http://www.yardbarker.com/content/sport/19 Recent Yardbarker articles: Boxing en-us Fans are invited to attend tomorrow's final weigh-in. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:35:16 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/295096 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/295096 This will be one tremendous fight! Dubbed "The Battle" it pits undefeated welterweight champ Miguel Cotto against the Mexican warrior Antonio Margarito. It's one of the most anticipated welterweight fights in recent history. The action starts at 6 PM PST/9 PM EST. Here's where you can watch online (try the links and see which one works best for you): Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:34:03 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294957 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294957 One of the most anticipated fights in the boxing world is the rumored match between the unassuming Manny Pacquiao and the "King of Boxing" Oscar de la Hoya that may take place in the month of December at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Without a doubt, this fight will bring enthusiasts and non-boxing enthusiasts together to witness one of the most historic boxing matches of all time. Physically, Oscar is the bigger man – "It will be like an adult bullying a young boy," said a source from de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions. However, with Oscar being at the cusp of retirement, Pacquiao might just kick out the walker beneath Oscar and take his crown. In many ways, Pacquiao has already won. Hailing from the impoverished country of the Philippines, he has transcended the limitations of his home country to become one of the best fighters in boxing. (Read the rest after the jump.) Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:17:50 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294944 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294944 There's a reason I picked this fight as the The Biggest Fight Showdown of the Year : This is a fight with historical implications. With the retirement of Floyd Mayweather, Jr. the throne of boxing's welterweight division is up for grabs. If Miguel Cotto wins, then he will be well on his way to joining the echelon of all-time greats. He has faced Zab Judah and Shane Mosely - and beaten them both - but Antonio Margarito is his stiffest challenge yet. Margarito's conditioning is amazing, and he puts on the pressure like no other. Margarito is taller, has a longer reach, and hits harder to the head than Cotto. If Cotto gets through this crucible, he would be challenging Manny Pacquiao for the pound-for-pound throne, and will gain an unprecedented level of confidence, and he would become a near-transcendant boxing star. For Antonio Margarito, it's a little simpler. If he wins, then he becomes the top welterweight in boxing and possibly an immortal underground legend. If he loses, then there's a chance that he fades into obscurity, becoming the tough, talented lion who couldn't capitalize on the opportunities that came to him. So whose fight is it to win - or lose? I say this is Miguel Cotto's fight, and here's why : Even though he has had the shorter career, Cotto has accomplished more, and developed more polish than Margarito. Yet, even with legend status on the line, Cotto has much less to lose. He has already gained a certain level of mainstream acceptance - especially with the beautiful brutality he displays with his combinations and body punches - and if he loses, he can simply start his quest again. However, Margarito has never gained that recognition from fans or the industry as a moneymaker, so if he can't capitalize, Margarito gets stuck in limbo : avoided like the plague by fighters and given the cold shoulder by mainstream fans. Moreover, although Antonio Margarito is a pressure fighter and heavier hitter, Miguel Cotto is the most brutal body puncher in the business who combines the sweetness of both worlds, technique and power. Cotto's dismantling of Alfonso Gomez signified his arrival as a boxer, as he picked apart Gomez with his jab, and gave him one of the most violent boxing lessons ever. Combining brutal power and expert boxing is a rarified skill, and that is why Manny Pacquiao has become in my mind the undisputed pound-for-pound king after his bloody beatdown of David Diaz. Antonio Margarito's chin is legendary, and his approach relentless, so he will most likely not be knocked out by Cotto - and he will give Cotto all he can handle in return. However, in the end, Cotto's combination of quickness, power, body punching, and everimproving tactical game will give Miguel Cotto the edge in an exciting and explosive fight. Expect the Miguel Cotto's birth as a true superstar after the fight on Saturday night. Miguel Cotto over Antonio Margarito via split decision. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:35:17 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294664 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294664 This is the hottest video out right now, and it will stay that way until Miguel Cotto vs. Antonio Margarito is over! Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:30:04 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294620 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294620 The Punisher speaks his mind on his recent victory and the upcoming showdown in Las Vegas. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:40:27 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294523 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294523 It's much better than I anticipated it to be. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:02:18 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294468 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294468 Top Rank's boss to receive ESPN's "Sportsman of the Year" Award in a function to benefit "The Caring Place". Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:01:17 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294467 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294467 This past Tuesday on 3 More Rounds, a roundtable discussion took place including various boxing personalities regarding this Saturday night's huge fight. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:59:43 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294465 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294465 This Saturday night, Antonio Margarito takes on WBA welterweight champ Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas. Pre-fight analysis inside. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:12:33 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293931 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293931 The Hype is on and the fans is now ready, the two top cockpit country of boxing are now set to face again in the name of Cotto and Margarito, Watch them live and see who will be or who will retain the title. