Thursday, July 9, 2009
Moving On...
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Title Fight Result (July 4)
Panama’s Anselmo Moreno [26(8)-1(0)-1] vs. Iran’s Mahyar Monshipour [31(21)-4(2)-2]
Moreno retains his WBA Bantamweight (118 lbs.) title via split decision
Moreno successfully defended his title by using his length against a constantly hounding Monshipour. Monshipour was, as expected, in attack mode from start to finish. Moreno handled the pressure well as he used the ring to maneuver himself against the Tehran-born French citizen. The Panamanian penetrated Monshipour’s defense by throwing combinations in between and around his gloves. I scored the bout 115-113 for Moreno as he built a lead early to compensate for Monshipour’s late rounds rallies. I actually gave 4 of the last 5 rounds to Monshipour plus the third round. If Moreno’s due a mandatory then it’s very likely that he’ll meet interim titleholder Nehomar Cermeno. If he has time for another voluntary defense then unification against the winner of the Joseph Agbeko -Vic Darchinyan fight next week is possible. That’s something to look forward to. Other notable names in the 118-lb. class are Hozumi Hasegawa (if Moreno goes to Japan then this might happen), Fernando Montiel (not likely because of the hand injury and a rescheduled fight against Eric Morel) and Wladimir Sidorenko (Moreno’s probably tired of beating him). Ring; ESPN; Boxing Scene; Fight News
Prediction outcome: Right on the money, Moreno by decision.
Another notch to my win column. My record is now 42-5-3. No changes in the tally.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Title Fight Scheduled (July 4)
July 4 (Saturday) - Vienne, France
Panama’s Anselmo Moreno [25(8)-1(0)-1] vs. Iran’s Mahyar Monshipour [31(21)-3(2)-2]
Moreno‘s WBA Bantamweight (118 lbs.) title
Moreno will be defending his title for the 4th time after dethroning Wladimir Sidorenko last year. His last defense was a rematch against Sidorenko and pulled off a split decision win in Sidorenko’s home base of Germany. I always thought that a split decision win as a visitor is like a unanimous decision win in a neutral venue. That proves that Moreno can win anywhere. Monshipour is a French citizen born in Tehran. He is not a familiar name to casual boxing fans but hardcore fans cannot forget his war against Somsak Sithchatchawal in 2006 which ended up getting the consensus 2006 fight of the year. The tenth round was the round of the year. I remember my arms and face hurting just by watching that fight. Ironically, Monshipour lost his WBA super bantamweight title in that fight after ruling for almost 3 years and successfully defending it 5 times. He retired after that bout but came back last December with a firm objective of winning another world title in a different division. That explains the move to 118 lbs. from 122. He is 3(2)-0 since the comeback. He declared that he will retire for good if he does not win Moreno’s belt. It’s tough to bet against him specially if his work rate is the same as before. I’ll most likely root for him but with his age and Moreno’s abilities, smart money still goes to the Panamian. Prediction: Tough call but I still believe it’ll be Moreno only by decision because he doesn’t have knockout power. This is one prediction I don’t mind being wrong.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Title Fights Results (June 27)
Armenia's Arthur Abraham [30(24)-0(0)-0] vs. Germany's Mahir Oral [25(10)-2(1)-2]
Abraham retains his IBF Middleweight (160 lbs.) title via TKO in the 10th
Abraham was his usual self behind an impenetrable defense in the first three rounds. I believe Oral took at least 2 of the first 3 rounds because he was more aggressive not because he connected. Everything changed from round 4. Oral was still active but Abraham started throwing his bombs. He knocked Oral down in the 4th then also in the 6th. In the 10th Abraham displayed all his power as Oral was down 3 times until the German’s corner waved the towel. I sure hope that Kelly Pavlik unifies with Abraham first before Felix Sturm because if he doesn’t, Abraham will be moving up to super middleweight on his next bout. Since Abraham is due a mandatory soon then it’s almost unlikely for Pavlik and Abraham to meet unless it’s in the 168-lb. class. ESPN; Boxing Scene; Fight News
Prediction outcome: If Oral didn’t beat the count in the 6th, I could’ve been right on target again. Anyway, Abraham still won and it’s another stoppage.
