Overeem wins ugly affair.

Allistar Overeem moved on to the next stage of the Strikeforce grand prix last Saturday night, beating Verbricio Verdum by unanimous decision in an awkward main event. Overeem was trying to avenge a loss to Verdum, in 2006, via Komura in round two. Verdum, on the other hand, was trying to prove to the skeptics that the victory over MMA legend, Fedor Emelinlenko, was due more to his strategy and not just a mental lapse of Fedor. Since Werdum is a jujitsu specialist and Overeem is a powerhouse kick boxer, their game plans were simple: Werdum wanted to take the fight to the ground and Overeem wanted it to be a striking battle.

In the first round, Werdum tried to surprise Overeem by throwing a high kick, but an excited Overeem clinched Werdum and went for his knees. After that brief scuffle, the fight started to deteriorate, Werdum would stand up as if he wanted to engage in battle, but as soon as Overeem would begin to oblige him, Werdum would fall to the ground without even being hit. Then, Overeem would move away, allowing Werdum to stand up and Werdum would motion to Overeem to come to the ground. Baffled by what Werdum was doing, Overeem would throw his hands in the air and look at the crowd.  The crowd, identifying with Overeem’s frustration would respond with a chorus of boos directed at  Werdum.

This continued throughout the fight to the disappointment of the fans, Overeem, and the judges who scored the fight overwhelmingly for him. With the win, Overeem will move on to fight Antonio “Big Foot’ Silva who beat Fedor Emelianenko in dominating fashion. This should be an exciting match up in a tournament that has already had its share of fireworks.

On the undercard Former UFC Heavyweight champion, Josh Barnett, easily defeated Bret Rogers in the second round with an arm triangle choke. Barnett will now move on in the tournament while Rogers suffers his second defeat.

Octagon Note: Alistair Overeem has dropped out of the Strikeforce tournament and Was cut by Strikeforce all together. Look for him to return fighting under the UFC banner.

In addition, Bret Rogers was cut from Strikeforce after second loss.

Sadom Ali passes test.

Newark, NJ- Friday night top welterweight prospect, sadam ali passed the first test of his young career, defeating young, strong, knock-out artist john revish of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In an extremely heated contest with a lot of hard punches being fired, sadam used his stiff jab and boxing ability to keep the athletic but inexperienced ravish at bay. In the eighth and final round, revish connected with a big left hook that staggered the Brooklyn native. That was the test that sadam ali had to pass: how to react to a big punch. Once Ali was staggered, revish moved in for the finish but Ali showed poise and held on, clearing his head and ending the round strong.

Sadam ali has been gaining momentum, in his last three outings with spectatular knockouts and boxing exhibitions. The star can only get brighter for the young man from Brooklyn

_

Top welterweight contender Joel Julio scored a unanimous decision over Anges Adjaho. It was one of Joel’s better performances, keeping adjaho at bay with his jab and power punching. But the explosive power that once bolted Joel to title contention has eluded him and most of his recent bouts have gone the distance. Joel’s next fight will take place July 23^rd against Antoine Smith.  It will be a crossroads fight for both fighters.

Chavez wins 154lb Title.

Los Angeles, CA- The Legend continues! Julio Chavez, Jr. won the first title of his young career, beating Germany’s Sebastian Zbik, in front of a lively crowd at the Staples Center. Many in the boxing world have criticized Chavez heavily, including people from his homeland. When Chavez fought two amateur fights, in Mexico, they where both shown on television and once he turned pro, Chavez was fed a heavy dose of handpicked opponents, being featured on major pay per views. Many fighters, in his community, took this as a slap in the face, believing that his opportunities were the result of his last name and his father’s legacy instead of his personal ability.

After struggling to make weight in one bout and being caught using diuretics to make weight in another, many where questioning his commitment to the sport. Enter Freddie Roach: Chavez knew he needed a change and felt the only trainer to do that was the best trainer, in the business. The relationship was a success Chavez won his next two bouts in impressive fashion.

In this title fight, from the opening bell, Chavez came out and attacked the champion with hard body shots.  Zbik, not having Chavez’ power, decided to throw combination shots. The fight was a back and forth affair with Chavez throwing less but landing with harder shots, while Zbik laid off the power and continued to keep the punch volume high. Chavez outweighed Zbik by twenty pounds and was not concerned with the champion’s power, walking through most of Zbiks shots, even the clean hits.

In the last three rounds, Chavez upped the tempo and started landing hard punches in combination, hurting Zbik. To the delight of the densely populated Chavez supporters at the Staple Center, he was relentless, attacking the body and, then, the head. In the end, the judge’s scorecards read 114-114,117-111.116-112. Chavez’ late surge secured him the victory. Chavez gave respect to Zbik and thanked the crowd and his father for the support. It was a great win for young Chavez.  Now, a big money match up can be made down the road for the newly crowned champion.

- The Boxing King -

Pacquiao Embarrases Mosley!

Las Vegas- “You gotta stop the fight!” “I got a blister on my foot. I can’t move.” Those are the words of Shane Mosley, in his corner Saturday night, at the end of the tenth round against pound for pound King, many Pacquiao. Nazeem Richardson, Mosley’s trainer had to convince his fighter that he was great and able to finish the fight with a knockout. It was quite a shock to see a great fighter like Mosley reduced to such a feeble state but that’s what Pacquiao has been doing, lately, to his last six opponents. The fans are starting to get tired of it.

Throughout the last two rounds, the fans in the MGM Grand screamed for the “Pac Man” to end the match by knockout but Mosley used his jack rabbit defense to run away from Pacquiao and clinch, hold and complain his way to the decision. In the ring, Nazeem Richardson counseled his fighter, explaining to him why he let the fight continue, while Pacquiao walked around the ring with apologetic smiles to the fans for not getting the knock out.

Mosley’s face was covered with visible red bruises. Without question, it was the worst beating he has ever taken. For Pacquiao, this was just another big name on his resume and for Mosley, one last big payday. This fight also had another important factor: future opponents.  Now that Mosley is out the way, there are only two fighters left that really have a chance to beat Pacquiao: Marquez and Mayweather. Marquez fought Pacquiao in two close fights that ended in a draw and a split decision victory for Pacquiao.  Both could have gone either way. Mayweather beat Marquez in an one-sided affair.  Many people thought the fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao would happen, after that but neither camp was able to negotiate a deal.

