Photo by Mike Greenhill

OVERRATED DRAGO CLONES

To Doug,

It looks like the Russians (and Kazakhs) have come and they’re here to stay whether we like it or not. And trust me on this one, I like it not! I’m not too high on this Kovalev krap or Golovkin glut that seems to be taking the world of boxing by storm for some ridiculous reason.

Let’s begin with Sergey Kovalev. Who has he beaten? A fading Jean Pascal and a fifty year old Bernard Hopkins. And now he’s the big hero all of a sudden. Are you kidding me? Not only is this thug overrated but he’s got no class whatsoever. After bashing the totally spent Pascal this goon had the nerve to say that he wished to put Pascal to sleep. What a repulsive punk! He’s already killed a man in the ring and now he was disappointed because the referee stepped in before Kovalev could deliver another killing blow to another defeated fighter. This thug doesn’t belong in the ring. He belongs in an insane asylum.

Golovkin is no better. He’s only on top in large part because his division is clearly void of talent right now. After his beatdown of brave but outgunned Martin Murray Max Kellerman asked GGG what would have happened if the ref didn’t save Murray. Would he have kept punching away? Does he even have the slightest bit of concern for the other fighter? Golovkin just laughed it off and carried on like he’s best thing to ever be placed on God’s green earth. And the fans suck it up. Nor did Golovkin win me over by calling out Miguel Cotto. A faded welterweight. Is that the best this creep can do? Many fans may regard this thirty something year old man as some charming little good boy but the truth is that this cretin has all the charm of a rattlesnake. Yuck!

It’s also time for fans to stop ragging on with all this “everyone’s too scared to fight Golovkin” rubbish. Was everyone too scared to fight elite fighters like Manny Pacquiao or Muhammad Ali. Or Carlos Monzon. Not at all.

As soon as these overrated Drago clones finally step up (if they ever do) and face real fighters (Andre Ward, Carl Froch, Adonis Stevenson) they’ll be brutally exposed and hopefully sent back behind the Iron Curtain. This farce has carried on far enough. – Bryan

You are aware that the Cold War is over (the one between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R, which was officially dissolved in December 1991, not the one between Top Rank and Golden Boy, which is also history), right? Americans (and Brits, too, I noticed you used the word “rubbish”) don’t have to hate people from the former Soviet Union on general principle anymore. I’m gonna have to ask you to watch this speech from everyone’s beloved Rocky Balboa after he defeated the dreaded Drago (it’s OK if you tear up a bit, it always gets me too).

[springboard type=”video” id=”1501587″ player=”ring003″ width=”648″ height=”511″ ]

OK, where should I begin? I guess I’ll start with your last graph. You proclaim that as soon as the Drago Duo steps up and faces Andre Ward, Carl Froch and Adonis Stevenson “they’ll be brutally exposed.” I don’t think Golovkin and Kovalev are unbeatable but I just do not see them being brutalized or exposed by that trio. And I don’t see those three wanting to prove your theory in the ring.

Ward, Froch and Stevenson have not lobbied to get fights with either GGG or Krusher. (Yeah, Ward and Stevenson have tweeted things here and there, and said stuff in interviews, but there’s been no real push on their part to force their managers/promoters to make fights against Golovkin or Kovalev.) Stevenson had an opportunity to fight Kovalev last year and pursued other options. Now he’s telling folks he wants Kovalev. OK. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. Let’s see what happens after “Superman” goes through the motions with Sakio Bika and Kovalev deals with his IBF mandatory (Nadjib Mohammedi). Kovalev’s people have pushed for him to be the mandatory for Stevenson’s WBC title. What does that tell you, Bryan?

Regarding Ward. He’s made it very clear in numerous interviews since signing with Roc Nation in February that he’s got his sights set on the top 168-pound contenders – NOT the best middleweight or light heavyweights – AND he adds that he won’t be ready to pursue those super middleweight standouts until he’s had at least two rust-shaking tune-ups. I assume every hardcore fan on the planet knows this, but I guess that’s not the case, because there’s always someone yelling “Fight Ward!” whenever Golovkin or Kovalev fight.

As for Froch, one of my favorite fighters, he’s publicly stated at least 100 times in the past year that he’s looking for a final bout to end his impressive career and he’s made it abundantly clear that his target for this farewell fight is Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., not Golovkin and certainly not Kovalev.

