( Member of Boxing Writers Assc.)

Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez finished their trilogy Saturday night or have they?  A few observations on the fight begin with the Oscar De La Hoya syndrome.  In 2004, De La Hoya was beginning his promotion for his bout with Bernard Hopkins and the promotional team thought of a having a double header with Hopkins defending his title while De La Hoya would attempt to wrestle German fighter Felix Sturm title away. Hopkins won his bout but De La Hoya found the German Middleweight a little more than he could handle. While De La Hoya took the early rounds, Strum dominated the second half of the fight and most observers had him winning the fight  seven rounds to five but he lost by that score.  While De La Hoya threw nearly double the punches, Sturm was more accurate, connected on more punches and his punches started to shake De La Hoya.   Many of the judges gave the close rounds to De La Hoya and there were many who wonder how much the prospective Hopkins-De La Hoya fight was a factor in the scoring.  Many Marquez fans will be wondering; did the prospect of a Mayweather-Pacquiao color the judges’ decision in a fight with many close rounds?

There is the Ken Norton Syndrome that affected Team Marquez.  In his third fight with Ali, Norton gave the last round away as he thought he had the fight in the hand. In addition, he gave away another round in the middle of the fight.  He lost a decision that he should have won by simply giving away the last round in a fight that was much closer than Norton thought. Team Marquez told their guy that he had the fight in the bag, so Marquez simply took the foot of the gas pedal and lost the last round, a round that could have cost him the fight.  Marquez should have known better and so should have his corner.  Team Marquez had as much to do with their fighter losing as any one.

This was a close fight with many close rounds but it was not a robbery as this fight could have been scored in either way.  Here are the facts. Pacquiao threw more punches, connected on more punches and both men were similar in accuracy.  It could be said that Marquez punches may have been more impactful but HBO Harold Lederman gave the fight to the PACMAN and Dan Rafel of ESPN called it a draw even though his scorecard actually had Pacquiao ahead.    This was a close fight but Pacquiao winning the fight can be supported just as the opposite could be the truth.  The judges gave Pacquiao the benefit due to his aggressive nature and more activity and the statistic support that decision.

Does this mean that Mayweather is more likely to fight Pacquiao after this bout?  Well maybe but if Pacquaio had more trouble with Marquez than Mayweather, Mayweather had more trouble versus Ricky Hatton but Mayweather may conclude that fighting Pacquiao may be a nice way to ensure his legacy while making a ton of money since he is a wizard at defense and counterpunching.   Pacquaio does have one advantage, he can always pursue a Marquez IV but I doubt that Team Pacquiao are anxious to fight Marquez a fourth time unless there is no Mayweather fight on the horizon.    Marquez-Pacquiao IV only happens if Mayweather simply says no mas to a Pacquiao.

There was the Tim Bradley fight against Joel Casamayor.  My problem with Tim Bradley is that he had his chance to make good money with a fight against Amir Khan to see who the best junior welterweight in the world is, but Bradley said no.  His reason was simple, he wanted a Pacquaio fight and his promoters figured that a Khan fight was too much of a risk. The problem with their vision is simple; Bradley who had beaten Khan would be a more attractive fight than a Bradley who refused to fight Khan.   There is no big money in fighting Bradley, so Pacquiao would rather wait for Mayweather or fight Marquez a fourth time since there is more money with each fight.  Bradley wants to make him more marketable to team Pacquaio, go fight Khan.  Beating an old Casamayor, whose best weight was as a junior lightweight and lightweight, is hardly a resume enhancer if you are pursuing a Pacquaio.  There is only one fight that makes sense for Bradley and that is Khan.

Best fight of the evening was Bredis Prescott versus Mike Alvarado.  This fight saw Prescott three minute away from victory before Mike Alvarado stopped Prescott in the final round. The fight featured high drama plus good action. All you can ask for in a fight.

( Member of Boxing Writers Association & International Boxing Research Organization )

Zab Judah found himself with one more opportunity to win a big fight, this one from Amir Khan and become an elite fighter once again.  At the age of 33, Judah moved down in weight to the 140 pound division but Khan would be a big fight. As for Khan, he came into the fight as the younger and bigger fighter against an older but experienced boxer who has his share of big fights.  This fight happened because Tim Bradley chose not to fight Khan and Khan simply moved to the next best thing; Judah.

