When Showtime unveiled their innovative new product, the expectation level of boxing fans had already reached impossible heights. Pinning arguably the six best super middleweights on the planet against each other in a round robin format was something unprecedented in the new era, and Ken Hershman was under pressure to deliver success from the get go. In the minds of the … [Read more...]
‘Two Gunz’ Goes Out with a Bang
by Dafydd Thomas “I put my best foot forward and did the best I could. I fought to my last breath." – Monte Barrett In the bookmakers’ eyes, 39 year-old Monte Barrett was a no hoper. At a 14-to-1 underdog, the one-time title challenger was there to collect his final paycheck against David Tua at Atlantic City, and was expected to wilt after the first left hook Tua landed … [Read more...]
Will Lopez Rue His Lack Of Respect For Concepcion?
by Dafydd Thomas Showtime’s premature announcement of the deal between Juan Manuel Lopez and Rafael Marquez for a bout on September 18 gave Bernabe Concepcion all the motivation he could have asked for as he prepared for his WBO featherweight title bout on Saturday night. The arrogance brewing out of Team Lopez was on show for the boxing world to see, with Lopez already … [Read more...]
Where Are They Now? – The U.S. 2008 Olympic Team
by Dafydd Thomas It's been two years since the disappointment of the young U.S. Olympic boxing team. Two years of excuses, re-building, and hopefully, development. To celebrate independence day, or put a downer on things, here's a before and after shot of the U.S Olympic team, to find out if the fighters are finally matching up to the expectations and pre-Olympic … [Read more...]
The New Chavez Jr. – Destined For Stardom or Just a Pig in a Dress?
by Dafydd Thomas As Mexico crash out of the 2010 World Cup at the hands of Argentina, the country at least had some uplifting sporting news from boxing this weekend. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. finally came of age, dominating "Irish" John Duddy over twelve rounds to win a comprehensive decision. This was not the usual lethargic Chavez performance that we have come to expect … [Read more...]