WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER
VERNON
FORREST vs. SERGIO MORA
CARLOS QUINTANA vs. PAUL WILLIAMS II
June 7, 2008 ● LIVE ON SHOWTIME ● Mohegan Sun
HOW
THEY PICK’ EM: EXPERTS CHOOSE WILLIAMS TO DEFEAT QUINTANA, WIN BACK TITLE
NEW YORK (June 5, 2008) – Carlos
Quintana defends his WBO welterweight belt against the man he just
captured it from in convincing fashion, then undefeated Paul Williams this
Saturday, June 7 on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/PT
delayed on the west coast).
So who will triumph in the
highly anticipated rematch? The experts predict it to be very close.
Of the 40 boxing media
writers who participated in a SHOWTIME Prediction Poll, 24 picked Williams
to earn his title back while 16 chose Quintana to successfully defend.
Here’s how they see the
first of two world title fights as part of a World Championship
Doubleheader on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.:
Robert Morales, Los Angeles Newspaper Group:
Quintana Wins
“Quintana will defend his title because Williams
doesn't seem to understand that Quintana was part of the reason he lost
his title in February. Quintana had the perfect game plan but Williams
keeps harping on the idea that he simply could not get into his rhythm. He
couldn't, but because of Quintana, not because Williams was simply having
an off night.”
Kevin Iole, Yahoo!
Williams By Decision
“Williams will learn from the first fight to make the
changes he needs to win. He'll use his reach and his jab to pile up points
and win a decision.”
Steve Kim, Max Boxing:
Quintana by Decision
“I don’t think Quintana is given enough credit for
what he accomplished in the first fight. And as much as Williams' weight
may have played a factor in his loss, so did Quintana's movement and
ability to beat Williams to the punch. I think he surprises folks by
doing it again to win a decision”
Darius Ortiz , ESPN.com
Williams By Decision
“Paul Williams knows what Carlos Quintana brings to
the table; he’ll adjust accordingly and box his way to a unanimous
decision.”
Tom Gerbasi, Max Boxing:
Williams By Decision
“I still think Williams is developing into one of the
game's next stars and that he'll show that this Saturday. Quintana fought
the perfect fight to beat him the last time and I don't know if he can
pull it off again.
Carlos Arias, O.C. Register
Williams Wins Decision
“I think Paul Williams won't overlook Quintana this
time. Williams will be much more aggressive, apply the pressure and win on
points."
Lyle Fitzsimmons, The Sports Network
Quintana Wins Decision
“I think Quintana's an underappreciated talent at 147
pounds. Not quite the best in the division, but definitely part of the
second tier behind Mayweather and Cotto. I think he'll be slick enough
and tricky enough to work when he wants to and rest when he needs to en
route to winning seven or eight rounds.”
Jake Donovan, Boxingscene.com
Quintana by Split Decision
“Williams adjusts enough to make it closer than the
first, but Carlos still prevails in a decision disputed by some, but still
the right call in the end.”
Andreas Hale, Fightnews.com
Williams def Quintana Via Unanimous Decision
“Paul Williams made the mistake of looking past
Quintana the first time and it showed. A better prepared Williams makes
him one of the most dangerous fighters in the Welterweight division. He
will finally use his height and reach to keep Quintana at bay while
avoiding the right hand that constantly found its home on Williams head.”
Jim Everett, saddoboxing.com
Quintana by Decision
“Although I believe Williams overlooked Quintana the
first time he still should have been able to land more punches, Quintana's
southpaw style will continue to give Williams problems which will give him
a unanimous decision.”
Rob Scott, Doghouseboxing.com
Williams by Split Decision
“Quintana can do it again, but he will need a full
tank of gas. Movement will be his key to winning this rematch. Williams,
being long and lanky, hasn't shown that devastating punch like a Thomas
Hearns, but it wouldn't set well for Quintana to slow down and put
Williams' power to the test. Williams will try and time that stick and
move tactic used by Quintana in the first fight, because frankly, it is
the only strategy that Quintana can use. But it being his only tactic
doesn't mean it can't be again, a successful tactic. In the first fight,
he actually was two steps ahead. In the rematch, unfortunately, he will
lose that added step; and in what will be a closer fight, the judges will
see that step loss as three, giving Williams a split decision win.
