Sullivan and the vagrant

If your anything like me, the stuff you write is really spur of the moment. You have an idea or a gripe, start to write then all of a sudden you got about 1,000 words. Barring spur of the moment type stuff (and boxing), ripping on my friends also provides endless material. Your friends usually appreciate the hell out of it especially if you manage to capture the inherent-ness of their essence. I wrote the following at work after an e-mail ripping session about my ace boon coon;

Late last Thursday evening, Sullivan left the The Sausage-arium on his way to find the nearest speak easy (that sold party pills). He'd had a few under his belt and, as a result, his path was no where as direct as intended. The air sent shivers down his spine and he cowered into his overcoat trying to hide from the unforgiving wrath of summer.

He was suddenly approached by a vagrant who's voice delivered a simple request in a most grizzly and lackluster fashion;

"Change?"

"Change?!" was Sullivan's reply. "Why should I change?...What is that supposed to mean?!?"

The homeless man looked befuddled which was rare as his life was one of rejection. From those who refused his uncomplicated yet necessary request to those who pretend that the margin he exists in itself does not exist, he had never faced the raw aggression and indignation that was seething right in front of him.

By now, combat was unavoidable and the two foes were nose to nose in a classic staredown. The smell was overpowering, a combination of old cigarettes, cheap liquor and awkward sweat. The bum smelt also, with the musk that only extended stays on the street can provide.

Sullivan feigns tipping his hat and swings, his left hand promising pain. The swing does not connect however as his lead foot had unwittingly planted on a banana skin and he tumbles to the ground, his pants spewing the very staples that were holding them together. His complaint of "uh-oh spaghetti-ohs" falls on deaf ears as the homeless man lunges onto his fallen prey. His punches are wild and Sullivan manages to dislodge him easily. Back on his feet, and with his pants freed up to a more 'athletic' function, Sullivan, having taken no truck with the wine-breathed degenerate, proceeded to smother him with his own overcoat. For he had grabbed the first thing available and, all rational people in times of need, will utilize what is most available. With his sight and movement restricted, the vagrant is no match for Sullivan's BZP-enhanced blows and he is clubbed mercilessly.

The fight is over, the only sounds that remain are Sullivan's heavy breathing and the painful moaning of his fallen foe. After collecting his coat (and staples) Sullivan tips his hat to no one in particular then departs.

Opinion: The Welter-Wait

The welterweight division is arguably boxing's premier division. Since the retirement of Lennox Lewis (and probably much before) the heavyweight division has been parched of great matchups, dynamic fighters and excitement in general. The cruel illusion of it as the measuring stick of the sport has long been debunked. Really, when was the last time you saw a legitimately great heavyweight stoush? If your answer contained Lewis and either the names Holyfied or Tyson then you need to get your head checked out. Watching Lewis beat up on faded names does not a good bout make.

I could complain about the heavies all day long but the bottom line is that 147 is stacked with fighters, all of whom want a crack at each other. Not only that, but it epitomises the spirit of the sport. The art of hitting someone and not being hit. Most boxing bogans (or sports bogans in general) only want to see the brutish elements. Crushing knockouts, crashes in motorsport, rugby league. Sure these elements may be visually appealing but in all instances they are not in the real essence of what is trying to be accomplished. Cheap thrills for the great unwashed and those too ignorant to appreciate the finer points. This is where the 'real' divisions come in. I mean, what kind of division is 'heavyweight' anyways? " Oh...I'm big and my fights are three rounds of winging awkward punches and seven rounds of clinching". At least that is the way it is these days....

Aside, with the huge movements in the welterweight division within the last year only too apparent, I have compiled a list of fights that have to happen. I realise my tastes aren't for everyone (they're better! ROFLcopter) so I have divided them into;

Have to Happen: Big names, great matchups and, in a sport with three major sanctioning bodies, help to clear the picture a little

I'd like to see: Matchups that satisfy my morbid curiosity for such bouts (and Paul Williams).

Certain fights: Bouts that are bound to happen, and are good matchups, but are missing something



Have to Happen

Cotto-Margarito II

Their first fight was an instant classic. After boxing strongly in the first six rounds, Margarito seemingly got stronger as the fight progressed and chased Cotto round the ring banging him like a drum on his way to an 11 round TKO win. After Margarito's glove loading came to light, and the way this fight played out, it is entirely probable that he did load his gloves for this fight. The other side of the coin is that we have seen Cotto fade severely also in his fights with Mosley and Clottey which could mean that the rematch will play out exactly the same. This is unlikely due to the fact that I believe Cotto will be fairly enraged by the supposed glove loading of their first fight and would probably triumph in the return.


