Mayweather vs De La Hoya, Finally !

Expectations are high for this one. You can only hope that the fight will be better than the promotional tour ? I am not sure what to expect. I haven't decided who I want to win, how many rounds it should go, what has-beens I want to see in the crowd and what I should wear to the pay-per-view.
Will it be a fight-of-the-year ? Will it resurrect De La Hoya's career again ? Will it end in controversy like the last scene of Rocky III, when Rocky and Apollo simultaneously throw a punch ? I just don't know.
I don't care who wins. I don't want it to end in a TKO. These guys are warriors. It needs to go till the last second of the last round with the usual controversial finish in order to set-up the rematch and then of course, the rubber match.
Who will make-up the broadcast team ? Will it be Jim"I haven't had a career since ABC's Wide World of Sports" Lampley, Larry "I have been covering boxing since Jack Johnson was champ" Merchant, and Emanuel "I work with 2 frauds" Steward?
I am sorry, I shouldn't be so critical. I am just so excited about Mayweather-De La Hoya I that I plan on standing in line next week to get my Mayweather-De La Hoya II tickets.

Vinny "Boombatz"

I am grateful for a lot of things in life, ESPN Classics has to be one of them. I was watching some old Vinny Pazienza bouts and one can only wish some boxers have the heart that he did when he boxed. The "Comeback" aside, you had to beat him to beat him, because he just kept coming back for more. The last few episodes showed him against Greg Haugen and Dana Rosenblat. I enjoyed every minute of it.

"Tommy Who ?"

Tommy Morrison is making a comeback ? I guess I didn't realize he was retired. Wasn't his last brawl against Rocky Balboa ?
I became aware through the Associated Press article in USA today, 2/21/07 that Tommy is 38 years old, was misdiagnosed with HIV, and was a former WBO Heavyweight Champion.
I am not sure how I missed all if this , but he's back. One has to wonder what he has left in the tank.
Since he is both an actor and a boxer I'm not sure If I want him to act like a good boxer or box like a good actor. Either way, I wish him the best of luck in West Virginia.

No Wonder Why Floyd is Retiring ?

You can't help but like Ricky Hatton. He is one of the best pound-for-pound boxers, next to "Pretty-Boy" Floyd Mayerweather, of course. I know he hasn't shown much in his two most recent bouts, but he is still hungry enough to look for something better than what he experienced against Kosta Tszyu in 2005.
I am not sure he will find that "experience" against Castillo, but I hope as fans we see it.
I enjoyed Castillo's match against Herman Ngoudo, although it was hardly his best effort. One interesting observation was that neither Hatton or Castillo had a great night and that a win versus each other may bring one of them back to the top of their game. No wonder why Floyd is retiring.

Sergio's 15 Minutes of Fame Are Up

Where is Sergio Mora hiding? I haven't seen or heard much about him recently. I know he is a warrior, but he must have spent his "Contender" money by now and his 15 minutes of fame are up.
I like Mora's style. He is smart, fast and can take a punch as exhibited in his two matches against Peter Manfredo, Jr.. What is Sergio waiting for, another cameo appearance on the "Contender"?
You can only have so many moments sitting next to Sugar Ray Leonard in the converted warehouse watching two guys brawl like it was for their last meal. One would have to hope that he is getting good advice from his management and marketing team. If he is looking for attention he is always welcome at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, where the crowd would love to boo him one more time.

"Paulie", "Paulie","Paulie"

I missed most of the Paulie Malinaggi vs Ebner Cherry bout, but from the last 4 rounds, it wasn't as impressive as it could have been. Cherry looks lean and solid, yet seemed ineffective in hurting Paulie. You have to wonder if the judges (2 out 3) were being charitable in giving Cherry the final round. Your last round can be your best round if the match is close, but you're never going to win the match if your last round is your only round. The best part for Cherry is that he didn't get knocked out and lives to "brawl" another day.
Paulie, Paulie, Paulie. The best part of his performance was his post-fight interview with Max Kellerman. Admitting that his performance was lacking and that a punch in the 10th round from Cherry hurt him was eye opening in a day when boxers never give an honest assessment of their match. They're are too worried it will effect their next payday. Paulie's marketing skills are impressive in knowing immediately that his performance won't be enough to gain a big payday vs Ricky Hatton, whose American performance haven't been "Hattonesque". By making this comment, Paulie puts the idea in the fans heads which would help push for that eventual matchup.
I am looking forward to the day when they do meet, although deep down I would like to see Paulie take on Arturo "Thunder" Gatti. Either way Paulie will bring out the best in his opponent.
Until then, we can stay up late at night and watch those heavyweight farces they put on HBO and Showtime. Watching a heavyweight "title" fight is like watching cement dry. Try welterweights and middleweights, they give you better bang for your PPV buck !

Introduction

Welcome to Ring Roundup - I am looking forward to talking to people about boxing - something I am really interested in and want to talk about with others who are too. Keep tuned in - I'll be back online tomorrow.