Khan began the first round by jabbing and looking for openings whereas Judah showed patience as Khan early jabs missed.  Khan long jab kept Judah a safe distance and where Judah did managed a right hook from his southpaw stance; he did very little offensively.

In the second round, Judah avoided many of Khan punches, but he did very little counter whereas Khan continued to control the real estate between his opponent.   By the third round, Khan physical feature started to take control but Judah managed to slip left hands but they had little effect on the bigger Khan.

Khan lengthened his lead on the scorecard as he easily score with some excellent rights that were followed by jabs. As the fourth and fifth round progressed, Khan punches were getting more accurate including a nasty left hook with minute left in the fifth round that stunned Judah.    A few seconds later, a Khan right sent Judah reeling before another right on Judah belly button sent Judah down for the count.  Judah did not try to get up and tried to claim a low blow but it became obvious that he did not have any answer for Khan.

Amir Khan looked at his very best this evening as he dominated an excellent fighter and showed that he may be the best junior welterweights.  Tim Bradley is the undefeated junior welterweight champion but he had a chance to fight Khan to answer the question who is the best junior welterweights.  Khan offered Bradley a 50/50 cut and while some figured Tim Bradley is waiting to be part of the Pacquaio sweepstake maybe Bradley may be a little nervous about facing Khan.

Over in England, two very big men fought for the British heavyweight champion but what was at stake was a place for the right to face a Klitschko.    Dereck Chisora faced Tyson Fury in the battle of Britain.

Fury used his height and quicker hands to win an easy decision but in the second round, a Chisora left staggered Fury but after that, he boxed his way to victory. After the second round, Fury unleashed combinations to out work Chisora. Going into the eighth round, Chisora was told by his corner either fight or it is over. Chisora unleashed a right that forced Fury to retreat. The tenth round may have been the best round of the fight as both fighters let loose punches. Fury began the round with a three punch combinations to the body followed by series of other combinations before Chisora connected on his own combinations that forced Fury to retreat. By the end of the round, Chisora looked exhausted from throwing punches and from that point, it was Fury fight to finish off.

Fury took the final two rounds and is now the champion of the British isle and the rest of the commonwealth.  Last December, Chisora was prepared to fight Wladimir Klitschko but Klitschko pulled out with an injury and now he is looking up at fellow British Fury for a shot at the title.   Fury showed continuous improvement but after only fifteen fights, the question that remains, is he ready for a Klitschko?

Johnny Ortiz, Dub Harris, David Martinez

( photo taken October 18, 2002 )

By David Martinez / Boxing Historian

Last month the boxing world lost a friend, Maurice “Dub” Harris, who passed away peacefully on June 27, 2011 at the age of 94. He was a highly decorated veteran of the United States Army serving in both World War II and the Korean War.

Dub, along with Everett Sanders (original founder), Charlie Casas, and Gordon Del Faro, was one of the charter members of the World Boxing Hall of Fame that started in 1980. Dub served five terms as president (1982), (1985), (1989-1990), (1995-1996), (1997-1998). Dub remained active as Chairman of the Board and President’s Advisor until failing health in 2005 forced him to depart the World Boxing Hall of Fame after twenty five years of dedicated service with the goal to always strive for excellence.

I officially met Dub in November 1996 when Deborah Sutherland set up an appointment to have him interview me to become a member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame. I was not shy about telling him about how I wanted to serve and offer my boxing expertise to the organization. He was delighted with my interview and I was always remember what he told me, “Don’t let me down,” which became the motivating sprit that he sincerely embedded in me and lit the torch I burned for the next ten years I served the World Boxing Hall of Fame. We often kidded about “Don’t let me down” between us, in which he would always look at me with that smile he had for the chosen ones whom he considered on his team.

