Boxing Breakfast: New Miguel Vazquez Date and a Kelly Pavlik Update
by Scott Christ on Apr 23, 2011 5:00 AM EDT
in Boxing News Analysis
Email
Print
From Yesterday!
- Preview: Vic Darchinyan v. Yonnhy Perez
- Scorecard Treatment: Vic Darchinyan v. Abner Mares by Jason Karp
- Five Fight Analysis: Shane Mosley
Miguel Vazquez Update
After calling out Marco Antonio Barrera for the June 4 Top Rank undercard at the Staples Center, it now looks like Vazquez will be pushed back a week. Steve Kim reported yesterday that Vazquez looks more likely to fight on June 11. No word on an opponent, but the last IBF ratings had Antonio DeMarco ranked third (which is the top contender since "sanctioning" bodies also love making guys pay to get ranked first or second). Paulus Moses' people have made noise about getting another title fight, so maybe a rematch could be worked on there. Probably about as good as it'll get.
Future Fight Notes
- Jose Benavidez Jr. (10-0, 9 KO) is fighting off TV on the Pacquiao-Mosley show, and already has a follow-up date set. Benavidez will make his debut in his home state of Arizona on June 11 at the Wild Horse Pass Casino in Chandler.
- John Molina Jr. (21-1, 17 KO) returns on May 28 at the BlueWater Resort and Casino in Parker, Arizona. The press release about this was as astounding a press release as I've read in my time, describing Molina's win last year over Hank Lundy as "a display of breathtaking courage and dogged persistence."
- Guillermo Jones is pretty peeved at his current situation. He's got a fight set with Ryan Coyne on June 25, which truth be told is a pretty lousy title defense, but the WBA has set a purse bid on April 28 for Jones to face Yoan Pablo Hernandez, a far more significant fight. "I think this is hurting my career," Jones said. Only Guillermo Jones could see possible multiple fights inside of a year as a detriment to his career.
After the jump: Link Parade! and the Song of the Day.
Link Parade!
- Kelly Pavlik and Jack Loew are happy to be at 168 pounds, as they say it's making training for the fight itself a lot more simple. Pavlik returns on May 7 against Alfonso Lopez, on the Pacquiao-Mosley card.
- Speaking of that undercard, Jorge Arce says he's ready for Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., but I still expect that to be a horrible fight to watch play out.
- Cuban heavyweight prospect Luis Perez faces Bert Cooper tonight in Miami. Cooper is 45 years old and looks it. A few other Cuban also-rans are fighting on the card, including Inocente Fiz and Yoandris Salinas.
- Tom Zbikowski fights again on a Top Rank show in Oklahoma tonight. Here's an interview that might make you like Zbikowski a bit more -- as I said the other day, it's not Zbikowski who bugs me in this whole ordeal. He seems like a genuine guy who really loves boxing. It's more what surrounds him from the clueless. But then I generally get annoyed by the clueless.
- BoxRec news has an interview with Ryan Rhodes. I love, love, love the Alvarez-Rhodes fight.
Song of the Day
Springtime in Indiana! Since it's raining a bunch here, here's Irma Thomas' classic "It's Raining." It is supposed to be near 70 and sunny today, though. Looking forward to that.
37 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Pretty interested in how Pavlik looks
Now that Antillon/Soto II is off, it’s the most interesting aspect of the undercard
Live in the NOLA area
So appreciate the recent nods to our music :)
by The Boxer Rebellion on Apr 23, 2011 12:06 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
it's my recent obsession
I finally got around to watching all of the first season of Treme, which sparked it.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Apr 23, 2011 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
It';s snowing here in Northern , NH. About 2" on the ground. And I was dustting off my
golf clubs jsut yesterday. Life is not fair.
Nick Charles is an inspiration.
jeez
We finally got another nice one today. Gorgeous outside. You couldn’t pay me to live with snow again right now. (OK, you could pay me to do it, but that’s about it.)
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Apr 23, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Where? In Indiana? Ugh!!!