The boos that were raining down on Mosley and Pacquiao indicate that if Pacquiao chooses any other fighter beside the two the fans want to see the public will be in an uproar. So fans, hold tight because Marquez or Mayweather will be the pac-man’s next opponent. If not, it will be another blow to the sport and the fans, so let’s hope that the powers that be are listening.

Jabs- Team Pacquiao listened to the boos and have signed to fight Marquez in a November.

- The Boxing King - 

Guida upsets Pettis!

Las Vegas- Anthony “Showtime” Pettis has been riding the celebrity train the last six months, leading up to his UFC debut against Clay “The Carpenter” Guida. In December of 2010, Anthony Pettis cemented himself in the MMA highlight reel hall of fame, when a flying spin kick off the cage landed right on the chin of his opponent. This move seemingly straight out of the movie The Matrix made Anthony pettis a instant star, appearing on ESPN’s first take and sports publications through out the state.

Fans and experts alike were already talking about Pettis as a favorite against the winner of ray Maynard and Light Weight champion Frankie Edgar, later in the year. Some fans, coming into tonight’s fight, where anxious to see what acrobatic finish Pettis would perform on Guida, whose aggressive style seemed tailor made for Pettis.

Guida kept Pettis on the ground the Majority of the fight

Those fifteen minutes were nothing of the sort as clay Guida manhandled Anthony Pettis on route to a unanimous decision. Anthony came out strong, trying to finish Guida, quickly, but as soon as Anthony was in range, Guida would shoot and take Pettis to the ground. Once on the ground, Guida would proceed to use short sharp elbows in close.  Pettis would try for submission attempts, but Guida managed to escape each one.

In the final minutes of the fight, Pettis secured a rear naked choke but once again could not finish The Carpenter. The fans at the Palm Casino were in shock, many expecting to see the new breed of MMA fighter. But what we saw Saturday night was the essence of  MMA; no matter how good you are on your feet, if you can’t get off the ground, it means nothing.

For Guida, he is, once again, in line for a title shot but with the lightweight division being as stacked as it is, who knows when that shot will come. As for Pettis, he is still an exceptional talent and will have another opportunity to highlight his skills, but he must understand that from this point forward, fighters will look to take him to the ground as soon as the bell rings.  We will see what happens next time for Pettis but the night belonged to The Carpenter.

Jones vs Jackson Who You Picking?

Las Vegas - rampage Jackson beat Matt Hamill Saturday night in a lackluster but dominate performance. Rampage recorded his 32^nd win, his 40^th fight overall, earning him, once again, a shot at the light heavyweight championship of the world. Rampage has been one of the most well known and well liked personalities to come from MMA. With his outlandish comments and traditional leg humping of lady reporters, Jackson has used his charisma and fighting background to catapult him into the big budget action blockbuster The A-Team.

Despite all that he has accomplished, his next fight is without question the biggest test of his career: superstar Light Heavyweight champion, Jon Jones. Rampage Jackson is a superstar and deservingly so but combat sports are about titles and Jackson needs to fight and win the title. Against Jones, rampage will be facing something he hasn’t faced in his entire career - a fighter that is a duel threat. Rampage has been successful in the MMA with his striking, using his wrestling base to keep wrestlers from taking them down and then, using is wild hooks to knock out the majority of MMA fighters that have little or no stand up at all.

Jon Jones, on the other hand, has a great ground game and an extremely versatile striking approach that is probably the best in MMA history. This match up will be interesting to see if rampage’s wild swinging style can compete with the versatility of Jones. If Rampage can defeat Jones, it will vault him to the top of the pound for pound rankings.  For Jon it will be another confirmation that he is the future of the MMA and rampage and the rest of the 205-pound division are outdated versions of a sport that has evolved into a new breed of fighter.

Tune in September 24^th to see history in the making at UFC 135

- The Boxing King - 

Froch Advances to the next round.

Atlantic City, NJ- WBC super middleweight champion, Carl Froch successfully defended his title Saturday against rugged veteran, Glen “the Road Warrior” Johnson. With the win, Froch now moves to the tournament finals against 2004 Olympic gold medalist, Andre ward from Oakland California. Despite the win, Froch had a difficult time with the Road Warrior, who’s pressure style kept Froch on his toes.

Froch had to move constantly, throwing combinations, but most of the punches landed on Johnson gloves.  Johnson would occasionally answer back with hard right hand leads that knocked the sweat off Froch’s head. Once Froch started to use the jab more frequently, the fight turned to his favor and the combinations began to land in succession.

Johnson, with both eyes starting to swell, started to work on the body of Froch to try to slow the champ down, but by this point, in the fight, a lot of Johnson’s steam had started to dissipate.  It was evident, when Froch landed a hard right hand to the chin of Johnson that whipsawed his head and a giant smile came over the brits face, that the tide had turned. This was the end, for Johnson, as Froch swept the last three rounds and won the fight, comfortably, on this reporter’s scorecard.  Despite Judge Nobuaki Uratan, who had the fight even, some officials actually score in favor of the fighter who comes forward, but this was clearly Carl’s fight.

It was a great victory for Froch, but the celebration will have to wait, as he, now, prepares for the biggest test of his career, against the super talented, Andre Ward.  Ward, most likely, will be the favorite, in the fight, but Froch as showed throughout his career that he is a winner and it won’t be easy for any fighter (whether young and/or talented) to take the title away from the determined Brit.

- The Boxing King -

Dos Santos Destroys Carwin!

Vancouver, Can.- Junior dos Santos and Shane Carwin entered the octagon at the Rogers center to determine who would be the number one contender for Cain Velázquez’ UFC heavyweight title. What transpired, over the next fifteen minutes, was one of the biggest one-sided thrashings between two top contenders, in the history of the UFC heavyweight division. From the opening bell, dos Santos showed better boxing, footwork, and a bigger arsenal of punches, hurting Carwin early and often.

Dos Santos dropped Carwin near the cage and started to unload on him with clubbing right hands, while Carwin covered up ala Brock Lesnar.  Still dos Santos did the one thing that Carwin did not do when he had the title in his grasp, he let Shane up.  Carwin’s face was painted with blood as he looked up in disbelief that dos Santos was letting him up. Once back to his feet, dos Santos put on a boxing clinic, sticking the jab in the determined but tired Carwin’s face. Mixing in a few take downs, in the next two rounds, to put a stamp on the clear victory, dos Santos proved, once again, that being able to bench four hundred pounds means nothing, if your fist can’t find the target.