June 27 (Saturday) - Atlantic City, NJ
Puerto Rico's Juan Manuel Lopez [26(24)-0(0)-0] vs. Cameroon's Olivier Lontchi [18(8)-1(1)-2]
Lopez retains his WBO Junior Featherweight (122 lbs.) title via TKO in the 9th
In my opinion, except for a few series in the 5th round, Lontchi does not deserve to be in a headline bout of a PPV card. His only claim to fame is an undefeated record but the way he fought, rather ran, and engaged, rather embraced, is a disgrace. Lontchi was down in the 2nd and the 9th, and then his corner decided to call it off before the start of the 10th. I’m glad there were a lot of fights last night to take care of my boxing fix, otherwise I would’ve been in a bad mood and asked for my money back on that PPV purchase. Lopez was in his usual devastating self but seems to be frustrated all throughout the fight because he was chasing Lontchi all night. That’s probably the last time I see Lontchi on TV. Gerry Penalosa, who is more of a natural bantamweight, was more active and willing in spite of his age than Lontchi when he fought Lopez last April. Ok, I’ve had enough Lontchi bashing in my blog. Top Rank’s Bob Arum has been talking about eventually matching Lopez against another dynamo in Yuriorkis Gamboa sometime. That’s another fight I’m looking forward to aside from those that were already mentioned by the media in Israel Vazquez, Rafael Marquez and Celestino Caballero. ESPN: Boxing Scene; Fight News
Prediction outcome: If Lontchi quit running then he could’ve been down a lot earlier or like what I predicted somewhere mid-fight. Anyway, another Lopez stoppage.
June 27 (Saturday) - Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico
Venezuela's Jorge Linares [27(18)-0(0)-0] vs. Mexico's Josafat Perez [12(7)-2(1)-0]
Linares retains his WBA Super Featherweight (130 lbs.) title via TKO in the 8th
I did not see the fight but it was quite clear that Linares schooled Perez who, according to his records, has not faced any world class opposition in his career. Home crowd advantage did not help either. The Japan-based Linares, I believe, is due to fulfill his mandatory obligations next and the highest ranked WBA 130 pounder is Sergey Gulyakevich of Belarus. Fight News
Prediction outcome: Linares indeed by stoppage.
Another 3 notches to my win column as my record is now 41-5-3. No changes in the tally.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Title Fight Result (June 26)
Argentina's Omar Andres Narvaez [30(19)-0(0)-2] vs. Mexico's Omar Soto [17(11)-5(3)-1]
Narvaez retains his WBO Flyweight (112 lbs.) title via KO in the 11th
Narvaez was practically pitching a shutout and was in complete control of the fight. He totally outclassed Soto who was hitting air more than anything else. After a feeling out first round, Narvaez got Soto figured out that he even had his guard down quite often. He was sniping at will and was taking advantage of almost every Soto miss with shots to the head. Soto was deducted a point in the eight for head butting after repeated warnings starting from the fourth round. Finally, the defending champ knocked Soto down in the eleventh. Soto beat the count but the referee decided to correctly stop the fight. Narvaez was declared super champion by the WBO before the fight started. My Spanish is not that good but it’s safe to assume that it is because of successfully defending his title 15 times. Regardless, he’s still the lone belt holder in the WBO's 112-lb. class with no interims or whatever bogus title unlike the WBA. If that’s the WBA then they will have a so-called regular champion contending soon. I don’t think there will be any threats to Narvaez’s title as he is quite satisfied in defending his title at the comforts of his home country. Unification against Denkaosan Kaovichit or Daisuke Naito is highly improbable. Nonito Donaire is moving up so he’s definitely out and obviously even if he’s staying put in the flyweight division there’s no chance that they will meet. The only time Narvaez gets dethroned is when he retires or gets a formidable mandatory. WBO’s flyweight rankings do not look promising. The highest ranking fighter that can probably give Narvaez a run for his money is Panama’s Luis Concepcion. Boxing Scene; Fight News
Prediction outcome: Right on target, Narvaez indeed by late stoppage.
Another notch in my win column as my record is now 38-5-3. No changes in the tally.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Title Fights Scheduled (June 26-27)
Kelly Pavlik’s staph infection on his hand prevented him from defending his WBC, WBO and Ring magazine middleweight titles against Sergio Mora. There are of course conspiracy theories which are related to Pavlik’s contract extension with Top Rank. In the planned undercard of the Pavlik fight, Fernando Montiel was suppose to defend his WBO bantamweight title against Eric Morel until he injured his hand while on training. There are no new dates yet announced for both with Pavlik-Mora not very likely to be rescheduled. There have been reports that a unification bout against either Arthur Abraham or Felix Sturm is in the works.