Ivan Goldman, Ring Magazine
Quintana Wins by Close Decision
“A tough fight for both of them, but I think Quintana
will fight his fight, counterpunching enough to cut down the volume of
Williams' shots and win a close decision.”
Korosh Torkzadeh, Touchgloves.com
Williams over Quintana
“Williams’ raw talent and size will prevail. He won't
be over-looking Quintana this time.”
James Hoover, MyBoxingFans.com
Quintana SD over Williams
“I see a similar fight to the first except I do see a
busier and more effective Williams. It will be close, but Quintana sticks
and moves his way to the win.”
Bernard Aguinaldo, PA SportsTicker
Williams By Decision
"I think if Williams prepares better for this fight
then he did the first one he should win on points. It will be close
though.”
Rusty Rubin, RingSports.com
Williams By Decision
“It should be a great fight. I’m a bit surprised
that Williams is the favorite, but that said, he’s hard to hit and should
with a hard-fought decision.”
Edgar Gonzalez, MyBoxingFans.com
Quintana Split Decision
“Quintana was an underdog last time and remains one
now but I have to think most of that is due to the Williams hype machine.
Quintana will be able to control the action with his elusive boxing
skills, his excellent head movement allows him to set up powerful
combinations and his pin point accuracy allows him to land devastating
left hooks don’t underestimate the underdog he did it once he will do it
again.Now Paul Williams is training for the fight of his life to avenge
the only loss of his pro-career. Paul Williams will defiantly come out
with sharper skills but at the end it will be Quintana coming out
Victorious on Saturday June 7.
Ramon Aranda, 411mania.com
Paul Williams By Decision
“Everyone underestimated Quintana in the first fight
and that included Williams. Only two fights removed from a knockout loss
to Miguel Cotto, I think Williams and his camp took Quintana lightly but
it won't happen again. Quintana for his part will enter this fight with
plenty of confidence and look to get right back into William's chest. I
look for a closely contested fight in which Williams manages to utilize
his jab and uppercut better than he did in the first fight. Having lost
to Quintana, Williams will be hungry again to prove that he's among the
best at 147-pounds and will be more relaxed in the ring. It should be
close on the cards going into the final few rounds but Williams will
likely have more in the tank this time around and eek out a split or
majority decision win.”
Henry Bedoy, boxingstars.net
Williams Unanimous Decison
“I believe we are going to see the best out of Paul
Williams this time around.
He will be more physical, and will come out throwing
more punches then before.”
Carlos Guzman, FIGHTBEAT.COM
Carlos Quintana UD over Paul Williams
“It's hard to hit a moving target. Quintana moves
well and can slip most of Williams long punches while getting his shots in
on the inside. Expect 12 fast-paced rounds with Quintana getting the nod
and even dropping Williams along the way.”
Jason Abelson, The Fight Network
Quintana By Decision
“It seems that the cagey lefty Quintana may have the
towering Williams' number. We're hearing that Williams never felt
comfortable when they met in Ferbruary, that his timing was never right.
There's a reason why; it was Quintana's gameplan.”
Chris Robinson, www.BoxingHerald.com
/
www.FightBeat.com
Williams by Decision
"I think Williams will be more focused this time
around and find a way to get his belt back.”
Bud Barth, Worcester (Mass.) Telegram & Gazette
Quintana W TKO-9
“The first fight convinced everyone else; this one
convinces the oddsmakers.”
Benny Henderson Jr.,
www.DoghouseBoxing.com
Williams via hard fought decision
“The first throw down between Quintana and Williams
was an entertaining one, I mean how much better can it get when the
underdog comes into the bout beating the champ from pillar to post?
Quintana was a hungry warrior whose unorthodox style threw off an
unexpecting Williams in the first fight. Quintana’s movement and punching
from angles disrupted Williams and his offense. Williams should have made
the proper adjustments for the rematch, if Paul can cut off the ring and
keep Carlos from working side to side making the Puerto Rican fight
backwards Paul should earn himself a solid decision regaining his title.