Pacquiao-Mayweather

The fight the world wants to see. Pacquiao, after career defining stoppage wins of De La Hoya and Hatton, is now the king of the sport, a title Mayweather used to hold. Mayweather, in signalling his return to the ring, says he wants Pacquiao, Cotto and Mosley however the latter is unlikely to happen soon as he would want a tune-up bout and probably to wait for Mosley to get a little older. Both fighters are stupid quick however Pacquiao is out there to sling leather whilst Mayweather boxes from the outside and uses his astounding defence when in tight. In my eyes, a Pacquaio win and very possibly a stoppage.


Mosley-Pacquiao

The fight I really wanna see and probably the biggest fight in the game as far as legit fight fans are concerned. Mosley has done everything to make this happen; said he would drop weight, gave Pacquiao 60 percent of the purse and even went so far as to give him a rematch clause. You gotta love Sugar Shane, for he wants to fight everyone and will do what it takes to make it happen. Unfortuantely he seems to be too big, too small or too good for his contemporaries. God I hope Pacquiao just sucks it up and fights him at 147. Sugar Shane FTW!


Mosley-Mayweather

This fight has been brewing since the late 90's when Mosley was lightweight champ and Mayweather ruled the junior-lightweights. Mayweather talks, and cries..then does some more talking but the bottom line is that he knows he is in for a 'L' on his record. If Mayweather cared about actually being the best rather than just maintaining an unbeaten record (so he can pose as the best) then this fight would have happened some time ago.



I'd Like to See

Williams-Clottey

Williams is an absolute anomaly. This huge welter has a reach longer than the Klitchko's and throws more shots than a lightweight. So good is Williams - that no one from 147 to 160 wants a bar of him. Bring in Clottey, who has two gritty and disputed losses to both Cotto and Margarito and needs someone who will want to take the big risk-small reward payoff of meeting him, and this is definitely a fighters fight between two guys no one wants to face. Williams should really dominate anyone from 147-160 (how he lost to Cintron is beyond me).


Berto-Collazo II

Berto, the heir apparent of the welterweight division, owns a close and highly disputed win over Luis Collazo. Before he gets in with the big names of the division he needs to dominate the contenders. A rematch should see him do so more convincingly.


Williams-Mayweather

I just want this to shut Mayweather up. It would never happen (and not because of Williams).


Williams-Pavlik

I know - this is not a welterweight fight. This, at 160, would be awesome. Both are huge guys with long arms who look to throw shots. The clinches would resemble some kind of spaghetti dinner and I'm sure each fighter could still land jabs from the other side of the ring. Williams to outhustle.



Certain Fights

Berto-another undersized welter

Step up and face an adult Andre! Dominating Steve Forbes at 147 isn't quite the accomplishment Oscar De La Hoya makes it out to be. If you want to be a force in the division then you are gonna have to collect the scalp of someone reputable.


Cotto-Pacquiao

This fight is now being slated for November and looks to be a very good fight however better could be made. Whilst Pacquiao has looked mercurial in despatching De La Hoya and Hatton, Cotto has looked uncertain in crushing the overmatched Michael Jennings and barely outlasting Joshua Clottey. The loss to Margarito clearly did something to Cotto's head and, unless he can fix it, he looks to suffer a mid round KO at the hands of the PacMan. If Cotto had never lost to Margarito then it could go either way.


Mayweather-Marquez

Originally scheduled for July, Mayweather’s injury has now pushed this back to September. Originally seen as a comeback fight and a warmup for Mayweather, durable counterpuncher Marquez may just prove to be too stiff a challenge for “Money” who has set this bout at 144 (the highest Marquez would have ever weighed). As great as this fight should be, both are counterpunchers and this fight could become a grindfest if both revert to it. Mayweather will get the decision regardless of who deserves it.

Scorecard: Cotto - Clottey

From Madison Square Garden, New York

Leading up to this bout, I got the feeling that this fight was going to be severely underestimated. Since Cotto’s brutal (and highly controversial) beating at the hands of Margarito last July (in a fight that would have to be considered one of the best in welterweight history), Cotto had taken some time away from boxing to recover came back to look impressive (although never really tested) in despatching Michael Jennings for the vacant and lightly regarded WBO crown. In his first real test since his stoppage loss he comes up against the tough-as-all-get-out Clottey. Clottey, whose only previous losses were a DQ loss to Carlos Manuel Baldomir and a unanimous decision loss to Margarito, is practically undentable and generally avoided for being on the wrong end of the payoff/effort ratio. His last bout was a nine round techinical decision win over Zab Judah however this bout against Cotto would be his first “big fight”.


Middleweights: Matvey Korobov (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Loren Myers (7-4, 2 KOs), 4 rounds

I can’t seem to turn on the tv now without seeing Korobov in action. Seriously – it’s like something out of The Truman Show. This has always been a good thing as the former Russian Olympian’s aggressive style and heavy hands make him a joy to watch. I didn’t know a thing about Loren Myers but, with a 7-4 record, I thought it was probably more likely that he had heard of me.