From that moment forward we became close friends in service, Dub being president and me being a director of the board. Later he personally appointed me as his boxing historian. Dub was respected by everyone on the board and many others within the boxing circles he traveled. He gave much to the community, supporting such organizations as the Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department, the Los Angeles Youth Foundation, Shriner’s Hospitals, and the John R. Wooden Award hosted by the Los Angeles Athletic Club just to name a few.

Trudie Latka, who has severed honorably with the World Boxing Hall of Fame since 1992, says “Dub knew all about the things he didn’t know, and knew how to use others talents to unite to solve, which made him a great leader in all aspects of the word”.

Joey Olmos, a life-long icon in boxing for over sixty years and who served as Los Angeles Boxing Commissioner for many years, says, “Dub was one of a kind, dedicated, friendly, humble, and knowledgeable. He was well loved and will be missed immensely.”

Johnny Ortiz, who served with nothing less than 100 percent support to the World Boxing Hall of Fame for 12 years, says “In all my years not many have had my utmost respect. Dub Harris was a man who commanded my respect from the very moment we met. He emitted a radiance, a brightness, that went out to all that were fortunate enough to be around him. He is now in a much better place, a place he richly deserves.” To quote William Shakespeare, “We will not look upon his like again.”

With the passing of Dub, I personally will never forget him as my president and the opportunity he gave me in his trust, and in return to fulfill my commitment to never let him down. I consider myself blessed to have known such a wonderful man. May his soul rest in peace in heaven – Maurice “Dub” Harris.

Four years ago, July 15, 2007, I brought you this website in living color. The initial brain storming of this website I owe to John Boitnott, who approached me in early 2007 and simply told me, “Why not,” that I have all the ingredients to bring the world my love and passion of boxing. He also said that he would be honored to help me by being my producer. So, a dream became a reality and  dmboxing.com  was born.

In these past four years I have attained much respect from a growing fan base by giving you boxing as I live it every day of my life. In addition, a unique and select group of people have bonded and given me their expertise, and they have certainly enhanced this website in what it has become today and will be in future.

This group of people currently includes producer John Boitnott; proof reader and photo editing Bob Quackenbush; proof reader Kathy Kraft; photographer Ray Luna; and boxing writers Rusty Rubin, Jim Amato, Rick Farris, and Tom Donelson.

There are also the personable t-shirt and hat girls and the various boxers who have contributed in a special, giving way displaying my products in a professional manner.

As a “Happy Anniversary” special for the next 30 days, until August 15th, I am offering my official website t-shirt and hat (both products) at the low price of just $20.00! This is a savings of almost 25 percent as each product sells individually for $13.00 and I will include FREE shipping to anywhere in the continental United States of America.

To order, please send your check (NO cash) to the address listed below and include your t-shirt size. This special price is just my way to thank you for making this website one of your choices in boxing!

David Martinez Boxing
Post Office Box 41536
Santa Barbara, CA 93140

On a quarterly basis, I will continue to thank the many people that make this website the success that it is:  my producer, writers, proof readers and crew. Without these key people I would literally be a faceless captain of a ship with no support crew; they will be mentioned in detail next week when this website officially celebrates it’s four year anniversary.

Those of you who know me personally know I live boxing every day of my life and have for the past 50 years. I have used this website as a bright beacon to give you my very best in boxing; that is my intent, my only intent.

I receive a lot of fan mail that is sent to my email address, and I truly respect every opinion from each of you. I am intrigued by many comments and it’s my honor to be able to respond with my own personal opinion and truthfulness.

There was one comment I received that I must share with you (see below) from Antonio Santiago in Puerto Rico. He said some nice things and touched on a subject that I have had many ask me about: who are the greatest Mexican born boxers of all time.

For my fan base that might have missed the feature article covering that subject, my producer, John Boitnott, will post it in full detail again in about ten days for your viewing on this website.

For the record, in my opinion, the top Mexican-born boxers of all time at the pinnacle of their careers (alphabetically) are Miguel Canto, Julio Cesar Chavez, Ricardo Lopez, Ruben Olivares, Vicente Saldivar, Salvador Sanchez, and Carlos Zarate.

The key words are “Mexican born”.  I have had people ask me about Jose Napoles, Pancho Villa, Carlos Ortiz, Manuel Ortiz… they are certainly worthy, but none were born in Mexico.

