2008 Olympic Games Beijing 8.8.08-8.24.08 (with spoilers)

[Dennis]

Lets allow the countries to qualify a spot and not individual boxers.

Very, extremely, unbelievably wishful thinking. 8)

You always say that, but it is a good idea. Come on Mel, they allow the US gymnastics teams to sub in whomever they want. Why not boxing? If you start supporting the proposal on this forum, maybe we can influence AIBA and the IOC.

[Dennis]

Seems like Millman needs to get a crash-course education in amateur boxing, supervision, damage control, guidance, personnel management, .......

And who is your suggestion to do this?

Dan has been doing if for months!

[emile]

Lets allow the countries to qualify a spot and not individual boxers.

Very, extremely, unbelievably wishful thinking. 8)

You always say that, but it is a good idea. Come on Mel, they allow the US gymnastics teams to sub in whomever they want. Why not boxing? If you start supporting the proposal on this forum, maybe we can influence AIBA and the IOC.

Is it a good idea? Gymnastics is more of a team sport, while boxing is contested strictly individually. If an American didn't make the field and then several inferior fighters got substitute places, how would we feel?

I can see the other point of view. Maybe a middle of the road solution is to allow each team to send two or three fighters to qualifiers, so the possibility exists that one fighter can replace another from the same country.

[Dennis]

DC - you are correct about boxing helping faultering kids more than most other sports. It is not for everyone, but it sure does help out a lot of kids. I do think more people should consider donating to their local 501(c)(3) boxing programs. Tax deductible donations! Lets spread the word.

[boxmel]

You always say that, but it is a good idea. Come on Mel, they allow the US gymnastics teams to sub in whomever they want. Why not boxing? If you start supporting the proposal on this forum, maybe we can influence AIBA and the IOC.

Can we please look at the logistics. Over 200 boxers compete in the Olympics. All are determined and credentialed before they leave their respective countries. Can you imagine the nightmare if each country decided, for whatever reason, to substitute after all the paperwork had been done? Ugh. AIBA and the USOC would be driven nuts.

I can see the other point of view. Maybe a middle of the road solution is to allow each team to send two or three fighters to qualifiers, so the possibility exists that one fighter can replace another from the same country.

Again, logistics. How many days would it take to have a tournament with three boxers to qualify? Would you have to have three brackets per weight class? How many officials would be needed to work a much larger tournament? How much money would it cost every country to send more than one boxer? How about housing and food?

And then you would have to credential approximately 600 boxers just so someone could be replaced in case of injury/weight, etc. I do feel, however, that if a boxer can't make weight, he shouldn't be there - and the U.S. shouldn't have picked the team a year ahead of time.

[Dennis]

You always say that, but it is a good idea. Come on Mel, they allow the US gymnastics teams to sub in whomever they want. Why not boxing? If you start supporting the proposal on this forum, maybe we can influence AIBA and the IOC.

Is it a good idea? Gymnastics is more of a team sport, while boxing is contested strictly individually. If an American didn't make the field and then several inferior fighters got substitute places, how would we feel?

I can see the other point of view. Maybe a middle of the road solution is to allow each team to send two or three fighters to qualifiers, so the possibility exists that one fighter can replace another from the same country.

They used to allow it back when boxers didn't have to "qualify" at a continental qualifier. Frazier was the alternate and replaced Mathis and went on to win GOLD. I'm sure there would be some countries that only have a couple quality boxers so if one gets injured they wouldn't have a suitable replacement. However, many countries do have suitable replacements. USA, Cuba, Russia, etc. That way countries could continue to have their boxers prove they are the #1 right up to the tourney. An injured boxer or sick boxer could be replaced. We do have "altnerates" (training partners as Mel calls them - another top 10 boxer) at the Olympics. Why shouldn't we be able to use them just like in other sports. Your point about boxing being an individual sport - well lets give out team medals too. Just throwing out ideas!!!

[Dennis]

You always say that, but it is a good idea. Come on Mel, they allow the US gymnastics teams to sub in whomever they want. Why not boxing? If you start supporting the proposal on this forum, maybe we can influence AIBA and the IOC.

Can we please look at the logistics. Over 200 boxers compete in the Olympics. All are determined and credentialed before they leave their respective countries. Can you imagine the nightmare if each country decided, for whatever reason, to substitute after all the paperwork had been done? Ugh. AIBA and the USOC would be driven nuts.

I can see the other point of view. Maybe a middle of the road solution is to allow each team to send two or three fighters to qualifiers, so the possibility exists that one fighter can replace another from the same country.

Again, logistics. How many days would it take to have a tournament with three boxers to qualify? Would you have to have three brackets per weight class? How many officials would be needed to work a much larger tournament? How much money would it cost every country to send more than one boxer? How about housing and food?