Again, the rematch should have some serious sparks.”
Peter Palmiere, Boxing Inside TV/KOTV/Ring
Sports Magazine
Williams split decision 12 rounds.
“Williams took Quintana too lightly and paid the
price. This time, we will see both fighters in over drive in a dramatic
fashion. This decision will be very close and controversial.”
Ace Freeman, FightFan.com
Williams by decision
“Paul Williams and company have said all the right
things regarding the loss in the first fight. Whether or not that
translates to him making the necessary adjustments come Saturday remains
to be seen. While it's possible Quintana and his style translates to
simply having Williams' number, I think Paul will up his activity level
and win a close and competitive decision.”
Chris Cozzone, Fightnews.com
Williams by Unanimous Decision
Phil Santos, Overhandright.com
Williams by Unanimous Decision
“A Williams-Quintana outcome is more difficult to
foresee. My feeling, despite their last meeting, is that Williams comes
in with something to prove, like he did against Margarito, and out boxes
Quintana in a close fight to regain his title.”
Bill Scherer, Suite101.com
Williams by Unanimous Decision
“Quintana gave the performance of his life in their
first fight. Unless Williams is truly dead at the weight, he wins a
unanimous decision over Quintana.”
Ed Ludwig,
www.braggingrightscorner.com
Williams wins via eight round stoppage
“I expect a lot more action for the Carlos Quintana
vs. Paul Williams rematch. I felt that Williams took Quintana lightly
coming off his huge win over Antonio Margarito and I don’t see him making
the same mistake twice. Quintana deserves his props but in the end a
refocused Williams will reclaim the title and his redemption with a
convincing eighth round stoppage.”
Ben Thompson, FightHype.com
Quintana by Unanimous Decision
“Unless Williams has found someone to teach him some
defense in the four months since their last fight, I don't see the outcome
of the rematch being any different. Throwing punches in bunches is great
when you have a stationary target, but Quintana has just enough movement
to confuse the volume punching Williams and land the exact same
combination he landed over and over and over again back in February.
Quintana by unanimous decision as he outslicks Williams down the
stretch.”
Percy Crawford, Fighthype.com
Quintana by Unanimous Decision
“I think Paul Williams has one fighting style and one
gameplan. He believes he had an off night, but instead of breaking down
Quintana's strengths and weaknesses I believe he thinks he could just
throw more punches. Once again Quintana will be too elusive for the
defenseless Williams.”
Rich Mancuso, Boxing Digest Magazine
Williams by Split Decision
“Willaims will win a tough split decision. He has
proved in the past how to take a punch and can take one.”
Coyote Duran, Doghouse Boxing.com
Paul Williams SD 12 Carlos Quintana.
“Paul Williams' sole career loss was the only
learning experience he needed to prepare accordingly for his rematch
against Carlos Quintana. This time, if Williams fires that long jab,
taking away Quintana's movement and doesn't hesitate when he sees fatigue
in Quintana, there's no reason he can't regain the WBO title he lost in
February.”
Huel Washington, San Francisco Sun-Reporter
Williams Wins
“The last decision was bad. Williams should have
been declared the winner in their first outing. He showed a lot of class
when he didn’t complain about the judges.”
Jerry Glick,
Secondsout.com/Boxing Digest Magazine
Quintana Wins By
Unanimous Decision
“I am a firm believer
that lightning can strike twice. In their first fight Quintana found the
formula to beat Williams by being the aggressor. While boxing history is
rife with turn arounds in rematches (see Patterson-Johansson, Lewis-Rahman,
Louis-Schmeling) there is no reason to believe that Williams style will be
altered enough to compensate for the reason that he lost last time.
Quintana will pressure him and win by a close but unanimous decision.”
Andres Antonio
Carriedo, TalkingBoxing.com
Quintana UD 12
Williams
“Williams will make a
concerted effort to stick behind his jab in order make use of his height
and reach advantages. However, his technique has been shoddy in the past
and figures to be again in his rematch with Quintana. Look for Quintana
to counter punch his way to another unanimous decision victory.”