For the record, in my opinion, the greatest Puerto Rican-born boxer is Wilfredo Gomez (I have had many ask me that, as well) with Felix Trinidad right behind him at number two.

In closing, I would like to bring two items of boxing interest to your attention:

(1) My friend J.J. Johnston, along with his associate Nick Beck, have written a book that every boxing fan will enjoy called “Babyface and Pop”.  It is the true story of one of the greatest champions in boxing history, Jimmy McLarnin.

(2) Another boxing website that I fully support, and its founder and president Edgar Gonzalez, who does an excellent job, is  www.MyBoxingFans.com.  I encourage you to check out.

I strive to bring you the best in boxing and thank you for your loyalty to this website.  May God bless each and every one of you – thank you!

Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer

This week on July 2, in Hamburg, Germany, Wladimir Klitschko puts his IBF and WBO belts up against fast and hard hitting David Haye and his WBA belt.

Klitschko is taller by 3 1/2” and has a 3” longer reach, but Haye does have power, although he doesn’t show much one-punch ability to take his opponent out. At 35, he’s also five years older than Haye and has fought better name fighters.

The question with Klitschko in the past has been his chin, which seems to have held up well in recent fights. Being knocked out does not equate to having a glass jaw.

As I see it, Haye has to wear Wladimir down in order to have a decent shot to win, and unless his legs betray him, I don’t see that happening.

Klitschko by decision or late stoppage.

Glove 2 Glove:

One of the founders of the World Boxing Hall of Fame passed away. Dub Harris, also an honored veteran of WWII left us on June 21. Thanks Dub, you were one of the great guys I was privileged to meet and get to know.

Prayers for the soul of Nick Charles, who lost his brave battle with cancer. Nick was a great guy and a God fearing person. He will be missed.

Needless to say we need prayers for the return to health of former champ Gerald McClellan, who is confined to wheelchairs.

On behalf of these great fighters who have given their all in our great sport, we thank you for your ongoing prayers.

If you know of any boxing people in need of spiritual uplifting and/or prayers? Just drop us a line. Membership is free to all and no one will ever contact you except for prayer requests. Your name will not suddenly appear on anyone’s mailing list. In short, there is no obligation. Every prayer request is welcome and I know the recipient will appreciate it.

God listens!

Rusty Rubin, formerly the award winning managing editor of Ringsports.com as well as the now defunct Ringsports Magazine, is the author of three highly acclaimed boxing books! “Woozel, Boxing and Me”, “Off the Canvas” and “Billy Soose, the Champion Time Forgot” co-authored by Tom Donelson. These books are all available at Authorhouse.com, and all major book retailers. They are all more than worth the purchase price, or contact me via this website for a personally autographed copy at a small extra charge.

In these hard economic times, any or all of these books will make an excellent and inexpensive presents to the boxing fan(s) in your life. They are especially appreciated gifts if the recipient is tired of watching re-runs of sit-coms and the far-less than significant reality shows. Being laid-up a bit of late, I should know. Where’s the “Gillette Cavalcade of Sports” when you need it? Make your friend or loved one ‘look sharp’, ‘feel sharp’ and be ‘sharp.’ So how are you fixed for books? You’d better check.

You and the book-gift recipient will be glad you made the right choice (or the write choice)!***

Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer

First, a continuing wish a speedy and full recovery to Oscar de la Hoya and Mia St. John who are both undergoing rehab treatment.

This week on June 25, in Cozumel, Mexico, Tijuana native and veteran Humberto Soto takes on Motoki Sasaki, from Japan, for the WBC lightweight title.

Also this week on June 25, I wish my friend and boxing historian David Martinez “Happy Birthday”.

The Fight:

Soto, 31, 55-7-2, seems to have been around forever, but is still four years younger than the largely unheralded Sasaki, who rarely fights outside of Japan.

On the surface it seems like a fight that Soto should dominate, as he has fought far bigger names than Sasaki. There is a however, here. Sasaki has fought mainly Japanese fighters, and there aren’t a lot of folks here who know their names, let alone their toughness.