Regarding the level of GGG and Krusher’s competition, both titleholders are fighting the top-10 contenders of their division. Golovkin’s last three opponents were ranked in the top-10 middleweight rankings of THE RING, ESPN.com and the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board. Kovalev’s last two opponents – Pascal and Hopkins – were ranking in THE RING’s top five. Yeah, Hopkins was almost 50 when Kovalev beat him, but A) B-Hop held two major titles at the time, B) was tabbed to win the fight by at least half of the boxing media, and C) had never been shutout over 12 rounds prior to facing the Russian.

Saying that Pascal is “fading” tells me that you’re just trying to discredit Kovalev’s record, which is fine, but dude, the records of most fighters can be picked apart. How many top five super middleweights has Ward faced? Just two: Mikkel Kessler and Froch. (Chad Dawson was the light heavyweight champ when Ward fought him but Dawson dropped down to 168 pounds – where he was unrated and drained as hell – for that 2012 bout.) What other solid top 10 fighters has Ward faced? I’ll tell you: an Arthur Abraham that had been twice exposed by Andre Dirrell and Froch. Who else? Sakio Bika? Edison Miranda? Allan Green? Not exactly Murderer’s Row, Bryan.

I’m not trying to pick on Ward. I respect him (and he gets enough s__t from the boxing Twitterverse as it is). I’m just trying to show you how easy it is to crap on boxer’s record, even one who is considered “elite.”

I agree that Cotto is a blown-up welterweight. I don’t want to see what GGG would do to the future hall of famer, but I understand why Golvokin and his management want that fight. Cotto would be to Golovkin what Oscar De La Hoya was to Hopkins or what Roberto Duran and Tommy Hearns were to Marvin Hagler – his onramp to stardom. Beyond Cotto’s name recognition, GGG wants that WBC belt and RING title. I can’t be mad at him for that. And I can’t be mad at him for what he said during his HBO interview. His job is to break his man down, it’s the job of the other corner and the referee to save that beaten man.

Same deal with Kovalev’s attitude toward Pascal. The Russian felt disrespected at the final press conference (when Pascal put hands on his hat) and at the weigh-in (where Pascal continued to talk s__t). He’s always looking to KO his opponent. Why wouldn’t he want to knock a s__t talker out cold? Is Kovalev the warmest guy in boxing? Nope (neither is Ward or Froch). Is he a cold mother f___er? Yeah, he is (so is Stevenson, just ask the sex workers he used to “manage”). So what? Golovkin is nothing but friendly and respectful outside of the ring and some people still hate him, so why should Kovalev bother being a nice guy?

GGG DEBATE

Hey Dougie,

I’ve been a long time reader and finally feel compelled to write based on the wide variety of views concerning the level of talent of one GGG. I have noticed the views expressed in the comments below and there are many who think GGG is an overhyped fighter, others who cautiously recognize his high level of talent and others who are straight up fanboys! I myself, think it’s a joy to watch the Big Drama Show, regardless of who’s in the opposite corner!

My question to you is, how do you compare GGG’s current run at middleweight with others of the past, in terms of quality of opposition, total title defenses, etc. As a teenager in the ’90s, the only other comparison I can make is with Bernard Hopkins’ run at middleweight. After looking at who he beat in his run, the only A-listers on there are Trinidad & De La Hoya. Trinidad was legit, but Oscar didn’t really carry 160 very well from what I remember. There are some other recognizable names like William Joppy, John David Jackson and Glen Johnson. His title run was still seen as something very special when he achieved the record.

Finally, give me the winner of GGG vs B-Hop at his middleweight prime in an interesting mythical matchup! Enjoy the weekend! – Andreas in Montreal

I have to go with Hopkins by close decision at this point in Golvokin’s career. Of course, I can look at B-Hop’s entire middleweight run when thinking about this mythical matchup out, whereas GGG is still in his 160-pound title reign. I reserve the right to change my opinion if Golovkin goes on to accomplish special things at middleweight and super middleweight.

How do I compare Hopkin’s middleweight run to GGG’s? To be honest, I don’t. I haven’t felt the need to compare Golovkin to great middleweight champs of the past – yet. He’s still making his name and staking his claim (imagine Don King’s voice when you read that line) at 160 pounds. When GGG is done with middleweight and officially moves up to super middleweight, then maybe I’ll feel the need to see how he compares with Hopkins, Hagler or Monzon.

Right now, off the top of my head (and without consulting boxrec.com), I’d have to go with Hopkins’ resume at 160 over GGG’s middleweight accomplishments. Was the overall quality of B-Hop’s opposition THAT much better than Golovkin’s? No. But Hopkins did face three future hall of famers (Tito, De La Hoya and a young, undefeated Roy Jones Jr.), plus a few dangerous bucks (the young unbeaten version of Johnson, Antwun Echols’ crazy ass and Syd Vanderpool), as well as difficult styles (JDJ and Keith Holmes).

