VITALI KLITSCHKO THE UPPER CLASS OF THE HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

Vitali Klitschko W 12 Shannon Briggs SCORES: 120-107, 120-105, 120-107

Most of the boxing world thought that Shannon Briggs wouldn't stand a chance against Dr. Ironfist, and they were right. Vitali put a man size beating on Briggs that he will not soon forget. Briggs some how made it to the final bell after 12 rounds of pain. Every time either of the klitschkos get in the ring they glide to victory. Shannon is an old heavyweight retread but he has power, but that didn't matter against the elder Klitschko. From the opening bell you could see who came to fight, and it wasn't Briggs. The only type of offense he was able, or willing to muster was the singular body shot. He only threw a handful of right hands, and landed only a couple. Klitschko jabbed, hooked, and pot-shotted Shannon around at will. He couldn't knockout the challenger, but he did inflict serious enough damage send him to the hospital. Dr. Ironfist left the 50-50 deal on the table if Haye wants to step up next. I don't think he will be that willing after the way Klitschko disposed of Briggs.

Heavyweight SHOCKER!!! Vitali KO's Unheralded Sosnowski

(Mama said knock you out)

Vitali Klitschko is not to blame for the abysmal Heavyweight fights that are out there for him, and he did what was supposed to with his latest "Bum of the month" club member. As a matter of fact it may be that the Klits are so good that the Heavyweight division is better off than it looks against these two giants. How would they fair against the greats of old? It really isn't worth speculating. All we need to know at this point is they are nearly unbeatable in today's Heavyweight landscape.

Saturday night Vitali retained his WBC belt with a 10th round KO win over Pole Albert Sosnowski. It would have been a big deal if Albert had pulled the upset both because he was such an underdog, and because he would have become the first Heavyweight from Poland to hold the HW belt.

The next opponent for Vitali should be clear for anyone who has listened to the ramblings of David Haye. It seems however that David Haye is all talk when it comes to a Klitschko fight as he has had every opportunity to make the fight between either brother come to fruition and instead offered up lame excuses for his tail being between his legs.

Vitali also mentioned fighting Valuev if Haye cannot get his heart from the wizard in time. That fight would be an interesting one simply because of the size between the two giants. It would no doubt be a victory for Vitali, but interesting none the less. In the meantime, there is another Pole in the Heavyweight landscape by the name of Adamek who just might give the big man a better run for his money than his other options.

HOW WILL DAVID HAYE DO AGINST SOME OF THE REST OF THE HEAVYWEIGHTS

KING DAVID?

David Haye is exactly what the heavyweight division needs right now. David Haye has speed, power, excitement, and the mouth to sell it all. I would like to see nothing more than Haye unifing the titles and ruling the division with power. I just don't see it happening because there is one problem his chin. It is true he just TKOed John Ruiz but come on Ruiz is as dangerous as a chinch bug. My problem with Haye is that he didn't even fight the best in the cruiserweight division, and he claimed he cleaned it out. He never fought Steve Cunningham, Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, Marco Huck, or Tomasz Adamek. If he can't, or wont fight either Vitali, or Wladimir Klitschko I think a logical opponent would be the winner of the Tomasz Adamek, Chris Arreola match up. I don't see David Haye fairing very well against of any of the men I just mentioned.


Chris Arreola vs. David Haye
I don't think he is durable enough to beat Arreola. Chris is a tough Mexican from Riverside California who took a tremendous beating from Vitali Klitschko and was angry they stopped the fight. He is big, strong, powerful, and is very aggressive, which would be a huge problem for Haye. Other than his loss to Vitali he has done a good job in the heavyweight division. He knocked out Jameel McCline, Travis Walker, and Brian Minto. Haye got knocked down by feather fisted Monte Barrett. I think the constant pressure from the legit heavyweight Arreola would break Haye. I would pick Chris Arreola to win by knockout in the middle rounds or as soon as he connected with some real power.


Tomasz Adamek vs. David Haye
There was another reason other than big money fights that David Haye didn't stick around the cruiserweight division and his name is Tomasz Adamek. Tomasz is a Polish, power-punching, machine with an iron chin, that can box on top of that. His only loss came to pound for pound great Chad Dawson and he knocked him down in that fight. He has also made the move to the heavyweight division but was originally a light heavyweight. He started his heavyweight campaign by knocking out the old Polish heavyweight legend Andrew Golota. Then he beat a very game Jason Estrada in a boxing match. I just don't think David's chin will hold up to the power that Adamek brings. I'm not sure that Tomasz is even capable of being knocked out let alone hurt. Adamek would win by knocking David clean out once he wore down the Britt.


