Well folks, there just isn't much one can really say here; it just wasn't Sergei's night. Poor execution of game plan? Injuries? However you try and dissect it, it "was what it was", and it was...not very good at all. The scores were 120-108 across the board, and while Sergei probably won a few rounds -- the fight was not close.
While in today's hvy division I would never completely write off a contender after one loss or even a few, this...was a VERY big step-back for Sergei, realistically speaking. Perhaps not an absolute 'career killer' -- but pretty close. Quite honestly, I think the over-30 Liahkovich (who is married and with children, and hopefully has a bit of a 'nest egg' stashed away in the bank) should maybe seriously consider retirement at this stage. He certainly has nothing to 'hang his head about', as he will always have the memory of his win over top-hvy Lamon Brewster in what was undoubtedly the best hvy fight of this decade.
For Valuev...it was a very 'workmanlike' performance. And I have to give the big ugly lummox some credit: He has really improved since his earlier days. As a boxer, he's become very decent and respectable, even (ever so slightly) 'crafty' as well. And while he may be really (for all intents and purposes) still quite 'mediocre' in that area, in combination with his solid chin, good stamina, and HUGE size -- he's a pretty formidable hvy. He may not be a 'world beater', but he's certainly 'no joke' anymore either.
It was a good win for ol' "Area 52" (who has without-a-doubt proven that he is indeed a legit top-10 hvy contender), and a bad loss for "The White Wolf".
When I first heard the odds of Valuev (favored) at 3-1...I was a bit stunned and elated. However...unlike the Brewster fight (5-1) I had some very serious 'second thoughts', and did not jump on this one. I sensed a bit of a 'trap', so to speak.
( There was just alot of 'little things' I did not like going into this fight...)
You mean like not having Kenny Weldon in the corner, I didn'tlike that, and when I heard about it, I didn't like Liakhovich's chances either.
That was indeed part of it Troy (and a big part of it for that matter) but not the only thing...
I also didn't like the inactivity, the injuries, how the last fight ended, and even the fact that it was in (Valuev's) home-base of Germany, although that wasn't even really an issue as it turned out. I don't know if any single one of these factors would have ultimately changed the outcome, but collectively - as a 'handicapper' - I just didn't like them when all put together. And in fairness to the big hairy pumpkin-head -- he has worked hard and shown some modest improvement.
My head and my gut (and ultimately my wallet) were with Sergei in the Brewster fight. This one here...only my heart.
( * That being said, I kinda like the 7-foot 300-pound caveman too. He's a good sportsmen, and reminds me a bit of Andre The Giant and Primo Carnera. I've always said he's not as good as some made him out to be, but he's also not as bad as some made him out to be either. Translation >>> He's become a decent and respectable professional prizefighter...and he's just one HUGE M.F'er...:O
Well folks, there just isn't much one can really say here; it just wasn't Sergei's night. Poor execution of game plan? Injuries? However you try and dissect it, it "was what it was", and it was...not very good at all. The scores were 120-108 across the board, and while Sergei probably won a few rounds -- the fight was not close.
While in today's hvy division I would never completely write off a contender after one loss or even a few, this...was a VERY big step-back for Sergei, realistically speaking. Perhaps not an absolute 'career killer' -- but pretty close. Quite honestly, I think the over-30 Liahkovich (who is married and with children, and hopefully has a bit of a 'nest egg' stashed away in the bank) should maybe seriously consider retirement at this stage. He certainly has nothing to 'hang his head about', as he will always have the memory of his win over top-hvy Lamon Brewster in what was undoubtedly the best hvy fight of this decade.
For Valuev...it was a very 'workmanlike' performance. And I have to give the big ugly lummox some credit: He has really improved since his earlier days. As a boxer, he's become very decent and respectable, even (ever so slightly) 'crafty' as well. And while he may be really (for all intents and purposes) still quite 'mediocre' in that area, in combination with his solid chin, good stamina, and HUGE size -- he's a pretty formidable hvy. He may not be a 'world beater', but he's certainly 'no joke' anymore either.
It was a good win for ol' "Area 52" (who has without-a-doubt proven that he is indeed a legit top-10 hvy contender), and a bad loss for "The White Wolf".
*Bizzy On Boxing*
(2008)
BB- I missed something along the way,and was suprised to see Brooks in place of Kenny Weldon(who I know is on this Forum occasionally). What was the story again? That just advancing forward into Valuev's Stiff Jab reminded me of a Eastern European Version of Picketts Charge. Just plain dumb.
Dave - Kenny chose to stay home for this one, as #1 - Both his daughters are soon scheduled to have "at risk" babies. #2 - Sergei - for some reason - wanted to train in Belarus. Kenny, (besides having a first-class gym himself) didn't particuarly want any part of the (rather SEVERE) Belarusian Winters. (Can't say I blame him...)
