By Gary Purfield
The easiest thing in sports is to look back and comment after the fact (hindsight is always 20/20). So that’s what I do. Here are my random thoughts on some recent news including Marcos Maidana hiring Nacho Beristain and fighting Erik Morales, Pacquiao-Mosley hype begins, some thoughts on Main Events Promotions, and predictions for BAD.
- So it was confirmed that Nacho Beristain is now training Marcos Maidana. Is it me or is this just scary. One of the hardest punchers in the sport is now being trained by one of the best trainers at teaching his fighters how to methodically break down and finish an opponent
- This just makes a Khan-Maidana rematch that much more appealing to fans
- Next up for Maidana is headlining a pay per view on April 9 vs. Mexican legend Erik Morales. I hope I am wrong but I am guessing this is going to be sad. A once great fighter with nothing left but his heart may get seriously beaten down by a big puncher with a new trainer
- On the upside the undercard for that fight looks real good highlighted by what should be an excellent fight between talented Robert Guerrero and always exciting Michael Katsidis. Also Winky Wright makes a return and James Kirkland will also be on the card
- So is it me or has Bob Arum and Top Rank managed to completely deflect any thought that the Pac-Sugar fight is a bad match with the move to Showtime/CBS and other hype. I am not even close to being the first to say this but the move to have Showtime affiliated with CBS handle this Manny Pacquiao vs. Sugar Shane Mosley fight was brilliant. They have deflected any criticism of the fight without even trying but by creating a new storyline
- Let’s all hope this leads to CBS and other major networks or free cable stations deciding to begin broadcasting boxing again. More opportunities for more fighters to get exposure is always good for the sport
- Also with more TV fights maybe get away from this notion to only care about records of fighters and focus on simply making exciting fights. Let’s not forget that when Arturo Gatti and Mickey Ward first met Gatti had five losses and Ward had eleven losses. Seems they managed to still put on three great fights despite not being undefeated
- I attended a Main Events Press conference last week for the Zab Judah-Kaizer Mabuza card that will be held on 3/5 at the Amerihealth Pavilion at the Prudential Center. They do a solid job promoting their fighters and creating live attractions. They have done this Tomasz Adamek and will look to continue this trend with other fighters including Judah and former Olympian Sadam Ali.
- Give Main Events credit for this, it is something boxing needs. Fighters fighting in their home area or somewhere they will build a loyal fan base
- One more note from that press conference. Sadam Ali is not just a good fighter. He is a classy guy that speaks well and exudes confidence. I was impressed
- Finally looking forward to a fantastic HBO BAD doubleheader this Saturday. An all action fight at the highest skill level is almost guaranteed between Fernando Montiel and Nonito Donaire. The opening bout is an interesting rematch between Philly’s Mike Jones and Jesus Soto Karass. I really do not have a good pick for the headliner but I will go with the masses and pick Donaire by decision. Jones will easily win a wide unanimous decision over Soto Karass correcting his mistakes in the first fight
Question, comment, agree, disagree, or anything at all, send it to gpurf3@hotmail.com
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