Still, I can’t go against the younger and more experienced Soto, especially since the fight is in Mexico.

Humberto by TKO early, in what looks like a short, but action packed bout.

Glove 2 Glove

On a personal note, I would request prayers for my wonderful wife Lois, who is dealing with a still unclearly diagnosed condition.

Prayers are requested for the health of outstanding trainer Joe Sousa, who is fighting the fight of his life against cancer.

Prayers for the complete return to good health to my old friend, promoter, and ex-wrestler Jack ‘Moe’ Smith who had complete reconstructive knee surgery a couple of weeks back. Moe’s a fighter and making a complete recovery.

Please pray for my Aussie mates and Glove2Glove member John MacDougall, who had to deal with health problems for his wife of many years Gwen, who is in a nursing home John, a former Commissioner is having problems after a hip replacement surgery. Both need your prayers for recovery and inner strength.

Please say prayers for Phill Grazide of Santa Rosa, CA. a big supporter of amateur boxing, who is suffering the crippling effects of rheumatoid arthritis.

On behalf of these great fighters who have given their all in our great sport, we thank you for your ongoing prayers.

If you know of any boxing people in need of spiritual uplifting and/or prayers? Just drop us a line. Membership is free to all and no one will ever contact you except for prayer requests. Your name will not suddenly appear on anyone’s mailing list. In short, there is no obligation. Every prayer request is welcome and I know the recipient will appreciate it.

God listens!

To join us, or just request needed prayers, drop Dave Wilcox a line at ubtdave@earthlink.net

Glove2Glove, which has been a long-time integral part of the defunct Ringsports.com magazine and website. It is a program I wish to continue a long after I have left the sport and this earth. I want to thank Dave and Deborah Wilcox, who have offered to take over the program and promised to continue it indefinitely. This generous offer means a lot to me. We always welcome new members.***

Thanks and God bless.

By Tom Donelson

( Member Boxing Writers Association and International Boxing Research Organization )

This past Saturday, HBO boxing after Dark had an evening of knock out boxing as the card featured knock out artists in both bouts.  Adrien Broner came into the bout as an undefeated fighter with 16 knockouts in 20 wins against the tough Jason Litzau, who goes for broke.  In the second bout, Mexican sensation Camelo Saul Alvarez challenged British veteran Ryan Rhodes.

In the opening round of the first fight, Litzau and Broner posed more than fight as they felt each other out with little action until the last thirty seconds when Broner attacked with vicious combinations.  The Broner attacked began with a left hook that missed followed by a right that stunned Litzau.  The right hand paralyzed Litzau for a brief moment and Litzau did not quite know where he was; Broner added a solid right, left hook, a right upper cut that send Litzau eyes rolling back and then concluded with a left hook sending Litzau down along the rope.  The referee did not bother to count as it was self evident that Litzau was not going to get up.

In the main event, Rhodes and Alvarez exchanged a few polite punches before Alvarez exploded with some combinations near the end of the first round as he connected on a series of combinations with the right hand showing the most pop.  Alvarez showed patience in the second round as he waited to see what Rhodes, who jabbed tentatively as the memory of those stinging rights in the first round still fresh in his minds.  When Rhodes turned southpaw, he proved vulnerable to Alvarez’s right as Rhodes looked ineffectual.

Alvarez showed some defensive skills as he moved his head against Rhodes and avoided many of Rhodes’ punches.  Alvarez occasionally would attack and never feared his opponents’ power. Rhodes started to connect on a few punches in the third round but they had little effect.

In the fourth round, Rhodes tried to move closer but he felt the impact of Alvarez’s power as Alvarez unleashed quick combinations. With 45 seconds left, one of those combinations ending with a right hand sending Rhodes down for a brief moment but Rhodes spent the rest of the round retreating to avoid any more power shots.

In the fifth round, Alvarez mixed up body shots with head shots as he slipped right crosses and left hooks to the body.  Rhodes’ corner essentially told their fighter, “Forget about points; you have to knock the guy out to win.”  Rhodes knew that in Mexico that he would have trouble winning a decision but he found out early, Alvarez punches carried power plus he had hand speed.   Rhodes connected on some solid shots in the sixth but they had little impact on his younger opponent.