Buster Paris,
TalkingBoxing.com
Williams wins
“This is a tough one to
call - it's Redemption (Williams) vs. Respect (Quintana) - and who wants
"it" more. Purely going with the gut on this one - Paul Williams is the
winner!”
William Trillo,
Pound4Pound.com
Quintana by Late KO
“Throw out the loss to
Cotto, it was an aberration. Instead look to "Indio's" victory over Joel
Julio, that was a fight everyone expected him to get bombed out, yet he
overcame an early knockdown and beat Julio. Quintana is a slick fighter
and he will give Williams the same problems and more this time. Williams
is a fighter struggling to find an identity and a weight class. 147 pounds
is too much, or should I say too little to ask of Tall Paul and in his
weakened state, Quintana will dispatch "The Punisher" before the final
bell rings.”
James Stillerman,
TalkingBoxing
Williams by Decision
“I believe Paul Williams
will get revenge in this fight against Carlos Quintana. The first time
around he took Quintana extremely lightly and he won’t make the same
mistake again. Williams will use his height advantage and fight more
aggressively in the early rounds, something he didn’t do in the first
fight, to win a narrow decision over Quintana, who will put up another
respectable fight.”
PREDICTIONS FROM ESTEEMED BOXING WRITERS
Michael Amakor - Fightkings - My heart tells me
Oscar cause he is bigger, stronger and has faced better opposition , my
mind tells me Mayweather cause of his speed, defense and activity while
Oscar has been semi-retired. There are so many intangibles that I am torn
in predicting a winner. I will opt instead for a draw that will open up
our wallets for a rubber match.
Jane Amakor - FightKings.Com - Oscar will Win
Brian Bizzack,
Amatoboxing - "I like
Oscar by close (and perhaps controversial and split!) decision. I don't
think the fight will be a 'barn-burner', but a strategically compelling
bout that will maintain our interest throughout."
Robert Mccinnis,
FightKings.com - After considering it all and being a true and loyal
Oscar Delahoya fan, and although the odds are against him I am going with
Oscar by split decision.
Robert Mccinnis
(5/4/07)FightKings.com - Oscar Dela Hoya by TKO in the 5th, you heard
it here first.
Kevin Iole, Yahoo Sports- Mayweather by decision: Floyd is too
quick and too smart defensively to allow himself to get caught by Oscar's
left hook. Oscar has always had difficulty with quick opponents who give
him movement. Floyd will frustrate him and win a clear unanimous decision.
Ted "The Bull" Sares- Eastsideboxing.com - If Floyd punishes and
frustrates De la Hoya with quick in-and-out movement, he will prevail.
Styles make fights, and the styles here suggest a less than exciting bout.
PBF's overall skill-set and career momentum will result in a UD victory.
Phillip, Amatoboxing - Money on Floyd, Heart with Oscar. Floyd will
be on his bike until he feels Oscar slow down then he'll look to sit down
on his punches. Oscar legs are old and he will feel Floyds percise body
attack. It won't be a left hook that gets Floyd, it will be a sneak lead
straight right hand if he times it. I think it will be to hard to find
that chicken running around the ring ala RJ Jr. Don't be surprised if its
a boring fight. I've been saying it since it was announced.
Olabisi Olaniyan, Fightkings -
Mayweather will win
Jim Slater, AFP - Mayweather by
Split Decision - "It's this close in the final rounds but Mayweather
finishes well to take it."
Greg Beacham, Associated Press -
Mayweather in 6 - "Too fast, too
smart, too unhittable. It's his moment in time and his best chance to
transcend the sport. Pretty Boy won't blow it. He might even do something
spectacular."
Tim Dahlberg, Associated Press -
Mayweather by Decision
" Oscar has a puncher's chance with his
left hook and there are questions about the durability of Mayweather's
often injured right hand. But Mayweather is quicker and a great defensive
fighter, and he figures to frustrate De La Hoya. That could make for a
boring fight, but one that Mayweather will win."
T.K. Stewart, Bangor Daily News -
Mayweather by Decision
" I like Mayweather by decision. Although
Oscar won impressively against Mayorga, he was caught clean several times
and he looked heavy on his feet to me. A De La Hoya victory would be the
best thing for boxing in my opinion, but I just don't see it transpiring."
