What a fantastic card, 3 upsets in the year of the upsets. Ironically Mayorga, the one who started the trend, ended up getting upset himself.
Here my take on the action.
1) Zab Judah - it was too be expected, great punch - didn't learn anything new. But hey, a first round KO is always great.
2) Garcia vs Timms - very dissapointed in Garcia, who I'd heard alot of good things about. These two a really off the elite and I expect fighters of Verno Phillips, Daniel Santos' callibre to dethrone Timms. Garcia only laced up the gloves at 20 (4 years ago) and frankly it showed. A novice like mistake and he had no idea against a average southpaw. No the ref didn't call break he said, "punch your way out". Simms did!
3) Ruiz vs Rahman - Ruiz showed an excellent chin and good handspeed (well he was faster than Rahman) and won the fight big on my card. Rahman's heart is not in it and I think he should retire. Not only is Ruiz back on the map, but will warrant a high(ish) top ten ranking - after all he convincingly beat the guy who essentially beat Tua. I think he could beat Tua next time, his chin is very good.
I expect Ruiz to be awarded the championship proper, however I do see him losing in his first defence (which I predict will be Tyson). Setting up the Tyson vs Jones showdown for the WBA title. Roy Jones' stock as a credible heavyweight grew considerably last night.
4) Spinks vs Mayorga. What a night, what a performance. I have never been so happy about calling a fight wrong in my life. Spinks (in my opinion) outclassed Mayorga - I thought John Keane's (117-111) scorecard was the most accurate. The 114-114 card was rediculous. Showed tremendous handspeed and foot speed. I don't think he should call out Moseley, not because he doesn't have the talent but because he doesn't have the frame. He seems quite a small Welter. Floyd Mayweather would be an interesting fight. I was that impressed, that I think it will be hard not to back against Spinks against anyone, thank god James Hare didn't fight him. I think he'll be in many peoples p4p top ten, some of these inclusions can be rashed (as they are essentially based on one fight) but both Spinks' and Pacquiao recent performances' warrant their inclusion.
If there is a rematch clause, then I suggest that Mayorga doesn't take it, cause Spinks will do him again. Someone less quick on his feet (Moseley) would be good for him and I wouldn't count him out of winning a major belt, but not against Spinks. Fantastic.
5) Hopkins vs Joppy - a truly masterful display. I mean Joppy is world class and clearly the 2nd best fighter in the weight, but Hopkins beat him by a shut out (on my card).... He looks as fresh as a daisy and I don't know who can beat him. I'm glad he's abandoned any silly ambitions of fighting at cruiser, I'd still favour him to capture any Super Middleweight belt. DLH would be interesting, but you'd have to favour Hopkins. Joppy showed heart and is still a tough fight for anyone. Eastman vs Hopkins would be a one sided affair.
Overall a great night of boxing, best of the year by a long way. 3 cracking upsets - Two exceptional performance (Spinks and Hopkins - Judah too but that was expected). I say its a tie for performance of the night.
King card thread.
Good write-up mate.
While I was surprised at the Spinks win, I'd resist putting him anywhere near the p4p lists yet, after all he's got nothing on his resume other than this win, and everyone knew the blueprint to beat Mayorga, even if they weren't sure that Spinks was the man to execute it. I would expect the likes of Moseley and Forrest to have the beating of Spinks.
Interesting point about Ruiz possibly providing Tyson with a route back to the title, and what can you say about Hopkins? One thing is for sure, it puts Howard Eastman's ambitions firmly in perspective...
I would love to see Calzaghe Vs Hopkins. I would lean towards Hopkins but what a great fight it could be. Unfortunately Bernard seems keener to pick on the 'little men' and seems to want to fight the likes of De La Hoya, Moseley and Winky Wright, all of whom he'd handle with ease.
While I was surprised at the Spinks win, I'd resist putting him anywhere near the p4p lists yet, after all he's got nothing on his resume other than this win, and everyone knew the blueprint to beat Mayorga, even if they weren't sure that Spinks was the man to execute it. I would expect the likes of Moseley and Forrest to have the beating of Spinks.
Interesting point about Ruiz possibly providing Tyson with a route back to the title, and what can you say about Hopkins? One thing is for sure, it puts Howard Eastman's ambitions firmly in perspective...
I would love to see Calzaghe Vs Hopkins. I would lean towards Hopkins but what a great fight it could be. Unfortunately Bernard seems keener to pick on the 'little men' and seems to want to fight the likes of De La Hoya, Moseley and Winky Wright, all of whom he'd handle with ease.
Perhaps it is a little early about the P4P stakes and Spinks, but to be honest the only Welter I fear for Spinks is Forrest, and I do believe he'll (Forrest that is) will move up. Spinks shouldn't, he's a small Welter - he should do a Hopkins and call out the smaller guys - people like Tszyu, and Mayweather - now Tszyu vs Spinks is tougher to call.
