22.08.07 -By James Slater: Word is, raw, exciting and popular heavyweight boxing brawler, Vinny Maddalone is going to fight again on September 27th in New York. Having his first fight since his give-it-a-go shot against living legend Evander Holyfield, big Vinny will certainly want to put another win on his record.
Okay, his limitations were exposed in the fight with “The Real Deal,” back in March, but on a certain level Maddalone can offer his sport something. Not everyone can be a world champion – even though this lofty aspiration is still more than likely Vinny’s optimistic goal – and the fans always get good, value for money battles when the thirty-four year old steps between the ropes.
So far, no opponent has been named for Vinny’s return. But if he’s matched well the slugger from Flushing, N.Y could earn himself a number of decent paying wins in his career before it’s over. As I’ve said, on a certain level Vinny always has a chance of scoring a thrilling victory. Take his fight with fellow club fighter Shannon Miller, for example. Who didn’t enjoy that wild, give-and-take, excitement-filled boxing war? And who wouldn’t like to see something similar from Vinny once again? Yes, the fight was somewhat devoid of skill, but it didn’t matter – from an entertainment standpoint, anyway. Even Ring magazine raved about that fight afterwards.
So, who could Vinny fight that would give him both a realistic, not in-over-his-head, chance of winning, as well as the opportunity of providing his fans with what he prides himself on – namely a great fight? After he gets his confidence back with a win on Sept 27th, maybe Vinny could box either one of the following suggestions? Let’s see who the blood and guts Maddalone would have a shot against.
How about the winner of the Golota-McBride fight? That wouldn’t be upping the level of opposition too high would it? With his raw power, heart and guts, combined with the fact that neither McBride or Golota is getting any younger (or better) Vinny versus either one of these guys would give us a potentially good fight.
Or, Vinny could get in there with the winner of tomorrow’s clash between the comebacking Michael Grant and Julius Long. Of course, Vinny has already met Long, at first losing a technical decision, before the result was changed to a No-contest due to Long’s failed drugs test. Vinny was busted up (once again) in the fight with the seven foot plus Long, however, and would probably love another crack at KO’ing him. If Long beats Grant, who knows? Either way, the winner would make a good, realistic match-up for Maddalone.
Then again, he could take a fight with some of these following names, guys like; Mike Marrone – the unbeaten, yet still untested youngster trained by Lou Duva. Mike Mollo, the guy who KO’d Ireland’s McBride, Malachy Farrell, the once-beaten twenty-seven year old, or how about a rematch with Miller even? Really, there are a number of realistic options for the rugged Maddalone to take in the coming months as he looks to finish off his excitement-filled boxing career.
I’d like to see Vinny do well. I admit, I’m something of a fan. No, he’s not a gifted boxer, no he’s not likely to ever become the holder of even a smaller title, and no, he’s not too pretty to watch at times. But what he is is exciting, full of heart, as genuine a guy as you could ever hope to meet and, above all, a real, honest to goodness fighter.
Not all boxers can be as incredibly gifted as a Floyd Mayweather Jnr, can they? In terms of value for money, however, Vinny Maddalone delivers as well as any fighter can.