Andreas Kotelnik had a reported tooth infection that postponed his WBA super lightweight title fight against Amir Khan to July 18. The postponement also moved the venue from London to Manchester. Then only a couple of days ago, Chris John fell ill to what was reported to be some kind of a blood-related ailment. His much anticipated WBA featherweight title rematch against Rocky Juarez is in limbo until they find out more about his condition.
So here are the remaining 4 title fights this weekend.
June 26 (Friday) - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina's Omar Andres Narvaez [29(18)-0(0)-2] vs. Mexico's Omar Soto [17(11)-4(2)-1]
Narvaez’s WBO Flyweight (112 lbs.) title
Narvaez, the longest reigning titleholder will defend for the 16th time since dethroning Adonis Rivas seven years ago. When healthy and home I don’t see any reason Narvaez will lose his title to Soto. Nevertheless, Narvaez is the least regarded flyweight titleholder because he rarely takes risk and is contented on defending at home. Add to that the quality of his opponents or lack thereof. This is Soto’s second try for a world title. Muhammad Rachman knocked him out three years ago for the IBF Mini Flyweight title. Prediction: Narvaez by late stoppage.
June 27 (Saturday) - Berlin, Germany
Armenia's Arthur Abraham [29(23)-0(0)-0] vs. Germany's Mahir Oral [25(10)-1(0)-2]
Abraham’s IBF Middleweight (160 lbs.) title
Showtime 9 pm ET
There are two possible reasons Oral will upset Abraham. One, Abraham’s struggles in meeting the 160-lb. limit will affect his conditioning in the fight where Oral will take advantage of as it gets to the later rounds. Two, having been a long-time sparring partner, Oral is very familiar with Abraham. These are possibilities where Abraham might end up losing the fight and eventually, missing the opportunity to fight Pavlik. Yet, the likelihood of it happening will still be, in my opinion, improbable. Abraham and his shell-like defense is still one of the best in the 160-lb. class. After Oral and hopefully Pavlik (win or loss), he will very likely move up to 168 lbs. Prediction: Abraham by mid-fight stoppage.
June 27 (Saturday) - Atlantic City, NJ
Puerto Rico's Juan Manuel Lopez [25(23)-0(0)-0] vs. Cameroon's Olivier Lontchi [18(8)-0(0)-2]
Lopez’s WBO Junior Featherweight (122 lbs.) title
Top Rank PPV 9 pm ET
JuanMa proved that he can maintain his power and speed after going past the 6th round in his last fight against the ageless Gerry Penalosa. That will come in handy against the undefeated Lontchi. The Montreal-based Lontchi was born and raised in Cameroon and fought for his homeland as an amateur until 2001. Together with fellow boxer Herman Ngoudjo, they migrated to Canada to pursue their pro careers. Lontchi is a tough challenge but I expect Lopez to continue his knock out streak. Lontchi will just be another stepping stone for big fights ahead possibly against Israel Vazquez, Rafael Marquez or Celestino Caballero. Prediction: Lopez by mid-fight stoppage.
June 27 (Saturday) - Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico
Venezuela's Jorge Linares [26(17)-0(0)-0] vs. Mexico's Josafat Perez [12(7)-1(0)-0]
Linares’ WBA Super Featherweight (130 lbs.) title
Linares’ last reported ring action got a lot of media exposure and was featured in Ring magazine yet it was just a sparring session. It was more intense than his last two fights against Gamaliel Diaz and Whyber Garcia. That is because it was against pound for pound champ Manny Pacquiao. If Linares can mix it up with the PacMan even at a weight disadvantage, can Perez stand a chance? He does however slim it may be. Perez is lucky to get this title shot having lost his last fight against an unheralded fighter. This will be an easy night for Linares inspite of the expected hostile crowd against him. Prediction: Linares by late stoppage.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Title Fight Results (June 20)
In Santa Fe, Argentina, Hugo Hernan Garay surprisingly lost his WBA Light Heavyweight title in front of his home crowd to WBA #15 ranked Gabriel Campillo of Spain via majority decision. I did not see the fight so don’t have any insights on it. A bummer because it’s another notch in my loss column. I don’t expect Campillo to aim for a unification bout against other title holders. He will most likely make his voluntary defenses at home until his mandatory who as of today’s WBA rankings is former Garay victim Juergen Braehmer. Fight News
As expected, it was an easy night for WBC Light Flyweight champ Edgar Sosa of Mexico as he stopped Panama’s Carlos Melo in the 5th. It’s obviously a mismatch as Melo does not only have soft hands but has a vulnerable torso too. A vicious left hook to the ribs took Melo down gasping for air. He beat the count but Sosa rained on him with at least 20 unanswered shots prompting the referee to stop the carnage. It was Sosa’s 9th defense after winning the vacant title over Brian Viloria. A rematch with Viloria, who’s now the current IBF titlist, to unify the belts will be interesting. Another possibility is also a unification against Ivan Calderon if he decides not to take the rematch with Rodel Mayol and stakes his WBO and Ring titles against Sosa’s WBC. Boxing Scene; Fight News
Prediction Results:
Got Klitschko right but thought it’ll be by decision.