After eight rounds, it was looking like a white wash as Rhodes did very little to discourage his opponent and in the eighth round, Alvarez body shots made Rhodes winced.

The ninth and tenth were not much different from the rest of the fight and with two rounds, Rhodes had a problem. He had not worn down or hurt Alvarez and Alvarez could hit Rhodes anytime without fear of reprisal.   In the final round, Alvarez came out to end the fight and he unleashed a series of combinations which Rhodes did little to deflect. Alvarez continued to press and a six punch combination pounded Rhodes, forcing the referee to stop the fight. Nor was this a controversial stoppage as Rhodes’ corner was ready to throw in the towel.

Alvarez showed that he is a star rising in the junior middleweight division as he combines power with solid technical skills as he brushed aside Rhodes – by twelfth round TKO.

( Member of Boxing Writers Association and International Boxing Research Organization )

Froch moves on

Carl Froch was one fight away from facing Andre Ward and being a part of the Super Six tournament final.  His opponent, Glen Johnson, was the ultimate road warrior and a fighter better than his record as he became one of the elite light heavyweights over the past decade.  At the age of 42, Glen Johnson still had enough talent to be a threat and his most recent victory over the younger Allan Green reminded the boxing world that he was still one of the best in the world.

In the opening bout, Mikkel Kessler fought a warm up fight against Mehdi Bouadla.  Bouadla pressed the action against the accomplished Kessler but halfway through the round, Kessler used his jab to set up combinations. Bouadla own jabs penetrated Kessler own defense as he kept the round close.

Bouadla defense made it difficult for Kessler in the second round as Kessler’s jab often fell short and when he got closer; he got counter by a Bouadla left hook. Kessler fought a better third round as ring rust from 14 months layoff started to evaporate and a Kessler right sent Bouadla down for an eight count. Bouadla spit his mouthpiece out to gain more time and the referee gave him a point deduction for delaying the fight.  Kessler continued his assault with multiple combinations.

Kessler began the fourth round by unleashing combinations and found a home with his right hand as Bouadla took some big shots as he tried to survive the round but with ten seconds left, another Kessler right sent Bouadla down, but Bouadla got up and wobbled back to his corner.

As the sixth round began, the first question was how did Bouadla survive to get his far as he got pasted over the past three rounds.  With a minute left, a Kessler left hook hurt Bouadla and this was followed by a second left hook along with a nasty right hand that sent Bouadla a third time.  Kessler finished up Bouadla with another combination and after hitting the canvas for the fourth time, Bouadla was finished.  Kessler won impressively and set himself for another big fight; maybe against Lucian Bute.

Meanwhile in Atlantic City, Froch and Glen Johnson fought a tactical first round as they decided to figure what each other had.  The second round saw Glen Johnson move closer to Froch as Froch attempted to jab as mean to keep distance.  Glen Johnson stalked Froch and invading Froch’s space as Froch attempted use angle to avoid Johnson’s rushes. Froch managed to land jabs and more punches but the best punch was a Glen Johnson right over the Froch’s left in the third rond.

If Johnson could land rights, Froch punches were more effective as he countered Johnson effectively and Johnson looked just a half a step slower to Froch plus he was not cutting the ring off. This continued through the fourth and  fifth round as Froch movement bothered Johnson and Froch right hand proved to be the decisive punch in the fifth round.

Near the end of the sixth round told the story of the first half of the fight as Johnson finally connected on a solid right but Froch came back with a left hook and solid combination as he build up a big lead on the score card.

Johnson finally got inside and fought a portion of the seventh round off Froch’s chest and this allowed him to connect two straight chopping right hands.  Eighth round was an explosive round as Johnson connected on two rights and added a double left hook but Froch came back in the last thirty seconds after being rocked with some Johnson’s solid punches.

In the tenth round, Johnson once again landed some nasty right hands, but after the second right hand, Froch came back with a combination to neutralize the Johnson’s charge.  In the eleventh round was similar to the tenth as Johnson was able to connect with solid rights but Froch was able to counter quickly as Johnson could not hurt Froch with those right hands.

