Opinion: Cameron - Hopoate

Next Thursday’s showdown between cardboard heavyweight Shane Cameron and former league international and sexual assault enthusiast (yes, violating someone without their consent is considered sexual assault) John Hopoate is a joke. A BAD joke. Unfortunately, this is a fight for the bogans with neither competitor being skillful and both just running on faded name. I can’t tell you how much this kind of ‘circus fight’ disgusts me. I would rather take a sharp kick in the pills than have to pay the $24.95 necessary to watch this bullshit. Bullshit!! If you are excited for this fight then you truly have no appreciation for boxing skill and clearly just like fighting. I am willing to bet that your favourite part of a rugby or (most likely) rugby league game is when they actually stop playing the game you are watching to fight. Which constitutes cheating and requires no skill. Classless. For shame.

Blah blah blah March 18th at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne.


SHANE CAMERON: (23-2, 20 KOs)

STRENGTHS
Cameron really has no outstanding attributes, he has ok power but tends to wear guys down rather than being able to out and out blast someone. When he has someone hurt, he can always find another gear to put them away and he is always in good condition.

The Mountain Warrior’s body attack has been his biggest development of late with him able to straight rip Robert Davis (the last opponent has was able to throw a punch against) to the mid.

Although only a comparative strength, he has faced far better opposition than Hopoate with most of his wins being over mid-range journeymen. His stoppage over Bob Mirovic was impressive although Hopoate has also stopped and decisioned the same opponent


WEAKNESSES
Cameron has middle of the road skills which are only saved by his conditioning and his belief that he is better than what he really is. I have never seen a fighter dupe a public so bad into believing they were going to be something. Unfortunately, the bogan public are only too willing to believe that a white fighter is going to be great. He truly is “The Great White Hope for the Great White Dopes”.

Coupled with his average skills, Cameron’s punch resistance falters somewhere after something stronger than a wet fart. Ahunanya was able to counterpunch Cameron well and just wore him out with only mild power. Tua, although one of the most powerful heavyweights ever, barely even set his feet when he punched and Cameron was on the deck. He was lucky to escape the first round. If that isn’t bad enough, Cameron bleeds in strong winds and has been fortunate on a couple of occasions not to be stopped on cuts.

Anyone who tells you that Cameron is anything more than a one-dimensional journeyman is a delusional fool.



JOHN HOPOATE (12-4, 11 KOs)

STRENGTHS
Hopoate’s major attribute is his power, although he just blows everything in the first couple of rounds. He tends just to bull people around the ring, relying on his early strength.

Other than this, well….um….he was Australian Heavyweight Champ, which is something (I guess?).


WEAKNESSES
Hopoate’s record is a complete illusion. Complete. Don’t believe me? Well, let’s “break it down one time”. The overall record of Hopoate’s beaten opponants stands at 107-109-9, not even a winning record and includes four guys who had never even won a fight. That’s not even the worst news, of all of Hopoate’s conquerers (with an accumulated 86-38-2 record), only two have a winning record. He lost a decision to the 1-4-1 Brian Fitzgerald and then was ktfo’d in one round by a fighter on debut (although he was the former Australian kickboxing champ). That’s right. Bitch.

Hoppa’s power is also deceptive as he tends just the blow out early, he only has one stop after five rounds and Colin Wilson, who knocked him on his face last October, only had to survive the opening three before he could blast his poorly conditioned foe.

Aside from never beating anyone of note and having “bully power”, Hoppa’s chin is equally as crap. Of four losses, he has been stopped in three with 45 year old Oliver McCall the only notable conquerer.



PREDICTION
If Cameron can’t blast Hoppa out within a couple, then he is worse than I give him credit for. Hopoate’s name isn’t even synonymous with boxing and presents an uncouth bully with no skill to speak of. Cameron’s grit and (comparative) class shouldn’t see this one go further than the third round.

Opinion: Pacquiao - Clottey

If you don’t already know who Manny Pacquiao is – then you probably don’t watch any boxing, or sport.

Won titles in seven divisions?

Generally accepted best fighter on the planet??

Hellava karaoke singer???

