“Ripping into the core of the fight scene”
By: Robert Ramos
December 1, 2011
Cotto vs. Margarito II
Redemption or Retirement for Miguel Cotto?
This Saturday night, HBO Boxing’s Pay-Per-View feature presentation is a surprising rematch between the 31-year-old Miguel Angel Cotto and his 33-year-old archrival Antonio Margarito, as they battle once again, but this time it will be for the WBA Super World light middleweight title championship belt.
When this rematch was announced, fight fans were stunned in disbelief that Cotto would ever want to step in the ring again vs. Margarito because in their first bout many felt that Margarito might have ended Miguel Cotto’s career via a relentless and never-ending assault that ended up with the very determined, but crushed Cotto on bended knee with his corner throwing in the towel and losing by a TKO. During that first bout, I felt that Cotto won most of the early rounds of the fight and could have possibly won the fight on the judges scorecards, if only he had avoided getting knocked out by Margarito’s vicious onslaught in the 11th round.
Although Cotto continued to box after the Margarito loss, I personally felt that his best days were behind him, due to all the heavy-handed battles he’d been in, and also because he lacks the offensive arsenal via a combination of brutal shots to the body, then to the head of his opponents, a hard-hitting knockout style he was once known for.
Cotto’s main reason for going after the rematch against Antonio Margarito, may not be all about the money, his logic for taking on the relentless Margarito, may well be to redeem his career and avenge his very first loss against Margarito. Cotto refuses to believe that the initial outcome versus Margarito has taken the best of what is left of his war torn former champion self, and particularly because Cotto senses that Margarito may have possibly had his hand wraps laced with plaster of Paris. Margarito’s fortified hand wraps were discovered by Shane Mosley’s camp in the locker room before their fight, which took place following the Cotto fight. This discovery lead to a one-year suspension for Margarito, which leads Cotto to believe that he was unfairly duped in his first fight against Antonio
Cotto could have been killed during that vicious beating, if Margarito actually had his hands filled with cement. To this day, Margarito continues to deny that he had any knowledge whatsoever, that his trainer, Javier Capetillo, placed illegal hand wraps on him. Margarito’s blatant disregard for the safety of others and refusal to accept responsibility for his own actions has placed him in the evil ranks as one of boxing’s darkest villains. Justifiably so, after the Cotto fight, Antonio Margarito experienced two brutal losses of his own, one, a spectacular one sided knockout loss against Sugar Shane Mosley, and a fractured eye socket via ferocious knockout loss against the invincible Manny Pacquiao.
On Saturday night, Cotto’s redemption comes within reach, and without a doubt in the spotlight, both fighters’ camps will be carefully eyeing their opponent’s hands getting wrapped. Each boxer’s chief trainer will be in their opponent’s respective locker rooms, ensuring there is no foul play. This time, win, or lose, there will be no excuses.
Regardless of Miguel Cotto’s true motives for taking on the rematch, one must give him credit for taking on what could be the fight of his life, because losing to the ruthless Margarito could be the end of his career. Cotto has much to lose this time around, but one thing for sure, I have always admired Cotto for never ducking any of the tough opponents that were presented to him, but more so, I admire the Cotto for always getting back up when he unwillingly became famous for getting knocked down in the early rounds against formidable opponents, only to make flawless comebacks, annihilate and eventually beat them via merciless knock outs.
The purity of the sport in this square ring means one of the boxers, Cotto (W-26 + L-2), or Margarito (W-38 + L-7) has the capacity to obliterate his opponent and not make the mistake of leaving the decision in the biased hands of the judges. That said, It could be any man’s night, one the victor, and the other cast into boxing’s murky shadows. Yes, there is still much to savor in boxing’s mano a mano (hand to hand combat) scenario, especially, when they are on an even playing field.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Kronk vs Chicago!
STEWARD LEADS A TALENTED TEAM AGAINST CHICAGO'S FINEST
THE MOTOR CITY VS THE WINDY CITY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO, IL (OCTOBER 24, 2011) - The legendary Kronk gym has its historical roots firmly cemented in the world of boxing. Kronk Gym is perhaps one of the most renowned gyms in the world, the gym located in “The Motor City” of Detroit, Michigan has served its purpose over the years and raised a fair share of world champions. Kronk skyrocketed to the top of the boxing world during the late 1970’s with Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward leading the gym to historical status. Fighters such as Hilmer Kenty, Thomas Hearns, Duane Thomas, Mickey Goodwin and brothers Milton and Steve McCory trained at Kronk all the fighters eventually became world champions.
Yet, before becoming a world champion every fighter must fight their way through the amateur levels and gain the much-needed experience before fighting on a professional level. Steward knows all about what it takes to have a successful amateur background; he compiled a record of 94 wins and 3 losses as an amateur boxer, including winning the 1963 national Golden Gloves tournament in the bantamweight division. Afterward, Steward became interested in training amateur boxers. Steward trained many of the nation's top amateurs. He eventually translated his success with amateurs into a career training championship-level professional fighters.
