<Official Boxing Discussion Thread>

[MaxV]

I couldn't find the old one, so I decided to start a new one.

With a more convinsing win over James Toney, Samuel Peter has now established himself as top 2 HW.

It'll be only a matter of time before he holds a belt.

[Rob S]

Our 3rd attempt lol. Anyway, Peter was very impressive and flashed some actual skill beyond brute power. If he beats Maskaev impressively(which he should), I would make him even money in a fight with Wlad.

[slightlyaraiderfan]

You should add a poll, so it doesn't get pruned.

[UKfan]

When was this, I missed it, I'm actually becoming a little bit disillusioned with boxing right now compared to MMA. I really wanted to see David Haye and Enzo Maccarinelli happen over here, but now it has been scrapped with each boxer's camp blaming the others. This thing is happening all to frequently and it's beginning to bug me even more than before.

[Rob S]

boxing can be annoying, i see what your saying. But, I will always say that in terms of exciting fights, boxing is by far better than mma. Just my opinion, but I think boxing puts on many more enjoyable fights than mma. I actually like Haye and was disappointed when the fight got called off.

[UKfan]

That's true about the quality of boxing matches, and I will always watched the marquee names go at it, but the number of real big fights is declining, I think the best example for me is Ricky Hatton, after switching from Frank Warren he has been anonymous, barely beating an albeit underrated Collazo, and then giving up and dropping weights, allegedly shunning big name fights and now going for his old IBF title in a safe fight for him.

[Rob S]

That's true about the quality of boxing matches, and I will always watched the marquee names go at it, but the number of real big fights is declining, I think the best example for me is Ricky Hatton, after switching from Frank Warren he has been anonymous, barely beating an albeit underrated Collazo, and then giving up and dropping weights, allegedly shunning big name fights and now going for his old IBF title in a safe fight for him.

I think you may be surprised by Urango, he is hardly a safe fight. Urango is also a pressure fighter and is probably stronger than Hatton. Hatton should still win, but I dont think it will be easy. Hatton is also hurt because of the fact that he blows up inbetween fights and has to kill himself to make weight and those extra 7 pounds are going the be a *****. And, if he wins it will set up a huge fight with Jose Luis Castillo.

[MaxV]

You should add a poll, so it doesn't get pruned.

Done.

[Rob S]

nicely done max. I voted Peter, not because I think he is the best right now, but because he will be the best in a year. I wonder who voted for other?

[MaxV]

nicely done max. I voted Peter, not because I think he is the best right now, but because he will be the best in a year. I wonder who voted for other?

I voted for Wlad.

I would LOVE to see a rematch between those 2. It would be the BEST HW match since Vitaly K.-Lewis.

[Rob S]

nicely done max. I voted Peter, not because I think he is the best right now, but because he will be the best in a year. I wonder who voted for other?

I voted for Wlad.

I would LOVE to see a rematch between those 2. It would be the BEST HW match since Vitaly K.-Lewis.

without a doubt. The 1st was close and Peter showed great improvement in technique. As I said before, I would probably have that as an even money fight.

[MaxV]

Rob, did you hear anything about these 2 guys?

Il Principe (New York, New York): You've called Alexander Dimitrenko and Alexander Povetkin 2 of the best prospects in the sport/heavyweight division at different times. My question, who wins if these 2 fought?

Dan Rafael: (2:03 PM ET ) Dimitrenko is far more advanced in his pro career than Povetkin. He has many more fights. Don't count on that sort of fight every happening unless it is for big stakes.

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=14242

[Rob S]

Rob, did you hear anything about these 2 guys?

Il Principe (New York, New York): You've called Alexander Dimitrenko and Alexander Povetkin 2 of the best prospects in the sport/heavyweight division at different times. My question, who wins if these 2 fought?

Dan Rafael: (2:03 PM ET ) Dimitrenko is far more advanced in his pro career than Povetkin. He has many more fights. Don't count on that sort of fight every happening unless it is for big stakes.

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=14242


I have heard a little about both of them, never seen them fight tho. Povetkin was supposed to fight Fres Oquendo I think, but Fres backed out, which led to his release from DiBella. They are both good prospects, but they won't set the world on fire imo. They will be top 10, top 5 HW's, but I dont see them leading a HW revival.

