am always amazed at how many people
forget about this savage battle. I say savage because it was not a
one-sided beat down as many have been led to believe, though Mancini
landed an inordinate amount of head shots throughout the fight. I saw
it “live” on TV on November 13, 1982 (though I cannot recall where
I was at the time).
Boxing Profile: Alex Ramos - One Of The Good Guys
Bobby Chacon, about whom I have written in the past, Willie Pep and Wilfredo Benitez, come to mind. Even the great Joe Louis died penniless. Some, like Greg Page or Gerald McClellan, have been injured in the ring. It can occur in a split second. For many ex-fighters, a combination of these factors can make for a dismal outlook.
Benn vs. Logan: Ferocity Extraordinaire
Today, when fans talk about Nigel Benn, they conjure up words like fury, rage, and ferocity. These were his trademarks in the ring. This fight went far in establishing that legacy.
Boxing: A Chronology of Some of My Favorite Left Hooks
I likely have failed to include some that should be included, so I am depending on you to fill in the blanks. Still, the following provided some indelible memories that are well worth sharing:
Danny "Little Red" Lopez Belongs in the Hall
This is not about comparing this warrior who stirred the passions of boxing fans wherever he fought to others who have been inducted. No, this is about Danny Lopez making it on his own merits with no hesitation.
Don't Kill the Messenger: Arvin scores controversial TKO win over Anthony Thompson
During a week when I have been jolted by the incredibly bad judging in the Olympic boxing matches (to the point where I no longer will watch them), this was simply icing on the cake.
Ezra Sellers: Chill-or-be-chilled
With a record of 29 (KO 26) - 8 (KO 8), cruiserweight Ezra Sellers has an excitement factor of almost 92 percent (total knockouts divided by total fights). That puts him up there with such scintillating fighters as Julian Jackson Julian Letterlough.
Fire and Ice: The Troubled Odyssey of Vernon Paris
Now I don't know what direction this story will take next, but I hope the next chapter will be about his successful recovery from injuries and his subsequent climb to top contender status.
Giving Dee His Due
For the many who worship at the Shrine of Cobb, let there be no doubt that he had his lunch eaten in Reseda on October 29, 1985 and the guy who did the eating should get his due as well.
Gomez vs. Hill: The Essence of a Closet Classic
This is a fight that flew under the radar but was a true classic for its back-and-forth brutality.
How would Big Bob Foster do today?
When I think of Bob Foster, I think of greats like Charles, Moore, Bivins, and Conn....and of tough guys like Saad Muhammad, Spinks, and Roy Jones Jr. Foster belongs in the mix; none of today's heavyweights do. That says it all.
Is Manny Pacquiao the Best Asian Fighter of All Time?
Pacquiao is the most exciting fighters in the sport of boxing today. Perhaps it may be premature to call him the best Asian fighter of all time. But if he stays focused and continues to win, it will be difficult to argue otherwise.
Los Vatos
The California boxing connection is a strong one and the ex-boxers meet regularly. When Mando Ramos sadly passed away this week, the connection evidenced itself front and center.
Marquez-Vasquez: Macho Time In Hidalgo
The specter of these two super bantams going after each other with an uncommon fury and with blood flowing down their faces was for me the essence of machismo.
McClellan-Benn and the Importance of Rounds
The plain fact is, Benn had far more rounds and had been in with much better opposition. Leading up to the fateful and tragic 1995 bout with Gerald McCllelan.
Monshipour vs. Nakazato: Savagery in Marseille
This one promised to be a clash of two in-coming brawlers who never take a step backward. It turned out to be far more.
One of the Best Athletes of All time May Have Been a Boxer
Known as "Mr. Versatility," he was never really picked up by the public or the press, but I knew about him. If you are ever in San Diego, visit the Breitbart Hall of Champions and look for the Powell brothers, Art and Charlie.
Prediction and Outcome: Austin vs. Klitschko
Wladimir Klitschko faces mandatory challenger, Ray Austin on Saturday and it will be a repeat of the Brock blow out.
Prediction and Outcome: Calzaghe vs.Kessler
Calzaghe does not have the one-punch power of Kessler and this could prove pivotal for Mikkel. On balance, however, I see Calzaghe getting into his rhythm early and avoiding Kessler bombs with great ring movement and acumen.