In the ‘Windy City” of Chicago, Illinois the fighters welcome any challenge from any city or gym for that matter. Chicago has always been known for creating fighters who push forward no matter what, it seems as if they are trained at a early age that non stop pressure will eventually make their opposition fold. “King” David Estrada showed that same Chicago style when he defeated the highly touted undefeated Mexican Olympian Orlando Lora, during that fight Estrada’s non-stop pressure eventually led to Lora’s dismantlement. One thing for sure is the pressure will be heavily weighing on the shoulders of all the trainers and fighters as well as the fans as after this event is over, a city will hold bragging rights.
Everyone is eagerly waiting October 28th to arrive and one person in particular is Bill Hillman of Chi-Box Radio/FightNews.com, he was quoted earlier this week about his thoughts on “KRONK VS CHICAGO in which he replied “I think this could save Amateur boxing across the country. This is something that used to happen a lot. Especially the New York versus Chicago rivalry. When city pride is brought into a boxing ring people come out to support. It's a wonderful idea. This needs to happen more and Kronk versus Chicago is a wonderful match up Detroit and Chicago is close and has been rivals for nearly their whole existence. The fact that he's [Cericola] got Emanuel Stewart behind this is a sign that he is a real and smart and dedicated promoter with a great idea.”
Representing Chicago will be Fidel Navarette, Semajay Thomas, Shawn Simpson, Jose Arambula, Jimmy Murphy, Raymond Johnson, Omero Siller, and Johnny Lewus Jr.
“I think this is very unique and I had this idea on my mind for a very long time – Said Mike Cericola of LUDUS Promotions “KRONK vs CHICAGO will help raise interest in Chicago’s amateur boxing scene and provide our kids a chance to be challenged by a world famous gym” Cericola went on to say.
What will make this event even more spectacular will be those responsible with the task of matchmakers. Emanuel Steward and Chicago’s Iconic Sam Colonna will handle that task. If anyone knows boxing its definitely these two gentlemen who are both a walking book on the sweet science.
In addition to the KRONK fighters challenging CHICAGO, other bouts have been added to this stacked event. In typical LUDUS PROMOTIONS fashion the night will be capped off with a DJ, Food, Drinks, Raffles and a Mariachi band. Tickets to this Tickets has been economically priced at the low price of $20.00
Sponsoring “KRONK VS CHICAGO” will be TECATE, HOY, JIMMY’S RED HOTS, ACADEMIA TRUCK DRIVING, and BRACKENBOX.
KRONK VS CHICAGO will be held on October 28th 2011 at El Rey Ballroom, which is conveniently located at 3504 S Western Ave, in Chicago, Illinois. For more information please contact (773) 841-7350
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Pantera Combat Zone
“Ripping into the core of the fight scene”
Floyd “Money” Mayweather vs. “Vicious” Victor Ortiz
By Robert Ramos
On Saturday, September 17, 2011, HBO will showcase the highly anticipated Floyd Money Mayweather Jr. vs. Vicious Victor Ortiz clash. In this setting, is where Ortiz will defend his recently won WBC lightweight championship belt.
Ortiz recently took that WBC belt away from Andre Berto during their battle on April of 2011, which could be considered for fight of the year honors. Ortiz won by unanimous decision and quieted many boxing critics who believed that Ortiz had no heart, since he basically quit in the 6th round during his war back on June of 2009 vs. Marco Maidana. After dropping Marco Maidana twice early in the fight, the hard headed Maidana quickly recovered and came back with an onslaught of his own which created a wide gaping cut over Ortiz’s right eye. After being knocked down and wounded with the nasty cut, Ortiz looked towards the referee and shook his head that he wanted no more and the referee agreed that Ortiz had enough and waved the fight off and Maidana won by 6th round TKO.
Immediately after the fight HBO commentator Max Kellerman, boxing critics and fight fans attacked Ortiz’s decision to quit and questioned his heart. At the post fight interview Ortiz responded that he wasn’t made to be taking this much punishment. This immediately gave everyone the impression that Ortiz was a heartless quitter; his response was more than self-condemning. Ortiz’s comments surprised everyone, because Ortiz had been considered a ruthless, up and coming young lion and future world champion.
Afterwards, Ortiz became depressed and went into self-seclusion and deeply regretted his critical, pitiful post fight statement. He had to make a choice, along with some major soul searching and finally decided to re-commit himself to train harder than ever, and used the negative criticism he brought upon himself as a motivator to regain his status as a world-class boxer. Since Ortiz’s return from the Maidana disaster, he has won all of his last 6 fights and knocked out 2 of those opponents. Having taken on well-known names, such as Vivian Harris, Lamont Peterson, Nate Campbell within the mix of his recent victories.