Anywho...after negotiations between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather broke down, Pacquaio found a willing opponent in former titlist Joshua Clottey. The fight, scheduled for March 13, would see the first bout in the brand spaking new $2 billion dollar Cowboys stadium. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was aggressive in trying to get a major fight there, and after the collapse of a proposed bout between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Clottey was bought in and a match was made. At the time of writing, “The Event” was about sold out.

The last time we saw both of these fighters, it was in bouts against Miguel Cotto. Clottey lost a close split decision whilst Pacquiao obliterated him over twelve rounds. It is nice to see this bout happening at the welterweight limit of 147. As previously stated, if you want to compete in a division then you should do it at the weight limit (and be subjected to tests by the ruling commission, and not anybody else).


MANNY PACQUIAO (50-3-2, 38 KOs)

STRENGTHS
We all know how Pacquiao comes – fast. With straight shots aimed at relieving you of your senses. From all angles. Coupled with this is that Pacquiao can throw those things all night and, although both hands carry significant power, his left (from a southpaw stance) will straight stretch you out.

Pacquiao has also been walking through punches of late, he has great head movement and footwork but even the stuff that lands is barely causing him to miss a beat. It is almost to the point that he doesn’t even respect his opponent’s ability. His only stoppage loss came when he was severely drained at 112 pounds, he is now 147.

Despite being an undersized welter, Pacquiao will come and get you. This is rare intangible quality. That fighting spirit. No matter how big the opponent, you know for damn sure that Pacquiao is coming forward.

Trainer Freddie Roach has also worked wonders with Pacquiao, training him and providing strategy for his biggest wins to date. Roach is just on at the moment and once he declares that he has found a way to beat a guy it happens.


WEAKNESSES
After being knocked down three times on the opening round, Juan Manual Marquez counterpunched Pacquiao silly in their first outing and was unlucky to come away with a draw. Clottey is also a defensive fighter who likes to counterpunch.

Once again, the question must be asked how Pacquiao is going to handle someone of Clottey’s size, although Clottey’s power doesn’t really pose much of a problem, if he can rough Pacquiao up and lean on him, he just may be able to wear him down.

Pacquiao also hasn’t been seriously tested whilst on the back foot at the heavier weights. If Clottey can force him backwards then keep using his strength and momentum then we may need to see something different from Pacquiao.

JOSHUA CLOTTEY (35-3, 20KOs)

STRENGTHS
Clottey’s main strength is his durabilty, although taken off his feet early against Cotto, he has never been stopped. His defence is also very good and he keeps his hands high when taking fire. He did this very well against Cotto and, by the second half of the fight, was able to come forward after Cotto started to tire.

The “Grand Master” is a good defensive counter puncher who throws a great uppercut when in close. He may just get a chance to use this on the smaller Pacquiao as he will undoubtedly have to get inside.

Clottey is a big welterweight, Pacquiao will never have faced someone naturally that big. We are talking about a guy who could jump up to 154 no problem here so he should have an advantage in strength (Note: strength does NOT always equal punching power).

He has also faced good opposition in the form of Margarito, Diego Corrales, Zab Judah (whom he beat for an IBF strap) and Cotto. Anyone who ends the fight on their feet against Margarito is obviously doing something right.

WEAKNESSES
It must be noted that Clottey’s biggest wins (against Judah and Corrales) aren’t what they seem. Although fantastically skilled, Judah wasted his gifts and Clottey beat Corrales at 147 – 17 pounds over Corrales prime fight weight. And, although he lost a split decision to Cotto, Cotto could have easily had the fight stopped on the cut caused by a headbutt and sent to the judges scorecard A LOT earlier. Remember, Clottey won most of the later rounds when Cotto looked like something out of a movie Rob Zombie directed.

Although defensively good, he only really protects his head and he isn’t an active defender preferring to sit there and absorb. You just can’t do that with a guy with the speed, power and precision of Pacquiao. He WILL find the gap between those gloves.

Clottey does not have the hand speed nor power to seriously worry Pacquiao. I mean, WHO has he stopped of note? Although punches opened the cut on Judah, he couldn’t do what Kostya Tszyu did to him . Even with a massive size advantage, he couldn’t stop Corrales (although he did knock him down three times).

Clottey’s heart, is also suspect. At best. Against Cotto he feined injury and flailed around when there was no need for it. If you wanna be a dramatic pussy – play soccer. He also had plenty of opportunities to put this fight in the bag when Cotto was tiring but couldn’t, nay wouldn’t, seize the opportunity. All it would have taken was activity from Clottey. And he didn’t do it.

