FLOYD & MANNY ARE NOT BIGGER THAN BOXING

Dougie,
Now that the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight fell through once again, I am preparing myself to read the tireless articles how 'this is going to hurt boxing and the fans.' I consider myself pretty hardcore when it comes to boxing. I'm 32 yrs. old and I have been watching boxing since I was 10. And honestly, I don't care that this fight is not happening. Floyd and Manny are not bigger than boxing. Boxing will go on and be just fine without them. Yes, this has not been a good year for boxing fans, but one fight will not hurt the sport.

I would rather see Manny face the guys at 140 instead of another rematch with Cotto. And I would rather see Floyd face the guys 154. But I know that is not going to happen. — Raymond

You and I think alike, Raymond. I want Mayweather-Pacquiao to happen because it’s a fight that even casual fans want to see, it’s potentially the most lucrative bout in history, and I believe it would be a highly competitive bout (something we haven’t seen either fighter engage in over the past few years). However, if the fight doesn’t happen, I’m more than ready to move on. I don’t care to write the same cookie-cutter column about what a shame it is the giant millionaire egos that were involved in the negotiations couldn’t get it done — again. I’d rather focus on the potential future stars of the sport and good up-coming fights, such as the light heavyweight matchups Glen Johnson vs. Tavoris Cloud and Chad Dawson vs. Jean Pascal.

Pacquiao vs. the winner of a Bradley-Alexander showdown in a 140-pound matchup and Mayweather vs. Paul Williams, Sergio Martinez or even Alfredo Angulo at 154 pounds would be great, but you’re right, those fights are pipe dreams. So why bother talking about them?

I KNEW IT

Man, I knew ever since Bob Arum suggested a Cotto-Pac rematch this old geezer was gonna throw in Manny Steward’s name to sell that fight…

Bob said “And Miguel will have in his corner Emanuel Steward, one of the great cornermen of our time. That certainly would give Cotto more ammunition than he had going into the fight the last time.”

So if that fight happens (obviously PPV) Arum can go f___ himself cuz imma spend my $50 on a new video game or something that would make much more sense.

Another less aggravating (at least to me) but very controversial topic. Margarito was told by the NSAC to apply in California for his new license first. What I'm confused about is that NSAC made it sound as if Margarito just has to TRY in Cali first and no matter the outcome there, he can try to re-apply in Nevada. Is this true or did I just understand it wrong? Anything you know about this?

This just in… After the Cotto fight Manny will take on Joshua Clottey at Middleweight for the vacant NEW Platinum-with-Diamonds-and-a-little-Silver-in-there BELT. That will be his 9th title in 9 divisions. He truly is the greatest of all time. (I was being sarcastic in case some Pac-tards believed me.) — Peter, Houston, TX

They take that stuff very seriously, Peter, which is why Arum probably believes a Pacquiao-Cotto rematch can do decent pay-per-view numbers. However, outside of Pacquiao’s and Cotto’s diehard fans (which I realize is a considerable number), I don’t see how Arum sells that fight.

You read the NSAC situation correctly. They can still consider licensing Margz if he applies to the CSAC and is denied. It’s happened before in boxing. Mike Tyson was denied a license in Nevada, New York and New Jersey before his showdown with Lennox Lewis but Tennessee was happy to give him one, which is why that mega-bout took place in Memphis. Texas had no problem granting the late Edwin Valero a license years after it was suspended for medical reasons in New York. However, if the California commission rejects Margarito’s application, my guess is that Nevada’s will do the same. We’ll see. Arum is going to try to get the commission to grant Margz a one-fight exception because the CSAC won’t be able to review the boxing pariah’s case until September.

MUM-WEATHER

Gotta be honest, I’m not understanding why the Mayweather camp is deadly silent at this point. For all the talk and glam lifestyle you would think they would offer a reason as to why they haven't signed the contract. Uncle Roger? Blood testing? Revenue split? Fight location? Superstition of the number 13? Bad astrology reading, perhaps?