Mike Hirsley, Chicago Tribune -
Mayweather by Decision
"Each man has his strengths, but I see
Mayweather's edge in speed as the determining factor, especially in the
later rounds."
Mario Concha, El Diario - De La Hoya
TKO in 10
David Cummings, ESPN the Magazine -
Mayweather by unanimous decision
" I think Floyd is a superior boxer and he
has been waiting for a big fight like this his entire career. For Oscar I
feel that this is more of a business decision than a fight decision."
Dan Rafael, ESPN.com - Mayweather
Decision
Bert Sugar, Expert Boxing Historian -
Mayweather Decision
" However, I've got it so close that I can
see Oscar winning. I think that Oscar can hurt Floyd but Floyd can't hurt
Oscar."
David Mayo, Grand Rapids Press -
Mayweather
"De La Hoya is a live underdog, but
athleticism and activity are hard to beat. Mayweather has risen to the
occasion from the time he was 16 years old, went to the 1993 National
Golden Gloves without an open amateur bout, and won it. I'll take the
boxer-businessman over the businessman-boxer."
Keith Idec, Herald News - Mayweather
unanimous decision
"Floyd is too fast, too smart, too
technically sound and is more motivated than ever now that he has the
opportunity he always wanted."
Rafael Ramos, La Opinion - Oscar in 9
"If Oscar does not win by the 9th round,
Floyd will win."
Robert Morales, Los Angeles Daily News
- De La Hoya by Decision
"Because of all of Mayweather's trash
talk, De La Hoya is in that special frame of mind where he just does not
lose. Some fighters don't perform well with this kind of psyche, but De La
Hoya is at his best under these circumstances. All he has to do is land
that left hook on the chin once and it will change the complexion of the
fight. As good as Mayweather is defensively, De La Hoya has enough
patience to ride out the storm until he has the perfect moment to strike.
It wouldn't shock me to see De La Hoya stop Mayweather late."
Bill Dwyre , Los Angeles Times -
Mayweather, 10th Round
"I think De La Hoya's best chance is to
land something early. The biggest unknown is Freddie Roach, and what
different approaches he has taken while preparing Oscar."
Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times - De
La Hoya by Decision
Steve Springer, Los Angeles Times - De
La Hoya in 11 by TKO
"De La Hoya 11 Round TKO because Oscar is
confident that Floyd doesn't have the power to hurt him. He will cut him
down the ring, and wear him down with body shots. "
Tim Smith, New York Daily News –
Mayweather 12 round decision
"Mayweather is faster and I think his
speed is the major difference between him and De La Hoya. It is also the
determining factor in the match. That makes Mayweather harder to hit. I
don't think Mayweather has the power to stop De La Hoya, but he has the
boxing ability to win a decision. Mayweather 12 round decision."
George Willis, New York Post -
Mayweather by Decision
" Younger, faster, hungrier."
Richard Sandomir, New York Times - De
La Hoya by Decision
Marcus Henry , Newsday - Mayweather by
Split Decision
"Floyd Mayweather will win a split
decision. While Oscar De La Hoya proved is mettle against Mayorga,
Mayweather's quickness and defense will probably be too much for him to
overcome. De La Hoya will make him work for it."
Sergio Abarca, Notimex - De La Hoya by
KO
"I have covered 17 fights of De La Hoya,
and I know him well. I think he has the skills and punch to knockout
Mayweather. De La Hoya is stronger than Floyd."
Carlos Gonzalez, Primera Hora -
Mayweather by Decision
"The way I see it, De La Hoya is going to
look good in the first couple of rounds because of the adrenaline and he
is going to feed off of the energy of the fans. We have to see if his
condition will hold up for the 12 rounds. Mayweather will win by close
decision."
Mike Indri, Retired Boxers Foundation -
Mayweather by TKO
"In what will be the biggest, and most
profitable, non-heavyweight fight of all-time Floyd Mayweather will prove
just how "Flamboyant", and how truly GREAT he really is!The speed will be
the difference, and while De La Hoya will come up short in this one, he
won't be a loser - with all the money he will be making from this historic
bout. "Flamboyant" Floyd Mayweather defeats Oscar De La Hoya via late
round TKO."