Meanwhile, what’s the menu for this breakfast? How about eggbeaters, grapefruit slices, dry toast, tea? Or, fried grits, ham hocks with greasy eggs, buttermilk biscuiyts smothered in butter and jam, and some nice home fries with inions and peppers on the side.Plenty of coffee also. No juice needed.
Nick Charles is an inspiration.
If you are near Chicago, you are near snow and other horrible weather.
Nick Charles is an inspiration.
fairly close
Nice one today. Winter was rough this year — just dead solid snow, snow, and more snow the whole season. No breaks like we usually get. Nice one today after a week of ugly grey skies and rain. Windy though — 65 with winds between 30-40mph. All things considered, I’ll take it. As for the breakfast, I’ll take the greasy spoon option myself.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Apr 23, 2011 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
What the article does't mention
Is that Zibby’s been boxing his whole life. He didn’t just pick it up for something to do during the lockout, he boxed in college, won Golden Gloves events, etc..
Follow my Twitter or be a dick! @BVandDietPepsi
fine. But they get on ESPN and say shit like “can Zbikowski compete against contenders in the HW division?” And then they pretend to have a serious conversation about it. He can’t. He’s not a legit HW above “C” level competition. He’s just not. It’s the presentation, not the dude himself that is just annoying. Like other hype trains, makes me want to see him thrown to someone legit and watch him get wrecked – just to end this BS about “football player is also really good boxer! Seriously he’s good!” – he’s not that good.
"You can't search me without probable cause Or that proper ammunition they call reasonable suspicion Listen while I bring friction to your whole jurisdiction" - Fugees
Well ESPN is a bag of dicks
And I’m a diehard sports fan of just about everything. ESPN isn’t where serious sports journalism and analysis should reside.
No, Tom isn’t going to topple the Klitschkos. He should be fighting at Cruiser probably, but he doesn’t want to lose too much football mass.
Still, dude’s a world-class athlete, young, has a love of the sport and has some chops. He went 75-15 as an amateur. At the very least, he can be a decent draw and bring some attention back to the sport, and the HW division, in particular.
As a boxing and MMA fan, I can understand the “nobody else is allowed in our Treehouse” mentality, but this is a good thing. This isn’t James Toney in the UFC.
Follow my Twitter or be a dick! @BVandDietPepsi
by BVandDietPepsi on Apr 23, 2011 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Zbikowski’s fighting a cruiser tonight.
He went 75-15 as an amateur. At the very least, he can be a decent draw and bring some attention back to the sport, and the HW division, in particular.
He went a reported 75-15, and … well. Lots of guys have good amateur records. I also seriously argue with the latter. Given that he’s not going to be a full time boxer (by his own admission) and given that the guys he’s fighting are pure bum material, he’s not going to be drawing anything in boxing and frankly, I could live without the attention given to boxing if the attention is only “Tom Zbikowski is kicking serious butt in boxing!!” The butt Tom is kicking is a lot of things, but “serious” isn’t one. It’s not like he’s going to fight anyone good, so what attention is really being paid? Clicking on an article that says ZBIKOWSKI STILL UNDEFEATED IN BOXING is not going to lead to an uptick in boxing’s appeal to non-fans. The only raised visibility in this scenario is the visibility of Tom Zbikowski. And that’s all fine, but I have serious questions about the idea that Zbikowski is helping boxing — not because I think he’s hurting it, but because I don’t think it’s true that he’s helping it in any way. The people who talked up his March 12 win didn’t care any more about Miguel Cotto on March 13.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Apr 23, 2011 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, but
…what are your thoughts on Paris Hilton? :)
by The Boxer Rebellion on Apr 23, 2011 8:10 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
She drives more traffic than Tom Zbikowski.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Apr 23, 2011 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions
What a shitty attitude
This is why boxing has such a bitter, closed-minded following. It’s tough to be a boxing fan sometimes.
Look at the MMA world’s opinion on Herschel Walker. We’re generally proud to have an esteemed and accomplished athlete dedicate himself, take himself seriously, and have a genuine love for the sport. It’s a freakshow, sure, but if people tune in to a Strikeforce card, all the better. Maybe they watch Herschel then stumble onto a Nick Diaz, Alistair Overeem, Gilbert Melendez, etc…
Yick, take the “No One Allowed!” sign off the treehouse, kids.