Also, when do you see James Kirkland finally being allowed to resume his boxing career? Thanks. — Gerry, League City, Texas

Kirkland is scheduled to be released from prison in early October, so my guess is that he’ll want to get back into the ring by December.

Regarding Mayweather and his representatives, perhaps they don’t think the Pacquiao fight is completely dead and are electing to stay quiet until it’s off for sure. I really don’t know, and at this point, I really don’t care. Once it’s clear that the potential super fight is dead for 2010 (whenever Arum can finalize a deal between Pacquiao and either Margarito or Cotto), my guess is that Team Mayweather will release some kind of statement on the situation. (Yawn.)

BRADLEY AND MONTIEL

Dear Doug,
Two questions:
1. Why didn't Bradley call out Floyd, seeing as it's clear that Manny either will fight Margarito or Cotto, whereas Floyd has no opponent scheduled?

2. Impressive showing by Cochulito; how do you see Montiel/Donaire?
Take care. — Patrick

I don’t know why Bradley didn’t call out Mayweather. My guess is that he forgot to. I don’t why we expect fighters to even be coherent let alone recite prepared statements about their immediate future and “wish-list” opponents after they’ve been punched in the head for 12 rounds.

Put short, Montiel has done more than some of the guys who are rated ahead of him. I think Montiel should at least be No. 9 or No. 10. (I have him at No. 9.)

MONDAY MAILBAG

Hey what’s good? Hope all is well with you and yours and keep up the good work with the mailbags because you’re helping a lot of fans get through this summer boxing lull. All in all a good weekend of boxing. (Finally) Here's some random observations

– Focused Zab Judah can give anybody hell at 140. Throw him in the mix if these young studs won't fight each other soon enough. He grabbed a decent win over Santa Cruz. We all know he's supposed to win but hey this is Zab we're talking about here. An early round stoppage against a seasoned guy surely can't hurt his cause.

– Angulo is must-see TV. He's been thrashing a lot of name fighters and looking entertaining as hell doing it. Would love to see him in a big fight at the end of the year. Throw Cotto at him or something.

– Ishe Smith will probably go down as one of the best gatekeepers ever. He just doesn't have that extra dimension needed to beat most fighters as good as him or better. He'll test them hard though. Decent power and speed. Good ring usage. Good defense. Determination in spurts. He'll keep a fight close but that’s about it. With that said I felt he should have gotten the nod. He could have made a stronger case though. Same with the Julio fight.

– I heard Monte Barrett pushed David Tua's s__t back but got robbed. Barrett should have his picture next to the word overachiever in the dictionary. He makes the most out of his boxing skills. He's not the best but he'll let you know if your not the best.

– Bradley and Pacman should be a pretty good ass scrap if it was to be made. It's obvious Floyd wants no parts of this fight at least this year or lifetime so boxing fans and writers should move on. Use that energy to hype up another big fight. This year of boxing has already been overtaken by the thought of this fight. Time to let it go.

Take it easy man. — Jay

Thanks for writing in and thanks for the kind words.

Judah will be dangerous handful for any top-rated 140 pounder. He’ll probably have to beat another second-tier guy before any contender or beltholder gambles with him (and he’ll need Showtime or HBO to step in with a decent license fee to make it worth his opponents’ risk).

THE MATURE JUDAH, HBO B.A.D.

Dougie:
Word. First off, I think about six months ago, I asked why Zab Judah wouldn't just go away, so my wife and I read the excellent feature you wrote about him for RingTV.com, then watched the fight on ESPN, and there I was caring about how Zab Judah did, and then marveling at how much he has actually matured as a fighter. Put him in with Victor Ortiz and let the winner bang with the excellent class of 140 lbs elites. I tell you this, both of them would provide the test of Amir Khan's chin that's necessary for the winner of a fight between Khan and either of them to advance to the superstar level.

So then we watched the HBO card, and…

1) My wife loves Alfredo Angulo. I don't have to twist her arm to watch “El Perro.” He's a fine pressure fighter, and it looks like he's added some pop to his punch. But one of the things that we both love about him, is that he's a respectful, humble guy. If he got in with Sergio Martinez, that would be a classic fight, and if he were to win, he could be a superstar of the game for a long time… how do you see that style matchup going?