Vitali Klitschko vs. David Haye
Either one of the Klitschko brothers offer many match up problems for the quick fighter from London. Vitali moves much more quick then he looks on TV. He keeps the fight at the right distance for him to land, and you to look silly. He holds his hands low to invite his opponents in as he counters them with power. They think they are in range when they come in but, he has already moved an struck with power. The height wouldn't be as big of a problem as it would with Wladimir, because he crouches down. Another problem he offers Haye is his chin, it is tough and has been battle tested. Haye would have some early success because of his speed but when Vitali adjusted he would take over and destroy him. I would pick Vitali to win by knockout, in the mid rounds.


Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye
Many think he would have a better chance against the younger of the Klitschko brother but I 'm not so sure. Wladimir fights big and uses his height to his advantage while fighting behind his jab. His jab is a dangerous weapon and breaks down his opponents over the span of the fight. It also serves as a tool to keep his opponents at bay. Many people underestimate how good he is because of his cautious style. He is very dominant and has been since he employed the services of Manny Steward. The reason that makes this fight more interesting to many people is the fact that Wlady has been knocked out before and his chin is not as good as his brother. Wladimir does better when he fights people that throw power punches like David Haye. Haye is not afraid to open up so he would be punished for that fact against the younger of the bothers. He would get picked apart with Klitschko's jab. He would get frustrated and start taking more chances which would get him knocked out. He would be weary by the middle rounds and be exhausted by the late if it got that far.


I just don't see a man who backed out of fights from both brother winning a fight against either of them. People will say it is not about fear and site the back injury and the so-called bad contract, but that is weak. He has had many other fighters call him out at heavyweight and has not answered the challenge. He has fought the slow freak show Valuev, John not so dangerous Ruiz, and now he is talking about fighting Valuev again. He is just a flash in the pan, an exciting boxer that is over rated. All of the people who have gotten on the Haye bandwagon express will be jumping off as soon as he fights a decent heavyweight. Weither it is Arreola, Adamek, or either of the Klitschko brothers he will get beat He is too sloppy he throws wild punches and that will get him destroyed by a technician. So, bring on the hate I'm just stating my opinion, and that real talk.

WEEKEND BOXING RESULTS

WEEKEND RESULTS

Jean Pascal W 12 Adrian Diaconu Unanimous decision 116-112, 116-111, 115-112
Retains WBC Light Heavyweight title

Tim Bradley W 12 Lamont Peterson Unanimous decision 118-110,119-108, 120-107
Retains WBO Jr. Welterweight title

Vic Darchinyan KO 2 Tomas Rojas Time 2:54
Retains WBC Jr. Bantamweight title

Randall Bailey W 8 Germain Sanders Unanimous decision 78-71, 79-70, 77-72

Victor Ortiz RTD 7 Antonio Diaz unable to answer bell due to bad cut

Paulie Malignaggi W 12 Juan Diaz Unanimous decision 116-111, 116-111, 116-111

Vitali Klitschko W12 Kevin Johnson Unanimous decision 119-101,120-108,120-108 Retains WBC Heavyweight title

Ronald Hearns TKO 6 Shandrack Kipruto Time 2:33

Dominick Guinn W 6 Charles Davis Unanimous decision 58-56, 60-54, 58-56

Eric Lucas KO 4 Ramon Pedro Moyano Time 0:43

David Lemieux KO 2 Delray Raines Time 2:51

Nagy Aguilera TKO 1 Oleg Maskaev Time 1:54

Alexander Ustinov W12 Monte Barrett
Unanimous decision 118-109,117-110,116-112
Wins WBA International Heavyweight title

Johnathon Banks TKO 1 Marcel Zeller Time 0:37


Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com

BOXING FOR THE WEEKEND

Friday, December 11, 2009

Jean Pascal (22-1-0, 15 KOs) VS. Adrian Diaconu (26-1-0, 15 KOs)
WEIGHT CLASS: Light heavyweight 175lbs.
BELTS: WBC Light Heavyweight world title
WHERE: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
WHY: This fight could turn out to be a good fight because they have fought each other before and they have seen each others tricks. The Canadian took the first fight by moving and out boxing Diaconu to get the close but unanimous decision. The scores in the first fight read 116-112, 116-111, 115-112 all in favor for Jean Pascal. The fight is in the same venue as the first time they met. Popular Canadian fighters draw big in attendance and money in Montreal so this is big for Pascal. If he can win impressively he will get some huge attention and will command even more attention.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Timothy Bradley (25-0-0, 12 KOs) VS. Lamont Peterson (27-0-0, 13 KOs)