Even with a series of victories against tough competition, Andre Berto must have deemed Victor Ortiz an easy target. I believe he gave Ortiz a shot at his WBC lightweight belt, simply because he figured that Ortiz was shell shocked from the Maidana beating and was now only a broken, spiritless fighter. Berto took Ortiz lightly and unfortunately to Berto’s detriment, this proved to be a costly mistake. Ortiz had little, or nothing to lose and much to gain. During that fight Ortiz and Berto fought like rabid animals dropping each other during various rounds throughout the fight, but it was Ortiz who dug deep and hungered for redemption and much to everyone’s dismay, he was able to pull the trigger by finishing off stronger and almost knocking out the tired and worn out Berto during their last and final round.
Ortiz now faces Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. who has not fought for over 14 months, his last fight winning a UD against Shane Mosley. Many believe Mayweather has acquired too much ring rust, because he hasn’t actually fought world-class competition for so long; however, Mayweather is a well-known gym rat and has disproved many of his critics in the past. Being born into the sport by watching his father Floyd Mayweather Sr. and uncle Roger Mayweather train as they prepared for their professional boxing careers. Mayweather has been groomed to box since childhood, there is no doubt boxing is in his blood and he is also considered to be by many, the best the in his class.
The undefeated (W-41 + L-0) Floyd Mayweather Jr. a superb boxing technician in the ring who is always patient and takes no chances in the ring. Known for his hand speed and quick elusive style of head movement, he effectively avoids many of his opponent’s punches, while also having the power to knockout his opponents.
On the other hand, Ortiz now with a record of (W-29 + L-2) is well known for his balls out style of willing his way into victory with vicious power shots that always seem to carry bad intentions, but also is a high risk taker willing to trade shots in the process, hence the Maidana and Berto wars. Does Ortiz have the strength to penetrate Mayweather seemingly impenetrable defense?
Does the older 32 year old future hall of famer “Money” Mayweather still have the speed, flashiness and ability to fight off the younger, bigger, stronger and even hungrier “Vicious” Ortiz? This fight has the makings of a Bull vs. Matador scenario, where the odds are that the bull loses, but we all know sometimes the bull gets lucky.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Desde la Esquina del Voceador
Por: Miguel Mijes
La primera en la frente...
Con el reciente fin de semana (Memorial Day) en el que se produjeron más muertes y heridos en las calles de Chicago, vemos la necesidad (ahora más que nunca de denunciar la pasividad o inercia del gobierno municipal al no permitir un sistema de boxeo en las escuelas públicas de Chicago.
A nosotros, que hemos tratado con este deporte ya, en un número en el que se incluyen centros juveniles, escuelas públicas primarias y secundarias, gimnasios de iglesias, parques municipales hemos podido comprobar lo útil que resultaría implantar clases de boxeo en mas lugares de los que hemos arriba mencionado.
Simplemente no comprendemos como es que el gobierno municipal, mismo que ha patrocinado torneos de boxeo aficionado con carácter mundialista en años anteriores, No comprendemos simplemente, que no se preste la atencon debida y tratar con la práctica de este deporte para .evitar más muertes. ¿O no?
La Segunda en la boca...
Planes había por parte de la empresa Top Rank, que tenía planeado realizar el 2 de julio el encuentro entre Juan Manuel Márquez exponiendo sus títulos mundiales de peso ligero de la OMB y AMB ante el ex campeón de los ligeros David Diaz.
Y nos parece “curioso” el que la empresa “Golden Boy Promotions” que representaba hasta hace poco a Márquez, no estuviese dispuesta a manejar dicha promoción, dejando el paquete, a la empresa que administra los intereses de Márquez que se haría cargo del sueldo de Díaz pero que se niega a pagar el sueldo que exigía Díaz y que era de $ 250,000.00,
El sueldo para Díaz según esta empresa, sería de $100 mil dólares, cantidad que el ex campeón considera ridícula, ya que son dos, los cinturones de Márquez disputados esa fecha.
Al parecer, la manera de proteger los intere$e$ de Márquez por parte de esa empresa, es conocida ya por la afición. Si mal no recordamos aceptó que Floyd Mayweather aventajara por la cantidad de $600 mil dólares, a Juan Manuel Márquez con 1.1 kilogramos sobre el peso acordado.
La primera en la frente...
Con el reciente fin de semana (Memorial Day) en el que se produjeron más muertes y heridos en las calles de Chicago, vemos la necesidad (ahora más que nunca de denunciar la pasividad o inercia del gobierno municipal al no permitir un sistema de boxeo en las escuelas públicas de Chicago.