As for the fight...it was indeed a bit painful and frustrating to watch.
Sal - Scary thought indeed, but by god...I think a pretty accurate one. (lol)
For whatever reasons Dave, while the opponent here was obviously TOTALLY different -- this was not the same Sergei physically OR mentally that I saw in the Brewster fight and prior fights. He showed some heart and toughness in merely going the distance...but he showed very little else. Did you by chance catch any of the between-rounds banter, Dave? (My audio for some reason wasn't working) Brooks is obviously no "rookie", and I couldn't imagine him giving Sergei anything less than just basic and sound advice (?)
I don't even know if Kenny being in the corner would have made a whole lot of difference to be honest, guys. I mean..."You can lead a horse to the water, but you can't make him swim in it", ya' know...(???)
I believe that the truth we're possibly faced with gentlemen is that the fight between Sergei and Lamon for intensive purposes ended both their careers. There is no way Lamon will ever be the same from his tenativeness against Klitschko and his detached retina, and Sergei has been a shell of a fighter since. His lethargic efforts against Briggs and Valuev don't bode well for him. Don't give me this he was hurt against Shannon bullshit and Valuev is difficult to get by. Briggs' power could've made Sergei a bit apprehensive but Lamon had power too, and everyone has gotten some shots in against Nikolai, hell Barrett couldn't miss with that right hand though those shots had no effect. I hope this is a phase, but maybe his greatest effort in the ring capturing the WBO version of the crown was Sergei's last stand as well. God I hope not.
Ironically, as is sometimes the case, while the 'big door' may have closed on Sergei, this very well may open-up some 'mid-level' opportunities/paydays. (e.g., perhaps young up & comers like Dimitrinko, Greenberg, Johnson, Witherspoon, Scott, Arreola, etc, etc, will now be calling up Sergei after these last two fights.)
That might be a bit tempting, but I hope he really thinks about things if that does happen...
( "Better to maybe retire one fight too soon, than one fight too late", as the old saying goes...)
If you ever want a fellow who is 'brutally honest' -- it might just be this Ondrizek chap. ( "Mr.Bill" is a bit similar that way, but his 'style' clearly different) Examples?
Ondrizek on his friend (and current cruiserweight contender) B.J Flores: "I thought he won the fight, but he looked awful at times doing an impression of Greg Lemond out there."
Or here was the all-timer...
Ondrizek - after (what I thought to be?) his sort of 'friend' Shannon Briggs stunk-it-out against Iggy Ibragimov (and then had the 'delusional gall' to claim he was 'robbed) - Ondrizek wrote a piece on Boxing Scene/Fox Sports that was FAR, FAR more brutal than the modest-but-clear-and-decisive 'smackdown' that Iggy handed down to Briggs. As a matter of fact?
I almost felt a bit sorry for the "Shetland Pony"/"Pineapple Head" by the time I finished it. (Hey, I don't know if "The pen is mightier than the sword" -- but it was certainly "mightier than the Shannon".) Not only was it far worse than the treatment he got from Ibragimov...
...It may just have been even worse than the DRUBBING and PASTING he got at the hands of LENNOX LEWIS back in the late 90's.
All that kinda reminds me of a little story...*prepares to go into Larry Merchant/Bert Sugar/Frank Lloyd Wright mode*...
A guy I met once took me aside and gave me a sampling of his 'beloved' homemade Dandelion Wine. He gave me a small little (like 2.oz) glass of it, and I proceeded to drink it down...
"So what do you think?" asked my new friend.
(after pausing a few seconds) "Well...I've gotta be totally honest with you here Stevie: This has to be about the most god awful shit I've ever tasted in my entire life," I replied.
(To my mild surprise, Stevies reply was this...)
"Thank you Brian," he said with a slight smile and nod and while putting a hand on my shoulder. "That's how I know who my REAL friends are."
For whatever reasons Dave, while the opponent here was obviously TOTALLY different -- this was not the same Sergei physically OR mentally that I saw in the Brewster fight and prior fights. He showed some heart and toughness in merely going the distance...but he showed very little else. Did you by chance catch any of the between-rounds banter, Dave? (My audio for some reason wasn't working) Brooks is obviously no "rookie", and I couldn't imagine him giving Sergei anything less than just basic and sound advice (?)
I don't even know if Kenny being in the corner would have made a whole lot of difference to be honest, guys. I mean..."You can lead a horse to the water, but you can't make him swim in it", ya' know...(???)
;-(
BB- On the Webcast,it was kind of hard to make out what Brooks was saying because they didn't stay with the Corners very long and of course the German Commentators were talking over the top of it. When the German Translator would start in,I'd be like "would you shut up so I can hear what he's saying" lol But it sounded as though Brooks would sort of frustrated but not to the violent degree that it probably warranted. You might be right in that it didn't matter who was in the Corner Saturday.