John Whistler, San Antonio Express News
- Mayweather by Decision
"If he doesn't fade in the latter rounds,
De La Hoya could make it interesting. But Mayweather's speed will win out,
by close decision."
Richard Hoffer, Sports Illustrated -
Mayweather by Decision
"Mayweather is too fast."
Brian Doogan, Sunday Times - De La Hoya
Norm Frauenheim, The Arizona Republic -
De La Hoya in 9 by TKO
"Oscar De La Hoya wins a ninth-round
stoppage. Floyd Mayweather will go into the late round with a big lead on
the judges' scorecards. In an attempt to score an in impressive victory,
he'll try go for the knocout. That's when a bigger De la Hoya will hurt
him enough to win by TKO."
Franklin McNeil, The Star Ledger -
Mayweather by unanimous decision
"De La Hoya is the bigger, stronger guy
who has a tremendous left hook -- but he does not have one-punch knockout
power. His most difficult fights were against a quick-handed opponent
(Shane Mosley) and an elusive one (Pernell Whitaker). Mayweather possesses
Mosley's hand speed, Whitaker's elusiveness and unmatched stamina. Plus
Mayweather can match, maybe even surpass, De La Hoya's ring intelligence.
This will prove too much for De La Hoya to overcome. Mayweather wins by
unanimous decision."
Rafael Hernandez Brito, Univision Radio
- De La Hoya by Decision
"De La Hoya's size will be a big factor."
Chuck Johnson , USA Today - Mayweather
by Decision
"Oscar has been the pound-for-pound best.
Floyd is the pound-for-pound best now. In a great fight, the Pretty Boy
beats the Golden Boy by decision to stay unbeaten."
Thom Loverro, Washington Times -
Mayweather by Decision
" It is hard not to pick the younger,
faster fighter, so I have to go with Floyd Mayweather. He is as talented a
fighter that has come along, well, since a young Oscar De La Hoya, and has
a good sense of ring presence. I don't think he will get drawn into a
slugfest. If Oscar can win, it will have to be by imposing his size and
strength, since Floyd is moving up. I pick Mayweather by a decision."
PREDICTIONS FROM BOXING CHAMPIONS
"De La Hoya has the
stronger punch. Mayweather is not used to facing bigger men. [ Carlos]
Baldomir didn't have the talent of De La Hoya and Mayweather couldn't
finish him. If De La Hoya cuts him early, Mayweather is going to be
limited. De La Hoya by decision.'' Roberto Duran, Former World Champion
"As far as my prediction, I lean toward Oscar. I've changed my mind a
couple of times. But Oscar has a little bit more desire, strength, size.
Oscar has never one that big one, the most defining moment in his career.
I think that this allows him to rise to the occasion. But if Mayweather
wins then he can be called great, because right now it's premature, but if
he beats Oscar that label fits him fine." Sugar Ray Leonard, Former
World Champion
"I'm looking forward to seeing De La Hoya and Mayweather on May 5th. I
think is going to be a great fight and it's a fight that's good for
boxing, but I think Floyd's speed and youth will work well for him in this
fight. I think the fight will go 12 rounds with Floyd winning a close
decision over De La Hoya." Jermain Taylor, Middleweight Champion
"…On paper you would have to say that Oscar comes into this fight
having all of the intangible advantages experience, power, quality of
opposition, and I believe maybe just a bit more focused for the job at
hand. In order to counter those advantages you're gonna need someone with
natural God given talent and ability. That is when a fighter as gifted as
Floyd Mayweather has a great chance of over coming all the advantages with
raw speed and the will to win at all cost. I like his chances, so your
guess is as good as mine." Antonio Tarver, Former Light Heavyweight
Champion
"I think De La Hoya's naturally bigger size is going to make a
difference. I think Oscar will dominate Floyd with his left jab that will
carry him to a decision victory." Juan Diaz, WBA, Lighweight Champion
"De
La Hoya vs. Mayweather will be a great fight, it will go the distance, and
I think Oscar has a slight edge, but I do not know who will win."