PREDICTION
Do I think Clottey can wear Pacquiao down? No. The only way Pacquiao will wear down will be from consistently touching Clottey’s chin. Which he will do, from bell to bell without letting up. This fight will be hard from the get go, but Clottey’s resolve can and will be broken. Clottey simply does not have the tools to concern Pacquiao, other than his size and durability.


Pacquiao late stoppage.

Ike Ibeabuchi

The heavyweight division. No other division in boxing incites so much awe – or ire. There was a time when being the heavyweight champion of the world was the absolute pinnacle of sporting success, and many of the best athletes on the planet strived to be so. If you got there, you were the king of the world.

By the late 1990s, professionalism in sports such as American football, basketball and rugby now meant that larger athletes could make comparatively the same amount of money with comparatively less brain damage. Even the 1990s had names such as Lewis, Holyfield, Tyson and Bowe to support a division that was crumbling from the bottom. Following Lewis’ retirement in 2003, many have contended to take his place on the throne. However none have done so in either an emphatic or entertaining manner.

“The President” Ike Ibeabuchi could well have been that savour.

A well muscled 240 pound boxer-puncher with a high output, Ibeabuchi was poised to inherit the crown, or at least seriously challenge for it. By mid-1999 Ibeabuchi had amassed an impressive 20-0 record with 15 of those wins ending early. However, it was never to be as mental and legal issues were to sabotage his successes. He had been diagnosed with bipolar and schizoaffective disorders but refused to take the voluntary medication as it would damage his motor skills therefore affecting his boxing career.

In 1997, The Nigerian national was 16-0 and was pitched against the much heralded David Tua (then 27-0), one of the most powerful heavyweights ever, in a 12 round contest. The outcome was nothing short of spectacular as both threw bombs, with neither taking a backward step, all night setting a heavyweight record with 1,730 punches thrown. Ibeabuchi also set the individual record (now broken) by throwing 975 punches and averaging 81 per round. The heavyweight average is around 50. Incredible. The President would come away with a close-but-unanimous decision and stamped himself as the cream of the contenders.

Soon after the Tua bout Ibeabuchi’s life would begin to fray. Just two months later, Ibeabuchi was arrested after kidnapping the son of his ex-girlfriend and injuring him by driving into a freeway overpass at 65 miles per hour. He would serve three months. Ibeabuchi also violated terms of his parole by leaving the state of Texas to seek psychiatric counseling in Arizona. The official excuse from the Ibeabuchi camp was that he was suffering from possible manic depression because of the contrast between his successful professional life and gloomy personal life.

In July of 1998 he stopped journeyman Tim Ray in the opening stanza. Then in September he went on to stop Everton Davis in 9. The President would find himself in more trouble in December of that year as he was arrested after a 23 year old “entertainer” that had been called to his hotel room accused him of sexually assaulting her. The case was dropped due to lack of evidence but a pattern of behavior was emerging.

March of 1999 saw Ibeabuchi come up against another contender in the form of a slick Chris Byrd who sported a 26-0 record. Byrd was coming off the back of reputable wins over Ross Puritty, Elieser Castillo and Jimmy Thunder and had the speed and movement to give anyone a long night. Ibeabuchi’s mental problems would again arise as he refused to board the plane on the way to the fight as he believed that there were “demons” on it.

The bout against Byrd was remarkably one sided as The President came out winging hooks to the head which had no problems finding the normally elusive Byrd. In the fifth, Ibeabuchi absolutely powned Byrd with a dynamite left hook that sent him straight to the canvas. Byrd made it back to his feet but looked infantile in dribbling and remaining off balance and was sent back to the deck with the next punch. Byrd once again rose, but was trapped against the ropes and taking fire as the referee waived it off. Chris Byrd would later go on to become a two-time heavyweight titlist and his decimation made Ibeabuchi the divisions hottest prospect. All he needed to do was keep his cool, and a title shot would come knocking. Actions that sound simple enough but, unfortunately for the boxing , this would be the last we saw of Ibeabuchi

In June of that year he attempted to board an overbooked plan and it took two officers and a couple of blasts of pepper spray to subdue him. He then turned down $700K to deck fringe contender Jeremy Williams and $1million for a showdown with the undefeated but glass chinned Michael Grant.