I believe that the truth we're possibly faced with gentlemen is that the fight between Sergei and Lamon for intensive purposes ended both their careers. There is no way Lamon will ever be the same from his tenativeness against Klitschko and his detached retina, and Sergei has been a shell of a fighter since. His lethargic efforts against Briggs and Valuev don't bode well for him. Don't give me this he was hurt against Shannon bullshit and Valuev is difficult to get by. Briggs' power could've made Sergei a bit apprehensive but Lamon had power too, and everyone has gotten some shots in against Nikolai, hell Barrett couldn't miss with that right hand though those shots had no effect. I hope this is a phase, but maybe his greatest effort in the ring capturing the WBO version of the crown was Sergei's last stand as well. God I hope not.
Troy- I think you've got it nailed,it was a Lose-Lose End Result out of Sergei-Brewster. I was Ringside at Valuev-Barrett in Chicago and it was amazing that some of Barrett's Western Union Telegraphed Looping Righthands connected,I really thought that Sergei was going to exploit that. I don't know,he just seemed content on remaining on the end of Valuev's Jab and just walking into them all night. Even looking at Sergei's face there was kind of an acceptance of defeat from early on, I sure hope he can find it again but I'm not overly optimistic at this point.
BB- On the Webcast,it was kind of hard to make out what Brooks was saying because they didn't stay with the Corners very long and of course the German Commentators were talking over the top of it. When the German Translator would start in,I'd be like "would you shut up so I can hear what he's saying" lol But it sounded as though Brooks would sort of frustrated but not to the violent degree that it probably warranted. You might be right in that it didn't matter who was in the Corner Saturday.
Yeah...*chuckle...Hey, shut-up and speak 'American', would ya? lol.* Yeah...unless Kenny knew something that others didn't (like in the Briggs fight, that Sergei was injured) Kenny probably would have shoved the stool up Sergei's ass, or at least threatened to do so. It was a bit frustrating and depressing to watch Dave. And as you say -- he seemed "content" to just stay in the wrong range and eat the jab for the most part. And I also ("sensed") a look of resignation on his face early on as well. I don't know...I'm not Sergei, and I can't get in his head, but this was just not the same fighter as when in his late 20's. It doesn't take an Einstein, Eddie Futch, or Kenny Weldon to tell one that much.
I don't know...what Ondrizek said, may be true. I was thinking the same thing while typing the msg prior to that, in all honesty. And while the only two rounds that were 'eventful' in the Briggs fight were the 1st and the 12th (not a whole lot really happened in-between, at least not on the surface) that ending -- was FRIGHTENING.
To be blunt, if Sergei were some type of 'meathead' with no family and not much else going for him -- I would probably not be mentioning the possibility of retirement so much. But I don't sense that with him, and he does have a family. I'm not saying a comeback from this is completely "out of the realm of possibility", but (realistically and logistically) speaking -- I'm like you at this point Murph.
Not very "optimisitic".
There is just something I kinda "sense" there -- that I don't particuarly like. (???)
Obviously Kenny has (much) more important things going on right now (I'll have to check-in with him in regards to that and get an update...) but it would be interesting to get his opinion on all this.
My hunch is that he would maybe have a bit more to say "off the record", perhaps...
Still, that doesn't at all change my opinion in that he should probably retire. He's obviously very 'injury-prone', and that isn't something that's likely to get better in his 30's. (It usually gets worse...)
I wouldn't know about injuries getting worse in the 30's like you would Bizzy, but where did you hear about the injury and hospital news? Did you talk to Mr. Weldon?
I wouldn't know about injuries getting worse in the 30's like you would Bizzy, but where did you hear about the injury and hospital news? Did you talk to Mr. Weldon?
( Why that punk sonofabitch...I oughta...@!$%#&*%$ **#@%$! )
And NO -- I didn't hear from Weldon. It's right on todays Fightnews press links...
( And yeah -- it's gets pretty bad when in your 30's. Especially after you hit 35, as I just did. Hell, I get injuries getting up to grab a coke from the fridge, and it's about everything I can do these days to emerge from the shower without any injuries...)
as i always said his injuries could have been cured by the late dr christien bernard or as kenny wanted to do hit him over the head with the f---------------- stool
Hey guys ,Sergei left my gym on December 28th with a game plan to beat the giant .If Tommy Brooks is a trainer ,I hamburger .Sergei weighed 232 lbs when he left .He fought at 250 .Evallo and Don King talked him into going to Bulgaria to train instead of staying with me in Houston. By the way,I believe Evallo is from Bulgaria. I should be mad at Sergei for what he did and I am .Tommy Brooks game plan was not only dumb but reaks of stupidity. When Sergei walked in the ring ,I could tell he was beat before the first bell rung and I could tell on Tommy and Evallos face they had sold out. Sergei looked as though he was thinking,lets getthis over with.You are right Bizzack ,he needs to quit. This is sort of I ronic too. I replaced Tommy Brooks with Main Events back in the early eighties and he replaced me with Sergei in what I hope is his last fight.His heart was not in the fight and neither were his manager and trainer.Don King wins again and the biggest winner of all is Main Events .
