lbs).

The Pac-man Pacquiao has KOed two P4P future Mexican Hall of Famers, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Erik Morales to win the top spot. Although Manny Pacquiao doesn't hold a Super Featherweight title, he is recognized as the top 130 pound fighter by Fightnews.com.

Both fighters have recently moved up to Super Featherweights, with Larios being the most recent. This gives Pacquiao the advantage...having had more time to aclimate to the weight.

Overall, this should be an interesting match-up. The Mexican Oscar (El Chololo) Larios is a very tall fighter with long arms, but gives up his height and reach to land a barrage of punches. Larios has a non-stop action style of fighting, but doesn't punch as hard or as fast as the Philippine sensation Pacquiao. If Manny punches with him, he's going to connect first because Oscar punches with slower, wide looping punches.

But, here's the hitch...Oscar doesn't stop punching! He has an amazing endurance that should be the interesting factor to watch. If it's true that Pacquiao hasn't been taking his training seriously for this bout with Larios and starts to fade late in the fight, Oscar will take the fight right out of him and win by a late round KO.

My guess, Pacquiao's hand speed and power won't let Larios into the later rounds. If Larios starts punching wide too soon, he could get busted up early and have the fight stopped by TKO. I don't see Larios taking the "Nestea Plunge," but I could see a TKO for Pacquiao by the eighth.

Regardless, this bout will provide lots of fireworks and will be well worth the PPV.

This is a PPV event. July, 1 at 9PM ET/6PM ET

Oscar de la Hoya vs. Ricardo Mayorga

This Saturday Night, May 6, Oscar de la Hoya (37-4/29kos) will battle with Nicaraguan toughman Ricardo Mayorga (28-5/23) in a WBC super welterweight (154 pound limit) championship bout.

This is an interesting match up because the outcome depends on which de la Hoya shows up to fight. Oscar should win handily with his skill and speed, but Oscar doesn’t always use his skill and his speed in the boxing ring.

Ricardo Maryorga is a very rough and tumble fighter, and he knows that fighting an intelligent Oscar doesn’t bode well for his chances. So, his strategy...to get under Oscar’s skin and hope Oscar takes the bait. If he does, Oscar will want to trade punches with the wild punching Mayorga.

After his skilled boxing victory over Julio Caesar Chavez, the Golden Boy Oscar was goaded into a slugfest in their second fight after Chavez questioned his manliness. After a sensation boxing exposition of skill and speed over Felix Trinidad, of which Oscar was robbed and criticized for being overly tactical, Oscar showed up for his next fight against Shane Mosely as a plodding slugger and was out-boxed and out-hustled. After another tactical fight with Mosley in which Oscar was robbed once again, the plodding Oscar returned once again in his next fight and slugged out a close decision victory against a full fledged Middleweight champion Felix Sturum.

Logically, Oscar should win this fight handily. But if Mayorga really did get under Oscar’s skin during the press events leading up to this fight, Oscar may opt to trade punches with Mayorga. For the toughman from Nicaragua, this would be his best chance to land a haymaker.

Note:

The way the Mighty Moe sees it, Fernando Vargas is a much bigger, stronger and better boxer than Ricardo Mayorga, and was given a sound beating by the Golden Boy.

Mayweather vs. Judah

This coming Saturday (April 8, 2006), in a PPV event, Floyd Mayweather 35-0 (24 KOs) will face IBF champ Zab Judah 34-3 (25 KOs) for Judah's Welterweight title in the Roman Plaza at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Why this fight is a title fight is beyond me. Zab Judah was beaten fairly and squarely by aging Argentine journeyman Carlos Baldomir in his last fight, but because of technicalities (wink-wink-nudge-nudge), Judah was able to keep his title. What a surprise … and now the big PPV event in a super-fight with Floyd Mayweather.

This is an easy pick for the crusty Mighty Moe. Judah, at best is a journeyman with a big punch, while Floyd Mayweather is -- no doubt -- a future Hall Of Famer. Floyd should make quick work of Judah’s weak chin. I give Floyd a warm up round, and then he’ll stop Judah in the second in sensational fashion.