Korobov quickly establishes control of the centre of the ring. Myers is looking to throw but Korobov moves and counters well first with a straight left and then he wobbles Myers with a two piece. Korobov brings his usual aggression and high punch output and Myers looks overmatched as he is being hit and hurt almost at will. Myers seems game though and, although he is sloppy, is looking at Korobov’s body. The second round sees more of the same with Korobov hunting down Myers and landing crisp combinations. A great uppercut lands yet Myers doesn’t seem fazed. Korobov’s head movement and defence look fantastic in this round as he dodges well leaving Myers seem ineffectual. This only serves to motivate Myers and he starts to bring, albeit wild, pressure in the third. Korobov seems bigger and a lot stronger and he is able to manhandle Myers in the clinches. Korobov’s work rate has slowed down considerably and you begin to question whether he is just fighting too often. I mean his punches are landing but not with the same impact they had in his previous bouts, which I guess could in part be attributed to the gameness of Myers who just won’t quit. Korobov lands a couple of good hooks and Myers offence just seems to be about throwing without trying to establish any kind of calculated assault. As the fourth and final round starts you know that this fight is in the bag. Korobov is too far ahead and, with the uneducated handbags being thrown by Myers, you know that he is not going to be stopped. Korobov lands a great three punch combo and spends the entire round throwing single shots, all of which land. Myers still believes like the way a kid thinks he could fly if he just believes enough (which is cute) and is looking for one big shot. He is just trying anything including drawing Korobov into a brawl, a ploy which is only going to work against his cause. He finishes the fight trying to bull Korobov around the ring. The result is never in doubt – 40-36 to Korobov.

Myers gains the distinction of the first person to finish standing against Korobov as a pro. You expected a lot more of Korobov in this fight who almost looked too relaxed in dominating from start to finish. Only being four rounds, and against a 7-4 opponent, this was a backward step for Korobov who seemed to be just getting the rounds in. The Russian’s future looks bright however he either needs to be stepping up in opposition or stretching out lesser opponents in exactly these types of fights. The consolation is that, with still half a year left, he could and will probably have another 4 or 5 fights before 2009 is out.


Welterweights: Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) vs. Joshua Clottey (35-3, 21 KOs), 12 rounds for Cotto’s WBO Welterweight title

Listening to the commentary before this fight would make you think that the result is a foregone conclusion. It’s all pro Cotto who is a regular fixture on the eve of the National Puerto Rican Day parade. Close to every one of the 18,000 at the MSG are chanting his name and you are almost shocked to see Clottey supporters and the Ghanaian flag. You just can’t stop Clottey however and I reason that this fight is going to be fairly close with Cotto still dominating. If Margarito (and the possibility of loaded gloves) can’t stop him then I doubt Cotto will do likewise. Clottey gives up his IBF welterweight title in order to facilitate this bout between two of the top fighters in the sports premier division.

Both come out trying to find their range and establish the jab. Cotto seems to be doing much of the coming forward and lands a nice counter right. Clottey lands a hard jab and Cotto comes back with a great combination to the body. Clotteys jab looks sharp and he manages to land a couple of counter rights. Clottey is off balance as Cotto lands a jab that puts the Ghanaian on the seat of his pants near the end of the round. Clottey is up and doesn’t look hurt. The second sees both fighters go to the body with Cotto landing a good combo and Clottey looking to rip. Cotto seems to be doing the majority of the work and pushing the pace of the fight. The round ends with both fighters looking to be aggressive. The next round sees Clottey’s defence tighten up, he looks strong when he is throwing but it is not doing so nearly enough. When he does finally come forward he does well but is picked off by the sharper Cotto. Cotto is cut above his eye by an accidental clash of heads.

At the beginnging of the fourth Cotto is bleeding profusely which must be affecting his vision. I reason that Clottey must be at least half vampire as seeing all this blood spurs him into action (no one finds me amusing). Both fighters wing punches and Cotto manages to land with some jabs and uppercuts. The cut above his eye just looks nasty and there is blood everywhere. Clottey catches Cotto and backs him into a corner but doesn’t follow up and Cotto unloads a good combination before the round is out. Clottey begins to turn it on over the middle rounds as he tags Cotto and paws at the cut over his eye. The drop in vision means that Clottey’s right hand is starting to find it’s range, especially if it is on the back of one of those hard jabs. During a clinch in the fifth, Clottey takes a tumble to the ground where he writhes in a pain that could only be experienced by an actress or a professional soccer player. The referee obviously isn’t into either drama or comedy and he gives Clottey a short breather then urges the bout back on. Clottey initially seems to be favouring his knee, however that seems to come right when he lands punches. Clottey is bringing more leather but never seems to be capitalizing. Cotto lands which backs Clottey up and the rest of the sixth round is Cotto teeing off on Clottey in the corner. Clottey’s workrate takes a dive and you just don’t understand the reasoning. There are not many fighters out there who can win by throwing less punches. A Cotto uppercut gets Clottey’s attention but he is making no effort to get out of the corner. Cotto looks sharp and strong during the sixth and is able to land punches that would down a lesser opponent.

