12.12.07 – By Jack Presscot: We all saw the hype and build up to Mayweather-Hatton, from the initial press conferences announcing the fight, to the 24/7 series. Who could forget the sights and sounds of the Brits taking over the MGM Grand, both at the weigh in, and the fight itself, playing trumpets, banging drums, and singing “Hatton Wonderland..”
The fight itself lived up to all expectations, a brutal, close in fight, with suspense and intrigue, from the opening clinch, all the way to the 10th, with that nasty left hook, and Hatton banging head first into the turnbuckle, looking like the British Bulldog getting his face slammed into the Turnbuckle by Ron Simmons. Hatton went out on his shield, and “Money Mayweather” finally recieved the accolades he deserves from this sport, which is no longer dominated (And thank the gods for that) by Oscar de la Hoya and his ignorant fanbase.
Weeks before that, Ricardo Mayorga, and Fernando Vargas waged a war on each other at the Staples Center, which was filled to capacity, for two former World Champions both seemingly towards the end of their respectable careers. The Friday after Thanksgiving, fight fans were given an early Christmas present, as the two warriors went at it tooth and nail from the opening bell. And it started off with a bang, as Ricardo managed a first round knockdown, and kept his promise of goading Fernando not to run, by constantly grabbing his groin area in front of Vargas, as if to challenge his very manhood into standing toe to toe with him, and for the most part, Vargas obliged.
The two waged a back and forth war, that saw Fernando Vargas, looking a bit bloated at 165, gaining power and stamina as the fight went on, and having many good rounds, and the fight was very close going into the championship rounds, with many toe to toe exchanges, and hard blows landed by both fighters. But at the end of the 11th, Ricardo managed to land his signature overhand right, which can be compared to a caveman clubbing a deer. It misses 75% of the time, but the 25% of the time when it connects, titles change hands. Vargas went down as if he had been shot, and the right landed exactly as the bell was ringing. It gave Vargas the 10-8 round he needed to secure the victory and the World Boxing Council Contintental Americas Belt. After the fight, he apologized, wearing the green WBC belt that eluded Vargas his entire career, for his big mouth and Vargas announced his retirement.
Now it’s that big right hand, and big mouth which may ensure the biggest payday of his career, and the final superfight he is involved in. Floyd Mayweather Jr. has literally run out of opponents. Sure, there is World Boxing Association titleholder Cotto, but “Money Mayweather” doesnt seem too enthused. Oscar seems afraid of a rematch, and Sugar Shane has been defeated. In a best case scenario, Miguel Cotto rematches Shane Mosley this summer, while Ricardo Mayorga gets a third fight against his surrogette son, and World Boxing Council 154 titleholder Vernon Forrest. If Mayorga does what we know he can do, he defeats Forrest via brutal KO, and then turns his sights on Cory Spinks, the IBF King for the Unified and RING titles.
Cory is as good a tune up as you can get for the Pretty Boy, as he is slick, and elusive with great footwork, and is a master technician, and it is a “revenge” rematch for Mayorga. IF Mayorga can secure the victory and the titles by say, the Fall, a MASSIVE fight can be made with he and Money Mayweather for the 154 belts. The winner of Cotto-Mosley 2 awaits in the wings for the winner. If ever two men were fit to be the stars of the HBO 24/7 series, Money Mayweather and the Nicaraguan Caveman are.
I am sure that by then, Mayweather will bore of being a promoter, and head of Philthy Rich records. He is first and foremost, a FIGHTER, and knows the kind of money that Mayweather-Mayorga will generate. Can anyone reading this article even IMAGINE the antics of the two greatest trash talkers in the sport at the Press Conferences? I envision a scenario where Mayorga blows cigarette smoke in the face of Roger Mayweather, who responds with a punch, and chaos ensues which makes the Evening News around the Globe.
I can’t wait!