[MaxV]

So what's the next good fight that is scheduled?

[UKfan]

There's a few decent fights this weekend, Hatton, Junior Witter and JLC are all in action I believe.

[giantfAn]

TYSON!

[MaxV]

TYSON!

What about him?

[throwback54milkman]

Happy Birthday Muhammed Ali!

[soybean]

heavy weight fighting in this decade sucks.

[Tubby]

Josh Brown is the best heavyweight fighter

[4pAc]

the heavyweight division is such a drop off from last decades

[jkpigskin]

i should probably start watching some boxing.....

:D

[Rob S]

Hatton-Urango is going to be a good fight imo, and a better one than expected. Urango is a bad matchup for Hatton and I could see it going either way, altho I do see Hatton's tenacity winning him the late rounds, maybe a late stoppage. JLC is an amazing fighter, even if he is fighting a guy he should kill.

[Rob S]

and why do people only care about HW?, it boggles my mind. Lighter weights make more exciting fights and throw 2 to 3 times as many punches, and they also score spectacular KO's.

[MaxV]

and why do people only care about HW?, it boggles my mind. Lighter weights make more exciting fights and throw 2 to 3 times as many punches, and they also score spectacular KO's.

That's true. I don't only pay attention only to HW, it's just so happens that most of my favorite boxers are HWs.

[UKfan]

I think it's because people remember the great HW's of the recent past, and even a bit further back such as Ali etc, and they hope to see it again in these current HW's

[LTgiants]

so who won the Castillo v Herman Ngoudjo fight ?

[UKfan]

Castillo via split decision. Just about squeaked through, same as Hatton, not a great performance and was upset a little by Urango's strength but got the job done.

[UKfan]

Don't want this getting pruned, anyone else have any thoughts on the Hatton or Castillo fights, or the hopefully forthcoming fight between them?

[MaxV]

Don't want this getting pruned, anyone else have any thoughts on the Hatton or Castillo fights, or the hopefully forthcoming fight between them?

Castillo looked unimpressive.

Hatton had a tough fight too against Urango, but I kind of expected that.

Ricky should win it.

[NYmoney]

Don't want this getting pruned, anyone else have any thoughts on the Hatton or Castillo fights, or the hopefully forthcoming fight between them?

Castillo looked unimpressive.

Hatton had a tough fight too against Urango, but I kind of expected that.

Ricky should win it.

Castillo stole that fight. Ngubjo or whatever his name is most definitely earned my respect with that bout.

[UKfan]

Glad you guys agreed, Castillo looked very unimpressive to me but I think that might be just down to a lack of motivation. Urango was Hatton's nightmare fight and he came through it which is all that matters. Urango has nasty body punches though and is seriously strong, just needs a little technique work and experience.

[Rob S]

Castillo looked like crap, but i think it was obvious he didnt train and was more focused on making weight than getting ready to fight. Castillo Hatton should be amazing. This wont get pruned btw, there is a poll.

[MaxV]

Vitaly Klitschko is returning to the ring.

Sorry, no link right now, but he has just announced it on Russian TV.

If he comes back strong, it will make the HW division MUCH more interesting.

EDIT: LINK (http://www.boxnews.com.ua/news.php?id=3136&lng=en)

[UKfan]

Klitshcko, whilst not a fighter I particularly like, should own the division.

[MaxV]

The latest is that Vitaly will fight Maskaev, which again screws Peter out of his title shot.

Now, I admit that Maskaev and Vitaly are among my favorites, but Peter DESERVES his shot.

[Rob S]

Peter deserves his shot for sure and I am gonna be pissed if he gets screwed. I don't trust that Vitaly is fully healthy and I think he may just want a payday. If he is healthy, though, he should clean out the division.

[MaxV]

Meanwhile, Rob, are you as excited about Floyd vs. Oscar as I am?

I know a lot of people aren't giving Oscar much of a chance, and many consider him soft, but I personally think that he is a very good boxer.

I believe that Oscar DOES have a shot, but I'm still picking Floyd.

[MaxV]

If Taylor-Winky rematch isn't happenning, then I hope Miranda fights one of them.

He's a very exciting fighter.

[Rob S]

Meanwhile, Rob, are you as excited about Floyd vs. Oscar as I am?