Clottey snaps Cotto’s head back with an uppercut during the seventh and takes control by backing up Cotto with hard, straight shots. Cotto seems a little out of gas and you know the cut is bothering him as he uses his feet to escape the oncoming Clottey. This is by far Clottey’s best round thus far (after his worse round in the sixth). The fight swings back and forth during the eighth with both fighters having offensive periods. Clottey is getting the better of these exchanges and he bangs Cotto with two uppercuts. Cotto is starting to look a little weary, like the ghost of Margarito is putting the wind up him, and for brief periods he seems to doubt himself. He starts to move a lot more and is avoiding any heavy exchanges. At the end of the round Cotto backs him into a corner and unloads however Clottey shakes his head in defiance as nothing seems to have had an affect.

Clottey looks much stronger as the fight progresses and is now coming forward the majority of the time. The fight has indeed swung his way but Clottey needs to have more output if he wants to take control. Cotto starts to box cleverly during the tenth and never really lets Clottey set himself and snaps Clottey’s head back at the end of the round. The championship rounds see Cotto stick and move well, when Clottey is actually able to set himself and throw he is picked off. Cotto is really trying to win these final rounds and is landing fantastic straight shots both upstairs and down.

Going into this final round you had the feeling that both fighters needed it but only one really wanted it. Clottey, who had taken control from the seventh, is coming forward but without any real desire. It’s almost like he thinks he can sleepwalk his way to a decision. Clottey once again gains my ire when he turns his back to Cotto then complains when is hit in the back of the head. He is at it again after a Cotto shot lands slightly south of the border. You get the feeling that his theatrics are part of his frustration as Cotto’s middle round hiatus is well over and he effectively transitioned from puncher to boxer. The last ten seconds of the fight sees Clottey throw caution to the wind but it not enough.

Cotto gains a split decision win in his most gruelling test since the Margarito bout. Clottey is complaining about the decision but, although it was a close fight, he seemed both unable and unwilling to take definitive control when he had the chance. His flopping and excessive complaining have no place in the ring and probably only made it easier to score the fight for Cotto. For the record, I scored it 117-114 for Cotto and can appreciate the argument that it could have gone either way. To say that it was a clearly a Clottey win suggests foolishness, excessive drug use or both.

Although a loss, this bout was good for Clottey who proved himself on the big stage. It’s unfortunate that he is so tough as he is clearly avoided by the biggest names but he could probably campaign for bouts against Mosley and Paul Williams, both of whom will fight anyone (and hopefully each other soon). Cotto managed to shake off the demons of his sole loss and once again established himself as one of the top fighters in the division. A bout with Pacquiao, who was in attendance, looks to be more nigh than ever and is one of the top bouts the sport can make.

Scorecard: Pacquiao - Hatton

From the MGM Grand, Las Vegas.

The boxing fraternity, nay the world, had been buzzing for weeks about the prospect of a Hatton-Pacquiao stoush. After massive problems in negotiating the fight, the date was set and I spent everyday since hoping that nothing could derail it. The day finally came and I was prepared to simply be entertained.


Junior Middleweight: Erislandy Lara (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Chris Gray (11-7, 1 KOs), 4 rounds

Cuban prospect Lara comes to the ring and looks ripped up and tight whilst Gray looks the journeyman and every bit his 11-7 record. Lara is aggressive from the bell, establishing the jab and moving well. He drives Grey to the ropes with straights to the body and seems intent on exploiting the soft body of Gray. Grey is staggered by a left in the second and reverts to survival mode without any real intent on establishing an attack. Lara seems to be landing straight shots at will whilst Grey paws. Grey comes to fight in the third going to the body and head, although not many of his shots are penetrating Lara’s guard. The fourth is much like the third, the gulf in class is apparent as Lara works the one-two and looks for the uppercut. Gray ends the round, and the fight, winging wild shots to no effect.

You have a feeling that this would have been more of a contest if Gray had came in shape – but the reality of it is that he didn’t. All three judges gave Lara the nod and every round – 40-36. I also gave it by this margin. Lara is ready for the next step.


Super Middleweights: Matt Korobov (4-0, 4 KOs) vs. Anthony Bartinelli (20-12, 13 KOs), 8 rounds

The last time we saw Korobov he looked impressive in toying with, then dispatching, Cory Jones in four rounds on the Pavlik-Rubio undercard. He is aggressive and strong – a real crowd pleaser. Replacement Bartinelli comes to fight and, although he has twelve losses, only has 3 losses by stoppage. He will be tested by Korobov.