Judah has already proven that he has a weak chin, and worse yet, has poor recuperative abilities. Zab has fast hands, but unforutnately doesn’t punch in combinations. Look for Floyd to bait Judah, make him miss and make him pay. Zab also has a habit of dropping his hands when he backs out. He won’t be able to get away with that against Floyd Mayweather.

--The Mighty Moe

Johnny Tapia KOed!

On a sleepy Friday night, at the Avalon Ballroom in Chicago, a momentous occasion took place in the boxing world. Unheralded Featherweight Sandro Marcos (25-13-2, 21 KO's) stopped former world champion Johnny (55-5-2, 28 KO's) Tapia, with a thunderous left hook to the liver in Round Two. The punch left the former champ on all fours gasping for air and grimacing in pain. Before the count was even over, Johnny asked the referee to take his mouthpiece out. He was counted out for the first time in his career at 2:59 of the second round.

As one of boxing’s most exciting fighters of his era, Johnny (Mi Vida Loca) Tapia, is a four time World Champion, having won the WBO and the IBF Super Flyweight World Championships, and the WBA and WBO Bantamweight World Championships.

But his personal story is tumultuous saga that has earned him the tag line, “Mi Vida Loca” (my crazy life) that he carries emblazoned on his trunks. Despite his battle with drugs, three overdoses that left him clinically dead, jail time, being banned from the sport of boxing for three years, severe depression and a suicide attempt, boxing fans continue to love and support Johnny.

The reason fans love Johnny Tapia is because he always gives 100% in the ring. Despite the tumult in his life, Johnny Tapia is one of the most honest fighters in the business. “Honest” meaning Johnny gives himself completely in his effort to win. A controlled furry that is both courteous to his opponents, and fair-minded.

At the ripe age of 38, and a second round stoppage to an unheralded opponent, this may be the end of Johnny Tapia’s Hall of Fame career.

--The Mighty Moe

Barerra vs. Peden

It would be a safe bet to put your money on Marco Antonio Barrera ... not that Peden isn't a tough/game warrior, but the Mighty-Moe simply believes that Peden just doesn't have the , illusiveness, versatility, or the pressure to beat Barrera.

Let's look at Barrera's losses: Two losses to Junior Jones, who is a slick boxer that out-boxed and kept Barrera on the outside. One loss to Erik Morales, who is a terrific pressure fighter with tremendous power combined with versatility that allows him to punch from odd angles. Manny Pacquiao, who's left handed stance, blazing speed, punching power and pressure simply overwhelmed Barrera. Peden, on the other hand, can't be compared to any of these fighters.

Peden is not only a hard worker but he stays in shape, has a lot of stamina, and is also very durable. It will take a lot of punishment for Barrera to take Peden out.

Barrera doesn't have blazing handspeed, but he is one of the sports best counterpunchers. I expect Barrera to counter Peden and catch him coming in ... look for a late round stoppage by the referee or Peden's corner. There's no quitting in Peden, so the ref had better keep an eye on him.

This should be an entertaining bout, with Peden -- at times -- giving Barrera more than he can handle.

--The Mighty-Moe

Morales vs. Raheem (recap)

What the heck was team Morales thinking when they picked former Olympian Zahir Raheem as a tune up fight. Zahir Raheem is one of the slickest boxers in the sport, he's one of the biggest fighters Morales has ever faced, and he can take a punch. All around, it doesn't read like a tune up fight.

The two fights Morales has lost were to Marco Antonio Barrera ... when the smaller, slower, Mexican fighter out-boxed Morales. So, what's the solution by team Morales ... get him in there with a bigger, slicker, faster fighter. Go figure.

I lift my frothy mug to Raheem! He's gotta lotta class, he's a heluva fighter, and I want to see more of him. Come to think of it, I'd like to see him fight Joel Cassamayor next.

--The Mighty-Moe

Judah vs. Hatton

Now there's a fight I want to see. Heck, I'd even PPV that one. It's not a done deal, but 4.1 million is sitting on a table somewhere for the "Hitman" Hatton.

It's an interesting fight, Hatton has been knocked down by lesser, smaller punchers, and Judah can't handle even smaller pressure fighters. Right now, I think it's Hatton's fight!

--The Might Moe

The Mighty Moe is making a comeback ...

