by James Slater – Without any doubt, the “Super-Six” super-middleweight tournament that began on October 17th with a sensational last-round KO of Jermain Taylor scored by Arthur Abraham, has been one of the best things to happen to the sport of boxing in years. Six of the best fighters at the weight going at it in an attempt to prove superiority, with nothing but quality match-up after quality match-up. What’s not to like?
And as happy as we all are to be treated to this brainwave of a boxing promotion, the “Super-Six” tourney has given us fans ideas. Big ideas.. Wouldn’t it be great, we’ve suggested, for the same format to be played out in other weight classes? Okay, maybe I’m being greedy, as right now there’s plenty of great stuff going on in the sport – what with the current tourney, the soon-to-be-upon us Pacquiao-Cotto mega fight and other things – but I can’t help but think how sensational it would be if a second “Super-Six” tourney could be arranged – with six of the best welterweights competing.
Another tournament, at a number of different weights would be superb, and hopefully it will happen one day – imagine, for instance, a heavyweight “Super-Six!” Who on earth would not want to see that?
Here though, in this article, I dream my perfect boxing dream when it comes to a “Super-Six” being staged at welterweight – the best and most talent-deep division in boxing today.
Without further delay, let me get to my choices for the six entrants.
Floyd Mayweather Junior. How could this dream tourney go ahead without the best welterweight, maybe even the best pound-for-pound fighter period, being invited? It couldn’t. “Money’s” participation in the event is a must.
“Sugar” Shane Mosley. Mosley’s had trouble getting the big fights he wants just lately. As a participant in my dream tourney, he no longer has to worry about getting the bouts he craves. In with as much of a chance of winning the tournament as Mayweather, “Sugar’s” invitation goes out the same day Floyd’s does.
Manny Pacquiao. Yes, I know, he has Miguel Cotto to deal with first, but win or lose in that fight, “Pac-Man” would still add to the tourney immensely. Anyway, I don’t think he will lose to Cotto. Too small to fight Mayweather, Mosley, etc without making them come down to a catch-weight? Tough. Pacquiao’s true greatness will be tested fully in my show!
Miguel Cotto. See above with regards to the November 14th fight coming first. But as long as Cotto isn’t blown away or beaten by Pacquiao in a manner that all but ruins him, Cotto is in. Besides, a chance at revenge for the Puerto Rican is a factor that adds further intrigue to the tourney.
Joshua Clottey. As tough and as durable as any welterweight out there, Clottey has to be in. Perhaps hungrier than any of the other entrants, the tournament could well suit “The Grand Master” right down to the ground. As with Mosley, he’s had trouble getting as many fights as he’d like. Problem solved due to this show.
Antonio Margarito. The bad guy of the tournament! After first allowing him to have a tune-up when his yearlong ban is up, Margarito gets an invite, and what intrigue the Mexican bad boy would add to this dream. Just think of the boos and hisses he’d get when in the ring. And how much you’d enjoy giving them to him! Margarito would add perhaps more spice than any other fighter in the show (although his gloves would be rigorously checked before each bout, just in case!)
So, now that I’ve listed my six stars, what do you think? Sure, it’ll never happen in a million years, but wouldn’t it be great if it did? And who would win the thing, and would the winner be able to get there without a single loss along the way? Imagine, Floyd Mayweather Junior could actually lose a pro bout! That, along with the intensity Margarito’s presence would bring, would make the whole thing more than worthwhile!
(Note: I left Paul Williams out because I’m not sure he can still get down to 147)