From the Editor’s Desk – May 2010
We’re just about halfway through the year and I have to say, I haven’t been disappointed with the “state-of-the-game” at all in 2010. Floyd Mayweather’s victory over Shane Mosley was yet another reminder that boxing is still a young man’s sport (for the most part). Mayweather’s speed made Mosley look downright old and shot – no differently than Pacquiao’s speed did with DeLaHoya. Once the reflexes go, so does the timing and speed. Even Bernard Hopkins showed that workarounds are only effective for so long. Both Mayweather and Pacquiao exhibit the type of speed and timing that’s extremely rare.
For a fighter like Vitali Klitschko, it remains to be seen how much longer he can maintain his ability atop the Heavyweight mountain. At 38, he’s the second oldest Heavyweight Champion in history – tied with Jersey Joe Walcott. Big Vitali relies upon his jab to set up his heavy, ponderous punches. Once the reflexes wane, however, it’ll be interesting to see just how effective the jab remains – especially against an opponent who isn’t a stationary target.
I’m still enjoying the Super Six Middleweight tournament. I’m curious to see how Carol Froch and Mikkel Kessler are going to fare against Arthur Abraham. Abraham’s a bigger puncher than either man but not as active when it comes to punch output. Meanwhile, Andre Ward has displayed the type of speed, defense and counterpunching ability that makes him very tough to bet against at this point. Allan Green, Jermain Taylor’s replacement, is a real x-factor in the overall equation. It’ll be interesting to see how he performs at this top level.
In more recent action, Rafael Marquez (former Bantamweight King and younger brother of Juan Marquez) defeated a way past his prime version of Israel Vasquez. Vasquez, a ghost of his former self, went out like a champion.
You can’t help but feel a little sad as you watch the once formidable champions of late 1990’s all nearing the end of the line. It’s the circle of life – boxing style, taking place right before our eyes. The sport is now wide open to usher in a new generation of champions. However it plays out, one thing is for certain – we’ll all be watching.
On June 30 at Casino Rama in Ontario, Neven Pajkic will defend his Canadian heavyweight title in a rematch with the guy he took the belt from, Greg Kielsa. The first fight was a terrific scrap; one of the best heavyweight fights I’ve seen in a couple of years. These guys deserve a good crowd and good coverage from the local media. Hope they get both.