In the final round, Froch started out the round by unleashing combinations as he control the distance as he did early in the fight while Johnson was hoping to land one big punch but that one punch never came.  Johnson showed his heart but at times in the fight, he showed his age as he had trouble closing the distance with Froch using angles to win the distance.

Froch is now set to fight Andre Ward in what should be a classic fight as both fighters showed improvement over the past two years in the Super Six tournament. Ward went undefeated in the tournament while Froch lost one fight to Kessler, but beating Andre Dirrell, Arthur Abraham and Glen Johnson.

Chavez wins a title

Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. faced Sebastian Zbik for the WBC Middleweight division in the boxing after dark speical.  Chavez has fought under the shadow of his famous father, who is about to be inducted in International Boxing Hall of Fame and now he had his chance to set his own legacy as he went for his first title.

In the opening bout Miguel Angel Garcia fought Rafael Guzman.  Guzman came into this fight with just three day notice but he was in shape as he was schedule for a fight next week.  Garcia used his jab to set the pace but Guzman did manage to land a few blow in the first round.  Both men exchange blows over the final twenty second and Guzman actually stunned Garcia with a solid left hook that might have won him the round.

During the second round, Guzman trapped Garcia in the rope but Garcia nailed Guzman with a left hook that forced Guzman to retreat and Garcia managed to land some solid blows that cut Guzman over the right eye.  Near the end of the round, Guzman attacked but his wild blows hit air and before that, many Garcia punches hit Guzman’s face.

At the end of a third round, a Garcia right sent Guzman head spinning and if there was more time, the fight might have ended right there.  Garcia own jab against the taller Guzman, neutralized Guzman’s reach and jab.   Garcia continued to attack in the fourth round and with a minute left, a Garcia’s jab nailed Guzman and a split second later, a Garcia right hand sent Guzman down.  Guzman did not get up and Garcia stayed undefeated.

Chavez walked out accompany by his dad but while his dad is the legend, this night belonged to junior as he faced the defending undefeated WBC Middleweight champion Zbik.   Zbik started quickly as he unleashed combination as he forced Chavez to retreat but Chavez did throw those classic Chavez left hook to the body.  Near the end of the round, Chavez landed some nice combination, forcing a hasty retreat by Zbik as he started to penetrate Zbik defenses.

The second round was one of those rounds in with ebb and flows as both fighters took turn dominating. Zbik threw quick combinations but Chavez started to abandoned his long range fight plan and fight inside.

With a minute left in the third round, Zbik struck Chavez with left right combinations twice but Chavez didn’t flinch and threw his own combinations as the bell rang. Zbik set the pace throughout most of the round but when Chavez connected, the crowd went wild.

Zbik continued to force Chavez back but when the both stood toe to toe, Chavez landed some solid body shots but like in the third round, Zbik quicker hands often beat Chavez to the punch.

Zbik continued to school Chavez with his combinations but in the fifth round, Zbik stayed inside, giving Chavez a shot to use his left hook to Zbik’s body. While Zbik kept building up the lead on the scorecard, Chavez hope was to wear the smaller Zbik down for the second half of the fight.  At the end of the fifth round, Chavez threw his best combination at this point in the fight when he stunned Zbik with a lead left hook and right hand. Chavez looked like he succeeded in turning the fight into trench warfare and both fighters stayed in toe to toe throughout the sixth round; Zbik looked fatigued as his hand speed slowed down.

Going into the second half of the fight, Chavez may have been behind but the fight was turning in his favor as he was fighting a Chavez fight, inside with devastating body shots and turning the affair into a rugged brawl.  Toward the end of the seventh round, Chavez unleashed body shots, forcing Zbik to retreat back to the rope where Chavez nailed with a right hand.  In the eighth round, Zbik threw combinations that connected and out punched Chavez even though at the end of the eighth round, Chavez moved forward to push Zbik back to the corner.

In the ninth round, Zbik boxing skills allowed him to connect on three times as many punches as he outworked Chavez. In tenth round, both fighters fought a close in tight and both fighters had their moment.  Zbik landed a sharp left hook that sent Chavez briefly reeling but in the last thirty seconds, a Chavez right took some wind out of Zbik.