Campillo’s upset over Garay adds a 5th setback to my record.
Easy pick in the easy Sosa win.
My record is now 37-5-3. Ukraine adds another title and remains in 4th place. Argentina is out of the log jam for 5th and drops to 8th tied with the Philippines. Spain is now in the list tied with 12 others with a title each.
Here’s the updated list.
As of June 21, 2009
Rank | Country | No. of Titles | Title Holders |
1st (2 are tied) | Mexico | 9 |
|
1st (2 are tied) | USA | 9 |
|
3rd | Puerto Rico | 7 |
|
4th | Ukraine | 6 |
|
5th (3 are tied) | Armenia | 4 |
|
5th (3 are tied) | Japan | 4 |
|
5th (3 are tied) | Panama | 4 |
|
8th (2 are tied) | Argentina | 3 |
|
8th (2 are tied) | Philippines | 3 |
|
10th (4 are tied) | Hungary | 2 |
|
10th (4 are tied) | Poland | 2 |
|
10th (4 are tied) | Thailand | 2 |
|
10th (4 are tied) | Venezuela | 2 |
|
14th (13 are tied) | Colombia | 1 |
|
14th (13 are tied) | Denmark | 1 |
|
14th (13 are tied) | Germany | 1 |
|
14th (13 are tied) | Ghana | 1 |
|
14th (13 are tied) | Haiti | 1 |
|
14th (13 are tied) | Indonesia | 1 |
|
14th (13 are tied) | Italy | 1 |
|
14th (13 are tied) | Nicaragua | 1 |
|
14th (13 are tied) | Romania | 1 |
|
14th (13 are tied) | Russia | 1 |
|
14th (13 are tied) | South Africa | 1 |
|
14th (13 are tied) | Spain | 1 |
|
14th (13 are tied) | UK | 1 |
|
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Title Fight Result (June 19)
Prediction Results:
Like I said a Pascal upset by decision. Man! I’m good. Pardon me for I need to take modesty aside sometimes.
My record is now 35-4-3. Romania is down to 1 titleholder in Lucian Bute who was incidentally ring side supporting his compatriot. Haiti is back in the tally since Joachim Alcine was dethroned July last year. Here’s the updated list.
As of June 20, 2009
Rank | Country | No. of Titles | Title Holders |
1st (2 are tied) | Mexico | 9 |
|
1st (2 are tied) | USA | 9 |
|
3rd | Puerto Rico | 7 |
|
4th | Ukraine | 5 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Argentina | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Armenia | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Japan | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Panama | 4 |
|
9th | Philippines | 3 |
|
10th (4 are tied) | Hungary | 2 |
|
10th (4 are tied) | Poland | 2 |
|
10th (4 are tied) | Thailand | 2 |
|
10th (4 are tied) | Venezuela | 2 |
|
14th (12 are tied) | Colombia | 1 |
|
14th (12 are tied) | Denmark | 1 |
|
14th (12 are tied) | Germany | 1 |
|
14th (12 are tied) | Ghana | 1 |
|
14th (12 are tied) | Haiti | 1 |
|
14th (12 are tied) | Indonesia | 1 |
|
14th (12 are tied) | Italy | 1 |
|
14th (12 are tied) | Nicaragua | 1 |
|
14th (12 are tied) | Romania | 1 |
|
14th (12 are tied) | Russia | 1 |
|
14th (12 are tied) | South Africa | 1 |
|
14th (12 are tied) | UK | 1 |
|
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Title Fights Scheduled (June 19-20)
On June 19 in Montreal, Canada, two Canadian immigrants will be fighting for the WBC Light Heavyweight title. Romania-born Adrian Diaconu [26(15)-0(0)-0] will defend his title against Haiti-born Jean Pascal [22(15)-1(0)-0]. I am glad Versus stepped up and will show it live in the US at 9 pm ET. Pascal’s slugfest against Carl Froch late last year was a fight of the year finalist and thanks to Fox Sports, it was shown a few weeks later. This I hope will be another barnburner. Pascal of course lost that fight but it showed grit and tenacity that will come handy against Diaconu. This is Diaconu’s first defense of the title. He was the former interim titleholder but was elevated to the full title after Chad Dawson vacated middle of last year.