Things got really busy at the Mighty-Moe household, but I have returned. I wanted to post my pre-fight thoughts on the Hopkins vs. Taylor fight, but was unable because I simply ran out of time. After the horrendous decision, I just didn't feel like it! Whadda load of crap! Now we have a newly crowned undisputed middleweight champion what was slapped around the ring, nearly knocked off his feet on two occasions ... and won't grant the former champ a rematch right away because he's waiting for Hopkins to age some more? Oh, say it isn't so!

Is this what we can expect from a Jermain Taylor reign? Is he going to wait for Eastman, Ouma, Wright, Sturm, Echols and Ikeke to get old too?

--The Mighty Moe

Recap: Tarver vs. Johnson II

In a tremendous battle between light heavyweights, Antonio Tarver (23-3, 18 KOs) avenged his December loss to Glen Johnson (40-10-2, 28 KOs) with a unanimous 12 round decision on Saturday night in Memphis, Tennessee. This now sets Tarver atop the list for the best fighter at 175 pounds.

Both Tarver and Johnson are the most competitive elite light heavyweights in quite some time, bringing excitement back into their division. And the kicker is, they did it without a major title on the line!

For years, Roy Jones allowed the alphabet soup boxing organizations to dictate the match-ups … and the interest in light heavyweight division dried up. This created match-ups where Roy Jones would defend his title against mediocre competition. Now, with Tarver and Johnson, we’ve got two fighters willing to fight the best … and the division is electric with excitement once again!

This fight was not only good for the light heavyweight division … it was good for boxing. In a show of good sportsmanship both men fought a clean fight and respected each other with their words after the fight. These men are a class act.

With the score now: Tarver 1 and Johnson 1. This rivalry begs for a trilogy.

--The Mighty-Moe

Antonio Tarver vs. Glen Johnson II

When these two fighters meet tonight in Memphis, Tennessee, it will be a rematch of their December 2004 split decision battle ... a battle in which Glen Johnson (42-9-2, 28 KOs) narrowly defeated Antonio Tarver (22-3, 18 KOs). No world championship belt is at stake since both fighters had to relinquish their title belts in order to duke it out last December for the bragging rights of being called the "top dog" in the division.

The odds? They’re 8-5 favorite for the Magic-Man Antonio Tarver. Why? Because most everyone watching the fight thought Tarver won the fight … including the Mighty-Moe. Perhaps it was Johnson’s gutsy effort in coming forward the entire fight that swayed the judges, or Johnson’s hard-luck underdog status that created the impression he was taking the fight away from Tarver … either way it was the wrong call, but not a bad one. Johnson won the judges nod and the hearts of many fans with his gritty determination. However, I think Tarver technically won that fight … and I think he’ll do it again.

Here are the punch stats: In their first fight Tarver threw 853 punches and landed 296. Johnson, on the other hand, threw 796 punches and landed 217. Tarver was busier, landed more punches, and landed the harder shots, landing 220 power punches to Johnson’s 140. Hand’s down, it should have been a victory for Tarver.

Tarver is the bigger of the two men, with Johnson having fought most of his fights as a middleweight. Tarver also has the height and reach advantage … and fights like a tall fighter. Surprisingly, Antonio Tarver is also quicker than Glen Johnson. If Tarver times his punches right, he can catch Johnson reaching in and tag him. Tarver should tie Johnson up when they are in close and avoid laying on the ropes.

As in their first fight, Johnson is going to have to walk through a firestorm to get inside Tarver’s long arms. Johnson is not going to be able to out-box the more versatile Tarver or out-jab him, so he’s going to have to get inside and stay inside … without letting Tarver tie him up. If there is one category where Johnson has Tarver beat, it is in the guts department. If Johnson can lure Tarver into a battle of guts, he can keep Tarver pinned on the ropes and beat him down with his determination.

I look for this fight to go the distance once again, this time with Tarver securing a unanimous decision. I expect a late rally by Johnson. However, this might create target opportunities for Tarver to get a TKO over Johnson.

--The Mighty Moe

The Ballad of Iron Mike

The once mighty "Iron" Mike Tyson has finally been tossed into his personal scrap pile of broken dreams and unfulfilled destinies. The roar of the crowd that once jumped to their feet, now reduced to a murmur of whispers as his battered shadow exits the sport once again. This time may be the last.