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:26:46 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293603 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293603 Cotto vs Margarito is now on and ready for one of the greatest fight in the History of Boxing and another epic battle of the two top countries on Boxing Puerto Rico and Mexico Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:10:44 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293592 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293592 Miguel Cotto has arrived in Las Vegas and will greet the fans tomorrow morning at the MGM Grand. Photo inside. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:04:37 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293235 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293235 Get ready for The Biggest Fight Showdown of the Year! Two great boxers Two vicious punchers Two indomitable fighters There can only be one victor. Who will it be? Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:43:15 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293119 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293119 manny will should face ricky hatton or nate campbell for a big money and for a history as a legend then retire, manny should not wait that somebody will took his place as a number 1 pound for pound. Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:10:57 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292673 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292673 IN thsi week's news report we have updates on a possible De La Hoya-Pacquiao fight, news on Pavlik-Hopkins, Oscar Diaz and more! Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:55:26 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292549 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292549 Plus a look at some of Top Rank's upcoming bouts. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:45:11 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292399 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292399 Margarito speaks on his upcoming fight with Cotto. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:34:29 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292397 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292397 J.P. from Pyle of List was at the match featuring Oscar Diaz, who suffered a brain injury during his welterweight match. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:38:59 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292161 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292161 He lost to James Toney the other night on what should've been a headbutt-induced no-contest, but that's not the point. The point is that Rahman's face usually looks like its been attacked by bees within two minutes of the first round. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:29:16 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292128 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292128 It looks like the middleweight champ will face the former middleweight and light heavyweight champ later this year. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:50:49 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292005 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292005 Raymundo breaks down Freddie's thoughts and what career paths lay ahead for Oscar and Manny. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:28:37 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291999 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291999 Fans can see Margarito training this upcoming Monday in Montebello, CA. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:29:20 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291931 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291931 Boxing is maybe the only sport that is dead to me, which is one of the few reasons why I wasn't watching last night when welterweight Oscar Diaz took too many blows to the brain. He is now in the hospital in critical condition. He underwent successful surgery to mitigate swelling in the brain; however, by no means is he in the clear. Awful Announcing said ESPN2 did a great job covering the tragedy live, but this morning SportsCenter seemed more interested in hyping "TitleTown" and rehashing the All-Star game -- yet again -- than mentioning this newsworthy and timely tragedy. Even if no one likes boxing; people definitely want to hear about it when boxers are fighting literally for their lives and not titles. Call me old-fashioned, but manufactured "awards" shouldn't trump legitimate sports news. It makes me wonder if they're trying to ignore this tragedy as much as possible because it aired on their network and they sponsored the event, the same way ESPN ignores MMA events because Bristol has no irons in the fire. I don't want to get off on a rant here, but don't you think ESPN would pay more attention to the explosion that is MMA if they themselves promoted and aired events? Of course they would. What are your thoughts on how ESPN has handled the tragedy? Would be great to hear from people who have followed it more closely. Best wishes to Diaz and his family, and also to his opponent, who must feel terrible about putting another man in the hospital. - Dewey http://awfulannouncing.blogspot.com/2008/07/boxer-collapses-during-espn-wednesday.html Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:00:33 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291798 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291798 According to ESPN.com, Oscar Diaz is unconscious and breathing with the assistance of a ventilator following surgery to reduce swelling in his brain. He collapsed in his corner between the 10th and 11th rounds of his fight on ESPN2's Wednesday Night Fights against Delvin Rodriguez. As I mentioned earlier, I was watching this fight as it all happened, having chosen to devote my viewing attention to this rather than the sideshow that James Toney vs. Hasim Rahman inevitably had to be (and was). This was a tough, competitive fight between two guys desperately trying to remain in the hunt for a title shot - Diaz had almost ended the fight in the 4th round with a crushing right hand that almost lifted Rodriguez off the floor, Rocky-style, but somehow Rodriguez avoided going down. From there, Rodriguez had used a steady diet of stiff jabs a straight rights to seize control of the fight. In fact, Diaz's right eye had steadily closed during the fight to the point that it was nothing more than a slit with a giant mouse underneath it by the 10th round. Still, he looked fresh at the end of the round and for all the world like he still had a chance to land a solid punch and turn the fight around. In talking to my wife about this after the fight, she mentioned that this was precisely the reason she doesn't watch boxing, although she can watch MMA - the damage that is caused by taking shot after shot in a long, tough fight like this versus the more spectacular (but far less dangerous long-term) one-punch KOs in MMA. Her point was that what makes a "great" fight - two evenly matched fighters who trade big shots back and