Prediction and outcome: Gomez vs. Gatti
I hate it when two of my favorites fight each other and that's just what's going to happen later this summer when fading Arturo Gatti meets up-and-coming Alfonso Gomez. My heart says "Gatti" but my brain is telling me something else.
Prediction and Outcome: Jones vs. Trinidad
When he backed up Trinidad, it was Roy's fight as he handled the future Hall of Famer's hard body shots, blocked his left hooks, and countered with heavier ammunition.
Prediction and Outcome: Klitschko vs. Ibragimov
The Russian's style will give Dr. Steelhammer some early trouble, but once Wlad breaks the combination and sets the tempo with his savage jabs, he will take control.
Prediction and Outcome: Margorito vs. Cotto
All in all, the prediction squared extremely well with the reality of the outcome. The Mexcian warrior was simply too big and too strong, as he overwhelmed the talented Cotto to become the new champion.
Prediction and Outcome: Mayweather vs. Hatton
Tonight, Floyd Mayweather Junior punctuated the fact he is the best pound for pound fighter in the world. He has never looked better.
Prediction and Outcome:Calzaghe vs. Hopkins
At the end of the day, Calzaghe did exactly what he had to do to win, putting on more pressure, utilizing superior punch volume, engaging in smart flurries at the end of several rounds, and backing up Hopkins for most of the fight.
Prediction and Outcome:Litzau vs. Guerrero
, I see Litzau showing his customary disdain for defense allowing Guerrero to win either by mid to late round stoppage or UD. One thing is certain. I will not miss this fight for anything.
Sosa vs. Williams: "Aqui, Jungle"
Both old school types engaged in one of the most savage fights ever. The exchanges of body and head shots had the crowd gasping in amazement.
The Best Fight the Best
If Floyd indeed stays retired, he will be a slam dunk for theHall of Fame, but unless and until he engages in the macho round robin that involves Cotto, Margarito, Williams and Mosley, he should not be considered an all time great.
The Chill Factor
It is the total number of knockouts divided by the total number of fights. Aleajandro Naco Berrio had had 31 fight with a 26 (KO 25) - 5 (KO 5) record in 31 fights. Thus, 30 KO’S divided by 31 bouts equals 93% which translates to pure excitement.
The Kid
These days, when I think of Cuban boxing, I think of Felix Savon and Teófilo Stevenson Teofilo and what could have been. I think of other greats, but there was only one Kid Gavilan
The Mismatches Continue
Single mismatches will occur from time to time; that's the nature of the beast. However, when patterns manifest themselves, the amber light should be flashing.
The Strange Record of 3-K Battery
Many top Thai fighters have their records dotted with boxers who are fighting for the first time and gross mismatches are commonplace. Even the great Chatchai Sasakul has fought a few, but Medgoen
Tough opponents, tough guys
Jose El Huitlacoche Medel was never a world champion, but he met the best of his era's flyweights and bantamweights. In the tradition of Mexican ring warriors, he never backed down from a tough opponent; he was one rugged customer.
Vicious Victor
Victor, now retired from boxing, turned his attention to auto racing something for which he had awell known passion. He loved cars and the speed and power of racing.
Was The Power of Earnie Shavers Overrated?
Earnie was a wrecking machine, but in many key fights against solid opposition, he was unable to execute a clean KO after he had staggered his opponent and seemingly had him on the brink. He seemed to lack that clean one-shot closer.
Why Are There So Few Asians In The Boxing Hall Of Fame?
Each year that a potential inductee is neglected will make it easier to neglect him again, and this is particularly so when only one or two fighters are inducted such as in 2008.
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Sugar Shane and "Chick" Sares
Pepino and Ted
God bless the Quarry Brothers
Mickey Ward and Ted's wife Holly
Ted with George Chuvalo
Christy Martin & Ted Sares
Ted Sares, Jeff Chandler & Saad Mahamed
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Turning Stone Casino
Ted and the Angel
Ted and Jimmy Ellis
Ted and Perfect "10" Bo Derek
Big Bob Foster and "Chick" Sares
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View more boxing photos | Ex-Boston Bangers | A Tragedy in the Ring
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Classics