I know a lot of people aren't giving Oscar much of a chance, and many consider him soft, but I personally think that he is a very good boxer.

I believe that Oscar DOES have a shot, but I'm still picking Floyd.

Oscar has a shot for sure, but I think losing Mayweather Sr. was a huge blow. Not only because Mayweather knows his son, but because Oscar has to become accustomed to a whole new trainer, right before the biggest fight of his life. DLH is a gamer tho and to write him off would be silly. I am still taking Floyd, by a pretty wide margin, but Oscar's left hook is dynamite and can change fights.

[UKfan]

If Taylor-Winky rematch isn't happenning, then I hope Miranda fights one of them.

He's a very exciting fighter.

Isn't Calzaghe supposed to be fighting Taylor, assuming he defeats Manfredo.

[MaxV]

If Taylor-Winky rematch isn't happenning, then I hope Miranda fights one of them.

He's a very exciting fighter.

Isn't Calzaghe supposed to be fighting Taylor, assuming he defeats Manfredo.

Well, I meant eventually.

[Rob S]

If Taylor-Winky rematch isn't happenning, then I hope Miranda fights one of them.

He's a very exciting fighter.

Isn't Calzaghe supposed to be fighting Taylor, assuming he defeats Manfredo.

Well, I meant eventually.

I think that Calzaghe-Taylor may be off.

[MaxV]

Briggs withdraws from his match against Sultan Ibragimov:

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2764612

This sucks, I was hoping to see what Sultan can do.

[MaxV]

Bernard Hopkins vs. Winky Wright is on:

Link (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2766508)

[M.O.T.H.]

Bernard Hopkins vs. Winky Wright is on:

Link (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2766508)

I was just about to post that... looking forward to this one.

[MaxV]

Bernard Hopkins vs. Winky Wright is on:

Link (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2766508)

I was just about to post that... looking forward to this one.

Oh Hell yeah!!!!

I'm picking Hopkins. That guy will be a great fighter until he's 90.

[Rob S]

Bernard Hopkins vs. Winky Wright is on:

Link (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2766508)

I was just about to post that... looking forward to this one.

Oh Hell yeah!!!!

I'm picking Hopkins. That guy will be a great fighter until he's 90.

gonna be one of the most boring fights ever, but I am still excited. I will go Hopkins as well.

I am also pumped for this weekends BAD card. I will be in the house!

[M.O.T.H.]

I love that, "I'm the Jerry Rice of boxing." Gotta go with B-Hop.

[MaxV]

Bernard Hopkins vs. Winky Wright is on:

Link (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2766508)

I was just about to post that... looking forward to this one.

Oh Hell yeah!!!!

I'm picking Hopkins. That guy will be a great fighter until he's 90.

gonna be one of the most boring fights ever, but I am still excited. I will go Hopkins as well.

I am also pumped for this weekends BAD card. I will be in the house!

I disagree about it being a boring fight.

Granted, neither likes to be agressive, but a chess match kind of fight could be an exciting one as well.

[M.O.T.H.]

Anyone see the Calzaghe/Manfredo Jr. fight...? if you can call it that.

The real show was put on my Amir Khan... the kid is fun to watch... amazing speed... just dazzling at times.

Also... Maccarinelli made quick work of Gunn... not surprisingly.

[M.O.T.H.]

Valuev/Chagaev is nearly here... Who ya got?

[M.O.T.H.]

I guess this thread is damn near dead. Come on boys. :)

[Rob S]

amir khan is amazing........should be a stud

Manfredo- Calzaghe was stopped early, but he would have been stopped later anyway so it isnt a big deal imo.

Valuev should own.

[MaxV]

amir khan is amazing........should be a stud

Manfredo- Calzaghe was stopped early, but he would have been stopped later anyway so it isnt a big deal imo.

Valuev should own.

I don't know, from what's I've heard Chagaev is pretty skilled and is underrated.

He had a MUCH easier time beating Ruiz then Valuev.

[Rob S]

Chagaev is a very small HW tho, and I see him having problems with the sheer size of Valuev. Also, I dont think Valuev's people would put his undefeated record on the line and risk huge fights at the tail end of his chase for Marciano's record

[LTgiants]

any one else watch the zab judah no contest ?

[MaxV]

Chagaev beats Valuev. New HW champ.

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=2837724