Isn't training fighters fun? Whether its training amateurs or pro's the job is a thankless one. Also, boxing is full of trainers or people that own a ringside catalog, throw a towel over their shoulder and carry a bucket pretending to be trainers. These are usually the same people that are very good at blowing smoke up a fighters ass with the promise of bigger things to come, the fighter usually ends up worse off then when he started and by the time he figures out he fucked up it's too late. I have had this happen to me a few times and I'm sure Mr. Weldon has had it happen more than enough times. Years ago prospective trainers had to take a test to become a trainer and get licensed, that no longer exsists, or at least in most states it doesn't. A fighter that I trained as an amateur now fights pro but not for me and that's fine, but he fights for a fellow that pretends to be a trainer, and what I tell people is that I trained him from the begining but all that the other guy does is give him water when the bell rings and it shows.
Good to see you Kenny, just got the reply. (My computer has been acting up a bit the last few days...ever since I hit that crap of a fight on the Russian/German website, ironically...) As for Sergei's and trainer heart not being in the fight from the get-go...boy, I completely agree. At least that was the strong sense I got, and I don't say that too often.
As for the whole situation with you and Sergei before the fight, I also sensed that (unfortunately) not all was "right" there. I just didn't particuarly like the sounds of it. Now, in perhaps fairness to Tommy, I'm not sure how much blame can really be pegged on him for this one fight. ( He sure as hell didn't appear to help him much though...) What I mean is this: I find it hard to believe that could have been his strategy/gameplan for the fight, Kenny. I mean...if it was, this guy is not only no Kenny Weldon -- but he's no Jay Bright either, and not as bright-as-Jay for that matter! I mean, even the most basic and common of fans could tell that was a completely wrong ( and bordering on moronic) strategy. Now, as far as the weight goes, I didn't like it (especially when I first heard it) but then I remembered that you had said a few months back that Sergei had put on about 10 pounds through some recent weightlifting, so I thought that might be a possibility. (although that would put him in the 240's, and I'll just say that while Sergei has never been a 'body beautiful' -- I didn't see much of any visual 'evidence' of weightlifting at 250, nor did I think it was the right amount of weight for him to be carrying around even if it was. )
Anyways...well, we both indeed saw and sensed the same thing, and sorry this had to kind of work out and end the way it did with you and Sergei. Incidentally, Troy Ondrizek just sent me an outstanding piece on the Liahkovich-Brewster fight (what a fight and moment...) and it's kind of sad and unfortunate ironies as well. ( It appears as though that was their LAST great fight...)
BTW - Your'e right -- Bulgaria. ( I was kinda close? *chuckle* ) And hey -- how are the daughters and grandkids???
P.S - I think Sultan has a CHANCE tonight. He could be a dangerous opponent for Vlad, and I think he's a 'live underog'. ( I'm picking Vlad to win the fight -- but it would not all shock me if Sultan KO's him, and perhaps early for that matter. Enjoy...;-)
Also, are you still training young middleweight Ernie "Jesus" Gonzalez, Kenny?
I would think that given his youth, ethnic background, and region (Southwest-area) he might be a good fit for Telefutura and Golden Boy Promotions possibly?
* Telefutura, go figure, pays alot more than ESPN. I'm sure you already knew this, but when I recently heard how much more they paid than them -- I was a bit flabbergasted and stunned. But then...it kind of started to make more sense, not to mention dollars as well. I'm starting to think that if ESPN is going to paying that limited of a budget, they should consider a fairly drastic change of 'business model' as it pertains to their Boxing. (I think they should perhaps start featuring more REALLY young/up & comers, in sort of "ShoBox" like fashion. It would kind of fit in with "The Contender" theme as well. I don't know...???...things have just gotten a bit tired and stale on that program though.) At least HBO and Showtime have been rolling good in 2007 & 2008, but obviously not everybody can be on there...
What a huge disappointment that monthly OLN/Versus has been. I had fairly high-hopes for that one iniatially...but it just 'fizzled'. Like a wet-firecracker or Dominic Guinn. Heck...I even kinda miss the old USA Tuesday Night Fights, even though I swear they had Everett "Bigfoot" Martin on about every other week, and their announcers (unlike the old ESPN winning combo of Tompkins & Bernstein) were a couple of bafoons.
( I kind of grew to like Sean O' Grady though. Hell...I even grew to like the bumbling old Ferdie "The Fight Doctor" Pacheco, and kinda miss him.) I recall once when (back in the 90's) they had him doing a live feature on then young up & coming hvy's Riddick Bowe and Razor Ruddock, a sure-fire recipe for disaster for the at times linguistically-challenged and not-so-smooth Ferdie...