On June 20 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Ukraine’s Wladimir Klitschko [52(46)-3(3)-0] will defend his IBF Heavyweight and WBO Heavyweight titles against Ruslan Chagaev [25(17)-0(0)-1] of Uzbekistan. The vacant Ring Heavyweight title is also at stake in this fight with Klitschko ranked #1 and Chagaev #3 by Ring magazine. As every boxing fan knows, David Haye was supposed to be in the opposite corner of Klitschko but a reported back injury prevented the Brit from making the fight. Klitschko having to fulfill his mandatory around October did not buy into a request to move the date to July. Klitschko cannot afford to reschedule anymore. A week ago, Chagaev was suppose to settle the score against Nikolay Valuev for the WBA title in Finland but was cancelled due to controversial medical reasons. This definitely is not going to be as exciting as the Haye fight. In fact, I expect to doze off somewhere mid-fight, unless, a miracle happens and Chagaev becomes an action fighter. Nah… don’t think so. Nevertheless, being a hardcore boxing fan that I am I will still try to stay up for it. I hope. ESPN Classic will cover starting 5 pm ET.
Also on June 20 in Santa Fe, Argentina, Hugo Hernan Garay [32(17)-3(0)-0] of Argentina will defend his WBA Light Heavyweight title against Gabriel Campillo [17(6)-2(1)-0] of Spain. This looks like a stay busy defense for Garay. I don’t expect any upset happening here. Garay’s last two fights are against tough Europeans Juergen Braehmer and Yuri Barashian. Campillo does not have any notable opponents to speak of.
Also on June 20 in Mexico City, Mexico, the always busy Edgar Sosa [35(19)-5(1)-0] of Mexico will defend his WBC Light Flyweight title against Panama’s Carlos Melo [19(2)-8(0)-0]. This will be Sosa’s 9th defense of his title and will probably be the easiest. Melo lost 4 of his last 7 bouts and doesn’t have any power to take Sosa down.
My Predictions:
My upset pick of the week is Pascal over Diaconu by decision.
Klitschko will retain his titles and grab another by decision.
Easy win for Garay by decision.
Sosa by early stoppage.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Title Fight Results (June 13)
Puerto Rico’s Miguel Angel Cotto also retains his WBO Welterweight title against Joshua Clottey of Ghana via split decision. I believe Cotto did enough to win the fight and Clottey didn’t grab the opportunity when he had all the advantages to turn the fight in his favor. Cotto’s nasty cut over the left eye should have been a bull’s eye that Clottey aimed for but he was hesitant at times and let Cotto work specially in the last two rounds when the fight was still undecided. With Cotto winning, he is practically ahead of Mosley and Mayweather in the Pacquiao sweepstakes. If Mayweather stays firm to his purse share demands, then Cotto will very likely be in the opposite corner of Pacquiao come October or November. ESPN; Boxing Scene; Fight News
Prediction Results:
A third draw in my slate from Calderon-Mayol.
Cotto by decision as predicted.
My record is now 34-4-3. With no changes in the tally.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Title Fights Scheduled (June 13)
In the undercard, Ivan Calderon [32(6)-0(0)-0] also of Puerto Rico will defend his WBO Mini Flyweight and Ring Strawweight titles against Rodel Mayol [25(19)-3(2)-0] of the Philippines. Unfortunately, HBO is not picking this up in its TV coverage. That means I got to keep tabs with boards that normally have threads announcing streaming videos. The normally active Calderon has been out of the ring in more than nine months due to a badly lacerated forehead in his last fight against Hugo Fidel Cazares. He could either be fresh and revived or rusty and vulnerable. Mayol hopes for the latter as this is his best chance to finally capture a title after two tries. Having lost 3 of his last 6, Mayol is lucky to get another title shot. A Calderon-Brian Viloria unification bout is highly probable if Calderon survives this fight unscathed.