Golovkin has faced some dangerous dudes (Stevens, Rubio) and solid contenders (Geale, Murray), but he still needs to prove that he can handle the difficult styles, which is why Willie Monroe Jr. got the call to the May 16 Big Drama Show. We won’t really know how good (or potentially great) GGG is until he shares the ring with future hall of famers (which is one of the reasons he wants to get his heavy hands on Cotto). Until that happens you can expect fans to continue to be split three ways in their view of the Good Boy Killa.

Oh, and by the way, this line from your email made me chuckle: “(Hopkins’) title run was still seen as something very special when he achieved the record.”

Take it from someone who was around Hopkins (in camp and at the fights) during the peak of his middleweight title reign (1999-2001), he was not appreciated or viewed as anything special. And there were plenty of fans and boxing pundits who still claimed B-Hop was “crap” after he set the middleweight defense record at 20, and after his back-to-back disputed losses to Jermain Taylor. In fact, the VERY SAME things that are being said about Golovkin right now were said about Hopkins 10-15 years ago.

Thanks for finally writing in to the mailbag.

CHOCOLATITO ON HBO

Dougie Fresh!

Happy St Patrick’s Day to you from Ireland!

The news that finally our boy Roman “El Chocolatito” Gonzalez is on HBO is terrific and much deserved. For too long the great small guys never got the respect and coverage they deserved; Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson and Ricardo “Finito” Lopez come to mind.

What do you think of his opponent, Edgar Sosa? Many are saying he is long in the tooth, but I feel he is a worthy opponent, due to his career and his fighting style. Hopefully, Gonzalez is able to get the likes of “Gallo” Estrada and Naoya Inoue in the not too distant future.

Hopefully more fans get to see and appreciate the talented Nicaraguan in May, and I am glad that more than just us hardcore fans watching will appreciate this great fighter. I hope other great fighters in the lower divisions like Yamanaka, Inoue and Carlos Cuadras get their just due and be shown on US and European TV too shortly.

Some mythical match-ups for you, bro.

Roman Gonzalez v Mark Johnson Roman Gonzalez v Nonito Donaire GGG v Bernard Hopkins GGG v Michael Nunn GGG v Emile Griffith

Many thanks Dougie and keep up the great work! – Qadeer, Dublin, Ireland

Thanks Qadeer. I’m extremely excited about two of my favorite fighters (GGG and Chocolatito) fighting on the same card in my hometown and at one of my favorite venues. It’s like an early birthday present.

Kudos to HBO for finally pulling the trigger on broadcasting a Gonzalez fight. The young man (he’s only 27, though that’s a mature age for flyweights) has been HBO worthy for at least five years IMO. I know HBO Sports exec Peter Nelson has wanted to get Choco on the network for some time. They’ve chosen a solid dance partner for his HBO debut, and I know they have their eye out for more attractive future matchups against the likes of Giovani Segura, Brian Viloria and Juan Estrada. There’s no shortage of challengers for THE RING champ at 112 pounds or at 115, where badasses like Cuadras, Inoue and Zolani Tete dwell.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Sosa is first, and like I said, he’s solid. The 35-year-old Mexican veteran has been a bridesmaid at 112 pounds, losing decisions to then-champs Pongsaklek Wonjongkam and Akira Yaegashi, and he’s definitely long in the tooth but the former 108-pound titleholder is not shot or faded as evidenced by his decision over Segura and his second-round KO of Ulises Solis in 2013.

I think fans who have never bothered to familiarize themselves with Gonzalez will like what they see on May 16. Whether or not Choco’s fellow little giants like Yamanaka, Inoue and Cuadras ever receive the exposure he’s about to get depends on their willingness to travel to the U.S. and face top fighters as he has.

Your mythical matchups:

Roman Gonzalez v Mark Johnson – Johnson by decision (Too Sharp is the best I’ve seen live)

Roman Gonzalez v Nonito Donaire – Gonzalez by close, maybe controversial decision

GGG v Bernard Hopkins – B-Hop by close decision

GGG v Michael Nunn – GGG by late TKO GGG v Emile Griffith – Griffith by close decision

PASCAL, SMITH

It’s always the brave ones – the kids who’re getting outclassed, but are too proud to know they should quit.