Pacheco: "Well, the thing I really like about this 'Razor Riddick' is this, and as for 'Riddick Ruddock', I kinda like this. I think of the two the more promising one is Ruddock...err...I mean Riddick...I mean Ruddock Riddick...err...uhh...hmm..."
Sal - Funny, but as a kid growing up, I always knew about the boxers getting 'screwed'.
...It wasn't until later on that I learned that sometimes the MANAGERS AND TRAINERS do as well.
* On the flip-side of that, what a hell of a neat story with this Jack Loew and Kelly Pavlik, eh? I kind of thought a little bit about you when watching that preview thing. Really, although they had a few 'bumps' along the way (even parting ways for awhile) a good story about Jermain Taylor and Ozell Nelson as well. Pretty neat how both of those guys stayed true/loyal to their roots and past. A couple of good and likeable guys, and their trainers seem as such as well.
Lord almighty that fight was bad, guys......I mean -- it was just plain AWFUL......
There was a "robbery" tonight, gentlemen. Yes, you heard me right -- a ROBBERY.
I was completely robbed of all my self-dignity after watching all 12 rounds of that fight...
;-(
BB- I guess what we found out was that Vlad Klitshcko can beat Sultan Ibragamov one-handed,since that's basically what happened. I thought the HBO announcers were in typical Cheerleader Form giving the HBO "House Fighter" the benefit of the doubt. Hey,the old adage "win this one and look good the next time" flys out the window when your: A) Your not protecting a ,mega-fight date down the road, which unless your counting Vlad-Peter II as something much bigger than I am,Vlad was clearly not. B) Your Fighting a HW unification fight at Madison Sq Garden and C) the only reason your holding back on your Right is to avoid getting countered. At least College Basketball outlawed the Four Corners,maybe the need to put a Punch Clock on Vlad's Right so he has to throw it occasionally.
Thankfully,we have Vazquez-Marquez III next week to wash away the Sour Taste from Last Nights Fiasco. For the $8 Million HBO paid Vlad to fight one-handed,they could've put on several "action" fights instead. People got better return for their money from Enron ;)
Yea Bizzack, I like both camps as well. Taylor came back and looked better with his amateur coach, Pavlic seemed to fight a patient fight and improved a little too. As for the kid that I used to train, he finally wised up and went to Philly to train and got hooked up with a promoter that got him on a spanish language channels version of the contender. I can't spell it or pronounce it so I won't try. I couldn't have done that for him training in the basement. The kids name is Isaac Suarez, he's a featherweight. I hope he does well but according to him it's just a show and he wants to fight not be on T.V.
since we are now on Wlad/Iggy. That was horrible, I was ashamed to be a boxing fan and everyone else around me asking is this how the fights always are. Just plain pathetic, HBO probably won't be showing many more heavyweights in the near future. Dear Lord, I am livid. I watched the Bowe/Holyfield trilogy before the fight and my roommate (who is a new fan of the sport) declared that Bowe and Holyfield could beat the shit out of either man with heart alone. And when people are saying how much like Lewis Wlad is. Listen, Wlad has the Emanuel Steward jab straight right, as did Lewis. however, lennox could and did fight on the inside, he fought back when hit, and went for the KO when he needed to. Im glad Manny has so much faith in Klitschko and calls him the greatest heavyweight he has ever trained. Sure his jab would be hard to get by, but I see Lennox killing him and Oliver McCall giving him problems. Did I mention I was livid/ashamed about this fight? I think if I was Iggy, I would've punched Wlad low every time he pushed down on my head and blamed it on his pushing my head down. Wlad has absolutely no interest in fighting on the inside and goes out of his way to hold. It was horrible, I am losing my faith in the big men.
First of all, Manny says that about every guy he trains, he should show up in the corner wearing a skimpy little chear leaders outfit. I remember when he was going around telling everyone that Darnell Nicholls was going to be the best heavyweight that ever lived and would be a great champion. NOT! Wlad was off balance for most of the fight and he throws arm punches and does not turn his shoulders when he jabs. At one point he threw a right hand and his right foot was off the canvas, no stability. I expected alot more out of him last night and so did many other people. It was actually the worst he has ever looked and makes some of Foreman's early opponents look like world class fighters. The question now is how long before Emanuel Steward and Wlad have a blow out and Manny either quits or gets fired.
I'm with T.O on this one...only I feel so mentally and morally defeated and 'demoralized' after watching all twelve of those rounds -- I can't even seem to muster up any anger.
I'm half the man I was before watching that fight guys...like an empty cannister...like some sort of version of Gandhi...those two wouldn't pass-a-fist -- and now I'm just a pacifist.