July 22 marked the tipping point as Ibeabuchi was arrested for once again sexually assaulting an “entertainer” that was called to his hotel room. When officers arrived, Ibeabuchi locked himself in the bathroom and pepper gas had to be sprayed under the door before he would surrender. In 2001 he pleaded guilty to battery with intent to commit a crime and attempted sexual assault. He was sentenced to 2 to 10 years on the first charge (paroled in 2001) and 3 to 20 years on the second charge. He has been denied parole three times and is next eligible in May 2012.

Like most people who have unfulfilled potential in their life, you can’t help but speculate on “what could have happened”. Ibeabuchi may have been granted a shot against Lewis and been smartly outboxed like most of his challengers. All we know was that, Ibeabuchi had a granite chin, power in both hands and was proactive in letting them go. Just two out of those three qualities can be enough to make you a champion.

Opinion: The Pacquiao-Mayweather Debacle

“We'd all have to be morons to not let this happen.” - Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer

We've all been fooled. Well, maybe not fooled but maybe we all expected too much. I am talking about the recent Pacquiao-Mayweather Fail where, somehow, the parties involved managed to prematurely ejaculate all over what would have been the richest bout in history.

The welterweight division is stacked with some of the finest talent in the fight game. In fact, so strong is the current division that it has garnered comparisons with 1980’s welterweight division which hosted names such as Hearns, Leonard, Duran and Benitez.

Today those names have been replaced by Pacqiuao, Mosley, Mayweather, Williams, Margarito and Cotto. The major difference is that the 1980’s crew fought each other “on the reg” whilst Pacquiao hasn’t been at the 147 party long enough and Mayweather seems to be allergic to contest (for my opinion on his last bout see my last post).

The return of Money May and the ascension of Pacquiao through the divisions was only supposed to bring awesome things in the form a ‘Superfight’ between two of the world’s premier, and definitely most bankable, stars. In terms of pay-per-view buys, Mayweather’s last three bouts generated 2.44 million (De La Hoya), 920,000 (Hatton) and 1 million (Marquez) whilst Pacquiao’s last three were 1.25 million (De La Hoya), 850,000 (Hatton) and 1.25 (Cotto). Simple economics and logic would then dictate that the top two pound for pound fighters would square off in a matter of ring supremacy.

This has not happened.

Mayweather and his associates speculated that Pacquiao’s increase in power and punch resistance as he came up the classes (a correlation which is usually negative) was due to performance enhancing drugs. This is mildly plausible speculation considering his meteoric rise. However, Pacquiao has NEVER failed any drug tests in his entire career. In fact, less than two weeks ago both fighters both passed the NSAC Drug Test.

Money May then stipulated that Pacquiao would have to be subjected to Olympic style blood and urine testing mandated by the United States Anti Doping Agency right up until the fight. A clause that Pacquiao (strangely) could not accept. The two arguments that evolve are therefore;

1. If Pacquiao is not using performance-enhancing drugs of any kind, then why shouldn’t he take the tests?

Makes sense.

2. But, if the bout were to be held in Las Vegas, then the drug testing would be mandated by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, whose tests Pacquiao has never failed. Who is Mayweather to change how the sport is regulated? He has never demanded this kind of testing from any other fighter so why should Pacquiao now be subjected to it?

Also makes sense.

Pacquaio then gave strange excuses, such as he was afraid of needles (despite having tattoos) and that taking blood from him would sap him of energy. The amount of blood required for this kind of testing is minimal. After outside mediation between the parties, Pac then relented and said that he was willing to take the tests up to 24 days before the fight and directly after the bout concluded. Which is a fair enough resolve. This wasn’t enough for Money May who could only agree to a 14 days before the fight window.

Fight off.


My opinion on this?

I think Olympic style testing should be used in all sports, given we see sport as an exhibition of human ability and skill. Two ideals which should not be subverted. But, the fact still stands that if the bout was to take place in Las Vegas, that they would be subjected to the testing agreed upon by the NSAC. Tests which Pacquiao has never failed and never refused.

