2010: IS THE YEAR OF PROMISE ABOUT TO DELIVER?
By Ben Davies
It was meant to be the year boxing returned as a premier sport. Boxing, the sport that promises so much was to once again occupy our minds and be presented to us all over the media with all the valour, excitement and intrigue that fight fans dream of. Everyone was meant to be talking about boxing in 2010. Things haven’t exactly gone to plan…
To the disgruntlement of the diehard fans of the sweet science, the script presented to at the end of 2009 hasn’t been played out. Mayweather vs Pacquiao was set to be one of the biggest sporting events of the decade, but for whatever reason it hasn’t materialised; and may never. The flagship weight class of the sport, the heavyweight division, which has been such a letdown in recent years has continued to disappoint with the Klitschko brothers not being significantly challenged. Much to the detriment of the sport as a whole, their main rivals have failed to step up with Povetkin pulling out of his challenge to Wladimir due to his trainer Teddy Atlas’s apprehension towards such a big task at this seemingly premature stage in his career, and WBA champ David Haye seemingly maintaining an obtuse attitude towards negotiations with the brothers.
Meanwhile, the anticipated matches that have occurred have not quenched the fans thirst for quality, excitement and competitiveness. The Pacman easily outpointed an overmatched Joshua Clottey in front of 50,994 fans in Texas while Mayweather jr dismantled and outpointed a slightly weary looking Shane Mosley in what many hoped would be a classic. While the two pound for pound best boxers in the world showed their class in these matches more was expected and hoped. In the absence of the really big fights fans have been left with fights such as Hopkins vs Jones jr which was at best hard to swallow. Jones is a shot fighter, and Hopkins is beginning to finally look his age. One of the most exciting prospects in boxing Edwin Valero, a man seemingly troubled by mental health issues and cocaine addiction, sadly murdered his wife and then committed suicide. This was another hammer blow to the year that was meant to be.
Here we are, at the beginning of September and with little to reminisce about. Recently we have seen the likes of Devon Alexander vs Kotelnik and Dawson vs Pascal in decent match ups that have gone a small way in the reparation work of our sports damaged ego. But for the year to be salvaged we need something special. We can forget Mayweather vs Pacquiao and Haye vs a Klitschko, but all is not lost.
Wladimir Klitschko takes on Sam Peter in a re-match on September 11th that could be as one sided as Peter’s match up with Vitali in 2008. However, it may also be as exciting as their first bout back in 2005 which saw the younger Klitschko hit the canvas three times but still outpoint the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’. The senior Klitschko also graces us with an appearance against Shannon Briggs on October 16th in what should be a straightforward win but you never know with Briggs. He has power which he has exhibited in his last three fights which all ended with 1st round KO’s, albeit against inferior opposition. Sticking with the big men of the sport, it looks likely that Audley Harrison who is an Olympic Gold medalist and champion talker, will get a crack at David Haye with November 13th looking likely to be the date. Boxing enthusiasts will no doubt be disappointed with this choice of opponent for Haye who really needs to be facing off with the likes of Adamek, Povetkin and the Klitschko’s for the sake of boxing. But in Britain this fight will be huge if it goes ahead and will capture the attention of the casual fan. With both men familiar with the art of promoting fights, the build up may be more entertaining than the actual fight – and that’s not to say the fight won’t provide some excitement. Haye likes to knock opponents out and it’s unlikely he’ll spare Harrison from this fate. Harrison does have a chance though, Haye has been stopped before and Harrison undoubtedly can provide a shock if he can land his big left hand. That’s a big IF though.
Harrison (left) has promised to be the ‘Hayebreaker’ should the two ex-friends meet in the ring.
The Light Welterweight division looks to be one of the most exciting right now. Zab Judah continues his determined push towards a world title in this class with a match up against Michael Clark on the first Saturday of October. Meanwhile, it looks very possible that Amir Khan will look to continue his push up the pound for pound ratings in a bout with the big punching Marcos Maidana with December 11th a likely date for the proposed bout. However, it has been reported over the weekend that talks have been blighted by difficulties over financial issues. Should the fight not go through Khan will be widely accused of ducking the Argentinean who provides a big threat to the suspect Khan chin. Should the fight go through, it’s sure to be an event that will excite and capture the imagination. As will the bout between Juan Manuel Marquez, the Mexican legend and pound for pound rated fighter, and the Australian warrior Michael Katsidis. This fight at lightweight looks set for November 27th with the winner possibly moving into the light welter division with a keen interest on the likes of Judah, Maidana and Khan. With no obvious candidates for fight of the year thus far, Marquez vs Katsidis looks like a candidate before a punch has been thrown. Another light welter prospect, the popular Victor Ortiz attempts to continue to redeem himself with a bout against veteran Vivian Harris on September 18th as part of the Mosley vs Mora undercard which also sees Mexican prospect Saul Alvarez step up against Carlos Baldimir. This promises to be a night well worth watching.
The Super 6 returns with possibly the most anticipated match ups to dates. Froch and Abraham go at it in what should be another fight of the year candidate with plenty of bombs set to be thrown and landed in Monaco on October 2nd, just a week after arguably the two most skilful men in the super middleweight division lock horns. The all American bout between Ward and Dirrell looks set to be another cracker with a lot of pride at stake and high quality skills and speed on show. Lucian Bute, who many claim to be the best of a good bunch in the weight class, also showcases his talent in October (15th) against Jessie Brinkley.
In the UK Frank Warren provides fans with a card labelled the ‘Magnificent Seven’ on September 18th. Seven title fights take place with prospects on show such as Kell Brook, Nathan Cleverly, Derik Chisora, Sam Sexton, James Degale, Darren Barker, Matthew Macklin and Frankie Gavin. This exciting card is one of the best in British domestic recent history.
Martinez and Williams look set to go at it again in a re-match of their classic 2009 encounter.
One of the fights of 2009 looks likely to be repeated on November 20th, with Paul Williams vs Sergio Martinez part two being worked on for the WBC and WBO middleweight titles that Martinez won from Pavlik earlier in the year. If this fight matches up to their last which Williams narrowly won on points, it will be exciting and full of quality. In the Light Middleweight division a Mexico vs Puerto Rico bout is taking place in the shape of Chavez jr vs Miguel Cotto. These affairs are always full of passion and this promises to be no different as we continue to see if Chavez jr can live up to the lofty standards of his father, and if Cotto can cut it at this advanced weight.
Last but not least to be mentioned is the bout between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito. Whatever you feel about the ethics of letting the Tijuana native enter the ring again, this fight will be entertaining as Margarito has one of the best chins in the game and cojones to match. It will be a tear up even if the outcome is predictable and likely to be brutal. Let’s hope we get some positive Mayweather related news soon too.
All in all the year is set to go out with a bang. Those saying boxing is dead could not be more wrong. For boxing in 2010, everything is just about to get started…