Just wanted to write a quick thanks for your defense of the Pascal stoppage. As I’m sure you’re aware, Brayden Smith, a young Aussie boxer with a ton of heart, was just turned off life support. Didn’t see the fight, though I’ve seen the boy scrap before – a raw, but entertaining warrior. If the average armchair fan had their way, who knows what sort of damage would have been done to Pascal…

At least this way, he lives to fight another day – and if Stevenson won’t dance, perhaps a rematch could be fought? I’m sure it would be entertaining, though I suspect the Russian is improving faster than could Pascal, and would stop him even earlier… Anyway, peace out, and thanks for your column! – Kim

Whatever Pascal decides to do next, at least he has his health and he can help take care of his daughter. I know we like to think of professional boxers as modern gladiators but we can’t allow outclassed and physically punished prize fighters literally go out on their shields and still call boxing a sport (or view ourselves as civilized human beings).

Like I’ve said in the past, I’m as blood thirsty as the next ghoul (can’t wait for Matthysse-Provodnikov), but I’m not interested in seeing a man beaten completely into submission or a defenseless guy with no hope of competing or turning a fight around take endless shots to his head, and I have no problem telling “outraged” fans who complain about quick stoppages (that really aren’t premature) to calm down.

My deepest condolences go out to Smith’s family – especially his father Brendon, who I met a few times when he used to manage and train Michael Katsidis – friends and gym mates.

GREAT MEXICAN HOPE

Wats Up Dougie,

Me being Mexican American I love boxing and all the legends that have come from the motherland, but with Marquez in his last years who do you think will be the real legit star out of Mexico? I mean trust me I love Canelo (my parents are from the same town where he was born and even tho he’s not from Guadalajara like they say he is, I don’t hold that against him) but anyways my point being is that him & Chavez Jr have yet to have that crucial “I’m legit” win. I know both fighters aren’t p___ies and are willing to fight the best but out of the 2, who do you think has the higher ceiling?

Mythical Matchups:

Pacquiao vs Mosley @135

De La Hoya vs Canelo @154 (I had to)

Chavez Sr vs Duran @140

Mayweather Vs Sweet Pea @140

D., Santa Ana, Ca.

That’s an easy question, D. I don’t know how high Canelo’s ceiling is, but I do know that it’s higher than Junior’s. When I first became aware of both fighters (when they were still in their teens), I thought Chavez had more potential due to his famous name and his taller frame, which I figured would fill out (and boy, did it ever!). However, Canelo has done more to earn recognition, credibility and a dedicated fan base. You want proof? Canelo’s next fight is in a 40,000 seat ballpark and he’s expected to fill it. Junior’s next fight is an 8,000-seat venue and he isn’t expected to fill it.

And let me ask you this: Which of the two do you expect to fight GGG first?

Your mythical matchups:

Pacquiao vs Mosley @135 – Sugar Shane by late TKO (in a sensational fight)

De La Hoya vs Canelo @154 (I had to) – De La Hoya by hard-fought decision

Chavez Sr vs Duran @140 – Duran by decision (in a great fight)

Mayweather Vs Sweet Pea @140 – Whitaker by comfortable decision in an intense but generally uneventful boxing match

RANDOM SHOTS & SOFT JABS

Sup Dougie,

1) Who are your top 5 favourite Fighters at the minute?

2) Which up and coming fighters do you see being the future superstars?

3) After a tune up or 2 and providing he looks the same fighter, how would you see Andre Ward doing against Kovalev and Stevenson?

4) Who do you favour in the 2 fights we should be getting this year between the Dirrell Brothers against the Brits Groves and Degale.

Also Wayne Rooney apparently got knocked out by a soft Jab. Social Media seems divided about whether he was actually knocked out or just messing about here. Thoughts:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80wyG7iKRwE

Watch from 20 second mark.

Keeping it sharp and simple. Ta. – Michael, Manchester

Jeez, what an idiot! That’s what iconic football stars do in the UK? Put on boxing gloves and d__k around with their pals in their living rooms? Yeah, I believe the knockout is legit. Rooney plays football (or soccer as we call it on this side of The Pond). He doesn’t box. If you aren’t used to getting popped upside your head, even what looks like a “soft” jab can turn your lights out.

Boxing’s not a game.

Onto your questions, which I’ll answer in order:

1. GGG, Chocolatito, Krusher, Froch and my man Keith Thurman.

2. Anthony Joshua, Felix Verdejo, Joseph Diaz Jr., Errol Spence Jr., and maybe Jason Quigley.

3. I’d give Ward a good shot at beating both light heavyweight kings. I might favor him to beat Stevenson.

4. I favor the Brits by close decisions.

Email Fischer at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @dougiefischer