Korobov starts the fight with a big right that gets Bartinelli’s attention and spends the rest of the round jabbing and going to the body. Korobov looks relaxed and shows a remarkable amount of poise considering this is only his fourth pro bout. He connects with a big left then, later, a big right and Bartinelli responds. Bartinelli doesn’t look like he will be with us for long. He starts the second aggressively and Korobov matches it. Korobov dishes out a four-punch combo that has Bartinelli on the deck and he makes it up by 8. He revisits said deck after a powerful flurry but is up again. Korobov completely disregards Bartinelli’s power and is serving up fast, powerful combos. Bartinelli is trapped in the corner and taking shots as the referee takes mercy.

You gotta love Korobov, for he is a great finisher. After only five pro fights, where he is stepping up the opposition every time, he looks like a fighter who is going to catapulted into the world rankings. Fights well, finishes spectacularly, exciting to watch. ‘Nuff said.


Middleweight: Daniel Jacobs (15-0, 14 KOs) vs. Michael Walker (19-1-2, 12 KOs), 8 rounds

Undefeated prospect Jacobs took on the once defeated Walker over 8 rounds at 160. Jacobs starts the fight throwing good combinations that are picked off well by Walker. Jacobs continues to throw leather but unfortunately not much lands. The second sees Walker throw more but he looks sloppy compared to the crisp punching of Jacobs. Jacobs combos are effective and end on Walker’s body. Walker begins to come forward a lot more as the round progresses. This continues in the third and Jacobs spins him into a corner and starts going to work but his punches are coming one at a time. Jacobs is using his height and movement well until Walker clinches and throws him to the ground. He is warned by the referee and threatened by disqualification. Walker is particularly more aggressive now however he can not take the round from Jacobs. The fourth sees Walker trap Jacobs on the ropes but his offense is almost completely picked off. Jacobs strikes low in the fifth and Walker has reverted to winging wild shots. The next couple of rounds are sloppy and you wish that Jacobs had more power to end it but he just can’t dent Walker’s jaw. The eighth and final shows Walker coming fired whilst Jacobs looks uninspired and closes the fight avoiding the action.

Jacobs comes away with a unanimous decision (80-72 twice and 79-73) in a tough match which tested both Jacobs skill and will. Jacobs would need a far stronger performance against a guy the same level as Walker in order to be considered anywhere near the top of the middleweight division. Walker’s 0 will fall sooner rather than later.


Super Featherweight: Humberto Soto (47-7-2, 30 KOs) vs. Benoit Gaudet (20-1, 7 KOs), 12 rounds

Soto, the WBC Super Feather titlist, took on light punching Canadian contender Gaudet over 12 rounds. Soto comes to swing and has had an impressive run of stoppages over the past four years. Gaudet, by comparison, hadn’t faced anyone really of note and this was to be only his second fight outside of Canada.

Soto starts hard dropping Gaudet with a three-punch combo that ended with a lead hook in the opening stanza. He continues to look strong and seems intent on hurting Gaudet who is doing a lot of moving. Gaudet continues to run well into the second when he finally starts throwing. Soto is aggressive as hell and their exchanges intensify until into the third. Soto seems so much stronger than Gaudet and stalks him around the ring. Gaudet is moving and mounting useful attacks to the body until he is staggered by an overhand right. He continues to go to the body whilst Soto is looking to lay a hurting down. During the seventh a low Gaudet blow drops Soto, who is given a minute to recover whilst Gaudet is warned. Soto is immediately back on the offensive and, although Gaudet is slowing down, he has been most durable considering what has been thrown at him. His chin can only hold so long as he is dropped by an upper cut in the ninth during an exchange. Gaudet is back on his feet but is dropped again by a straight shot and the referee has seen enough.


Junior Welterweight: Manny Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) vs. Ricky Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs)

Does this fight really need any kind of intro? After collecting the heads of JM Marquez, David Diaz and Oscar De La Hoya in his last three bouts Pacquiao has staked a claim to being the best pound for pound fighter in the world today. With a win today he will tie the record (held of De La Hoya) of winning titles in six divisions and set the record with his fourth lineal title. Hatton, the champion, had recently stopped Paul Malignaggi. Both fighters bring a lot of power to the ring but the question was whether Pacquiao’s speed would be too much for Hatton’s intensity.

Round one couldn’t come soon enough and both fighters are looking to let their hands go. Pacquiao gets in a couple of good lead hooks and Hatton is looking to push the much smaller man around the ring. Both men let a hook go but Pacquiao’s gets home first and Hatton is down. He makes it back to his feet but is forced back into the ropes by the crisp, straight punching of Pacquiao who looks sharp as hell. Hatton tries to hold but Pacquiao breaks free and pops a pair of two-punch combos that have Hatton on his back again. Hatton is lucky to survive the round. He looks a lot better at the start of the second however Pacquiao is coming on strong and winning all the exchanges. Hatton is backed up by a straight left when suddenly Pacquiao lets a left hook go that turns out the lights. And I mean really out. The referee takes a momentary look at Hatton stretched out and unresponsive on the floor and decides not to kid anyone with the count.