forth for a long period of rounds - is also what is most likely to lead to significant damage, either short-term (like tonight) or long-term. I didn't really have any response to offer in boxing's behalf. Mainly I was too busy feeling a little sick to my stomach, thinking back to the live shots I watched of the paramedics swooping in on him and administering emergency medical techniques on him before the cameras cut away. Nights like tonight make me wonder if I have a screw loose for being a boxing fan. On a side note: I watched SportsCenter, ESPN News and the various ESPN tickers for several hours after the fight, assuming that somewhere they would have some mention of the fight and an update on Diaz's condition. And...nothing. If ESPN is going to broadcast the fight, then they have an obligation to keep their audience informed about Diaz's condition during the night. Even saying something to the effect of "Diaz was taken to a local hospital; his condition is currently unknown" would have at least been acknowledgment of the severity of the situation. But I guess that we wouldn't have room for our 85th Brett Favre update of the night if we made time (or space on the ticker) for that... Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:17:50 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291477 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291477 As I type this, welterweight Oscar Diaz is being carried out of the ring on a stretcher after collapsing between the 10th and 11th rounds of a brutal fight with Delvin Rodriguez on ESPN2's Wednesday Night Fights. They played the footage and audio of Diaz, whose right eye had closed from constant punishment, staggering around like a drunken sailor before mumbling and collapsing to the ring ropes. It's truly one of the most frightening things I've ever seen. I have a bad feeling in my stomach right now. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:25:34 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291433 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291433 This Wednesday night two former champions collide when James "Lights Out" Toney, (70-6-3, 43KO's) tackles Hasim "The Rock" Rahman, (45-6-2, 36KO's) in a twelve round heavyweight showdown, live from the Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California. The line opened with Rahman almost a 2-1 favorite to defeat James Toney, but as soon as the line was placed the Toney money came rushing in. Instead of almost a 2-1 favorite over Toney, Rahman now sits at just a –135 favorite. Toney supporters can still grab the underdog cash at +115. The O/U for the fight has been set at 11.5 rounds, with the over coming in at –210 and the under landing at +175. Rahman by KO comes in at +312, while Rahman by decision will get you +197. Toney by KO hits the mark at +500, and Toney by decision lands at +227. As you can see from the posted odds, this bout is expected to go deep into the fight. To read the entire article please click on the link below. Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:19:28 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290945 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290945 I recently read this interview of Paul Malignaggi over at East Side Boxing and it was the crappiest interview I've read in a long time. Malignaggi is the IBF junior-welterweight champ, but he's full of shit (pardon the expletive). This guy must have smoked some crack to have hallucinations about defeating Ricky Hatton and punishing Manny Pacquiao. Come on Paul, where the hell did you get your stupid ideas? To give you an idea about the crap interview I am talking about, here's a short excerpt from the interview of the "Magic Man". Firstly, Paulie, how's your right hand? I understand the cast came off earlier this week. I'm in the rehabilitation stage right now, but there is no pain and I'm healing real well. In fact, this break is probably the least damaging of all the breaks I've had with the right hand. There was only one fracture, and I've had breaks where there were seven fractures. How many times have you broken your hand now? I've had four separate surgeries on the hand. Moving on to the Ricky Hatton fight. Are you unhappy the fight looks like it will be held in Las Vegas and not New York? Well, it looks like it will be The MGM in Las Vegas on November 22nd. So I will be in Vegas with bells on. I would've liked the fight to have been at Madison Square Garden but I think it will be Ricky who lives to regret the fight taking place in Vegas instead. For the whole of his career, Ricky Hatton will never get the chance to headline at Madison Square Garden. His only chance would have been in a fight with Paulie Malignaggi. If you beat him (Hatton), you will likely end his career. Is that your mindset going in? Not really. I mean, I'm not looking at his future after this fight, I'm only looking at mine. The way I see it, I'd give Ricky a rematch just as soon as I've punished Manny Pacquiao. I am really angry at the complete lack of respect Manny Pacquiao has been giving me. I mean, he's been talking about fighting Hatton next, when Hatton hasn't even got past me yet! I've worked very hard to get where I am in my career, and for Pacquiao to completely take that away from me by disrespecting me - that makes me really want to punish him after I beat Hatton. But then, afterwards, I would be happy to give Ricky a rematch. Are there any plans for you to move up to welterweight, or will you stay at 140? I'll move up to welterweight to get a rematch with Miguel Cotto. That's the ultimate fight for me, and that would have to be at 147, so I'll move up for that fight. Going back to the Hatton fight. How do you see the fight going? It will definitely be the best performance of my career. I mean, if I don't stop him I'll be happy to take a points win. The thing is, I'll have an answer for anything he does in there. In terms of skill we aren't even on the some page - there's no way he can match me for sheer skill. Come on Paul, you only have 25 wins in your career with only 5 knockouts and yet you tell people that you'll bring down Hatton, punish Pacquaio and demand a rematch against Cotto? Get a life dude. Clearly Paulie, you gotta quit smoking your shit and stop speaking crap. Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:23:14 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290512 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290512 Ulises "Archie" Solis successfully defended his IBF light-flyweight title last Sunday against the Filipino challenger, Glenn Donaire in a controversy-filled fight last Sunday in Hermosillo, Mexico. Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:16:55 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290086 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290086 Nice work, Jose. Next time you might want to actually train. Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:01:34 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289927 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289927