Ultimately, both parties are at fault. They straight shit the money bed. The difference is, Mayweather now needs Pacquiao far more than Pacquiao needs Money May. Pacquiao has set his legacy by fighting the top guys in every division he competes in whilst Mayweather cherry picks a lot smaller or shot opponents.

How stupid is Mayweather though really? His tax problems are well documented, however his fragile ego could not bear the thought of him having to face valid opposition and quite possibly *gasp* lose. Despite the fact that he was the bookmaker's favourite going into it.

These odds make perfect sense as offence wins games (Pacquiao) yet defence wins championships (Mayweather). And what would have been the biggest (in terms of C.R.E.A.M) fight in boxing history clearly is a championship.

Morons.

Money May, but Money never will.

Note: This was originally written on the 24th of September however, due to "logistical" problems, I have only just cleaned it up for mass consumption. Thus, some of these facts are over 3 months old. I know. Shame.

Floyd Mayweather. Ugh. No name in the sport of boxing brings such polarity. Long discussed as one of, if not the, premier fighter in the sport, Money May polarizes fight fans like no other boxer in the world today.

The best defensive fighter since a prime Pernell Whitaker, Mayweather is blessed with unnatural hand speed and reflexes. Able to turn his opponents aggression against them, Money May has collected titles from 130-154 and, up until his retirement in ’07, was considered the top pound-for-pound fighter in the game.

Mayweather’s accomplishments speak largely for themself. A ’96 Olympic medalist (bronze in the 57kg class), Mayweather has won six titles in five divisions as well as being named Ring Magazine’s Fighter of the Year in both 1998 and 2007. He has beaten all types. Slick boxers like Genaro Hernandez, come-forward brawlers like Chavez, Castillo and Hatton as well as rangy punchers like Corrales.

But…..

Even with all these accomplishments at hand there is still something missing from Mayweather’s resume and his detractors will tell you (of which I am one) that, although he is supremely talented , he has never faced tough opposition at 147. His latest win over Juan Manuel Marquez only provides more fodder for this argument.

Catchweight bouts are now a reality in boxing more than ever. And why not? For it allows fighters more divisional freedom and would help to negate natural weight advantages. For the bout against Lightweight king Marquez, the weight limit was set at 144. This would mean that Marquez would be jummping up 9 pounds (from 135 when the reality is that Marquez is a 130 pounder) whilst Mayweather would only have to drop three. Money May was completely disrespectful in not even trying to make the weight limit after weighing in at 146. As if the deck wasn’t already stacked against Marquez, Floyd showed the world that he is almost unwilling to take on a competitive opponent at 147. Don’t believe me? Then why has he absolutely refused to fight Cotto, Margarito or Mosley? Even after Mosley publicly challenged him Mayweather didn’t want it. Mosley is the recognized CHAMPION of your division. Isn’t that the aim of any sport? Become the champion?? So when the champ calls you out and you don’t want it then what does it say about you really?! Yes. Yes. Sugar Shane probably could have handled it a little more respectfully. However the point is still completely valid.

In fact, name ONE decent welterweight Mayweather has fought?

Hatton? Blown up (and limited with no chin) 140 pounder.

De La Hoya? Fight was at 154. Money May wins a split decision over someone past his prime who had been dominated more convincingly by Sugar Shane.

Sharmba Mitchell? Another 140 pounder with no real notable wins

Money May’s only real 147 pound wins were over Zab Judah and Carlos Baldomir, neither of which are particularly impressive…well, not impressive enough to call yourself the top welterweight on their basis. Judah even knocked him down (although unofficially). Yes he did. Look. At 50 seconds in. The decision here was also controversial as, after a Judah low blow, Roger Mayweather (Floyd’s uncle) stepped in the ring and choked Judah unconscious. 3 minutes in. An act which cost him 200K and effectively barred him from working a corner again.

The issue here is, that although Mayweather has had some fantastic performances from Super Feather to Light Welter, he has only been impressive against naturally smaller opponents at 147. He beat up Corrales at 130, and Castillo (although most felt ‘El Terrible’ won their second stoush) at 135 and then went on to top do what Pacquiao did to De La Hoya to Arturo Gatti. If he is not gonna fight the top tier at the weight then why even bother campaigning at it? The disappointing thing is that we know the answer to this….