Spinks showed he had it all (except for power) - his chin is better than daddy's. He's as fast as Mayweather with tremendous footwork - to think I thought Hare would have a chance against Cory, how wrong was I.
Hopkins was sensational, he's the boss and deserves his big money fights. I'm sure he's not scared of Calzaghe, cause he is such a hard man. However, DLH, Moseley etc are the big fights for him. To be honest, I think DLH's speed might give him more problems than what Joe can. I think Hopkins is such an intelligent fighter, he'll expose Calzaghe's weakness (which is still the straight right hand) and while I don't mean to disrespect Joe I just don't think he'll hurt Hopkins. Thats not saying Joe can't punch, its just Hopkins is so tough. I'd love to see it happen - it would be nice if Hopkins beat up Ottke first, just to show any Calzaghe doubters that should Joe beat Hopkins, he beat a world champion at Super middle, not a blown up Middle as some will invariably say. However, I don't think Calzaghe could beat him if I'm honest. Piper was still very dismissive of his (Hopkins) chances, and fair play to Smith for saying "a tad bias".
As for Eastman, I think he better hope something happens to Hopkins - cause its going to take a special talent to beat him, and frankly Eastman isn't special.
Spinks showed he had it all (except for power) - his chin is better than daddy's. He's as fast as Mayweather with tremendous footwork - to think I thought Hare would have a chance against Cory, how wrong was I.
Hopkins was sensational, he's the boss and deserves his big money fights. I'm sure he's not scared of Calzaghe, cause he is such a hard man. However, DLH, Moseley etc are the big fights for him. To be honest, I think DLH's speed might give him more problems than what Joe can. I think Hopkins is such an intelligent fighter, he'll expose Calzaghe's weakness (which is still the straight right hand) and while I don't mean to disrespect Joe I just don't think he'll hurt Hopkins. Thats not saying Joe can't punch, its just Hopkins is so tough. I'd love to see it happen - it would be nice if Hopkins beat up Ottke first, just to show any Calzaghe doubters that should Joe beat Hopkins, he beat a world champion at Super middle, not a blown up Middle as some will invariably say. However, I don't think Calzaghe could beat him if I'm honest. Piper was still very dismissive of his (Hopkins) chances, and fair play to Smith for saying "a tad bias".
As for Eastman, I think he better hope something happens to Hopkins - cause its going to take a special talent to beat him, and frankly Eastman isn't special.
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MightyWarrior
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 13262
- Joined: 23 Jan 2003, 14:01
Yes it was a great win for Cory Spinks last night. I've read some American's think Mayorga won it, but i can't see how.
It was good to see him finally come out of his Dad and uncle's long shadows, even though he's not going to bring the same excitement to the welterweights that Mayorga did.
King has a rematch clause of course.
Zab looked dynamite, but it was a joke that guy ever got a shot in the 1st place.
A fight with Spinks now? He wants to move to 147 he says.
It was good to see him finally come out of his Dad and uncle's long shadows, even though he's not going to bring the same excitement to the welterweights that Mayorga did.
King has a rematch clause of course.
Zab looked dynamite, but it was a joke that guy ever got a shot in the 1st place.
A fight with Spinks now? He wants to move to 147 he says.
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Southpaw Stylist
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 1484
- Joined: 19 Jul 2003, 04:50
Hopefully the Hopkins fight will have put to rest the idea in a lot of posters minds that Howard Eastman could compete with this guy, because quite honestly it was starting to make me cringe.
I didn't particulary enjoy the fight with Joppy, Hopkins was very mindful not to get hit but then that's one reason why he's still so good at nearly 39 years of age.
It doesn't look like he wants the Calzaghe fight which is a shame, he could shut a lot of people up over here that's for sure. Some will say he doubts himself but I think it's worth taking note of his comments about "bringing his own judges". It's seems clear from that that we'd see Hopkins on the back foot the whole time looking to hand out a boxing lesson, with Calzaghe looking to rough up the smaller man. Can't really blame Hopkins too much for not wanting to come over to Europe, to a noisy, hostile (to say the least) back yard and put his whole reputation in the hands of 3 judges.
Spinks boxed beautifully. What a man to handle all that pressure.
Was that left cross from Judah really so special? Might have to question the opponent there but then it is only the WBO.
Rahman was poor, he looked like he'd aged about 10 years at times. Ruiz was actually pretty good. He was certainly well prepared. Good on him.
I didn't particulary enjoy the fight with Joppy, Hopkins was very mindful not to get hit but then that's one reason why he's still so good at nearly 39 years of age.