Vernon Forrest, Former Welterweight Champion
De La Hoya vs Mayweather "The World Awaits" is for the WBC super
welterweight championship, Saturday, May 5 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas,
Nevada. Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, the fight will be broadcast
live on HBO Pay-Per-View at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will be available to
more than 61 million pay-per-view homes and in 176 countries around the
world.
The final episode of the four-part HBO series "De La Hoya/Mayweather
24/7" premieres Thursday, May 3 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. All four episodes will
air on Friday, May 4 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT and Saturda
y, May 5,
starting at 10:00 a.m
YEAR 2005
BREWSTER VERSUS GOLOTA
MAY 18
2005
Jim Amato - Golota in Ten
There is a real strong possibility that Andrew Golota will soon be
named heavyweight champion of the world. I wonder what Lennox Lewis who
destroyed Andrew a few years back thinks about that. Did I hear somebody
say "comeback" ?
Lamon Brewster is a game fighter. He is strong and he has a pretty good
chin. He's got some power too but other then that he is rather ordinary.
Remember Wladimir Klitschko was slapping Lamon around nicely until a
Brewster bomb caught Wlad's china chin.
Brewster and Kali Meehan then labored through twelve forgettable
rounds. In his next bout Meehan was slaughtered by Hassim Rahman.
Golota has the tools and the better track record as far as quality
opposition. I'll go with Golota in ten.
**************************
Hopkins Versus Oscar
Sept 18,
2004.
Rob McCinnis - Hoya by split
decision -
Oscan cannot out power Hopkins blow for blow but he can compete with
speed and foot work. Oscar will remain consistent with the jab and win the
first 4 out of 6 rounds. Hopkins will get anxious in the later rounds 8
through 12 and lose by split decision.
Michael Amakor - Bernard by UD
This time Oscar has bitten more than he can handle, look for a repeat
of his fight with Ike Quartey without the flash knockdowns.
His speed and foot work will be irrelevant after he takes one of
Hopkins body shots, look for him to be slowed down into a toe to toe one
sided drubbing by Hopkins, his boxing skills might see him to the final
bell...but that might be wishful thinking.
Mark Henry - Bernard Hopkins by 10TH round TKO
Bernard Hopkins by 10th Round TKO...... either the ref will step in
between the pounding, or Oscar's corner will throw in the towel.
Winner
*****************************
MAYORGA VS TRINIDAD
OCTOBER 2004
David Gonzalez
- Trinidad by 8th Round TKO
Michael Amakor - Mayorga by late round TKO
The rules of boxing force me to pick Mayorga. Trinidad will not be able
to shake off ring rust and regain his timing after a 2 1/2 hiatus to take
on championship calibre fighters let alone Mayorga. Jones is out, Dela
Hoya is at the precipice, Trinidad would make it an ideal threesome.
Rob McInnis – Mayorga by 5th TKO
Mark Henry - Mayorga by 9th round KO
over Trinidad
********************
KLITCHKO VS WILLIAMSON
Mark Henry - Klitschko by 2nd round KO over Williamson
************************
OUMA VS PHILLIPS
Mark Henry - Ouma over Phillips by Unanimous Decision
********************
JEFF LACY VS SYD VANDERPOOL
Mark Henry - Lacy over Vanderpool by Unanimous Decision
***************************
2004 HEAVYWEIGHT
PREDICTIONS
By Michael Amakor
Most
boxing scribes and luminaries continually talk about the lack of depth in
the divisions north of the Welterweights. Fightkings.Com disagrees with
this analysis because we have a Pandora box of talented boxers buried in
the heavyweight ranks who lack the star power or a good promoter to
advance them to a title shot. This situation is further complicated by bad
decisions like the bitter taste Chris Byrd holding on to his title after
losing to Oquendo... or Holyfield in his first fight against Ruiz…or Jones
against Tarver etc that continues to recycle under deserving champions and
frustrates the talent fighting to punch out.
