By Ted Sares, photo by Tom Casino/SHOWTIME– Okay aficionados and amigos, turn on some nice blues, jazz, rap or pop, pull up a comfortable chair near your computer, pour some single malt Glenmorangie, and torch up a nice robusto (this month’s pick is a CAO Maduro Robusto). It’s time to discuss all things boxing, and this month’s topics are the following, but feel free to inject your own subject of interest as long as (hopefully) it pertains to boxing:
1) Now that Vic Darchinyan has emerged as the Man, he has many options including Fernando Montiel, Nonito Donaire Jr. (rematch), Jorge Arce, Mijares (rematch) or he can move up in weight. What do you see as his best choice?
2) The heavyweight division appears to be in disarray with only the Ukrainian brothers sparking much interest. Now there is even talk of a disgraceful match between Evander Holyfield and the Russian Giant, Valuev. Maybe a strong showing by David Haye against Monte Barrett might offer something, but my view is that either PhD would dispatch the brash Englishman forthwith, as they are simply too big. Is there any disagreement with that?
3) If Joe Calzaghe beats Roy Jones Jr., I sense he will not retire as he asserts. But who would he fight next? Certainly not Pavlik and Hopkins is probably yesterday’s news as far as Joe is concerned (with the risk reward equation being less than attractive). Jermain Taylor does little for me, even if he blows away Lacey (as I believe he will do). That leaves the heavy handed and most capable Mikell Kessler as the one for Joe to fight, but does a rematch make any sense at this stage in Joe’s career. Of course, there are two guys by the name of Andrade and Bute who might fit into this Calzaghe picture.That all said, am I the only one really interested in Calzaghe vs. Kessler?
4) It’s getting to be that time of year when fans are starting to talk about “Fighter of the Year.” Kelly Pavlik blew his shot against Bernard Hopkins who blew his against Joe Calzaghe. Up until now, Antonio Margorito’s name has been prominent, as “The Tijuana Tornado” did a number on the rugged Miguel Cotto and blew away Kermit Cintron, but Chris John (who?) might be a long shot. And then there is Pinoy boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao who has won two big ones so far this year. In the unlikely event he whips Oscar De La Hoya in December, he becomes a slam dunk for the award.
If Calzaghe becomes a true “Legend Killer” by beating both Hopkins and Jones in the same year, he becomes legitimate possibility as well, but if Jones beats both Joe and Tito Trinidad in the same year, well, who knows what might happen when the ballots are cast?
But wait, Vic “The Raging Bull” Darchinyan, has fought three times this year showing tremendous improvement with new discipline and focus.
So yes, Antonio might get it, but if I were casting a vote today, it would go to the “Raging Bull” out of Australia by way of Armenia. Who would you vote for-today?