Follow my Twitter or be a dick! @BVandDietPepsi
by BVandDietPepsi on Apr 24, 2011 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s really not a shitty attitude, it’s a realistic stance on what Zbikowski really is, who he’s fighting, and what the fights mean. They mean nothing and do you really think a bulk of $50 pay-per-views were sold for Cotto-Mayorga when Zbikowski got his late bump onto the pay-per-view card, which I admit I liked more than the original plan to exploit Christy Martin? Do you think a whole bunch of people tuned into the Top Rank show on Fox Sports Net tonight to see Zbikowski fight? Because I don’t. I’m not going to jump for joy just because the football man is fighting Blake Warner and Caleb Grummet.
But if you really think my distaste for Tom Zbikowski making more money than guys who are going to still be fighting in six months is hurting boxing, then fair enough I suppose.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Apr 24, 2011 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Also, for comparison’s sake, I’d say the guys Walker has fought are better than the guys Zbikowski is fighting. These are really, really bad opponents that Tommy is fighting. And I don’t remember anyone writing anything about Herschel possibly fighting Cain Velasquez or proposing that he could be a true top-tier contender. Walker has, frankly, been promoted better and more realistically than Zbikowski has, which I think is important. Walker is an amazing athlete doing something pretty cool. I find what Zbikowski is doing “cool,” but that’s not how it’s being portrayed. They’re giving you chicken McNuggets and saying it’s filet mignon.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Apr 24, 2011 1:37 AM EDT up reply actions
And that doesn’t “help” boxing. That makes it seem like if people weren’t busy with more important sports, they’d be over in boxing beating the shit out of the champions.
Managing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
by Brent Brookhouse on Apr 24, 2011 1:51 AM EDT up reply actions
First off, Brent
As you know I’m an ND and football diehard, so you’re not telling me anything I don’t know about either, and you’re not going to “put one over” on me. I’ve seen every minute Tom has played as a collegiate, pro, and a lot of HS film.
Secondly, which one is it, since he’s damned if he does or damned if he doesn’t.
If he’s such a part-time weekend warrior, who cares who he fights? Your views on ESPN shouldn’t coincide with your views on Tom Zbikowski. I’ve learned to seperate my views on the media with how I watch and enjoy my sports, why haven’t you guys?
Follow my Twitter or be a dick! @BVandDietPepsi
by BVandDietPepsi on Apr 24, 2011 2:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ve learned to seperate my views on the media with how I watch and enjoy my sports, why haven’t you guys?
Well if you want to just keep it at that then I’ll put it this way: I don’t enjoy watching Tom Zbikowski fight bums in irrelevant fights because he’s not going to be here in three months and the guys he’s fighting wouldn’t be here at all if they didn’t need someone non-threatening to fight Zbikowski. So as a boxing fan — me, personally, I’m not telling you how to enjoy anything — I both resent the lame media circus propping up Zbikowski’s lousy fights, and frankly have no interest in them in the first place because they’re the least relevant fight on every card he’s on.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Apr 24, 2011 3:18 AM EDT up reply actions
also
Since I have this site, I’m in a position where I can pick little fights with media things I find wrong-headed. You’re basically doing the same thing as you find my view on the matter wrong-headed. And that’s fine. We don’t have to like all the same things or think the same. I appreciate the discussion.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Apr 24, 2011 3:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Furthermore
What does more harm? Saying a 26-year old with an impressive boxing background is winning fights, or a 47-year old retiree with no previous MMA experience is winning fights. If anything, Walker does more harm to MMA than Zib to boxing if that’s your analogy.
Follow my Twitter or be a dick! @BVandDietPepsi
by BVandDietPepsi on Apr 24, 2011 2:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Saying a 26-year old with an impressive boxing background is winning fights, or a 47-year old retiree with no previous MMA experience is winning fights.