Well, what can I say? From a fight that promised fireworks it delivered, however nobody expected it to be this one sided. Pacquiao was mercurial in easily dispatching the best fighter at 140 and the sky looks to be the limit. Already recognized as the pound for pound king, Pacquiao must now be recognized as the best fighter in the world - bar none. The final note I made on this fight reads simply, “Pacquiao is awesome”.

Opinion: The Prospect of Tua-Cameron

With heavyweight contender Shane Cameron’s 11th round stoppage over the ordinary Robert Davis still fresh in our memory (as opposed to David Tua’s last fight which seems to have happened somewhere before Christ). The much hyped and anticipated showdown with former heavyweight contender David Tua is now a reality. First, let’s get this straight, although their (slated for) June contest should be a good bout by two fighters who are bound to go at it, it is no where NEAR the international boxing community’s radar. New Zealand fight fans? Sure….but it’s effect on a division desperately searching for it’s savior? Barely a ripple…

The New Zealand public is just fiercely divided over the outcome. Being a man of logic and reason I threw together the following analysis.


SHANE CAMERON: (23-1, 20 KOs)

STRENGTHS
Cameron is not an overly big heavyweight and usually comes in around 230. This is always a good 230 and we are yet to see him out of shape or fat. He has 20 stops in 23 wins in which he has just worn down his opponents before turning out their lights. When he hurts an opponent he knows to turn it on, once your tagged it’s pretty much a guarantee that he is gonna get you out of there. Bob Mirovic (Cameron’s biggest win to date) was punished then straight stretched out by a left hook. Even if it is late in the bout he knows how to rally for the stop. His body attack of late has been most impressive as he is just punishing the mid, as shown in his last bout against Robert Davis.


WEAKNESSES
As terrible as this sounds…well….Cameron is a white heavyweight. I know, I know. Fighters from the former Soviet Bloc (also white) have stamped their mark on the division of late and are currently holding all the belts. Cameron is a prototypical white heavyweight, little lateral movement, bleeds when exposed to open air and has a suspect chin (as shown by Ahunanya ) which can be magnified by his average defense. When Cameron bleeds it’s like someone burst a dam and there is no way he is going to be able to stand right in front of Tua. Although his stoppage of Mirovic was impressive, he does not possess one punch knockout power and relies on wearing people down with a bombardment of hooks both upstairs and down. His strategy just seems to be about getting people out of there and, when faced with stern opposition, he can look lost.


DAVID TUA (49-3, 42 KOs)

STRENGTH
Tua’s left hand must as or, if not, close to as destructive as Mike Tyson’s in his prime. If he lands it, it means someone is getting stretched out. He possesses late power and has a string of late round knockouts of some credible heavyweights (Maskaev, Rahman, Oquendo..). He has also fought much better opposition than Cameron and, more often than not, proved himself in these contests. Tua’s chin has been the best in the heavyweight division for a long time and he has never been seriously wobbled or down (the after the bell knockdown by Rahman doesn’t count) which is also tribute to his not-often-discussed head movement and defense.


WEAKNESSES
For all of Tua’s power, he is rather one-dimensional and even fighters with moderate boxing skills, who are smart enough to stay away from the hook, can frustrate him as Chris Byrd showed us. Tua can also come in seriously out of shape and this has shown in his punch output. In fact, Tua’s punch output has been on the decline in general. This puts him in a very precarious position of being a world class puncher who doesn’t want to punch. When Tua fights Cameron he will be close to 37 years of age which can be old for a fighter and ancient for a slugger, take your Holyfield/Foreman/Hopkins arguments elsewhere, these people are freaks. Tua has also been relatively inactive, not having a fight since blowing out poor Cerrone Fox in September of ’07. Although he did have three fights that year, he has since done nothing.


PREDICTION

You’re not going to be able to stand toe-to-toe with Tua. There is a book on how to beat him; stay on the end of the jab, move around so he can’t set his feet, stay away from the left and tie him up on the inside. Simple. Unfortunately Shane Cameron has never shown us that he is remotely capable of doing this and just bores straight in - this will be his downfall. You hope that this fight is going to be two-sided slugfest but the harsh reality is that it is entirely possible, if Tua lets his hands go, that Cameron won’t even get the chance to bleed. Like all of New Zealand, I want to believe in Cameron – I really do, however, unlike the rest of New Zealand, I deal in reality.

Tua KO.