Mosley has continually (and publicly) been calling him out for years. Yes. Money May did also call out Sugar Shane. But, when faced with the reality of facing him, Mayweather is surprisingly quiet. Not only Mosley, but Mayweather has turned down offers to fight most, if not all, of the 147 pound class. Even an $8 million offer to fight Margarito in 2006 (which was pre-Cotto).

Regardless of his claims to the contrary, his comeback is clearly about money. The whole of Mayweather-Marquez 24/7 was Money “making it rain” and claiming that everything was “straight paid for” despite evidence to the contrary.

Who are you fooling really?

Don’t get me wrong, his fight against Marquez was a superb display and ranks as compubox’s most onesided beatdown with Floyd connecting 59% of his punches compared to Marquez 12%. Unbelievable.

But hearing him play the race card and showing his opponent and the boxing fraternity disrespect by not even trying to make weight is deplorable. Why should someone be able to brag after stacking the deck so considerably in their favour?

Is this blog biased? You’re damned right it is!! But only because I believe in boxing as a sport. You fight to be the champion and, although it is a product of the professional era, rising to the top should be paramount. I’m just sick of seeing Mayweather hand pick inoffensive opponents then act like he is the best fighter in the game.

Others fighters may lose, but at least they fight everyone.

Paul Williams: Who Punishes The Punisher?

“Look man, I'll fight 'em all. Anybody from '47 to '68 that wants to fight me, all they gotta' do is say the word and I'm there. If they want me in there, I'm all game." – Paul “The Punisher” Williams

The best fighter in the game. It’s a term thrown away around a lot these days, to people from all weight classes. The Klitschko’s, B-Hop, Pacquiao, Mosley, Money May…the list is ever changing. Being that 6'71/2'', 250 pound Klitschko versus 5'61/2'', 147 pound Pacquiao is crazy talk, we create this pound for pound index where size is redundant and speculation is the only logical framework. Always on the fringe of this list, but never in a big enough pay-per-view to showcase it, sits Paul Williams with 38 wins (27 by stoppage) and a solitary loss.

A 6’1’’ southpaw, The Punisher is a genetic anomaly and could well be a modern day incarnation of Thomas Hearns. His 82-inch reach is longer than the Klitschko’s and he throws more punches in a fight than a lightweight. Williams will also (literally due to his height) drop a left hand like Zeus drops lightning bolts. P-Will is a boxing nomad in that he is out to fight anyone from 147-168. Seriously. Isn’t that crazy? The real problem is that no one really wants it.

Berto? Don’t want it.

Mosley? Don’t want it.

Pacquiao? Don’t want it.

Pavlik at 160? Don’t want it. In fact, pulled out of a planned bout with Williams. TWICE.

Money May? Doesn’t want to fight full-grown adults. So DEFINITELY don’t want it.

Even Margarito won’t entertain a return. In fact, the story goes, when Margarito was due to face Daniel Santos, back in ’04 for a version of the 154 pound crown, he bought in Williams as a sparring partner. The Punisher beat Margarito so bad that he refused to spar with him again and Williams was sent home with full pay.

To get a better idea of the work-rate of someone who could probably get by just using his reach, let’s look at his recent history.

In mid-2007 Margarito actually dared to defend his WBO welterweight title against Williams. The Punisher threw an astonishing 1,256 punches over twelve rounds to take the title. That output ranks him second all-time for punches thrown by a welterweight.

Following his win over Margarito, The Punisher, somehow in a severe ‘wtf moment’, dropped a decision after being outboxed by Carlos Quintana. To give you an idea of what an aberration that was, here is the rematch. You only need to watch the first three minutes.

He then bounced up to middleweight to destroy the once defeated Andy Kolle in under a round then went back down to 154 to stop Verno Phillips in 8. Stopping Phillips, given that he had 9 losses on his ledger, doesn’t sound that impressive. However Phillips had only been stopped once before. In only his fifth pro contest. In 1988. Once again Williams was an absolute workhorse averaging 85.2 punches per round – far above the middleweight average of 56.5. That’s three knockouts in three different weight divisions.

In April this year, once AGAIN at 160, he shut out former undisputed 154 pound champ (and pending hall-of-famer) Winky Wright over twelve rounds throwing an incredible 90.5 punches per round. The 1,086 shots he threw that night ranks second all-time for punches thrown by a middleweight.