Cain Velazquez Heavyweight Champion

Dos Santos’ next fight will be against Cain Velázquez, the undisputed Heavyweight Champion. He is already the favorite. As for Shane Carwin, he will have to decide which style of fighter he’s going to be: a slow clubber (who will have trouble with any fighter with good hands that is faster then he) or (back to roots and God given talent) a wrestler who grounds and pounds his opponents into submission.

We will see how this all falls into place, but whatever happens, one thing is for certain, with the acquisition of strike force’s heavyweights, the division is alive once again.

- The Boxing King -

When Will It End?

Moscow, Russia- Saturday night former pound for pound king and multi title champion Roy Jones Jr. was knocked out in horrific fashion by Denise Lebedev. This was Jones third consecutive loss and his second by devastating knock out. Through out the 90’s into early 2003 Roy Jones simply dominated with no peer his extremely gifted athleticism and cat like reflexes allowed him to break all the rules in boxing to create his own unique style and world within the sport he was a rapper an actor and basketball player.

However, in the last seven years Jones has become one of the saddest stories in the sport next to Evander Holyfield’s dubious quest to once again become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. Roy is 5-7 in his last twelve fights four of those losses have come by brutal knockouts. People from outside the world of boxing are shocked when they find out Roy is still fighting and those in the boxing circle are asking, “When will it end?”

Roy was welcomed to Moscow with open arms as all legends in American sports, foreign countries still hold are athletes in high regard. At the press conference, Roy was greeted by fellow legend and trainer of Denis Lebebev Kostya Tyszu with a hug and a bow. Roy promised the Moscow crowd that he would put on a show and he did not disappoint. Jones surprised the many American critics and writers as well as me who thought he would not make it out of the first round but Denis showed him a little bit of respect and decided to carefully break down the shopworn fighter.

Roy showed glimpse of his former self landing crisp right hand leads and dancing to the delight of the 25,000 in attendance even stunning the young fighter in round four. Thirty seconds left in round ten Jones backed into the ropes and Lebebev landed three solid left hands Jones bent over and covered up as if to say no more and the referee Steve Smoger being a veteran referee but known for letting fights go on longer then they should allowed Lebebev to land one more big solid left hand while Roy was defenseless. Roy fell to the canvas in the preverbal heap and it was over.

Doctors and Jones team rushed in to the fallen warrior who lay on the canvas squinting in pain. Lebebev mimicking Roy Jones in his fight with Vinny Pazienza walked around the ring arms out shrugging his shoulders as if to say I did not want to do it but the ref did not stop it.

Once Roy was on his feet he did not open, his eyes he kept them closed for at least five minuets while doctors put smelling salt under his nose trying to still revive him. What was sad and ironic about witnessing that scene was Roy’s good friend Gerald Mcclellan laid on the canvas with his eyes closed in pain Fortunate for Jones he got up for Gerald however he has the mind of a three year old is and is completely blind.

Roy Jones has stated he would never end up the stereotypical story of the fighter that does not really know when to call it quits. However, here we are Jones being interviewed in the center of the ring telling everyone in attendance that he may be back in the ring, WHAT!

This has become the never-ending story in boxing and it seems that it will never change no matter how much money a fighter makes they have been programmed from a very young age to be fighters. Once something is instilled in you over that period instincts take over, you feel that is all you have, and I believe if other athletes could do it they would continue in their perspective fields as well.

Alton Merkerson trainer of Jones should tell his friend enough is enough its time to hang up the gloves and bow out gracefully Roy showed once again in this fight without his athletic gifts and tremendous reflexes he has nothing else in his toolbox to call upon. He was so gifted that he never kept his fundamentals strong such as his jab and defense those two basic skills could have preserved Roy Jones and beat some of the opponents that embarrassed him over the years (Antonio Tarver, Glen Johnson, and Danny Green)

As of right now Jones is getting fights on his name alone and his status will see Roy Jones in the ring again? Only time will tell. Like most fighters, Jones and his team will try to see all the positives in the fight that fact he made it ten rounds with a young strong fighter and the fact he stunned Denise on two occasions in the fight. Nevertheless, if I were Alton Merkerson I would do an intervention and put the DVD of Gerald Mccellen in the player and when thinks he getting to watch his past performance he will see his possible future and realize that this is the end.

- The Boxing King -

The old is now the new B - Hop Does it again.

Montreal, Canada- IT HAPPENPED! IT HAPPENED! Philadelphia born Bernard Hopkins made boxing history Saturday night beating Canada’s own Jean Pascal to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion once again becoming the oldest fighter ever to win a world title. It was major accomplishment in a career of major accomplishments. Ever since 1999 when Bernard Hopkins finally fought his way into big exposure after beating Antwun Echols he fought as if he knew that if he made one mistake on his way to the defining fights that the powers in boxing would never let him have another chance again.

It’s that kind of paranoia that has kept Bernard Hopkins at the top of his game. His strict discipline and attention to every detail has allowed him to beat younger stronger fighters.

It was no different Saturday night in Canada in their first match up Pascal came out strong knocking Hopkins down twice in the first three rounds but from round five to the end of the fight Hopkins seem to control the fight and take the decision but when the  scores were read the fight was declared a draw.

For Bernard Hopkins the first round Saturday night was round thirteen, Bernard came out and allowed Pascal to miss over the top with wide looping shots that a veteran like Bernard could see coming. Hopkins would counter with straight right hands but Pascal being such a gifted athlete was able to recover from throwing such shots and be back in position to exchange with Hopkins.

So the first four rounds were scratch and sniff affairs with very few punches landing. In round five Hopkins started picking up the pace on the younger fighter and started landing laser straight rights and short clubbing hooks on the side of the jean Pascal head buckling his knees. At the start of round, six sensing his younger might be tiring Bernard started to do push-ups in the center of the ring to the delight of the referee and the seventeen thousand in attendance.

That symbolized the beginning of the end for Pascal as he continued  to fade Bernard piled up the points and going into the final round Pascal’s only chance to win was with a knock out. In addition, with two minutes in the fight Pascal landed a huge right hand that hurt Hopkins and had him in serious trouble but being a veteran Hopkins acted as if he recovered from the shot and Pascal did not take advantage of an opportunity to knock b-hop out.

The bell rung and both fighters raised their hand in victory but this was b-hops night and to add insult to injury the crowd chanted b-hop as they waited for the verdict. In a unanimous decision Hopkins was once again champion.