Scorecard: Cameron - Davis

From Gisborne, New Zealand

Heavyweight: Shane Cameron (22-1, 19 ko)vs. Robert Davis (32-9, 20ko)

Coming live from Gisborne, we are presented with world ranked heavyweight Shane Cameron’s homecoming bout against Robert Davis. Cameron seemed set to be an upper tier heavyweight until he was stopped by iron chinned Friday Ahunanya in November 2007. Since then he had won three in a row against very average opposition. Against Davis, who’s nine losses have included 7 by ko, Cameron has a chance to put on a show in front his loyal hometown.

Cameron, always in shape, looks exceptionally so and Davis looks…well… “soft” in the middle. Cameron looks to start the fight quickly but is caught by Davis which slows him down. The first couple of rounds are defined by Davis coming forward and looking to throw the one-two whilst Cameron pounds his soft midsection. There is a clash of heads in the second, which opens a cut between Cameron’s eyes. Davis is caught by a shot in the third but holds firm and throws in return. Cameron is just ripping the body and manages to tag Davis with another right hand. Davis looks strong, and is clearly bigger, but is getting caught with right hands that may not have an effect now but could be damaging if he doesn’t find an answer. Davis is wobbled at the end of the round but manages to survive. Round four continues along the same vein with Cameron punishing the body and occasionally catching Davis upstairs. Davis is once again hurt at the end of the round. The fifth is all Cameron who is stringing together combos and mixing it up well. Davis looks sluggish and the pounding his body has taken looks to be in effect. He no longer looks like he wants to be in the fight and clinches at every possibly moment which makes it hard for Cameron to get off. He is tough though as Cameron’s best are having limited effect. By the eighth Davis looks finished, not in a sense that he is going to be stopped but just due to the poor condition he came into this fight coupled with the hellish body attack Cameron has put on him. Davis is one shotting and it is amazing he still on his feet. In the ninth, however, he shows a renewed sense of vigor which seems to give Cameron purpose. Cameron is now intent of finishing it. The tenth shows Davis not giving any movement and Cameron throwing a heap of leather and looking for the uppercut. Davis manages to back up Cameron and wobbles him slightly. Cameron is landing the uppercut but Davis still seems unfazed. The fight is an absolute grind fest by the eleventh. Davis lands big and Cameron responds. Cameron is amazingly still bouncing on his feet and goes big on the offensive. Davis is on the ropes and not responding whilst Cameron finds enough gas to tee off and the referee calls a stop to the contest.

Cameron gets another late stoppage over another mid-level opposition. Fights like almost hurt his cause as he needed to be far more dominant. Cameron successfully defends his IBF Pan Pacific title although a prospective bout against David Tua, who was in attendance, is a far greater prize. If Cameron wants to make any kind of assault on the heavyweight division then a strong performance against David Tua and higher activity in general is needed.

Scorecard: Pavlik-Rubio and Cotto-Jennings

From Madison Square Garden, New York and the Chevrolet Centre, Ohio

I must admit, I was looking forward to this card. The dual arena card was to showcase Kelly Pavlik and Miguel Cotto, two fighters coming off heavy defeats. The last time we saw Pavlik was in a 170 catch-weight decision loss to the mercurial Bernard Hopkins. Pavlik fought gamely but was clearly out schooled by the wily veteran. Miguel Cotto owned both a stoppage over Zab Judah and a unanimous decision win over Shane Mosley before succumbing to Antonio Margarito, over eleven grueling rounds. Both Pavlik and Cotto have aggressive crowd-pleasing style and I knew they would both respond positively to their respective losses.


Super middleweights: Matvey Korobov (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Cory Jones (4-4, 1 KO), 4 rounds

Coming from Madison Square Garden, the card opened with Matvey Korobov, a Russian Olympian and two-time amatuer world champ, taking on Cory “Let Me Get That” Jones in a 4 round Super Middleweight contest.

Korobov started the fight strong using his southpaw stance to control the center of the ring. There was a lot of missing in the two rounds with Korobov looking to throw power jabs and straight lefts. The start of round three saw Jones start strong and mixing it up however Korobov is back in charge by the middle of the round. Jones is moving well but is just being overwhelmed by the aggressive and workmanlike Korobov. The round ends and the crowd are unhappy with the action. I am almost expecting more of Korobov who has been busier yet never really fully asserting his will on Jones however he starts to get inside more as the round progresses. Jones, who was handling everything Korobov could give for the first three and half rounds, suddenly gets face time with a short right hook that drops him to the ground where he makes infant-like attempts at trying to regain his feet. He is out.

Korobov looked impressive in staying with the game plan and his finishing shot looked effortless in its beauty. His patience and execution are excellent for someone with only four pro fights. Look forward to seeing him.


Middleweights: John Duddy (25-0, 17 KOs) vs. Matt Vanda (39-8, 22 KOs), 10 rounds

Middleweight brawlers “Irish” John Duddy and Matt “The Predator” Vanda were then set to go at it over 10 rounds.