WEIGHT CLASS: Jr. Welterweight Division 140lbs
BELTS: WBO Jr. Welterweight world title
WHERE: Rancho Mirage, California (SHOWTIME)
WHY: Timothy Bradley is coming of his strange no contest with Nate Campbell and is looking to impress. I would have rather seen him fight Nate Campbell in a rematch but mandatory defenses are an important part of holding a belt. Although Peterson has an impressive record he hasn't been really tested and this is a huge step up in competition. I hope it can be a competitive fight, either way we will learn who he really is.



Vic Darchinyan (32-2-1, 26 KOs) VS. Tomas Rojas (31-11-1, 22 KOs)

WEIGHT CLASS: Jr. Bantamweight 115lbs
BELTS: WBC, WBA Jr. Bantamweight world titles
WHERE: Rancho Mirage, California (SHOWTIME)
WHY: Because Vic Darchinyan is in the fight and that is all you need to know, but I'll expound. Vic is not the best at 115 but he is the most exciting and his powerful flashy style is just good TV. He is coming off of a unanimous decision loss from Joseph Agbeko so he will be looking for an impressive victory. He has said lately that he wants a rematch against Nonito Donaire, and if he wants that to happen he will have to win big. I think if he gets the rematch he will lose again but he will always have a punchers chance.



Victor Ortiz (23-2-2, 18 KOs) VS. Antonio Diaz (46-5-1, 29 KOs)

WEIGHT CLASS: Welterweight 147 lbs
BELTS: NA
WHERE: Chicago, Illinois (BAD), (HBO)
WHY: We will get to see if Ortiz is for real or if he will give up again the next time he faces adversity. It did not look good to see him quit on his stool against the tough Marcos Maidana. He will have to keep wining and show he has heart if he wants to be the next Mexican-American sensation, because giving up or looking weak wont fly. Antonio Diaz is a good opponent to gauge his ability and heart because he wont give up for anyone. He is a grizzled veteran who has more knockouts then Ortiz has fights. So he has the ability to take Ortiz into deep water and test him.



Vitali Klitschko (38-2-0, 37 KOs) VS. Kevin Johnson (21-0-1, 8 KOs)

WEIGHT CLASS: Heavyweight No Limit
BELTS: WBC Heavyweight World Title
WHERE: Post Finance Arena, Berne, Switzerland (HBO)
WHY: The older Klitschko brother Vitali is back in action after his dominant performance against good American Chris Arreola. He has had to retire because of injuries so he is keeping active and busy against Kevin " King Pin" Johnson. He has dominated everyone of his opponents since his return to the ring. This fight should be no different and Vitali should get an easy KO an a few rounds of work. When he wins this fight he will set up a mega match up against the loudmouth David Haye, That's if Haye doesn't back out like a little bitch again. He will destroy Haye when they fight and try to get another mega fight and then probably retire and leave the division for his brother. Vitali is fun to watch because he is so big and has tons of power, plus he can move well, and has awesome ring generalship.



Juan Diaz ( 35-2-0, 17 KOs) VS. Paulie Malignaggi (26-3-0, 5 KOs)

WEIGHT CLASS: Jr. Welterweight 140lbs
BELTS: NA
WHERE: UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois
WHY: This fight should prove what the first fight proved but actually on the scorecards Paulie Malignaggi is a better boxer then Juan Diaz. The first fight was a robbery and Paulie deserved to win that fight by unanimous decision. He out boxed Juan the whole night but because the fight was in Huston the judges gave the decision to their hometown boy. I think this fight should be a good fight and hope Paul can get the win. However you saw the first fight this is the best match up this weekend has to offer.



Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com

Dr. Ironfist Reports for Duty Against Arreola

(Doctor Ironfist's Nightmare? Not So Much)

Vitali Klitschko continued on his blistering path of knockouts in the Staples center tonight. The PHD holder and one half of the two headed monster that is the Klitschko brothers has the highest knockout percentage (92%) of any heavyweight champion in overall career fights, and is by far the more exciting of the two brothers to watch. The reach and movement of Vitali was too tall an order for the the Great Mexican hope, Cristobal Arreola. Arreola held the hopes of American boxing fans on his broad shoulders, as well as his faithful Mexican fanbase. If Cristobal would have been able to overcome the giant it would be huge for the excitement factor in the Heavyweight division, but Cristobal was handled thoroughly for ten rounds before the TKO stoppage by the referee. Arreola by no means went out like a chump however, he showed heart and determination throughout the fight and never stopped in his attack. He fought with his heart just as any true Mexican warrior does, and this will not be the last we see of Cristobal Arreola. The Klitschko brothers have handled every viable Heavyweight Contender out there with ease most of the time, and there are no match-ups on the horizon that I see as any type of threat to the two best Heavyweight fighters in the world, that is unless they were to fight each other. Emanuel Steward painted a picture of very violent sparring sessions between the two brothers in the gym that lead them to the decision not to spar one another in training to avoid injury. For those of us who would like to see it happen, it just added fuel to the fire but is not something that will ever come to fruition. I fully expect the Klitschko brothers to continue to dominate and one of them will more than likely pick up the missing strap in their collection of belts after Valuev and David Haye fight. Vitali did state this evening that he is not trying to beat George Foreman's record and does not intend to be boxing for much longer. Until he does retire, we may root against him for our own ethnocentric reasons, but will continue to enjoy the display of skill and power that is Vitali Klitschko.

WHO SAYS THE HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION IS BORING?

This Saturday night we have a great heavyweight match up Between WBC champ and one half of the Klitschko brothers Vitali Klitschko vs American heavyweight contender and Riverside California's own Chris Arreola. In one corner we have American big man and underdog Chris Arreola THE RINGS number 6 ranked Heavyweight in the world going up against the number 1 rated heavyweight. Chris is trying to become the first in boxing history to become heavyweight champ that is of Mexican decent. Klitschko will probably win but wouldn't it be nice to have a Mexican Champion who KO's opponents who could then fight the other Klitschko brother. Then on November 7Th we have a true David vs Goliath when Russian giant Nikolai Valuev facing 7Th ranked blown up crusierweight big mouthed David Haye. The little man should win but then who is he going to fight if the Klitschkos win. With Wladimir Klitschko slated to come back next year and face either 3rd rated Eddie Chambers or 2ND rated Alexander Povetkin we have an action packed division with many great match ups to be made, I didn't even mention James "lights out" Toney, Kevin "kingpin" johnson or the truly dumbed out match up between cruiserweight champ Tomasz Adamek and fellow Pole Andrew Golota. So yea the heavyweight division is lackluster and boring and boxing is dead, even after Floyd and Juan Manuel sold amillion PPV buys and I mentioned all these great match ups. Don't believe the hype and bullshit the media and promoters pump on the net and on TV, just be a fight fan and buy the fights.

Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com

CHRIS ARREOLA IS A MEXI-(CAN)

If Riverside, California's undefeated son Chris Arreola can take the gold from WBC heavyweight Vatali Klitschko's grip he can be the first heavyweight champion of Mexican decent. This is just what boxing needs, a young exciting Mexican heavyweight champion. Don't get me wrong I'm not just another Klitschko hater, but I think American boxing fans would benefit from an American champion especially a Mexican one. Mexican-Americans make up a huge percentage of the boxing fans in the United States. Boxing has been a part of their culture for many many years, and if you talk to a Mexican friend and he can't tell you he idolized Julio Cesar Chavez growing up then he is lying to you. Mexicans and Mexican-Americans always back their fighters to the very end and always support them by buying their pay-per-views. The great thing about Arreola is he has crossover potential. He is exciting, he has heart, he has good power and isn't afraid to use it and he likes to KO his opponents. I don't care if people say race doesn't play a part in who the public cheers for in boxing because they are wrong. Just think back in history, Jess Willard "The Great White Hope", Gerry Cooney against Larry Holmes and who could forget the epic battle between Irish Terry Conklin and James "The Grim Reaper" Roper. That's all true except the last one that was in the movie THE GREAT WHITE HYPE, sorry. My grandfather came from Italy so I loved to watch Gatti, Pazienza, and old tape of the greats like Marciano, Graziano, and Pep. Its not wrong to root for your guy because he is the same ethnicity as you but it is to hate. Despite rumors of Arreola being out of shape he looks good, focused, and ready to go. He will have an up hill battle against the elder of the lanky Klitschko brothers but he can do it and I will be rooting for him. Not only can Chris make history he can also help breathe much needed life into the heavyweight division.


Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com