My Predictions:
Cotto only by decision because he'll be more active and it is difficult to knock Clottey out.
Calderon by decision because he's a technician not a KO artist.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Title Update - WBA Light Flyweight
The WBA Light Flyweight title has been vacant since WBA's ratings for June 2008. This was when full title holder Brahim Asloum of France was demoted to champion in recess. Asloum was suppose to defend his title against Segura in July 2008 but left training due to variously reported reasons. The most notable and the very like of which was the differences in the expected purse from the TV network. Cesar Canchilla replaced Asloum on a rescheduled fight but only for the interim title. Canchilla won until Segura took it back in their rematch 3 months ago. Asloum came back with a win against a nobody in April. I assumed that an Asloum-Segura fight will finally happen or at least the "in recess" tag will be dropped, but, the WBA surprised me with the lastest ratings. Segura was given the full title and Asloum remains "in recess". It might be debatable but I believe the WBA finally made the right decision here. I've always been critical of them because of their multiple titles just to collect more sanctioning fees but they sure got this one right, at least in my opinion. They gave the title to the deserving boxer. Asloum I thought should not have been given so much leeway since he walked out of training on his first title defense. He should have been stripped right there and declared the first Segura-Canchilla fight a full title fight. Anyway, it ended well and now Segura moves on to defend his title.
Segura has been scheduled to fight the Philippines' Sonny Boy Jaro on July 25. Imagine Jaro's amazement when he finds out that his originally signed contract for a measly interim title is now a challenge for a world title.
Here's the updated list.
As of June 7, 2009
Rank | Country | No. of Titles | Title Holders |
1st (2 are tied) | Mexico | 9 |
|
1st (2 are tied) | USA | 9 |
|
3rd | Puerto Rico | 7 |
|
4th | Ukraine | 5 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Argentina | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Armenia | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Japan | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Panama | 4 |
|
9th | Philippines | 3 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Hungary | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Poland | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Romania | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Thailand | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Venezuela | 2 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Colombia | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Denmark | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Germany | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Ghana | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Indonesia | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Italy | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Nicaragua | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Russia | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | South Africa | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | UK | 1 |
|
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Title Update - Ring Junior Featherweight
They also announced that Vazquez is officially relinquishing the Ring Junior Featherweight (122 lbs.) title and will move up to Featherweight in his comeback fight. Subsequently, the Ring removed Vazquez from their ratings page last weekend.
Roughly 5 months ago, Vazquez was also stripped of his WBC belt and was given the "champion emeritus" title. This gives Vazquez a free shot on challenging a WBC title holder of his choice. The current WBC 126-lb. champ is Takahiro Aoh but is scheduled to defend his title on July 14. The widely sought after fight will be a continuation of his epic trilogy with Marquez. Juan Manuel Lopez, the WBO Junior Featherweight champ, was also mentioned as a possible opponent provided Lopez moves up to 126.
With one less title for Mexico, the US regains sole lead in the tally. Here's the updated list.
As of June 2, 2009
Rank | Country | No. of Titles | Title Holders |
1st | USA | 9 |
|
2nd | Mexico | 8 |
|
3rd | Puerto Rico | 7 |
|
4th | Ukraine | 5 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Argentina | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Armenia | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Japan | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Panama | 4 |
|
9th | Philippines | 3 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Hungary | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Poland | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Romania | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Thailand | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Venezuela | 2 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Colombia | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Denmark | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Germany | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Ghana | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Indonesia | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Italy | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Nicaragua | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Russia | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | South Africa | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | UK | 1 |
|
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Title Fight Result (May 30)
Prediction Result:
By the sixth round, it was obvious that I already have the winner right but a late stoppage does not look promising.
Nevertheless, add another notch in my win column. My record is now 33-4-2. No changes in the tally.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Title Fight Cancellation (May 30)
As of May 30, 2009
Rank | Country | No. of Titles | Title Holders |
1st (2 are tied) | Mexico | 9 |
|
1st (2 are tied) | USA | 9 |
|
3rd | Puerto Rico | 7 |
|
4th | Ukraine | 5 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Argentina | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Armenia | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Japan | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Panama | 4 |
|
9th | Philippines | 3 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Hungary | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Poland | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Romania | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Thailand | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Venezuela | 2 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Colombia | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Denmark | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Germany | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Ghana | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Indonesia | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Italy | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Nicaragua | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | Russia | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | South Africa | 1 |
|
15th (10 are tied) | UK | 1 |
|
Friday, May 29, 2009
Title Fight Result (May 29)
Prediction Result:
Sithsamerchai indeed by decision yet a headbutt-triggered technical decision.