It doesn't look like he wants the Calzaghe fight which is a shame, he could shut a lot of people up over here that's for sure. Some will say he doubts himself but I think it's worth taking note of his comments about "bringing his own judges". It's seems clear from that that we'd see Hopkins on the back foot the whole time looking to hand out a boxing lesson, with Calzaghe looking to rough up the smaller man. Can't really blame Hopkins too much for not wanting to come over to Europe, to a noisy, hostile (to say the least) back yard and put his whole reputation in the hands of 3 judges.
Spinks boxed beautifully. What a man to handle all that pressure.
Was that left cross from Judah really so special? Might have to question the opponent there but then it is only the WBO.
Rahman was poor, he looked like he'd aged about 10 years at times. Ruiz was actually pretty good. He was certainly well prepared. Good on him.
Re: King card thread.
1) Zab Judah - The guy was dazzled by the reflection off Judah's shining malteser head - unfair "the Hun's in the Sun" tactics - should have to wear a headscarf in future. Not a great bout.
2) Garcia vs Timms - How crap was Garcia? Simms was super-motivated. Uninteresting bout IMO.
3) Ruiz vs Rahman - Harrison's path to the top looks better after watching these two - Rahman is no longer intereested IMO - he did nothing but thro haymakers all night - how the Mayweathers had anything to do with that is beyond me. Ruiz is microscopically better. Horrible display of clutcing and grappling.
BOXING NIGHTMARE ---------AKINWANDE-RUIZ-------Like watching mating octopus' I'd guess.
4) Spinks vs Mayorga - Gutted - Mayorga looked like someone to electrify the masses - and then some tool puts him in with Spinks!!??
Great bit of match-making!!
Can you believe that whilst arguing about the quality of Hatton's matchmaking - someone was using Mayorga as EXAMPLE OF THE WAY IT SHOULD BE DONE!!???
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turned out to be a less cometitive bout than expected and settled into a rhythym - fave moment was Mayorga standing still and demanding that Spinks fight him.
Now we have lost the most exciting fighter in the division (possibly the sport) and exchanged him for a skittering, mover - Mosley without the punch or excitement - tragedy really - I won't be tuning in to Spinks.
5) Hopkins vs Joppy - The only test (IMO) for the truly awesome BHop is Calzaghe (and it'd still be a real 50/50 at best or JC a big underdog) the rest are simply too small or too limited and that includes DLH, Forrest, Eastman, and co.
one-sided beating honestly - surprised that Joppy couldn't keep him off at all - steam-rollered.
Hatton-Tackie was the runaway fight of the night IMO easily in what turned out to be a dissappointing series of fights really.
2) Garcia vs Timms - How crap was Garcia? Simms was super-motivated. Uninteresting bout IMO.
3) Ruiz vs Rahman - Harrison's path to the top looks better after watching these two - Rahman is no longer intereested IMO - he did nothing but thro haymakers all night - how the Mayweathers had anything to do with that is beyond me. Ruiz is microscopically better. Horrible display of clutcing and grappling.
BOXING NIGHTMARE ---------AKINWANDE-RUIZ-------Like watching mating octopus' I'd guess.
4) Spinks vs Mayorga - Gutted - Mayorga looked like someone to electrify the masses - and then some tool puts him in with Spinks!!??
Great bit of match-making!!
Can you believe that whilst arguing about the quality of Hatton's matchmaking - someone was using Mayorga as EXAMPLE OF THE WAY IT SHOULD BE DONE!!???
- turned out to be a less cometitive bout than expected and settled into a rhythym - fave moment was Mayorga standing still and demanding that Spinks fight him.
Now we have lost the most exciting fighter in the division (possibly the sport) and exchanged him for a skittering, mover - Mosley without the punch or excitement - tragedy really - I won't be tuning in to Spinks.
5) Hopkins vs Joppy - The only test (IMO) for the truly awesome BHop is Calzaghe (and it'd still be a real 50/50 at best or JC a big underdog) the rest are simply too small or too limited and that includes DLH, Forrest, Eastman, and co.
one-sided beating honestly - surprised that Joppy couldn't keep him off at all - steam-rollered.
Hatton-Tackie was the runaway fight of the night IMO easily in what turned out to be a dissappointing series of fights really.
Last edited by Lugh on 15 Dec 2003, 07:17, edited 1 time in total.
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Southpaw Stylist
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 1484
- Joined: 19 Jul 2003, 04:50
Judah-Rangel - Showed us nothing, Judah can punch and is dangerous but needs to fight someone to threaten his chin, knockdowns to Tszyu and Millett dont bode well. Rangel got caught cold my a great punch, had he lasted the first couple it could have been interesting, Judah arrogant as always claimed he had stolen the show, i had already forgotten about his win come Simms-Garcia!! He does my head in when he calls out Tszyu and says he is scared etc "People know the fight is not being made because of him not me" etc You already fought and you got KO'd Zab, earn your second chance my friend.