In the eleventh round, Chavez body attacks made Zbik winced as Chavez took control of the round. Chavez continued his attack as Zbik looked tired and his punches lacked steam; Zbik look vulnerable for the first time in the fight.   Zbik wobble slowly back to his corner and now Zbik hold of the title looked in jeopardy.

Zbik came out throwing punches for the first thirty seconds but Chavez forced Zbik in the corner with more of body shots. Zbik attempted to counter with quick head shots to slow the Chavez body onslaught.  Over the last minute, both fighters delivered solid shots while fighting in total exhaustion and leaving the fight in the judges’ scorecards.  This was a fight difficult to score as there were many rounds that Zbik outworked and out punched Chavez but Chavez’s punches had more power and he forced Zbik to fight his fight; inside brawl.

Michael Buffet announced the decision, “114-114, 115-113, 116-112, winner by majority decision, Julio Cesar Chavez!”  This was a decision could have gone either way as Zbik was the more accurate but in the end, this was Chavez’s fight; an inside brawl that won the fight.  Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. won his first title, fighting the way his dad did; but delivering tough body shots to wear his opponent down.

Saturday Night was alright for Boxing

This past Saturday night, two great fights showed the best of boxing. The Julio Cesar Chavez and Sebastian Zbik fight showed two young fighters trying to make their name in boxing history.  The same could be said of Carl Froch and Glen Johnson in the semi-final of the Super Six tournament.

Glen Johnson have always been the consummate professional, a fighter who always came in shape and willing to rumble.  He rarely if ever produced a boring fight and last Saturday night was no difference.  The difference in this fight was Carl Froch taking advantage of his height and age as he outworked one of boxing busiest fighter.  Both fighters fought hard and the second half of the fight saw Johnson finally penetrating Froch defenses as he finally found a way to fight off Froch’s chest. Froch took his game to another level as he took Johnson best shot, his right, and fought back. These were the same right hand that knocked out fighters like the great Roy Jones, Jr. and most recently Allen Green in the Super Six tournament.

Throughout the Super Six tournament, Froch showed improvement; even in defeat against Mikkel Kessler.  Against Johnson, Froch showed flexibility as he used angles and continuously nailed Johnson with quick combinations as he out punched Johnson throughout the bout.  Johnson often followed Froch and failed effectively to cut off the ring.  Froch victory was as much due to boxing intelligence and using his height and youth to push Johnson.  His chin allowed him to take those nasty rights and this lead to victory and a bout against Andre Ward.

Chavez fought a quicker and technically sound fighter and while many pundits wanted him to fight from a distance to use his height; the reality is that Chavez had to channel his father.  When he stood at a distance, the quicker Zbik got off first and threw successful combinations.   It was only when Chavez moved inside and unleashed those Chavez’s left hook to Zbik body and this wore Zbik down.  While Zbik often out punched Chavez over the second half of the fight, his punches lacked the steam and the fight was consistently fought on the inside where those left hooks to the body determined the fight.   This was a fight that was close and not easy to score but it also a action fight all the way through with both fighters giving no quarters.

As for the Super Six tournament, this proved to be a success in one very important matter.  Two years ago, Dan Rafel of ESPN noted that one could have designed two Super Six tournament; the Super Middleweight division was that deep. Over the past two years, the Super Six forced six of the top Super Middleweights to face each other and as the tournament proceeded, two more top ten fighters joined the fray.  Meanwhile, many of those who did not participate in the Super Six chose to fight each other; allowing many of the elite fighters to actually fight each other and now we have a division narrow down to three top fighters and maybe two or three more great fights.  Andre Ward and Carl Froch will determine who will end up fighting Lucian Bute, a slick boxing undefeated Canadian fighter.  Bute may face Mikkel Kessler, an original Super Six tournament fighter before an eye injury forced him out of the tournament.  The most telling aspect is that Ward, Froch and Bute have grown in stature as fighter since they fought the best of their division and that stature grew because they fought the best of their division.