A nosotros, que hemos tratado con este deporte ya, en un número en el que se incluyen centros juveniles, escuelas públicas primarias y secundarias, gimnasios de iglesias, parques municipales hemos podido comprobar lo útil que resultaría implantar clases de boxeo en mas lugares de los que hemos arriba mencionado.
Simplemente no comprendemos como es que el gobierno municipal, mismo que ha patrocinado torneos de boxeo aficionado con carácter mundialista en años anteriores, No comprendemos simplemente, que no se preste la atencon debida y tratar con la práctica de este deporte para .evitar más muertes. ¿O no?
La Segunda en la boca...
Planes había por parte de la empresa Top Rank, que tenía planeado realizar el 2 de julio el encuentro entre Juan Manuel Márquez exponiendo sus títulos mundiales de peso ligero de la OMB y AMB ante el ex campeón de los ligeros David Diaz.
Y nos parece “curioso” el que la empresa “Golden Boy Promotions” que representaba hasta hace poco a Márquez, no estuviese dispuesta a manejar dicha promoción, dejando el paquete, a la empresa que administra los intereses de Márquez que se haría cargo del sueldo de Díaz pero que se niega a pagar el sueldo que exigía Díaz y que era de $ 250,000.00,
El sueldo para Díaz según esta empresa, sería de $100 mil dólares, cantidad que el ex campeón considera ridícula, ya que son dos, los cinturones de Márquez disputados esa fecha.
Al parecer, la manera de proteger los intere$e$ de Márquez por parte de esa empresa, es conocida ya por la afición. Si mal no recordamos aceptó que Floyd Mayweather aventajara por la cantidad de $600 mil dólares, a Juan Manuel Márquez con 1.1 kilogramos sobre el peso acordado.
Pantera Combat Zone
Son of God to Dethrone King Arthur
By: Robert Ramos
May 12, 2011
On Saturday night May 14th 2011, Showtime will be hosting a Super Six Tournament semi-final bout featuring USA gold medalist, Andre "Son of God" Ward, versus Germany's Arthur "King Arthur" Abraham, that will ultimately decide which one of the two boxers will move forward to be crowned champion at the grand finally of Showtime’s Super Six super middleweight tournament.
The winner of this Saturday night’s bout will face the winner of the Carl Froch versus Glen Johnson, Super Six tournament semi-final bout that is scheduled at a later date of Saturday June 4th.
The 32 year old “King Arthur” Abraham (Won-32 (KO 26) + lost 2) is coming into this Saturday’s fight with a most recent February 2011 second round TKO win against a little known Croatian boxer Stjepan Bozic, aside from that he lost a previous Super Six tournament bout on November 2010 against Carl “The Cobra” Froch. Abraham looked stale in that fight and could not find his rhythm, or pull the trigger in order to knockout Froch, which was Abraham’s only hope late in that fight.
Before the Froch fight, King Arthur was being outclassed by Detroit native and pure boxer/puncher Andre Dirrell during their March 2010 Super Six tournament bout. King Arthur got disqualified for hitting Dirrell in the back of the head in the 11th round. Dirrell slipped and lost his footing after missing Abraham with a flurry of punch combinations and fell near the ropes due to a wet substance on the canvas and was down, when Abraham out of frustration decided it would be a good idea to punch Dirrell while he was on his knees. Punching a man while he is down is a no-no in boxing. Prior to that bout in the first round of the Super Six tournament in October 2009, he retired the unorthodox former world champion Jermain Taylor who was already a beaten fighter that was initially knocked out by Kelly Pavlik, then Carl Froch.
The favored, younger and stronger Andre Ward (Won-23 (KO13) + Loss-0) is still maturing at the pro level at only 27 years of age. Ward has a very impressive amateur boxing record of 110 wins, 5 losses and went on to win the gold medal as a light heavyweight in the Athens 2004 Olympic games.
With many fights under his belt, Andre has the experience to not only beat Abraham, but also to win the entire Super Six tournament. Besides his boxing skills, what I admire most about Andre "Son of God" Ward is his professional demeanor in and outside of the ring. He is an articulate speaker during pre and post fight interviews. Being of solid Christian background he gives credit to God for his victories and thanks his opponents for giving him the opportunity to pummel them. He shows none of the negativity associated with being raised on the mean streets of inner city Oakland California, and is a perfect gentleman in every way, except when he is in the ring fighting for the championship.
Ward has all the tools necessary to win and has the characteristics of an unstoppable freight train. Never have I seen such a young fighter display such, discipline, ringmanship and mental strength in the ring. He imposes his will on any style of fighter; he can bang, brawl, box, counterpunch and get into an all out toe-to-toe slugfest and come out on top. Yes, this youngster has the goods to win this tournament and be a force to be reckoned with in the super middleweight division for many years to come.
One thing we can’t deny is that both Ward and Abraham have the ability to knockout their opponents, but let’s face it, who in the world can possibly beat Andre Ward if he has God in his corner?
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