2) I finally got to see Tim Bradley, and I was pleased to see that Rosenthal said what I thought, that Abregu fought a much better fight than the judges gave him credit for. I had it 116-112 or 115-113. (I didn't know what to do with the sixth round). As you told me, Bradley is an excellent technician, but I thought that Abregu moved him a couple of times with some hard shots, and going into the later rounds, Bradley was getting wild, which would concern me if he were in with someone as quick as him (say Devon Alexander) or a little quicker, but just as tall and powerful as Abregu (Amir Khan). I'd love to see Alexander-Bradley, but I have to tell you, based on what I've seen I think that ends with a decision for Alexander or a late stoppage. How do you see that fight? Or should we wait until after the Alexander-Kotelnik fight to judge?

Quick hits, not excited about Diaz-Marquez 2, can't see any reason it ends up other than the first one did… would someone tell Arum nobody is interested in seeing Margarito-Pacquiao, and even less interested in seeing a good guy like Cotto get whipped by Pac-Man again?… speaking of which would someone tell Gary Shaw that the Tim Bradley that showed up last night would be killed by Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquaio? — Steve in ND

You’re probably right about Mayweather and Pacquiao destroying Bradley at this point of his career but the money and possible reward those two fights present are too great for Shaw not to call out the elite duo for his fighter.

I’m pleased to hear that the feature I wrote on Judah convinced you to give the Brooklynite one more chance. I think he’s got new life at junior welterweight. He just needs to stay focused, keep winning and hopefully one of these 140-pound young guns takes him on.

BRADLEY VS. PACQUIAO

Doug,
I'll back up Bradley by saying I would really like to see him vs. Pacquiao instead of Cotto or Margarito. And I think he has earned the big fight, unlike Cotto or Margarito. I think Pac would beat him, maybe not as easy as he would Margarito or Cotto, but still a heavy favorite.

Gotta like Bradley calling out the biggest name (interesting he didn't even mention Mayweather) and then calling out all of the big names of his division. Hope he gets some big fights and that other fighters follow his example. Have a good one! — Anthony from San Diego

I’m glad Bradley doesn’t leave Devon Alexander out. If Alexander takes care of biz vs. Kotelnik and looks good doing it a showdown with Bradley could be a major event in St. Louis late this year or in the first quarter of 2011 (especially if Don King and Gary Shaw could make Cory Spinks-Alfredo Angulo for the co-feature).

If Bradley can beat Alexander I think he’ll be embraced as an elite fighter by the industry and the big fights he craves will come, but that’s a big “if.” Alexander is no joke.

JOACHIM ALCINE

Hey Doug,
A small note on Alcine. Last week his promoter (Yvon Michel) said with two days notice that he had decided not to take the trip to the fight. Why? “I was suppose to go but I'm not going”… He also said that he would not re-sign Alcine to his contract (which runs out in December) if he did not win the fight. Yvon Michel usually stands by his fighters even when they lose, so saying this before the fight you know that Michel has had it with Alcine. Word is he didn't train very hard. He has gone through three trainers since the Santos loss and doesn't seem to have his heart in it. Oh, and he doesn't think he needs to watch tape of his opponents. As late as last Thursday people who should have had the info didn't know if he was in California or Montreal. …

It's too bad. I'm not saying Alcine could beat Angulo but I'm sure he did not perform up to his potential. — Stephen, Montreal

Well, if that’s the case I don’t blame Yvon Michel for turning his back on the former titleholder. Alcine had a tremendous opportunity in front of him. He was fighting a well-known contender on HBO and the WBC’s No. 1-ranking at 154 pounds was up for grabs. If a fighter can’t get “up” for a fight like that, he doesn’t need to be fighting. Angulo made sure that he had the best camp of his career for Saturday’s fight. That’s why he’ll be successful despite having less athletic talent and skill as many of his junior middleweight peers.