And then, just this last weekend, Williams waged an absolute war with WBC interim 154 pound champ Sergio Martinez, at 160, and came out with a majority decision throwing 631 power punches (of 979 total), to Martinez’s 638 total punches, in a ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate.

How much longer can the commercial upper echelon of the sport deny Williams a shot? For I can’t think of a more deserving candidate. Wins titles? Check. Willing to face tough opposition? Check. Aggressive fan pleasing style? Double check (then maybe check it a couple more times in the morning before you leave). Ultimately, Williams victories are pyrrhic in nature. His victories only lead to him being dodged by the big money opponents he craves....

....and that is what punishes The Punisher.

Straight Outta Compton and the N.W.A MVP

"Rock & Roll is more about rebellion than guitars. N.W.A's Straight Outta Compton officially took that baton away from rock: It's the album that made hip-hop the new rock & roll" - Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson, The Roots

“You are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge.” It’s hard to quantify what those eleven words meant to rap music as the release of N.W.A’s seminal 1988 album Straight Outta Compton changed the script. Hip-Hop had been largely based on the East Coast with New York its unofficial headquarters. Suddenly, jazz related samples were replaced by Dr. Dre’s West Coast G-funk grooves, and lyrical content changed from social commentary, retellings of the sexual frustrations of teenage life and “flossing” to raising hell and the grim portrait of gangsta life.

By 1992, Straight Outta Compton had sold over three million copes and was certified double Platinum. A short list of its effect, not only on rap music but also on popular music in general, runs as follows (taken directly from Wikipedia);

• VH1 named Straight Outta Compton the 62nd greatest album of all time
• Rolling Stone magazine ranked it 144th of its list of of 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
• First rap album to gain a five star rating from Rolling Stone
• TIME magazine ranked as one of the 100 greatest albums of all time

More notoriously, it was also one of the first albums to garner the ‘Parental Advisory’ sticker. Quite paradoxically it was this notoriety that would provide an integral part of its mass appeal as media coverage made up for the lack of airplay. Made up of DJ Yella on turntables and emcees Eazy-E, Ice Cube, MC Ren and Dr. Dre (who also handled production with Yella), N.W.A released two more albums after Straight Outta Compton (which was their second effort N.W.A and the Posse from a year earlier) both of which failed to recapture their commercial or critical success.

So – with all that in mind. I decided to question who was really the MVP for N.W.A. The criteria for my rankings are as follows;

Lyrical Ability: Seeing as there are no songs on Straight Outta Compton with all four (five if you include Yella who only raps one verse on ‘Something 2 Dance 2”) emcees rapping, the logical alternative was to compare tracks where there is only one emcee.

Contribution: Really what they bought to N.W.A. This included how many tracks they rapped on, whether they wrote their lyrics and how involved they were in production.

Post Script: Looks at their solo albums and other ventures

The four emcees were ranked 1-4 in each of these categories with 4 being awarded to whoever the first placed and 1 to the last placed.

LYRICAL ABILITY

DR. DRE – Express Yourself

Given the lyrical content of Straight Outta Compton something must be said that Dre doesn’t curse once on this track where Dre preaches about the use of rap as a means of self-expression. Issues of lyrical authenticity or “keepin’ it real” also feature.

What let’s Dre down is that it is well known that he doesn’t write his own lyrics (Ice Cube wrote this track)

2nd - but is let down by lack of authorship

ICE CUBE – I Aint Tha 1

Ice Cube’s mysogynistic view of female motivation on this track contains just that. He also makes it known that he is “only down for screwin’”. Lyrically, Cube comes off pretty weak on this track and it is unfortunate that my criterion for lyrical flow is based on the solo joints rather any of the other tracks. Cube also wrote this track.