Another factor is leapfrogging an entire
division due to star power and prestige, this especially makes a laughing
stock of a division so by- passed, this is partly responsible for the
dullness in some divisions like the cruiserweights. Roy Jones would have
ignited that decision if he had fought Jirov or Braithwaite who would have
given him a good fight or knocked him out instead of taking a well
foretold move against Ruiz. He is now down to the Light
Heavyweight....such confusion and what a mess.
On the bright side the there is still hope
for the heavyweight division and without further ado we shall talk about
where the division is heading and who will lead the charge in 2004.
UNDERVALUED TALENT
John Ruiz
It has often been said he has a lot to be
quiet about.. what with losses to Tua and then Jones. But in all cases he
has regrouped to surprise us with his dogged hugging tenacity. A closer
look at his suppressed resume shows some decent names and a couple of
alphabet titles to his credit……if you mention his unappreciated ugly wins
over Johnson, Holyfield, Rahman... you begin to get a sense of his mettle
that the ordinary bystander does not see. As is true to his nature look
for John to quietly hold on to the title he regained by hugging his way
through spirited challenges from Oquendo and a few challengers.
Vitali Klitchko
Questions about his heart will continue to
dog him for the rest of his career because smaller fighters like Hopkins
and Gatti failed to quit on their stool after hurting their shoulder
against Echols or Ward respectively…..but Vitali showed us his
championship resolve when be put up a very heartening performance against
veteran Lennox Lewis.... which immediately makes us want to forgive his
past transgression in quitting against Byrd.
His fight with Lewis is the harbinger of the
hurricane set to flood the division and Vitali will become champion either
by design or by default, look for some excitement as he becomes the next
white hope when he tries to unify the heavyweight title against Byrd,
Ruiz, Tyson or defend against Mesi..Harrison or Guinn..etc... he will look
good as he builds a record knocking out these guys in whatever order the
come until about his 3rd defense when he cannot protect his beard due to
his Ramrod stiff European style and he ends up back in the drawing board
wondering what hit him.
Wladimir Klitchko
How the mighty fall and so soon the wolves
come out of the thicket.
This plodding giant has got the stuff to be
great and as soon as he gets his courage back....look for him to seize
back his WBO title and make a couple of defenses. He has the power and
amateur background to intimidate any of the current pretender challengers
who might come forward. Heavyweight history will be made as two brothers
become champions at the same time... Everybody will get back on the
Wladimir bandwagon as he feasts on mediocre opponents until he walks into
a wild uppercut sometime in 2005.
Iron Mike Tyson
His time is slowly and painfully coming to an
end....But money problems will kick his bad ass back into the ring along
with more spider web tattoos and surrounded by a mob of tax collectors,
hanger ons and pick pockets.
He will be a shadow of himself as he barely
gets past mediocre opposition until one champion lured into a false sense
of security about his press clippings will step into the ring against the
BADDEST man on the planet for a record purse and boxing immortality.
Everything goes according to plan until some
time in the middle rounds when suddenly, an angry, chastised, victimized
and recharged Mike Tyson unleashes a vicious uppercut deep down the depths
of hell packing all the fury of his tribulations and ex wives………and in
slow motion the world watches as the referee slowly waves his hands in
horror halting the bout and the fans at Madison Garden rise up in anxious
shock and go completely berserk as Mike Tyson is Champion again.
Lennox Lewis vs Vitali Klitchko
Lewis has been a great champion but his reign
has suppressed a galaxy of talent straining to break loose. Fightkings.com
also holds Lewis for the lack of excitement in the heavyweight division
presently........ his wrongs have been numerous from getting $1m to toss a
belt instead of fighting Byrd, to only having fought once last
year......to not granting Vitali an immediate rematch.....to
congratulating Saunders for knocking out Wladimir who mind you he should
have fought a long time ago.
And since he will not abdicate his throne,
his well deserved ego will push him into a fight with Vitali Klitchko
...Lewis won the first fight hands down and it is our opinion, he would
have kayoed the stiff Ukrainian if the fight had continued, but in the
year 2004 Lewis will log his 250+ pounds of fat into the ring to be
repeatedly beat to the punch......nothwithstanding his effort and even if
he fights down Klitchko........the politics....and our resentment against
his past intransigence will force the judges to wrench the title from off
his head to open the floodgate of new blood into the division.
