You all should know by now that I’m a huge James Tony fan. I followed him since I was 16 years old and I even made my pro debut on his under card back in 2000. I loved James’ style and his willingness to fight the best to be the best. He was p4p #1 at one point in 1994. James was in his prime and firing on all cylinders.
I always thought that his fight with Iran Barkley was his best performance. Watch this clip and see why. Watch how James immediately took control of the fight and owned the ring that night. He controlled Iran that night. That is ring generalship at it’s best. Now watch this clip and enjoy a boxing genius at work!
Matthew Macklin came to fight last Saturday on St. Patrick’s day in front of a live Irish crowd. He fought hard and very well early and in the middle rounds of the fight. Nobody got to Sergio like Macklin was getting to him with sharp right hands to the body and head. Sergio looked frustrated and confused. He looked limited and one dimensional. Sergio was very fortunate that Matthew gassed out and was listening to Buddy McGirt’s poor corner advice.
Sergio picked it back up as Macklin tired dropping him twice. Sergio was himself again and pored it on as McGirt ordered a halt to the fight. The later rounds were nothing like those nip and tuck early rounds. Matthew displayed outstanding ring generalship as he got Sergio off his fight plan and made him fight on his terms and tempo. It was pretty brilliant and amazing to see. It just didn’t last. I don’t understand why Matthew gassed hard like that? That’s what cost him the fight. You could see it on his face as the fight progressed into the championship rounds.
Sergio did adapt of course and closed well. But how will he handle a fighter that can fight like Matthew and NOT gas? I agree with Larry Merchant, for being a champion Martinez didn’t wow with his combination punching. He amazed with his precise laser fast pop shouts and his darting in and out. As Matthew displayed, timing and body work can slow that down and beat that.
Sergio is indeed very good but he needs to forget about Mayeather & Pacquiao. He’s simply too big. There really isn’t any other big fights for Sergio at middleweight besides a fight with Chavez Jr. down the line. I’m liking Jr’s chances more and more too. He goes to the body well. Can box well when he’s focused, can cut off the ring, can take a good shot, has balls, and can use his reach well. Don’t laugh, I’m serious, Jr. is getting better and Sergio may have hit a wall. We will know more in his next fight. I just hope it isn’t Andy Lee.
I give Matthew a B+ for his performance. His corner consisting of McGirt an F for telling Macklin to focus on throwing his left hook which left him open for Sergio’s left hand and for stopping the fight when Macklin deserved to fight on.
Sergio gets a B-. he didn’t do shit early. The act of him fighting with his hands down, smiling, and running instead of throwing combinations and doing work is getting old. Lets hope he comes back more focused next outing and quits the clowning.
Mickey Ward has been one of the most popular Irish fighters in this era with his non stop pressure, inhuman ability to absorb punishment, his viscous body punching, and his huge will to win.
Enjoy this videos and see for yourself what made Mickey so special.
Orlando Salido-Juan Manuel Lopez was a throw back fight in every way. It was like a Carmen Basillo-Gene Fullmer fight and other classic wars of the 50′s and 60′s.
Big props to Salido. i didn’t think he would win again. This hombre is one tough SOB. He knows how to fight, how to seize back command, and how to land that bad ass right hand of his. He put it all together in a much bigger win this time. He deserves a huge payday for his performances. With him, you know you are getting a good fight. Keep in mind all the losses on his record. Young fighters take heed of this. I’m not saying losing is ok, I’m pointing out persistence and growth from losses. Orlando who turned pro at a young 15yrs was 11-7 at one point! Look at him now. Amazing and my hat is off to him.
Juan just couldn’t keep the pace with Salido. He fought a lot better and was winning the fight before the stoppage but he was breaking down. He emptied the tank in the famous 9th round by trying to get Salido out of there. hat did him in.
I think Juan can fight on but needs a couple soft fights. Salido just had his number. perhaps Juan could have more success at 130? He’s strong, powerful, can box, and is fast. The question is his durability and stamina. He has been done in by both. Juan deserves a lot of praise for fighting his ass off in such a gallant manner. He WANTED to win but he didn’t have the gas and energy keep Salido off of him.
We were all treated to an old school war that makes us all proud of boxing. This fight was great for boxing and it’s one reason why true boxing fans show loyalty through the dud fights to be patient enough to witness one like this!
I think people need to bck the fuck off and give Juan a break for the remarks he made about the ref Robert Ramirez Sr having a gambling problem. Juan was bitterly upset about the fight and took huge shots. His emotions were running high. For anyone expecting him to be more rational is foolish.
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