4th – disappointing release for someone who deserved the chance to shine

EAZY-E – 8 Ball

8 Ball provides insight into a night with Eazy himself to almost Hunter Thompson proportion. Eazy gets drunk, shoots at someone, is abrasive to females, throws up a lot then ends up in a fight. It pretty much sounds my regular Saturday night (sans the shooting and fighting….but definitely including the messiness and epic girl fails). Eazy co-writes this with Cube

3rd – as much as I love gonzo journalism, E does himself no favours and is not poetic at all

MC REN – If It Aint Ruff

I think it goes to show the completely underrated lyrical strength of Ren that, not only does he get two solo joints, but he also writes them both. After much deliberation, I have decided to go with 'If It Aint Ruff' over 'Quiet on tha Set' just because 'Ruff' is by far my most favourite track on this album. MC Ren is a pure emcee. Flossing party rhymes with mucho bravado. There isn’t much to say about it really. In my view, the best emcee in N.W.A

1st

CONTRIBUTION

DR. DRE

Dre produced the whole album with DJ Yella. Something which would be almost incomparable as far as contribution goes. A relatively weak emcee, Dre raps on 6/13 tracks and wrote no lyrics.

2nd – purely on the basis of production

ICE CUBE

Cube’s main contribution to this album had to do with the writing, of which he did on 9/13 tracks which included not only all his own verses, but most of Eazy’s and Dre’s. This is massive when you look at in the context of the diversity of the flows of the members. He also raps on 6/13 tracks. Solid contributor who was, effectively, backbone of it all

1st

EAZY-E

Eazy’s role seems to have been to contribute the ‘shock factor’ to the group. His flow is high pitched and rhymes seem juvenile in comparison. E raps on 8/13 tracks and writes on 3/13.

4th – too little in every respect

MC REN

Ren is to N.W.A what the Gza is to the Wu Tang Clan. He simply holds it down and represents in the purest sense. Raps on 7/13 and writes on 8/13

An unlucky 3rd

POST N.W.A WORK

DR. DRE

After N.W.A Dre almost single handedly defined West Coast G Funk. He co-owned Death Row Records and founded as well as being the current CEO of Aftermath Records. In 1992 he released The Chronic, an album considered one of the most important and influential of the 1990s. The Chronic sold over eight million copies and went six times platinum as well as peaking at #3 on the charts and won a Grammy for the single ‘Let Me Ride’. Kanye West (who is a total douche but gets it right here) stated that “The Chronic is still the hip-hop equivalent to Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life”. And it is. He also discovered Snoop, signed Eminem, 50 cent and the Game. Dre shone after N.W.A

1st

ICE CUBE

Cube has released numerous solo albums (his first four went platinum) and appeared in many Hollywood films. The funny thing is, that is entering Tim Allen/Bill Cosby territory with his acting whereas he was downright scary in N.W.A. As far as albums go, Lethal Injection seems to be the apex and every new album seems to be lacking something more each time. He should really apologize to the artistic community for his acting career with only Boyz N Tha Hood, Trespass, Higher Learning, Friday and Three Kings (5 films out of 28) being anything worthwhile. If he could apologize for the rest then it would be awesome.

2nd - Just plain outshone by Dre

EAZY-E

Eazy’s solo work seems to be the same old. Juevenille songs. Founded Ruthless Records. Ummm….I don’t really know what else he offered. Ohhh…he discovered Bone-Thugs N Harmony. Got AIDS. Died. Like most artists who die before their time, their artistic influence seems to be remembered in gross values rather than real.

3rd – Only because MC Ren had such a disappointing solo career

MC REN

Ren had the most potential as an emcee after N.W.A disbanded in 1991. Unfortunately, he dropped the ball. He guested heavily on Eazy Duz It and his first solo joint, Kizz My Black Azz was severely disappointing and sounded like it had been written by Eazy. This was difficult to watch as he was definitely my most favorite member of N.W.A.

4th – What could have been?

….and the results are

4th – Eazy E (5/12)

Lyrically, Eazy E congealed somewhere between 2 Live Crew and Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Mild success with Ruthless Records and on solo joints.

3rd – MC Ren (7/12)

Best emcee on show that also wrote all his own stuff. Blighted by awful solo career.

2nd – Ice Cube (9/12)

Pretty much wrote Straight Outta Compton. Although prolific in writing, it must be said that his lyrics were all ‘not quite there’ as far as being top tier goes. Sustained success as a solo artist, a couple of great roles but prototypical rapper-trying-to-be-an actor as an actor.

1st – Dr. Dre (10/12)

As much as I would have like the best lyricist to be in this position, I can’t deny what Dre brought to the table. Changed the face of the game with slow, heavy, synthesizer-based beats.