And then you would have to credential approximately 600 boxers just so someone could be replaced in case of injury/weight, etc. I do feel, however, that if a boxer can't make weight, he shouldn't be there - and the U.S. shouldn't have picked the team a year ahead of time.

My idea allows for qualifying a year in advance and still picking your team much closer to the Olympics.

[boxmel]

We do have "altnerates" (training partners as Mel calls them - another top 10 boxer) at the Olympics.

They are NOT alternates. They are strictly training partners and are not in line to replace any team member should something happen.

I love your ideas, Dennis - but they will never fly with the IOC or AIBA.

[Dennis]

You never know Mel. If I keep wishing real hard and clicking my heels together, that wizard you talked about might just change the rules for me.

[boxmel]

Would you like me to send you a pair of ruby slippers? What size? 8)

[debc]

Mel, the tp's can replace the Olympian within a certain time period as long as he goes to qualifier. Some countries have done this! It is up to each countries NGB, to choose to replace a boxer. Cuba for one did it! As I stated before I did see this in writing before and I think Dennis saw or has mentioned it before. Don't ask me to tell you were to find it now, because I have not been able too.

[boxmel]

Mel, the tp's can replace the Olympian within a certain time period as long as he goes to qualifier.

Are you saying that the TP has to also compete in the Qualifier?

Some countries have done this! It is up to each countries NGB, to choose to replace a boxer.

I have never said that other countries don't do it. Just that the U.S. does not.

[debc]

Mel, yes USA has not done it, but they can!. It was on USA web back in October or November of 2006 under Rules and regulations for Olympic procedures. Now, I know that you know the rules better than most, but I did not imagine this. As a matter of fact I printed it and I will look for it. Dennis, help me out here, didn't you mention this before. It said it is up to the discretion of the NGB to choose replacement of qualified athlete should there be a need to and there is still time to qualify another athlete.

[boxmel]

Let's agree to disagree because I think we are both saying the same thing. You don't have to get the rules because it didn't, and probably, won't ever happen. I'll change my statement to the U.S. does not choose to exercise their option of replacing a team member with an alternate.

[debc]

Mel, I agree that is a statement I can agree with you on! Let's agree to agree on that one! :P :P

[boxmel]

Mel, I agree that is a statement I can agree with you on! Let's agree to agree on that one!

Agreed!!!!!!

[emile]

Shame nobody wants to talk about the actual fights. This was an interesting day, especialy with the Wilder fight having such a dramatic shift. I'd like to say it showed the value of pressing the fight and being aggressive, but I'm sure it helps to have 8-foot arms and a piston right hand.

The Timurziev-Price fight was strange. Price buzzed Islam with a short right, and he stumbled but didn't go all the way down. But then he fell down from a soft jab, and the ref called it after giving him a full 8 count. Something didn't seem right with him.

So in a few hours, the first second-round bouts, and Andrade will meet Balanov. Hopefully, he'll look a little more comfortable. Fights in the 64, 69, and 81 kg categories - not the best weights. Banteuax-Saunders might be the most interesting bout. Sivolija-Kurbanov should be close., and Negron-Shynaliyev is an interesting mix of styles. Vastine-Saunders is an intriguing rematch from Chicago, that Saunders won going away.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

I just watched Deontay's fight and I really enjoyed it! He gave it his all. It's very obvious that he has a lot to learn about boxing, but it's equally as obvious that he is ten times as strong as he looks - and he looks strong!! He almost KO'd that poor guy several times. I think Deontay grew as a boxer before my very eyes. He started to find his range and if he ever puts that 1-2-3 together, his opponents better watch out.

Way to go Deontay! Now, that you're not an Olympic bout rookie any longer - let's get back to work.

I'm not going to mention the scoring anymore. . . oops I just did.

[Kolya]

Deontay did real good. Was great watching him. I agree, DC, you could see him learning and figuring out if he threw that jab fast and then sat down and let the right hand go he'd land it and land it clean. And he nearly did knock that dude out with his left hook. He can really punch.

[emile]

I should mention that I thought Teddy and Bob did a much better job. They seem to have moved on for focusing only on the scoring, and are watching the fighters more. Their call on the Wilder fight was very good, including not squealing when he was warned.

[Kolya]

That's better. Because overall, Teddy and Bob have sucked.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

Deontay did real good. Was great watching him. I agree, DC, you could see him learning and figuring out if he threw that jab fast and then sat down and let the right hand go he'd land it and land it clean. And he nearly did knock that dude out with his left hook. He can really punch.

Yep, I think his hook is going to be very effective because he throws it really tight for his height. I don't think a lot of guys his size will expect a hook from that close to be that powerful. I can't wait to see him again.

[Kolya]

One more win and he medals.

[Dennis]

Deontay's next opponent is not one of the top heavyweights so he should get at least a bronze.

[emile]

Deontay's next opponent is not one of the top heavyweights so he should get at least a bronze.

Let's not jinx him Dennis. He was behind for most of his last fight.