This was a tremendous accomplishment for Hopkins and a tremendous blow to this generation of pugilist. Three of our top young fighters that Bernard has fought in the last eight years (Jermaine Taylor, Kevin Kelly, And Jean Pascal) have been exposed by Hopkins basic techniques that all fighters should have (fundamentals) and each of theses fighters have not been the same since fighting Hopkins (Pascal to be determined). However, what this generation has to go back to is the true art of boxing which is the jab, straight punches and defense. What we have now are great athletic specimens using their natural ability to box which makes the fighter look more stylish but lacking true substance, which will limit the longevity of the fighter and hurt the entire sport.

So to all future fighters coming up into the sport never forget the fundamentals’ for they will one day be your savior when you face that suppose ably great quick athlete.

- The Boxing King -  

Teon Kennedy wins brawl on the boardwalk.

Atlantic City, NJ- On the undercard of the Yuirokis Gamboa vs. Jorge Solis match, undefeated Super Bantamweight prospect Teon Kennedy from Philadelphia, PA defeated unbeaten prospect Jorge Diaz from Jersey City, NJ, in a very entertaining twelve round affair. Diaz came out very aggressively, putting the pressure on Teon, early.  Kennedy used slick boxing skills to move and give angles, but was stunned, early, by a Diaz left. Still, Teon kept his composure and got out of the round.

Teon Kennedy used the bull vs. the matador approach, in the first half of the fight, letting Diaz come to him, aggressively, then using swift counterpunching to drop Diaz, in the third and sixth rounds. The fight changed, after Kennedy could not keep Diaz off him, in the second half of the fight. Teon decided to stand and go toe to toe with Diaz, fighting the brawler’s fight.

In some of the best exchanges of the year, Teon Kennedy came out the victor, winning on all three judges scorecards 115-111,119-109 and 117-109. Even though, Teon Kennedy won the fight and pleased the crowd with his performance, there was an underlying sign, in this fight. The sign is that Teon fights with his heart, not his skills, and that could be the downfall of his career.

Like most fighters from Philadelphia, there is a fighter’s instinct that is bred inside from the many wars that take place, in the gyms, as well as the streets. Like all boxing fans, I like a good fight, but boxing is an art, a sweet science, and the beauty of boxing is watching a man use his skill to out smart the lesser skilled opponent. Not watching the skilled fighter lose a fight to a fighter who is not on his level.

When Teon Kennedy gets the big fights against top-level competition and that competition is able to force him into a fight, then you will see great toe-to-toe action that is truly genuine. Teon Kennedy has to keep his heart out of the fight or he will find himself no longer an undefeated prospect, but a story of what could have been .

- The Boxing King -

Maidana edges Morales.

Las Vegas, Nevada-- Erik Morales turned back the clock, in the MGM Grand arena, going the distance, in a competitive twelve round affair against the hard punching Marcos Maidana. Despite the loosing effort, Morales shocked Maidana and the ten thousand in attendance, who believed he was going to be brutally knocked out. Morales were able to land a series of combinations and right hand leads, wobbling the argentine slugger. Madaina managed to shut the right eye of Morales, in the first round, and stun Morales throughout the fight, but just could not seem to get the veteran in the kind of trouble he had the younger, stronger Amir Khan.

Morales demanded a rematch and Maidana agreed, but for this boxing writer, one time is enough. Morales gave a great effort and looked sharp, but this was a case of Maidana fighting down to the level of his competition. As in his fight with Demarcus, Corley Maidana looked flat, in some rounds, and very aggressive, in others. 

When fighting Amir Khan, Maidana put the pressure on Khan for twelve rounds, never taking a step back, even after being knocked down. If Maidana felt the fight would have put him in position to move higher in the welterweight division, there would have been a different attitude in Maidana that night.

A rematch could happen.  It would be a good payday for Morales and Maidana, but for the young contender, this will only delay his chance to get back in the ring with the top fighters, in his division. With fighters like Marquez and the newly crowned IBF Champion, Zab Judah, looking for opponents to dance with, Maidana has some options, before he jumps to an immediate rematch with Morales.

In the end, Morales was a great champion and thrilled us with many memorable fights.  In all honesty, a farewell fight, in his native Tijuana, will be his best option to go out with a victory. To try to beat one of the top fighters, in his division, does not appear to be a real goal, but we all know, in boxing, fighters usually do not live in reality.

-The Boxing King -

Boxing Shorts

Former Junior Welterweight Champion and, now, Welterweight Contender, Paulie Malignaggi, scored his second victory at Welterweight, beating Jose Cotto (brother of Miguel Cotto) over twelve easy rounds. In one of  Malignaggi’s more aggressive performances, Paulie used a stiff jab and combination punching, dominating the limited Cotto.  

In a shocking and still unbelievable upset, unknown Japanese fighter, Nobuhiro Ishida, knocked out, former top prospect, James Kirkland, in the first round. Kirkland came out with his trademark pressure style and walked right into Ishida’s left hand, dropping him. Kirkland got back to his feet and was dropped, again, by another Ishida left.  Finally, the fight was called to a halt, when Kirkland went down a third time on a straight right.   

Adamek Whips McBride.

Newark, NJ-  Former Cruiserweight Champion and Top Heavyweight contender, Tomasz  Adamek, easily beat up fluke Heavyweight contender (and last person to fight Mike Tyson), Kevin McBride, over 12 very lopsided rounds. More than ten thousand, cheering Ademek fans filled the Prudential Center to watch their friend fight the 6’6, 282 lb., McBride. Adamek used a different style, in this bout, rather than the aggressive, bull style fans are used to seeing from Him.

Adamek used a relaxed style, allowing the bigger man to come to him, while he countered with hooks and straight right hands.  He even stunned the bigger McBride, on occasion. It was another good win for Adamek, but this fight was just a measuring stick for the bigger fight that has now arrived.

Tomasz Adamek will take on Vitali Klitschko for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world, in his home country of Warsaw, Poland. This will be one of the bigger heavyweight matchups, in the last five years, in a heavyweight division that is lacking real competition. Adamek has a solid amateur background and good overall skills. The only man to beat him was Chad Dawson in a very entertaining bout, in 2007.

Adamek has been impressive, over the past four years, beating solid competition, Chris Arreola , Steve Cunningham, and Andre Golota, but this fight with Vitali, seems like a match up that is not going to be in Tomasz' favor. Unlike tall lumberjacks, like Michael grant and Kevin McBride, Vitali Klitschko is probably one of the most elusive big men, in the last twenty years, with his long reach, great footwork and spearing jab. No fighter has been able to put a dent in his armor, since his epic contest with then undisputed champion and now retired, Lennox Lewis.