Last night, a 38-year-old Mike Tyson would fail to come out for the seventh round in a bout against journeyman Kevin McBride (now 33-4-1 with 28 KO's). In front of 15,472 stunned fans in Washington, DC, Mike Tyson would quit on his stool after a foul ridden effort in which two points were ultimately deducted for an intentional head butt.

For 15 years, Mike Tyson would wander in exile from the undisputed heavyweight championship he allowed to slip from his fingers, never to be his again. Once the most feared man in boxing; the greatest threat in the heavyweight division became even a greater threat to himself. The rage that consumed his opponents, finally consumed him. It was once said, the only man that can beat Tyson is Tyson. Make no mistake about it; Tyson scored a sensational KO of himself.

Perhaps one of the most gifted heavyweight fighters to ever lace up a pair of gloves since Joe Louis, a student and historian of the sport, and last protégé of the late Cus D’Amato, Mike Tyson has successfully squandered it all. After pummeling himself into humility, Mike Tyson (50-6, 2NC, 44 KOs) bids his adieu.

“I don’t have the guts to stay in this sport anymore. I do not want to disrespect the sport I love.” –Mike Gerard Tyson

--The Mighty Moe

Hatton Wins, Tszyu Quits in 11th Round

Ricky Hatton (39-0, 29 KOs) wins the IBF junior welterweight championship with an 11th round TKO upset victory over the 4/1 odds favorite Kostya Tszyu (31-2, 25 KOs).

Ricky Hatton has silenced all doubt with this sensational stoppage of one of the sports pound-per-pound best fighters … and to the delight of his fans he did it in Manchester England in front of a sold out arena of 22,000.

From the opening bell, Hatton was able to manhandle and smother Tszyu by slipping his jab and getting inside Tszyu’s defense. With intensity reminiscent of Roberto Duran’s victory over Sugar Ray Leonard 25 years ago, Hatton was able to take control of the fight with relentless pressure, keeping the champion Tszyu pinned on the ropes.

Hatton’s speed in slipping Tszyu punches and the smothering strategy prevented Tszyu from getting a full extension on his punches. This was the perfect fight strategy for the 26 year old, younger, more energetic Hatton. When Tszyu did manage to land punches of his own, they were mostly glancing blows. Also, the few punches that did find their target didn’t land with authority because Tszyu was moving backwards as he was punching, nullifying his own power.

The pace and intensity of the fight was too much for the 35 year old champion and Hatton was able to wear Tszyu down with his wrestling and brawling. There was a lot of roughhouse tactics by both fighters: holding and hitting, punching behind the head, elbows, and knockdowns from low-blows for both fighters.

In the end, Kostya Tszyu wouldn’t come out for the final round. This was surprising since Hatton never buckled Tszyu’s knees, or appeared to have hurt him at any particular moment. It was just an accumulation of punches, being behind in the fight, and fatigue that convinced Tszyu to admit he had had enough.

Tszyu said he wasn’t sure if he would retire after this bout, and wouldn’t say if he would be interested in a rematch. Hatton, on the other hand, said he would grant Tszyu a rematch.

Make no mistake about it … Ricky Hatton took the title away from Kostya Tszyu. There is a new lion at 140 pounds.

--The Mighty Moe

Kostya Tszyu vs. Ricky (Hitman) Hatton

The IBF welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu (31-1, 25 KOs) vs. Ricky Hatton (38-0, 28 KOs) is a sensational match up. It would be worth the PPV, but it's not a PPV event! This fight will be featured on Showtime.

Hatton has shown devastating punching power and has a swarming style reminiscent of a younger version of the champion Tszyu. But, despite Ricky Hatton being the younger of the two, and having the home court advantage in front of 18,000 fans in the Men Arena, I'm going to have to pick the champion Tszyu to beat the young lion in Manchester England on Saturday June 4th, 9 pm ET/PT.

If Hatton wants to win, he's going to have to control his aggression. If he comes in too reckless, Tszyu will catch him coming in and hurt him. If Hatton waits too long to punch, he'll give Tszyu the necessary time to pick him apart.

It isn't likely that Hatton will out-box Tszyu. I believe Hatton is going to have to man-handle and swarm Tszyu, without being reckless. It's not impossible, but I think it might be too much to ask from the young brawler.