Add 1 to the win column and is now 32-4-2. No changes in the tally.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Title Update - IBF Light Heavyweight
This is the second time Dawson relinquished a belt. Last year he turned down interim titleholder Adrian Diaconu and vacated the WBC Light Heavyweight title by challenging Antonio Tarver for the IBF belt. ESPN; Boxing Scene; Fight News
With one less title for the US, they're now tied with Mexico for the lead. Here's the updated list.
As of May 28, 2009
Rank | Country | No. of Titles | Title Holders |
1st (2 are tied) | Mexico | 9 |
|
1st (2 are tied) | USA | 9 |
|
3rd | Puerto Rico | 7 |
|
4th | Ukraine | 5 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Argentina | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Armenia | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Japan | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Panama | 4 |
|
9th | Philippines | 3 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Hungary | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Poland | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Romania | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Thailand | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Venezuela | 2 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Colombia | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Denmark | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Germany | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Ghana | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Indonesia | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Italy | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Nicaragua | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Russia | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | South Africa | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | UK | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Uzbekistan | 1 |
|
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Title Fights Scheduled (May 29-30)
First up on May 29 in Phuket, Thailand, Oleydong Sithsamerchai [30(12)-0(0)-0] of Thailand will defend his WBC Strawweight title against former IBF titleholder, Muhammad Rachman [62(31)-7(0)-5] of Indonesia. Sithsamerchai is fresh from a tune-up fight last March against a nobody, while Rahman just recently lost to Milan Melindo. Why he got another title shot is quite ridiculous in my opinion. I guess if you price yourself just right then you can easily take part of voluntary defenses. Even with that said, Sithsamerchai does not have power so Rahman with his experience has a decent shot of outpointing the Thai.
Then on May 30 in Helsinki, Finland, Russia's Nikolay Valuev [50(34)-1(0)-0] and Uzbekistan's Ruslan Chagaev [25(17)-0(0)-1] will finally settle once and for all the WBA Heavyweight title. Chagaev was scheduled to defend his title against Valuev last year but after several postponements, it was eventually cancelled because of injuries. Chagaev was relegated to champion-in-recess and Valuev met John Ruiz for the vacated title. Valuev won a boring fight and defended later against Evander Holyfield. Chagaev came back early this year and as planned will finally settle the score with Valuev. Valuev's only setback is against Chagaev on a close majority decision and I expect the same in this fight.
Also on May 30 in Hollywood, FL, Andre Berto [24(19)-0(0)-0] of the US will defend his WBC Welterweight title against the current IBF Junior Welterweight titleholder Juan Urango [21(16)-1(0)-1] of Colombia. After a couple of weeks of no televised title fights, finally we have one with HBO covering starting at 9:45 pm ET. After Berto's last fight against Luis Collazo, I now doubt his skills as compared against the other welterweight champs but admired his heart. If he did not dig deep in the last round, he would've lost to Collazo. Urango, like Collazo, is a southpaw so he might present the same problems for Berto and probably more since Berto has more power. One thing going for Berto is that Urango is a natural 140-pounder.
My Predictions:
Sithsamerchai by decision.
Chagaev also by decision.
Berto by late stoppage.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Title Fight Results (May 26)
As for the other flyweight title fight which again does not have any TV or streaming video coverage, Thailand's Denkaosan Kaovichit narrowly kept his WBA Flyweight title with a split decision win over Hiroyuki Hisataka of Japan. If things don't pan out for Naito with his prospective challengers, a unification with Kaovichit will give some credence to the flyweight division specially with the most recognizable titleholder in Nonito Donaire likely to move up to the 115-lb. class. Fight News
Prediction Results:
Naito was the one who almost got stopped mid-fight but still overcame.
It wasn't a wide decision but at least Kaovichit still prevailed.