Vitali Klitschko WBC Heavyweight Champion

This fight is shaping up to be a one-sided affair, once again, with the crowd waiting to see what his brother Wladimir Klitschko will do with the only other top heavyweight contender left, David Haye. If the Klitschko brothers are successful, there seems to be no immediate threat to their throne. In addition, since the brothers vow never to fight each other, it looks like it could be a long reign of two brothers from the former Soviet Union holding the American title.  Now, how exiting is that?

- The Boxing King -

Shields Down Bring On Nick Diaz!

Toronto Canada- George Saint Pierre gave another dominating performance, last night, beating Welterweight, number one contender, Jake Shields, over five unimpressive rounds to retain his Welterweight title. Leading up to the event, UFC president, Dana White, tried his best to exaggerate the fight and convince the people that Jake Shields was a legitimate contender and deserving of the title shot. However, he could not sway the fans and the experts, because the champion was a heavy favorite coming into the fight. Shields, an excellent jiu jitsu fighter, could not establish any kind of serious attack, once he was unable to get GSP to the ground. GSP manhandled Shields, throwing him to the ground at will and knocking him down with jabs. If it were not for a serious poke in the eye that affected GSP throughout the fight, Shields would not have made it the distance. The crowd booed throughout the fight, but cheered their compatriots, when the fight's decision was announced.  GSP showed, once again, why he is the number one Welterweight, in the world or is he?

 

At cage side, there was another Welterweight watching the fight, Strike force, Welterweight Champion and friend of Jake Shields, Nick Diaz. The casual fan believes Saint Pierre is the number two, pound for pound fighter, in the world, but for this writer,  they’re are two number one welterweights and the fight that really matters, in the division, is GSP vs. Nick Diaz. If you look at the division, as a whole, Diaz and Saint Pierre are the two most complete fighters. Both fighters have great ground and good stand up.

Strike Force Champion  Nick Diaz

If you match the two fighters up, the edge goes to Nick Diaz. He has better ground game and, without question, has better stand up, working with excellent boxers like Andre Ward and Luisito Espinosa. The only strength that GSP could utilize is the wrestling. In the past, Diaz has been vulnerable to fighters who smother his shots, on the ground, and bear hug their way to a decision. Whatever may happen between these two fighters remains to be seen? Nick Diaz has a fight with former boxing champion, Jeff Lacy that could hurt things, in the immediate future, because Diaz has the potential to get seriously hurt. Just as the MMA says boxers, underestimate their skills.  The MMA is, also, accused of denying the skills and knock out power of a boxer. GSP really does not have many options outside of Jon Fitch or a mega fight (but horrible match up) with Anderson Silva.  Therefore, there are still some obstacles, in the way, but the winner of GSP vs. Nick Diaz will determine who the best welterweight in the MMA is.

- The Boxing King -

Victor Wins In Major Upset!

Foxwoods, Conn.- On June 27, 2009, Victor Ortiz gave up his right to call himself a real fighter.  He just quit, after being knocked down by Marcos Maidana, in the sixth round. At the post fight interview, Victor said that he was too young to be getting beat up and believed that he should choose another career path. He committed the cardinal sin, in boxing, which is to be able to dish out the punishment but not take it. So many people thought, coming into tonight’s fight between undefeated, Welterweight Champion, Andre Berto, and Victor Ortiz, the man who refused to take a beating just two years ago, that Berto’s victory was guaranteed;  this was bound to be a one-sided massacre. Pound for Pound King, Floyd Mayweather, would be watching along with friend and business partner, 50 Cent, scouting Berto to set up a mega fight in the fall and Golden Boy would get one more payday out of Ortiz, then phase him out of the picture like they did Francisco Badjo.  In fact, Badjo had a similar style to Ortiz and like Ortiz was labeled talented but without the heart to become a champion.

Within two minutes of the first round, Ortiz dispelled that theory, stunning Berto and then knocking him down. Ultimately, it was the former quitter with no heart who won a unanimous decision and pulled off the biggest upset of the year. Berto was such a heavy favorite coming into this fight because many experts felt that since Berto was the bigger man and Ortiz had to move up to the Welterweight limit (after spending his entire career at the Junior Welterweight division), Ortiz would just get overwhelmed by the bigger Berto.  Not so.

To everyone’s surprise, once the two combatants where in the ring, Ortiz was bigger and more muscular than the very muscular Berto.  It was at that moment that I knew Berto might be in trouble and I was right. After a disastrous round one, Berto regrouped in round two, stayed in the center of the ring, and put Ortiz down with a perfect straight right hand to the chin, evening up the fight. However, just as in round one Ortiz took over and pummeled Berto against the ropes in rounds three, four, and five.

Then came round six…  Berto came out determined to keep the fight in the center of the ring, using his jab and staying away from the ropes. With a minute left in the round, Berto used Ortiz’s aggression against him and landed a perfect, overhand right that floored him. Ortiz got back to his feet, but was visibly dazed from the shot. Berto, sensing an opportunity, came in for the kill, throwing everything he had in his arsenal, trying to finish a fight that was not going his way.  This time, however, Ortiz did not quit he stood his ground.  With seven seconds left in the round, Ortiz hit Berto with two consecutive left hooks, folding Berto back and putting him on the canvas. The crowd at the Foxwoods Casino, in Connecticut, was in shock as well as entertained as the two young warriors laid everything on the line.

Unfortunately, for the Champion, those were the last heroics we would see from him as Ortiz took over the fight for good.  Even though there were some rounds that had exchanges, we saw Berto, once again, lying against the ropes, taking a beating, and watching his “big money fight” as well as his championship slip out of his grasp.

Once the decision was announced, the crowd stood around in disbelief, trying to put together what they had just witnessed. What many thought was going to be a funeral for Ortiz turned into a resurrection of his career not to mention his reputation.  Now, Ortiz has the Welterweight Championship and possible big fights with Mayweather and Pacquiao. As for Berto, now, his road is uncertain. I’m sure his management team will campaign for a rematch but with the way the Berto team and HBO disrespected Ortiz by not even bringing a belt for him to take home, I am sure Ortiz will go for the money fights, if he can land one. That way he will let Berto take a much less spotlighted bout with a less than stellar opponent.