Tszyu on the other hand, will have to be careful in disarming the Hatton. He cannot let Ricky Hatton, or the Manchester crowd, into this fight. For starters, Kostya Tszyu does not want to get caught against the ropes where Hatton can unleash his bombs.

Ricky Hatton was dropped by Eamon Magee when he was caught behind the ear with a stiff left hook as Hatton charged in, look for Tszyu to do the same. Also, look for Tszyu to fire the straight right hand over the top. Both fighters are very good at getting angles on their opponents in order to land their trademark body punches. To do this, they will have to out-maneuver their opponent with footwork. This should be the most intriguing aspect of this match-up.

--The Mighty Moe

Extra: TRINIDAD RETIRES!

The brave Felix Trinidad retires … but blamed his dad.

Upon their arrival this Sunday in San Juan, Puerto Rico, "Papa" Trinidad made the announcement that he is retiring from working in boxing. Which was followed by Felix “Tito” Trinidad making his announcement, if his dad isn’t going to work his corner, he will retire too. What a cowardly thing! Talk tough, then run away from the sport and blame dad.

After the Wright fight, Trinidad said he had no plans to retire. Foolish me … I took him at his word. I thought perhaps he really did want to back up all that tough talk and fight … but I was duped. And here I was thinking about the fighters Felix Trinidad could still face.

If Felix Trinidad couldn’t beat a light-punching 154 pounder like “Winky” Wright, how could he step down in weight and convincingly avoid a rematch with de la Hoya?

Nope, Felix Trinidad is still running.

--The Mighty Moe

Recap: Trinidad vs. Wright

Ronald “Winky” Wright (49-3, 25 KOs) easily defeats Felix “Tito” Trinidad (42-2, 35 KOs) by pitching a near shutout against the Puerto Rican slugger. What’s even more surprising is that “Winky” Wright got the decision!

After learning that Jerry Roth, Duane Ford and Dave Moretti would score the bout, I was less suspicious about a dubious outcome. I’m glad the decision was a fair one.

Winky out-boxed Trinidad, but lacked the punching power to hurt Trinidad in any round or stop him. So, what’s next for Trinidad? I just can’t see Felix Trinidad wanting to fight a rematch against “Winky” Wright. If last night’s bout wasn’t even remotely close, where is the intrigue for fight fans? There needs to be a reason for a rematch … a sense of controversy or competitiveness, but this fight had neither. And, if Trinidad can’t get past the light punching Wright, why would anyone expect him to beat Hopkins? No, I think Trinidad needs to move down to 154 pounds and join the super welterweights.

I still think there are some entertaining bouts for Trinidad: Daniel Santos, Kassim Ouma, Travis Simms or Javier Castillejo for one of the many super welterweight titles, a rematch with the competitive Fernando Vargas, or a bout with Vernon Forrest. Tito Trinidad could also look towards even smaller men at 147: Antonio Margarito, Oscar de la Hoya and Shane Mosley at a catch-weight.

--The Mighty Moe

Winky Wright vs. Felix Trinidad

Pay-per-view? No thanks! I think I'll pass on this one. I wouldn't mind seeing this fight for free, but I don't want to shell out a nickel to see this one. Trinidad is a 9-5 favorite going into this bout.

I guess I still haven't forgiven Felix "Tito" Trinidad for the Oscar de la Hoya fight. I can't blame him for the terrible judges decision that robbed de la Hoya and awarded him the fight, but I am bothered that since then Tito has been pretending that he actually won. It's not just Tito's trash-talking and bragging that bothers me, it's the fact he kept bragging all the while he was running from de la Hoya to the junior middleweight division, then to middleweight, and then into retirement without giving Oscar a rematch.

That's not how a champion acts, and surely it's not the way someone acts when they believe they really won the fight. Oscar de la Hoya may have run from Trinidad for the last three rounds, but Trinidad has been running from de la Hoya for six years.

Since his whoopin' at the hands of Bernard Hopkins, the "great" Felix Trinidad has fought Hassine Cherifi, a 37 year-old fighter with 11 losses who is currently ranked 76 in the world, and Ricardo Mayorga, the smaller and wreckless welterweight making his middleweight debut. So much for competitive bouts!