Simms-Garcia - I was also disappointed by Garcia, he looked overrawed and forze on the big stage, Simms showed good variety and his amateur pedigree shone through. Garcia showed glimpses of power and i felt he was feeling his way back in after a slow start at the point of the stoppage. It reminded me a little of Norris-Tyson, defend yourself at all times is the key and Garcia showed inexperience. I didn't see anything wrong with the stoppage, the ref told them to punch out and Garcia didn't. Simms won't amount to much more though i don't think, the fight had shades of Elcock-Farnell about it, Simms may well lose his next fight or when he steps up in class. Get him in with Candelo or Hernandez.
Ruiz-Rahman - Despite Nicky Piper's views i felt this fight was dire, overweight uninterested Rahman did nothing and limited but game Ruiz did a little more. A lot of huff and puff and no real quality, better best forgotten, the Heavies scene is in desperate shape imo despite what anyone says.
Mayorga-Spinks - The most interesting fight of the night for me, Mayorga is too crude for his own good, if he learned to box more or employed a better coaching team to teach him more tricks he could be much better than a wild punching swinger. Spinks was classier and you always had it in your mind he was going to get caught any minute, at the end of the fight i decided to tot up my scores on my piece of paper thinking i had had Spinks a clear winner and to surprise i had him winning by 3, take away Mayorga's deductions and thats only 1 point difference! So the fight was there for him. Nice touch at the end although i felt he was obliged to do it after all the shit he had spoken.
Hopkins-Joppy - Hopkins was immense, i dont see him for ages and then i think of so many fighters who would beat him, then i see him and immediately change my mind! Why wasn't this guy fighting super fights years ago? GET HIM BIG FIGHT NOW!!! Before he really gets old, hes a class act. Joppy tried hard but was outclassed.
And finally...one thing i hate about Don King is the fact he always sniffs around the winner after a fight no matter what side he is meant to be on. After Simms win he was there holding up is arms, despite siding with Rahman pre-fight he was all over Ruiz at the end, forget his golden boy Mayorga it was Spinks he was hugging at the finish and he was there again after Hopkins victory. Dont get me wrong it was his show and i respect that but i remember him doing it after Benn-McClellan and it still pisses me off, while his charge McClellan lay stricken and on the verge of brain damage after the bout King made no effort to check up on his man, instead he stood behind Benn like a bad smell shouting "You made me a believer" and making inane "Whooh Yeah" noises. Wanker...
Simms-Garcia - I was also disappointed by Garcia, he looked overrawed and forze on the big stage, Simms showed good variety and his amateur pedigree shone through. Garcia showed glimpses of power and i felt he was feeling his way back in after a slow start at the point of the stoppage. It reminded me a little of Norris-Tyson, defend yourself at all times is the key and Garcia showed inexperience. I didn't see anything wrong with the stoppage, the ref told them to punch out and Garcia didn't. Simms won't amount to much more though i don't think, the fight had shades of Elcock-Farnell about it, Simms may well lose his next fight or when he steps up in class. Get him in with Candelo or Hernandez.
Ruiz-Rahman - Despite Nicky Piper's views i felt this fight was dire, overweight uninterested Rahman did nothing and limited but game Ruiz did a little more. A lot of huff and puff and no real quality, better best forgotten, the Heavies scene is in desperate shape imo despite what anyone says.
Mayorga-Spinks - The most interesting fight of the night for me, Mayorga is too crude for his own good, if he learned to box more or employed a better coaching team to teach him more tricks he could be much better than a wild punching swinger. Spinks was classier and you always had it in your mind he was going to get caught any minute, at the end of the fight i decided to tot up my scores on my piece of paper thinking i had had Spinks a clear winner and to surprise i had him winning by 3, take away Mayorga's deductions and thats only 1 point difference! So the fight was there for him. Nice touch at the end although i felt he was obliged to do it after all the shit he had spoken.
Hopkins-Joppy - Hopkins was immense, i dont see him for ages and then i think of so many fighters who would beat him, then i see him and immediately change my mind! Why wasn't this guy fighting super fights years ago? GET HIM BIG FIGHT NOW!!! Before he really gets old, hes a class act. Joppy tried hard but was outclassed.
And finally...one thing i hate about Don King is the fact he always sniffs around the winner after a fight no matter what side he is meant to be on. After Simms win he was there holding up is arms, despite siding with Rahman pre-fight he was all over Ruiz at the end, forget his golden boy Mayorga it was Spinks he was hugging at the finish and he was there again after Hopkins victory. Dont get me wrong it was his show and i respect that but i remember him doing it after Benn-McClellan and it still pisses me off, while his charge McClellan lay stricken and on the verge of brain damage after the bout King made no effort to check up on his man, instead he stood behind Benn like a bad smell shouting "You made me a believer" and making inane "Whooh Yeah" noises. Wanker...