This should be a valuable lesson for both fighters. Berto will learn that “skills pay the bills”, as he stated before the fight, but his heart got in the way and he failed to be able to go toe to toe with a more natural brawler. Ortiz will learn that his career is in his own hands and only he knows, in his heart, what lies within him when he refuses to quit, because he has already achieved a feat that still causes some to shake their heads in disbelief. We will see both men, again, but for now, Ortiz deserves whatever benefits come from this spectacular accomplishment.

- The Boxing King-

Boxing Fan's Held Hostage

Riverside NJ- - Well folks, boxing has done it again. They just can't seem to help themselves, can they? We have a great night of boxing in store for all fans, probably one of the best cards of the year. Fans will see the legend, Erik Morales, fighting Marcos Maidana. Then, we have Robert Guerrero taking on Michael Katsidis, in a possible fight of the year match up. The Heavyweights are also dancing tonight, as Tomasz Ademak will try to cut down the 6’6 Kevin McBride, the last man to beat Mike Tyson and end his career. Then, to top the night off, we have Paulie Malignaggi, James Kirkland, and the young and talented Sadam Ali. All and all, a terrific night of boxing, but, in boxing, its never that simple. Is it?

Tomasz Adamek 43-1-28ko's

The fights will be pay per view. Now, you may say to yourself, " this card is worthy of pay per view", but here’s the surprise: these fights will be on separate pay per view networks and in different locations. Therefore, if you want to enjoy all these fights, you are going to have to buy both pay per views. Once again, the powers that be show the fans how much they don't really care about them.

Since the invention of the pay model, boxing promoters and networks have became supremely greedy and decided to make every fight pay per view. An inordinate amount of pay fights holds the fans hostage, making them choose between buying, waiting for next week's replay, or hoping someone puts the fight on YouTube. You wonder why MMA is dominating boxing right now? It's not because the sport is better, but the people that run boxing are not giving fans a chance to grow with the younger fighters.

Even though the cards are good, neither one of the cards are worthy of pay per view. Each main event, Adamak vs. McBride and Morales vs. Maidana, is merely a tune up fight for Maidana and for Adamak.

Sadam Ali 11-0-6ko's

Another major factor is what the fighters are paid; many fighters are getting paid championship salaries without ever fighting championship level competition. When this happens, this hurts the fighter's drive and ambition. Fighters started fighting two times a year rather then the traditional three or four times a year because there was no need to be active, if they were being paid millions, for one fight. 

  

If boxing wants to survive the next generation, the powers that be have to get back to their roots. The promoters and the networks have to get back to great fights on free TV or, at least, cable.  Boxing is still one of the greatest sports with the most intense competition. Boxers are unequivocally some of the best athletes, in the world. They're just not getting the exposure that they should get and that is hurting boxing, too.

For now, hardcore boxing fans, enjoy tonight’s fights. They are going to be very exciting. For any non-boxing fan reading this, I hope you get a chance to experience what the fighters, in boxing, bring to the table. Let's just wait and see if people are talking about the action on Sunday. If not, then you, now, know why.

  

-The Boxing King-

Gamboa Lights Up The Boardwalk

Gamboa Lights Up The Boardwalk

Atlantic City, NJ- Yuriokis Gamboa came to the Boardwalk Hall, in Atlantic City, NJ on a mission and that mission was simple: seek and destroy. Gamboa scored a one-sided TKO against Jorge Solis, knocking down the durable mexican five times in four rounds; Solis was knocked down twice in round two, once in round three, and twice again in round four, prompting the referee to stop the fight. This was Gamboa's twentieth victory and his sixteenth knock out, making him the number one featherweight, in the division, in the eyes of most boxing experts.

Yuriokis displayed a combination of speed, footwork and power that hasn't been seen, in the boxing world, since the great Roy Jones Jr. Every punch that caused a knock down landed with a resounding thud that erupted the crowd. Gamboa darted in and out on his opponent like a coiled cobra, striking at will and evading his opponent, without being touched by a single blow.   

Despite his great performance and the praise he is getting from inside the boxing fraternity, the Cuban sensation, from Quantanamo, has not been able to break into the spotlight that he so desperately craves. The reason is that there has only been one great Cuban fighter, in the last twenty years (Joel Casamayor) and the fact that nobody wants to fight Gamboa.  Its going to be hard for him to achieve that feat.


If Yuriokis can keep winning with these impressive performances, the public will eventually demand that the other featherweights, in his division, fight him. After his win, the other top fighter in his division, Juan Manuel Lopez, came into the ring and agreed to fight him, next. Top Rank promotes both men and with Lopez being such a hot ticket seller, right now; I can't see that match up happening, in the near future.

Until then, Yuriokis Gamboa will probably be the most avoided boxer since Winky Wright. It's not good for him or for boxing, hopefully fighters will be lured into his range. So the Quantonamo cyclone can strike again.

-The Boxing King-

Judah survives with 7th Round TKO!

Judah Survives With 7th Round TKO!

 

Newark, N.J. - Zab Judah's career has been a career of difficulties, success and shame. But on a cold night at the Prudential Center, in Newark, N.J., Zab Judah became champion once again, scoring a 7th round TKO over Kaizer Mabuza.  Zab Judah won the IBF junior welterweight championship: a title he won more then ten years ago. With the title, Judah, now, has a bargaining chip that can get him in line for a big payday with the elite in the junior welterweight division, but this might be the only thing he receives from this victory. Judah’s performance, in the first six rounds, was very ineffective.  Just as in the Matthysse fight, Judah stayed in a tight shell and threw very little punches. With his lack of meaningful punches, Mabuza was able to be so aggressive that in round four, he knocked Judah down with a grazing right hand. Judah protests the knock down but he only has himself to blame.  Because of the constant back peddling, he found himself off balance and open for the shot. In round six, before the knock out, a straight right hand tagged Judah that buckled his knees. If it was not for Maduza’s tendency to fade in the late rounds and walk into that trademark Judah left cross, Judah might have lost his last chance to be on the big stage.  Nevertheless, like they say, “A win’s, a win, in boxing” and Judah is winning.  Still, if he has any prospect of winning against the elite, he’s got to go back to the Judah of old and throw more punches. Judah might not be able to accomplish that feat being 33 and if he can’t, he has to figure out a way to keep fighters off him and not just let them dictate the entire fight. After watching Judah’s last three performances, if he's not going to throw more meaningful punches, he has to throw a lot more effective jabs (not pawing jabs but jabs that hurt his opponent and keep them at bay). If he throws the jab with more authority, his two signature punches, the straight left and the left uppercut, would land much more, instead of just waiting for his opponent to make a mistake and leave an opening. What happens next in Zab Judah’s career remains to be seen, but if he intends to reach the top of the division that he once was the star of, he has to put more hurt on his opponents.  If  not, he'll just be another one of those old fighters, who strings off some wins against creditable opponents, but then gets embarrassed on the big stage, against a younger, stronger, and more active fighter. -The Boxing King-

A New Era In MMA!