Now, Felix Trinidad will fight Ronald "Winky" Wright. Why Wright you might ask? Because it's a low risk fight for Trinidad. Winky Wright didn't have the punching at 154 pounds, and he certainly isn't going to suddenly develop punching power as he steps into the middleweight division. And, Wright has a history of fading late in his fights.

There is no likelihood that Wright will KO Trinidad; he simply doesn't have the punching power. Then, there's the Don King factor. If Winky Wright does manage to out-box Trinidad over the distance of the fight, which is entirely possible, the question still remains, will Ronald "Winky" Wright get a fair decision? Just ask Oscar de la Hoya.

--The Mighty Moe

Recap: Corrales vs. Castillo

In a fight that can best described as the 2005 fight of the year, and arguably perhaps the most dramatic lightweight title fight ever … Diego Corrales defeated Mexican Jose Luis Castillo for Castillo’s WBC lightweight title in the tenth round with a TKO stoppage.

Fighting pain as much as fatigue, Diego Chico Corrales did the impossible. After being battered to the canvas twice by the heavy handed Mexican, Corrales slowly peeled his swollen and blood spattered body off the canvas to beat the count. In an ending that could only be described as pure Hollywood, Corrales somehow managed to find the strength and a burst of energy to corner the champion into the ropes, and let go a barrage of unanswered power punches that prompted referee Tony Weeks to put a halt to the action at 2:06 seconds of the tenth round. Bringing himself back from the oblivion of unconsciousness, Diego Corrales KOed a champion that had never been knocked down in 59 fights!

After both knockdowns, Corrales summoned the wherewithal to spit out his mouthpiece and buy some precious seconds to regain his composure. This cost him a point deduction, but after the two knock downs (a round that would have been scored 10-6 for Castillo), Corrales must have known that if the fight went to the judges he would most likely loose the fight. With his eye closing fast, it was an all-or-nothing gamble that paid off in silver dollars for Corrales! He had to buy time to compose himself, and he had to stop Castillo.

It’s unfortunate that referee Tony Weeks was forced to stop the fight when he did, but it was the right call. After Corrales’ brutal assault, Castillo’s hands dropped to his waist, his body sagged into the ropes and his eyes rolled up into his head. When Castillo stopped defending himself, Weeks had no other choice other than to stop the fight.

Fatigue and a loss of focus allowed Corrales to catch Castillo with his back against the ropes. When Corrales connected with his combinations, there was no place for Castillo to fall. Had Corrales connected his combinations in the middle of the ring … Castillo no doubt would have fallen … but he most likely would have been given an eight count instead of having the fight stopped. It was a tough break for Castillo… but not for fans.

Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo will go down as one of the very best lightweight championship bouts in the history of boxing.

--The Mighty Moe

Recap: Toney vs. Ruiz

On Saturday night (April 30, 2005), a very fat James Lights-Out Toney battered, bruised and out-hustled WBA heavyweight champion John Ruiz to win by unanimous decision, 116-111, 116-111 and 115-112. James blamed his 233 pounds on his only having four and a half weeks to train.

Even with the extra pounds, Toney (69-4-2 with 43 KOs) has now entered the history books, joining Bob Fitzsimmons and Roy Jones Jr., as the only three men to have won the middleweight title and the heavyweight title (albeit a portion of the heavyweight title).

Ruiz, by contrast, has earned the distinction of becoming the only heavyweight to have lost his title twice to former middleweight champions.

Toney used beautiful counterpunching all night to slip Ruiz’s right hand and fire a right hand in return, bouncing the cleaner shots off the champion’s temple. A wicked body assault by Toney also left marks on Ruiz’s ribcage. The effects of Toney’s body shots prevented Ruiz from staging a late round rally. In the end, Toney appeared to be the fresher of the two.

In the seventh round Toney was credited with a knock-down when he landed a one-two combination. Upon viewing the replay, it was clear Toney stepped on Ruiz’s foot causing him to lose his balance.

What’s next for Toney? He said he’ll fight “anyone at anytime,” but the recognized heavyweight champion is Vitali Klitschko. James Toney will have to beat Vitali if he wants to be recognized as the legitimate heavyweight champion … and one of only two former middleweight champions to have won the legitimate heavyweight title.

--The Mighty Moe