Sal - I love Manny and have mucho respect for him, but when it comes to that sort of stuff -- you just can't take ol' "Charley Pride" a.k.a "Velvet-Smooth Manny" very seriously. (lol)
Dave - ..."24-second clock on the right hand!" (LOL!) "Better return on their money from Enron!" (LOL!)
Ohh...alright...I'm gonna have a few cups of coffee, and see if I can't fight my way out of the corner on this one...( I feel like Vlad and Iggy have me in the corner on this one -- and I can't get out! Thankfully, all one is doing id throwing a jab, and the other...well...he just keeps moving from side-to-side, and every oncein a great while he throws a wide looping left...! )
Alright, I'm getting ready to launch a salvo and some haymakers myself gentlemen...( "Float like a butterfly -- sting like the Bizzy!" )
First of all, Manny says that about every guy he trains, he should show up in the corner wearing a skimpy little chear leaders outfit. I remember when he was going around telling everyone that Darnell Nicholls was going to be the best heavyweight that ever lived and would be a great champion. NOT! Wlad was off balance for most of the fight and he throws arm punches and does not turn his shoulders when he jabs. At one point he threw a right hand and his right foot was off the canvas, no stability. I expected alot more out of him last night and so did many other people. It was actually the worst he has ever looked and makes some of Foreman's early opponents look like world class fighters. The question now is how long before Emanuel Steward and Wlad have a blow out and Manny either quits or gets fired.
Sal- We've seen Manny progress from someone who was notorious for burning up fighters,both in 90+ degree heat of Kronk and the way they pushed them in their careers,to the current Hall of Fame Trainer who mostly acts the hired gun and takes over other people's works and pleads for Offense. I think we've gone through enough misfires recently that his celebrated reclaimation of Lennox is finally starting to fade from memory. It'll be interesting to see if these problems with Taylor and Vlad make established fighters shy away from him now.
Well Dave...I really think the only recent 'misfiring' was with Taylor, in all honesty. I mean, as much as the recent Klit fight STUNK, Klit IS undefeated with Steward, and in most of his fights -- looked pretty good.
( This one...was obviously not one of them though! )
( * He's probably depressed too after watching that fight this wknd...heck, it was everything I could do to just get up in the morning and shower and shave the last few days, that fight was so depressing...)
Oh, "The Washington Windmill" swung back on a new piece. ("World Heavyweight Defecation") I couldn't take it anymore; if nothing else, it was a bit 'therapeutic'.
( Not only is Jack Dempsey spinning in his grave after watching that so-called-fight -- but Jack FISKE is too. )
By the way Dave, before you think you are all smart and point out that Steward actually does have one loss with Klitschko, that one there doesn't count my friend.
( Everyone knows that poor Klit got 'slipped a mickey' right before that one. As a matter of fact -- rumour is none other than Amatoboxings Johnny Bos did it. *snickers* )
Well Dave...I really think the only recent 'misfiring' was with Taylor, in all honesty. I mean, as much as the recent Klit fight STUNK, Klit IS undefeated with Steward, and in most of his fights -- looked pretty good.
( This one...was obviously not one of them though! )
BB- In fairness to Manny, I really do think that the gameplan was to soften Ibragamov up with the Jab for the first part of the fight and then open up,it just went on way too long. The Klitschko Brothers look at life through Rose Colored Glasses,being pampered Eastern European athletes. That he didn't see the damage being done by taking the safe road on Saturday is probably not surprising. At least he's not like his Brother,who took a loss rather than stand upright for an extra 9 minutes,which he spent talking to Larry Merchant in no apparent discomfort,and still thinks he's Top Dog by being the Man who was stopped by the Man 4.5 years ago ;)
No Bizzack, A good fighter can win a fight with a jab alone, I wasn't as impressed with his jab as Max Kellerman was. On top of that he won the fight because the other guy did nothing and as a south paw he sucks, he moves to his left entirly too much and Klit should have nailed him every time he moved left with the lead right hand. That's basic boxing.
I trained with a few pros back when I was fighting. We also had 2 nationaly ranked amateur soutpaws and one pro that was in the top ten who was a southpaw in the gym. I was a southpaw. Lets say I have some experience with that fighting stance and every time I watch a fight with a southpaw that does not know how to fight or move and to take advantage of being a southpaw against an orthodox fighter I go crazy. Now, you want to talk about a great southpaw fighter? Check out Pernell Whitiker. Which way does he move? Not left.
I trained with a few pros back when I was fighting. We also had 2 nationaly ranked amateur soutpaws and one pro that was in the top ten who was a southpaw in the gym. I was a southpaw. Lets say I have some experience with that fighting stance and every time I watch a fight with a southpaw that does not know how to fight or move and to take advantage of being a southpaw against an orthodox fighter I go crazy. Now, you want to talk about a great southpaw fighter? Check out Pernell Whitiker. Which way does he move? Not left.
That's an excellent and fascinating point Sal!