That’s not the question. The perception of Walker is that he’s doing something cool and has won a couple of fights with lower-level opponents and gee isn’t it something that this incredible athlete can still compete athletically? The perception of Zbikowski has been that if he felt like giving up his football career he could just come into boxing at age 26 with an OK amateur background (it’s OK, it’s not great) that he hasn’t really done much with in years and start beating good fighters. As much as you don’t want this to be about media hype and the way these fighters are being sold, that’s exactly what it’s about.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Apr 24, 2011 3:24 AM EDT up reply actions
and I'll add this
So I’m not PURELY hating — I think if Zbikowski weren’t a football player, or if he decided to quit football tomorrow, there’s a decent chance he could have become a very solid pro fighter. He has that whole “staying in shape” thing down pretty well, which combined with the fact that he actually likes fighting and has a background there, is a pretty good start..
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Apr 24, 2011 4:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I can understand that. Good conversation and thanks for the follow, Scott.
Follow my Twitter or be a dick! @BVandDietPepsi
by BVandDietPepsi on Apr 24, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Walker and Zbikowski are two VERY different situations. Walker is a 45 year old man who is doing something for fun and it’s being treated as such.
Zbikowski is being treated by a lot of media like a guy who would be king…if he didn’t have more important things to tend to.
Also, Herschel Walker draws legitimate eyeballs because he was A) one of the greatest college players ever and B) is doing it at an advanced age which makes for a good story. “Tommy Z” is getting overpaid to not REALLY draw any eyes to the cards he has been on because he was A) a college football player who got worse every year of his collegiate career and B) is just fucking around during a lockout that is pissing everyone off anyway.
Managing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
by Brent Brookhouse on Apr 24, 2011 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't understand
people finding some appeal—and there was some appeal, and a fun little fight—in Kevin Rooney Jr.‘s pro debut and concurrently trashing this football guy, who apparently had a serious amateur boxing interest, for taking an interest again now. It’s not like they don’t both have day jobs—Rooney was back in a white shirt and tie minutes later, at least Zbig continues daily to be a full-time athlete. Sometimes I think boxing takes itself too seriously, and that’s with no disrespect to the seriousness of the danger to, and commitment required of, those who would be elite. Because boxing is paradoxically also an entertainment, I can enjoy both of these guys* for what they are (they’re only 12-minute fights after all), and if the little boost they give to the sport is silly and superficial, that’s fine too. Even if it’s for the wrong reasons, a boost is a boost, and it’s not like these guys are freak shows like Butterbean—boxing can’t afford to look a gift horse in the mouth, and every time a few more people tune in and get an eyefull than would have, you may even have garnered at least a few more serious fans.
*and Paris Hilton
There is no safety in numbers, or in anything else--James Thurber, 1939
Well this is a fine point, but then it just goes back to my actual issue. When there’s an article on Kevin Rooney Jr. being a serious fighter, it’ll be the same. But I might not be making clear that I do not have a problem with Tom or the fact that he fights. Not my cup of tea, but that part isn’t where my issue lies. I think he seems like a nice guy.
(And he’s a better boxer than Rooney)
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Apr 24, 2011 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
re: media hype
it’s everywhere, it’s part of the game, it’s unavoidable, really. But the guy (and part of the irony for me here is I’ve never liked football and tend to knee-jerk subscribe to the cliched perception of football players as crude, sexually harrassing, violent bullies who run in packs and can’t believe I’m defending one) seems really to be taking it in the neck for making the best of a try at (not the only) one of his favorite sports, which seems like a huge over-reaction and kind of unfair to me. It doesn’t seem to happen as much to Vladine Biosse, who’s amatuer boxing career was an unimpressive 18 – 2, so I still don’t get it—plenty of those in the stands and in the media re Biosse have that
football-hero-makes-good-at-boxing attitude as well, it can’t hurt anything and may garner a few new fans.
There is no safety in numbers, or in anything else--James Thurber, 1939
Whatever that means.
Follow my Twitter or be a dick! @BVandDietPepsi
by BVandDietPepsi on Apr 24, 2011 12:55 AM EDT up reply actions
It probably means he was good at football, boxing, and track & field in high school. Calm down.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Apr 24, 2011 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bad Left Hook
Related FanShots on Bad Left Hook
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