Both Duddy and the heavily tattooed Vanda are aggressive from the bell with Duddy looking both sharper and stronger. Duddy is surprising us all by boxing well and showing poise whilst still being aggressive. His jab is successfully nullifying any offense Vanda can put together over the first four rounds. Vanda lands a short overhand right but Duddy still manages to win the exchange. The start of round five sees Vanda trying to cover up and lunge inside Duddy’s jab however he is caught with an uppercut midway through the dixth. Whilst Vanda is starting to throw significantly more shots, this is clearly a Duddy fight, who is showing great boxing skills. Vanda lands a solid left that backs up Duddy but can’t capitalize. Rounds 8 and 9 show Vanda getting more desperate whilst Duddy continues to outbox him. The final round is all action as Vanda looks fresh and Duddy suddenly becomes tired. Vanda is coming on strong and landing but it is not enough as Duddy prevails with a unanimous decision.

Duddy always seemed the type of fighter who would never change, he was aggressive and took unnecessary risks. However this win showed he could evolve from a crude banger. His newfound boxing skills and combo punching controlled the fight until late in the 9th where Vanda’s resurgence was too little and too late.


Welterweights: Miguel Cotto (32-1, 26 KOs) vs. Michael Jennings (34-1, 16 KOs), 12 rounds, for a vacant title

This fight marks Cotto’s fourteenth consecutive world title fight and Jennings record would make him seem like an ideal comeback fight. Looks good on paper but still a foregone conclusion. The commentators seem to agree and add, after introducing the judges, “if we need them”.

Jennings starts the bout but circling the ring whilst Cotto looks relaxed and goes to the body. Cotto is stalking Jennings and blocking his punches well. Jennings darts out of trouble and is holding on the inside and his willingness to exchange benefits Cotto who is looking to land hard. By the end of the third Jennings nose is bloodied. The next round sees Cotto rock Jennings with a left hand who is then backed into a corner and pounded onto one knee. Jennings gets up but is not throwing and Cotto chases him round two corners and pummels him before dropping him with a body shot. He is up again and somehow survives as he takes a heaping helping of leather in the last ten seconds of the round. Jennings just looks beat from the start of the fifth and is not exerting anything in the clinches. Cotto is just walking him down as Jennings fails in his attempts to keep distance. Jennings is trapped on the ropes but gets away only to be trapped again where he sent down for a third and final time as the referee waives it off.

Cotto looks impressive in laying waste to undeserving opposition in gaining another world title the mildly respected WBO welterweight crown. A fight with Clottey would be awesome right now, certainly more enterprising and seemingly more valid than directly going into a rematch with Margarito. Whatever happens, Cotto is a delight to watch. He breaks the body superbly before turning out the lights.


Middleweights: Kelly Pavlik (34-1, 30 KOs) vs. Marco Antonio Rubio (43-4-1, 38 KOs), 12 rounds, for Pavlik's title

Held in Pavlik’s hometown of Youngstown Ohio, this bout was apparently sold out in just 15 minutes. After being schooled by Bernard Hopkins in a 170 catch-weight bout it was important for Pavlik to have a strong showing. Rubio is a tough journeyman who poses little threat other than to take a punch.

The bout begins and Pavlik goes to work behind those long, long arms. Rubio is finding it difficult to get inside in the opening round whilst Pavlik manages to push him back into a corner and unload. Late in the round Pavlik plugs Rubio with a right who looks shaky. Pavlik attempts to hunt him down but can’t put him down before the bell. It is evident, even in the second round, that Rubio knows he is over his head. He is absolutely unable to get inside Pavlik’s reach and looks defeated. Pavlik is also a lot stronger and walks him back as he pleases. Rubio finally manages to get off a combination which is stifled by a Pavlik right. Rubio has his best round in the third where he finally looks ready to fight, Pavlik is working behind the one-two and just clubbing him with the two. Rubio slows considerably in rounds four and five and Pavlik is in complete control by this point. You get the feeling that Pavlik is able to end this fight but Rubio’s resilience is strong. By round six Pavlik has no respect for Rubio and is sitting down on his shots suddenly Rubio touches Pavlik with a right hand and manages to flurry before the bell. This flurry would be Rubio’s last stand as he looks tired and everyone is waiting for the axe to fall. Pavlik rocks him with a right but just can’t put him away in the 8th. Round nine is over and Rubio’s corner throw in the towel, which is a relief to everyone.

Whilst not the best showing Pavlik returned to doing what he does best against a game Rubio, which is throw the one-two like his opponent stole something. There was no doubting Rubio’s heart but he was clearly out of his depth and he wouldn’t have lost any credibility in throwing it in a few rounds earlier. That said, Pavlik should have at least dropped him as he was in control the whole distance and could fire at will. Pavlik needs to fight Arthur Abraham in a battle of supremacy at 160.