* I would think "Doc Deacon" might especially find that one of interest. Deacon incidentally, is a mid-30's 'joe-average' guy as myself, that has recently taken up Boxing as a way to learn, keep in shape, and have some fun. Awhile back, he sparred his first time against a southpaw. A tall lanky one with long arms, nonetheless. ( Deacon is about a 5'8" 'middleweight'. ) "The Fight Beacon" did not know this bloke was a lefty at first, and for about the first half of the (1-minute) round...reportedly had the look of a strangely befudled puppy dog upon seeing it's reflection in the mirror for the first time!
"I couldn't figure it out at first," said Deac. "I just knew that something was 'off' and not quite right."
Another slick southpaw was Paul Spadafora, great talent but no brains. For staying out of trouble that is. Have you ever seen the tape of him sparring Mayweather? You can find it on YouTube if you want to see it.
I trained with a few pros back when I was fighting. We also had 2 nationaly ranked amateur soutpaws and one pro that was in the top ten who was a southpaw in the gym. I was a southpaw. Lets say I have some experience with that fighting stance and every time I watch a fight with a southpaw that does not know how to fight or move and to take advantage of being a southpaw against an orthodox fighter I go crazy. Now, you want to talk about a great southpaw fighter? Check out Pernell Whitiker. Which way does he move? Not left.
Sal- I recall Manny Steward talking once about Moorer's being a Southpaw but that his Righthand was actually his dominate hand,and the advantage that presented when guys would actually be circling into his power. I thought that was kind of interesting. However,that wasn't the case last Saturday,and you had every right to be pulling your hair out ;)
Sal ,I worked with Pernell and many other world champions for Main Event promotions. They trained for almost six years with me and main events coaching staff stating with Mike McCallum ,Bobby Chyz,Rocky Lockridge,Johnny Bumphus then Pernell,Evander,Meldick,and on and on .I was their technique and ballance trainer,not all ,but several. What Pernell had was not so much being lefthanded ,but the best body control and arcenal of punches and moves of any boxer in the modern day era comparing with the late great Benny Leonard and Kid Chocolate up until now .He was like the tide attacking a post on the beach or a waterbug excapeing a frog.....God bless.......kenny weldon
"He was like the tide attacking a post on the beach or a waterbug escaping a frog" - K.W on Pernell Whitaker.
Boy, well said. I've seen quick 'slippery' southpaws before, but there was something extremely unique about Whitaker, and I could never quite exactly explain it up until now.
BODY CONTROL; ARSENAL OF PUNCHES; AND MOVES.
This guy Whitaker...he moved like 'liquid'! No kidding -- like water. I was watching one of those Sesame Street programs with my little niece recently, and remember how they used to have those letters that would 'morph' into different shapes? Well -- that was Whitaker! The guy was like every letter of the alphabet in the ring, all the while throwing punches from all angles and keeping his balance. Amazing that guy was...
One could easily make the case that he wasnt bested until the age of 35. Also, looking back at that fight with Chavez (Who I also consider to be great, but much different style obviously. And yes -- I do consider Whitaker to be slightly superior as well) it was kind of mind-boggling what those two were doing to themselves in those days ( e.g., cocaine and heavy alcohol ) and SEEMINGLY...showing no 'ill-effects'. It's flabbergasting to me that such premier world-class athletes would do that to themselves, yet...the two (especially Whitaker) were just so damn gifted and talented -- they could (kinda) "get away with it".
Oh, McCallum......along with EDER JOFRE, perhaps one of the most UNDERRATED fighters in HISTORY. This guy -- was truly one of the best middleweights I have EVER seen. You could put this guy in with any middle in history, and I can just about guarantee you he would at the very least "hold his own".
And wouldn't you know it, but low and behold -- Kenny mentioned not one, but TWO fighters from my homestate of Washington! ( * Sadly guys...there is practically NOTHING in the Northwest these days Boxing-related even worth mentioning. Am or Pro. 154-pounder Walter Wright ("The Contender") is probably our best fighter. That oughta tell you something. Wright is no slouch -- but nothing to write home about either. For awhile it looked like we might have had a promising amateur and pro prospect at cruiser or hvy (Jonte Willis) but...that's looking quite questionable these days.) Anyhow, Lockridge wasn't quite "great", but boy -- he was DAMN good. Really, while the title of "Greatest Fighter In Northwest History" would probably have to go to Freddie Steele or my old 'pal' Al Hostak by almost default, one could make a strong case for Lockridge.
Bumphus was no slouch either, and reportedly doing well currently, as are Sugar Ray Seales and his brother. Haugen? He's doing okay, but "digging ditches". ( Unfortunately, Greg reportedly didn't handle his finances real well. ) Lockridge??? As far as I know...his whereabouts are currently "unknown". ( I hope I'm wrong, but not a real good sign...)