A New Era In MMA!

 

Newark, NJ-- With a performance of the ages, 23 year old Jon Jones dominated, dismantled and easily finished MMA legend Mauricio Shogun Rua to become the new light heavyweight champion the youngest ever to accomplish this feat. However, this victory was more then just the crowning of new, young champion. What fans witnessed last night was a new breed of MMA. Throughout the history of the MMA, people have said: “These guys cannot fight, they’re nothing but street fighters and they are not real  athletes…”

Nevertheless, what Jones displayed was pure, fluid technique and athletic quickness like nothing ever seen, in the octagon. Jon Jones was able to hit Shogun at will, with flying kicks, spinning elbows, and front kicks to the face, embarrassing the former champion. This performance was so dominating that people are already talking Anderson Silva vs. Jon Jones, but believe me when I say, Anderson Silva is not talking Jon Jones.

What makes Jon Jones different from any MMA fighter before him is how natural his striking is. One weakness in the MMA is that the fighters only look good, when they can get a hold of their opponent. When fighters in the MMA have to stand, they tend to fling punches, they lead in with their chins, they have no timing and (since they are not used to being hit on a regular basis, in training) they have no chins. However, with Jon Jones we have a fighter who fights with muscle memory; almost every move he makes, he does not think, he just reacts. That is what separates him from other mixed martial artist: his attack is always measured, which makes him a more dangerous fighter.

After a performance such as this, you wonder who can beat a fighter with the qualities of Jon Jones. There are some good fighters in the light heavyweight division: you have Rashod Evans, his former training partner and next opponent and. You also have Rampage Jackson, Lyoto Machida, and Antonio Nogueira: all good fighters in their own right. Just looking at them, overall, there is not one, in this group, that can beat Jon Jones; they are just not on his level as far as reaction time and reflexes are concerned.  Jones is just one-step ahead of them.

Jon Jones’ future is in his own hands. Just like a young Mike Tyson, before him, who was the youngest heavyweight boxer to win the title, only he will determine how long his reign will last. Rest assured, you can expect many more outstanding performances from Mr. Jones.  Many fighters, in the UFC, will avoid him; it is just a risk not worth taking at this point for any fighter from 185 to 205. Can anyone say Jon Jones vs. Cain Velázquez? I can.

-The Boxing King-

Clash Of The Titans

Muhammad Ali vs. Mike Tyson: Who Wins?

I know this question has been asked and answered a billion times before, but this time the answer will be given by the “Boxing King” himself.  Now, I searched the web and read articles from all the different boxing websites whether it be Sherdog, ESPN or the Holy Ring Magazine but not one has broken down the match-up the way it will be broken down tonight.
Anytime you compare two fighters from different eras, you always have to determine the years when they were in their primes. When a fighter is in his prime it means he is at the height of his skills and abilities.  Muhammad Ali’s prime was, without question, the years from 1963 to 1967. I know that he was unfairly banned from boxing for three years but let’s not forget Mike Tyson was wrongfully imprisoned for three years of his career, as well. So let’s just stick to what they did in the ring and in training. Now from 1963 to 1967 Muhammad Ali was an absolute phenom.  Like Roy Jones after him, he was so gifted, athletically, that he was able to defy the laws of boxing. With his graceful footwork, agility and fast hands, fighters of that time were just not used to that style of fighting and were easily discouraged (i.e. Sonny Liston, Floyd Patterson, and Ernie Terrell).
Mike Tyson was a trailblazer who’s prime started very early, the first three years of his career to be exact.  From the time he turned pro in 1985 to 1988, Tyson was matched up against boxers, punchers, and fighters with twenty to thirty pound advantages, that fought well going back and was exposed to all different styles. With his fast hands and uncanny punching power, Tyson was able to win a title at the age of twenty.

Strengths, Weaknesses, and Habits

Strengths

When we talk Ali and what he does best, there are many talents, great footwork and combination punching among them. But his greatest asset was his mental gamesmanship; Ali was able to defeat a majority of his opponents before they even stepped into the ring. Whether it was his attack on his opponent’s manhood, their religion, or the occasional invading of the training camp, this part of his arsenal is what gave him the victory over opponents, who actually had the advantage over him in the ring.
I know what you are thinking: OK Mike’s strength is his punching power, everybody knows that Boxing King. SORRY WRONG ANSWER!!! Tyson speed and power helped him to reach the top of the game, but without question, his greatest strength was his aura of invincibility. Mike Tyson became a myth, in the heavyweight division, like a boogie man that was waiting in the ring to decapitate you. Most opponents were beat before they got in the ring not because they were mentally beat but because they were scared out of their minds. The fear factor is without a doubt the greatest strength in combat sports; if you can make a man fear you, than that is ultimate power.

Weaknesses and Habits   

For every strength, there is a weakness, so even these boxing icons, in their prime, had weaknesses as well as “habits”.  Now you may be asking yourself what is a habit in boxing? A habit in boxing is a fault in a fighter’s game that never got corrected or things they can not seem to help themselves from doing. In training them, they seem to get it right but when the fight starts they seem to forget it. A weakness in boxing is some skill or ability that a fighter lacks.
Now, old school boxing fans, I know that Mr. Ali is a god amongst men but I hate to burst everyone’s bubble, Ali did have flaws and, no, not just the pulling back of his head.

1. No fundamental defense. Ali relied a lot on his dexterity to move away from shots but he was caught clean with big shots, in his prime.

a. Open for left hooks. One punch that Ali could never get away from was the left hook. Henry Cooper floored him with a left hook that almost knocked him out.

2. Lack of body punching. Ali never threw body punches and that why some of his opponents where dangerous as long as the fight went on.