My record is now 31-4-2. No changes in the tally.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Title Fight Result (May 23)
Breaking news on the Daisuke Naito-Xiong Zhao Zhong WBC Flyweight title fight. Just 3 days before the event, the fight will move from Shanghai, China to Tokyo, Japan as the Chinese promoters are having problems with the venue. This shows that China is not yet ready to host a world title fight. There goes WBC's Jose Sulaiman's dream. Well, probably some other time. ESPN; Fight News
Prediction Result:
Sadly, another notch in my loss column.
My record is now 29-4-2. No changes in the tally.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Title Update - WBC Super Welterweight
Vernon Forrest of the US has been stripped of the title and Argentina's Sergio Gabriel Martinez has been elevated from interim to the full title. In my opinion, Forrest has been avoiding Martinez like the plague. I guess it's difficult to blame him because I don't see Martinez losing to Forrest in any way, shape or form.
Forrest tried to extend his reign for as long as he can. According to several reports, Forrest's team even had plans on fighting a nobody in Charles Whittaker in the Cayman Islands. With no TV buyers and former local sponsors backing out in the last minute, it didn't happen. A purse bid to match them was scheduled a few times and finally just before another scheduled purse bid on March 13, a compromise was finally agreed upon. Both fighters are given opportunities to have tune-up bouts and will finally meet in August. The tune-up clause of the agreement was obviously more for Forrest's benefit.
Martinez fought Kermit Cintron in a highly controversial draw. I believe Martinez won that right when Cintron thought that he was hit by a head butt when it was actually a Martinez straight. The referee should've counted Cintron out right there. I remember Cintron's post-fight quote that went something like "Nobody hits that hard. That was a head butt". That might've sent shivers down Forrest's spine.
Forrest's tune-up was scheduled for April but withdrew after allegedly suffering from a rib injury during training. My opinion, the injury is legitimate but probably not that serious to again reschedule an agreed upon meeting on August. Forrest's team is just looking on trying to extend his reign a bit more. Forrest can not escape the inevitable no longer. Whether he fights Martinez or not, he'll lose the title anyway. ESPN; Boxing Scene; Fight News
Therefore, one less title for the US while Argentina moves up in the tally. Here's the updated list.
As of May 21, 2009
Rank | Country | No. of Titles | Title Holders |
1st | USA | 10 |
|
2nd | Mexico | 9 |
|
3rd | Puerto Rico | 7 |
|
4th | Ukraine | 5 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Argentina | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Armenia | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Japan | 4 |
|
5th (4 are tied) | Panama | 4 |
|
9th | Philippines | 3 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Hungary | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Poland | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Romania | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Thailand | 2 |
|
10th (5 are tied) | Venezuela | 2 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Colombia | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Denmark | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Germany | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Ghana | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Indonesia | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Italy | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Nicaragua | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Russia | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | South Africa | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | UK | 1 |
|
15th (11 are tied) | Uzbekistan | 1 |
|
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Title Fights Scheduled (May 23-26)
First up on May 23 in Monterrey, Mexico, Japan's Toshiaki Nishioka [33(20)-4(1)-3] will defend his WBC Super Bantamweight title against former bantamweight title holder Jhonny Gonzalez [40(34)-6(2)-0] of Mexico. Nishioka was an interim champ when he was scheduled to defend his title against Genaro Garcia last January. The then titleholder, Israel Vazquez, was stripped and declared "champion emeritus" by the WBC because of inactivity due to his eye injury. With that, the WBC then promoted the Nishioka-Garcia fight for the full title. Nishioka stopped Garcia in the 12th. With a patsy challenger gone, he now defends against an accomplished mandatory. Gonzales is in a 6-fight winning streak with 5 knockouts and a lopsided decision. His last loss was against Gerry Penalosa due to a perfectly placed hook to the liver. Gonzales' has every reason to dethrone Nishioka and take another division belt. The home crowd is an advantage but with Gonzales' resume, I don't think he needs it. I believe even if this is in Tokyo, Gonzales will still win easily.
On May 26 in Uttaradit, Thailand, Denkaosan Kaovichit [46(20)-1(1)-1] will defend his WBA Flyweight title against Japan's Hiroyuki Hisataka [17(6)-7(1)-1]. Kaovichit took the title from Takefumi Sakata five months ago via a second round stoppage. That was a rematch from a controversial draw late 2007. Hisataka also challenged for the same title during Sakata's reign but loss on a unanimous decision. I don't expect Hisataka to give Kaovichit any problems.
My Predictions:
Gonzales by early knockout
Late KO or wide decision for Kaovichit.
Naito by mid fight stoppage.