Anyways, I've gotten a little carried away here. But hey -- God bless Kenny Weldon for mentioning these fighters! ( He mentions a few of my favorites and all-time greats, and then tops it off by mentioning a few local fellows! )
Another slick southpaw was Paul Spadafora, great talent but no brains. For staying out of trouble that is. Have you ever seen the tape of him sparring Mayweather? You can find it on YouTube if you want to see it.
Sal - You hit that one spot-on. Spadafora = Good boxer and alot of 'natural talent', but as my former Junior High P.E teacher ( Mr. Ivan Little -- a guy who incidentaly you and Weldon remind me a little of ) would say -- "The poor kid just has dogmeat for brains."
Man...once somebody gets me going on Jofre, Duran, Holmes, Holyfield, Galento, or McCallum -- there is just no stopping me. It's like somebody just hooked-up an I.V of espresso or something. McCallum -- this guy unfortunately "never got his due". With Jofre, that is kind of to be expected due to his size (or lack therof) and geography (Soth America) but McCallum -- he was kinda 'sandwiched' between the eras of Hagler, Leonard, and Hearns -- and Jones, Hopkins, and Toney. The first three wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pollock or a six-and-a-half foot one named Andrew, and the latter three, well...he was either slightly over the hill (vs.Toney) or very over the hill (vs. Jones) by the time they fought him. And he still gave Toney fits in close fights, and went the distance with Roy. His situation was a little bit similar to Larry Holmes, in that they established greatness in the 80's - didn't get their just credit - and then (in some respects) "re-established" it in the 90's at an advanced age! (And like McCallum, Holmes was kind of 'sandwiched' between two great and deep hvy eras/decades -- the 70's and 90's.)
* McCallum is no longer known as "The Body Snatcher" these days by the way; he is now known as "The Food Snatcher". ( Mikey is walking around at heavyweight these days, and looks quite happy. lol.)
BTW - One talented guy from that general era and weight area that just kinda got "lost in the shuffle" and "fell through the cracks" was Michael Nunn. That guy could have even accomplished more in his 30's and at light heavyweight if not due to various different circumstances, and of course -- himself.
bizzack ,remember ,I was in Vinnys corner when he beat Haugen the first time and lost to him the second time.I have never seen a boxer more motivated to win the first time around than Vinny and less motivated the second time .God bless.....kenny weldon
Mr. Weldon, I agree with your assesment of Pernell and it is one that is often over looked by most observers. Do you remember a guy named Fernando Rodruigez at featherweight? Barry Stumpf trained him and he won 2 National Golden Gloves chamionships 2 years in a row. I used to spar with him on occasion and train with him in the gym. I learned allot from him and feel fortunate to have worked with him and many other good pro's.
Sal ,I remember Barry and of course I remember Fernando as well .I met Barry at Colorado Springs and when I went to PA. with Pernell and the guys to fight I tried to look him up but dont remember finding him it seems.Its been a while back ,but Barry was a good guy and Fernando was a good prospect back then.God bless......kenny weldon
Heavyweights....not worth mentioning .Been there,done that .Time to get back to reallity and the guys who carry the sport when there are no heavyweights....God bless......kenny weldon
bizzack ,remember ,I was in Vinnys corner when he beat Haugen the first time and lost to him the second time.I have never seen a boxer more motivated to win the first time around than Vinny and less motivated the second time .God bless.....kenny weldon
"Less motivated the second time", eh? Hmm...from what I recall (it's been awhile...) both of those fights were good close fights, but the decisions 'just'. ( Vinny won the first, and Greg the second ) That's interesting about Vinny's mindset in the second though...to be blunt Kenny - in that particular area - while I find both Greg and Vinny to be likeable guys...they aren't exactly "firing on all eight cylinders" 100% of the time! ( Hey, I'm not saying I am either for that matter! ) but I could really see how - as a trainer - 'handling' those two could be a real challenge that way. You know, I could imagine one would consider putting 'blinkers' on those two ( cups put on the outside of distraction-prone racehorses eyes ) to keep them properly focused!
Also...I believe that was Vinny's last fight at 135 Kenny? Was that a factor? I think Vinny did need to (legitimately) move up in weight, but that being said -- no more than 147 or perhaps 154 at the most. All things considered, he did pretty well at 168, but that weight was really outrageous for him. On a somewhat similar (but lesser) note, I believe his Rhode Island buddy Peter Manfredo ( or as I like to call him -- Peter "Fettucine" Manfredo ) is making a similar mistake, Kenny. While the 147/154 days are I think legitimately behind him, I strongly feel Manfredo should be fighting at 160 and NOT 168 Kenny.
* I told him this myself as a matter of fact. "Italian-to-Italian" nonetheless. But they don't listen to me Kenny...perhaps he would listen to you? *smiles*
You mean like not having Kenny Weldon in the corner, I didn'tlike that, and when I heard about it, I didn't like Liakhovich's chances either. 