Last but not least, a habit that Ali possessed was his tendency to throw too many punches while laying against the ropes.
Mike Tyson's weaknesses are not the ones you've read throughout the years: you know he never fought top competition, he never really had heart, he never was that great. And probably the funniest criticism of them all was the belief that he didn’t have a good chin. LOL!!! The so called boxing analyst that wrote these conclusions didn’t really believe them. A majority of them just didn’t like Mike Tyson. Although none of the above statements are true, he did have weaknesses and habits.

1. Inability to fight while moving backwards. One thing Mike Tyson could not do was fight going back, he could move side to side but he always had to come forward. If you were able to back him up, you could have had success.

2. Mental focus. Tyson showed a tendency to loose focus in fights that didn’t go as planned. He would stop throwing combinations and allow himself to be clinched.

Last but not least, a habit that Tyson showed throughout his career was that sometimes he would be so overly aggressive and wanted to get inside so bad that he would stop moving his head and walk right in, exposing himself.  That would allow him to get caught with jabs and/or the occasional uppercut.

Now that the fighters have been dissected and all bases have been covered, its time to give my prediction on who would win between these two Titans.  To the fight:
In the tradition of the old school, the fight takes place in Yankee Stadium.  It is filled to the rafters and tension cuts through the air, as the fighters have just been announced. Referee Mills Lane gives his instructions. Tyson is not looking at Ali but once Ali says something to him, Tyson looks up into Ali's eyes.  The cold stare lets Ali know that this is going to be a fight.
The bell rings for round one and Ali runs to the middle of the ring to meet Tyson. As soon as Ali throws his first jab, Tyson slips and sticks his own stiff jab into Ali's chest. Ali feels the power of the jab and starts to dance and as he dances, Tyson tries to take a big step in but Ali throws three quick jabs at Tyson.  One hits him, but Tyson slips the other two.  He moves side to side and steps in to land a hard body shot. Once the body shot hits Ali, Ali throws a flurry of punches which Tyson ducks under and hits Ali with a left hook, on the chin, knocking him into the ropes. Tyson tries to go in for the early finish, landing three hard body shots. Ali grabs on and gets out the corner. Feeling he has Ali in trouble, Tyson leaps in with another left hook but gets tagged by a straight right lead. Off balance by the punch, Ali opens up with a combination. Tyson slips a few but just like a swarm of bees you’re gonna get stung a little. The bell rings with Mills Lane stepping in between the two fighters.  Ali yells at Tyson, pointing at him. Tyson stares Ali down, as he goes back to his corner.
In Tyson’s corner, Kevin Rooney tells Mike to keep up the pressure and work the body. In Ali’s corner, Angelo Dundee yells at Muhammad to keep moving and sticking and tie him up when he gets close. As the bell gets ready to start the second round, Ali pumps his fist in the air playing to the crowd while Mike Tyson puts both gloves up to his chin and roles his neck.  Round two begins.
This contest is one for the ages. The fights unfolds like a dramatic novel that ebbs and flows. Ali sticks the jab and moves constantly. Tyson stalks with hard stiff jabs to the chest and straight rights to the body with an occasional left hook clean to Ali’s chin. From rounds 2 through 4 this becomes the pattern of the fight: a highly intense chess match. Tyson has never seen a fighter as quick as Ali with such blazing combinations and fast feet but Tyson, himself, has tremendous foot speed and agility and is able to catch Ali more then “the greatest” is comfortable with.
Ali is trying to show his confidence but in between rounds you can see on his face that the flaws, in his game, that he was able to get away with because of his athleticism, are being exploited by a well schooled athlete in Tyson. In round five, it is plain to see that Ali is starting to slow down and fall into the corner which spells trouble. While in the corner Ali throws a combination and tries to move out of the corner but gets caught with a leaping left hook to the body that freezes him for a moment. He tries to tie Tyson up, but Mike with his short stature and great infighting better and stronger then Joe Frazier’s lands an excellent left to the body followed by a blistering left uppercut that snaps Ali's head back. Mills Lane steps in and breaks apart the two fighters.
Right after the break, Ali opens up with a fifteen punch flurry, forcing Tyson to back up. Mike tries to step back in and leans to the side.  At that moment, Ali lands an uppercut of his own that spins Tyson’s head to his left shoulder. Ali keeps throwing punches, as the bell rings. Mike tries to land some hooks but Mills Lane, Kevin Rooney , and Angelo Dundee run into the ring to break the fighters up. Ali looks into Tyson’s eyes to see if this is a turning point but to no avail. Mike Tyson is in this fight and not going away.
Round six begins, as Mike steps in to throw a hook, but Ali moves quickly.  With over- confidence, Mike starts to walk his man down and walks right into a straight right hand. The crowd, now, is at a feverish pitch. This has been one of the best heavyweight fights ever. Mike moves in with two jabs, instead of the occasional one, which leaves an opening for another right uppercut from Ali. Tyson backs up.  Ali comes forward and throws a jab. Then a straight right. Then comes with two left hooks: as he starts to throw the second, Tyson steps in with a beautiful left hook ala Henry Cooper ala Joe Frazier that puts Ali right on his back.
The crowd goes into a frenzy as they see Muhammad Ali, the greatest, on the canvas. But with plenty of time left on the clock, there will be no saved by the bell this time for Ali. Tyson is not a tired, worn down fighter (like Frazier) unable to finish him off, in the last round. Although the left hook that landed was clean with speed and power right on the chin, Ali gets up at the count of eight. Tyson is on top of him with rights and lefts to the body. Tyson comes upstairs with a left uppercut followed by a left to the chin that makes Ali cover up and forces Mills Lane to step in and stop the fight. The 50,000 fans at Yankee stadium erupt in cheers and boos; the screams ring so loud that they can be heard  across the Hudson.
Mike Tyson has knocked out Muhammad Ali in one of the greatest fights in heavyweight history. Tyson exposed Ali's flaws. Ali weaknesses where never exposed in his prime because there was just no one who was quick enough to catch him. But in Mike Tyson he would face a fighter who was quicker and more schooled than him. When Ali was not able to have the advantage with his agility and quickness he was just not able to adapt. The only way he was going to be able to beat Tyson was to go to war with him and that would only give Tyson more opportunities to catch him. So Ali would try to pick his moments to engage but the pressure of Mike Tyson would prove too much for Ali to deal with.
I know that some of the people reading this are thinking, “This kid knows nothing about boxing.”  But I promise you this, if someone comes with a strong argument, I will defend my opinion and believe me, once you read it you will believe. This is the Boxing King, saying keep your head up and your eyes open.

 

-The Boxing King-