A One-Year Stand for the Ages, Part II

Christmas is just around the corner and as we celebrate, a new year awaits for its arrival.

As our pugilistic sport continues to wrap up for what has been a magnificent year in 2007, let’s take some more time to reflect on those significant moments which took place.

KNOCKOUT OF THE YEAR

Talk about a chilling, sensational knockout. 2007’s knockout of the year goes to none other than the newly crowned middleweight king, Kelly Pavlik, for his stunning come-from-behind (on the official cards) drumming over the previously unbeaten Jermain Taylor in their much anticipated bout in Atlantic City.

From the beginning, things didn’t look too pretty for the Youngstown, Ohio native, who was forced to pick himself off the canvas after a devastating knockdown that nearly ended the contest only in the second round of their scheduled twelve.

As mentioned in Part I of this column, Pavlik’s lanky frame and freakish knockout power is visually reminiscent to that of a late Diego Corrales, whose explosive fists often ended matters at any given moment.

Initiated by a hard stiff jab to the head, followed by a series of relentless combinations, Jermain Taylor had no choice but to crumble. The image that left the former champ stranded in the corner was downright shocking to the eye.

Honorable Mentions: Darnell Wilson KO11 Emmanuel Nwodo, Andy Lee KO3 Carl Daniels, Ulises Solis KO8 Rodel Mayol

UPSET OF THE YEAR

Unlike college football and its BCS standings, it wasn’t quite the year of upsets in the sport of boxing. Needless to say, there have been a few minor ones that come to mind, but nevertheless, not enough to warrant a significant recognition.

But all in all, it’s hard to discredit the efforts of a virtual unknown to dethrone a world class contender at any given timeframe. Perhaps regression could have partaken on its toll, but Kassim Ouma’s hope for a title shot might just have to wait until further notice. That of course, was due to Mexico’s Saul Roman, who successfully enjoyed playing the role of a spoiler, winning a ten round split decision over the former champ in November.

Here are some of the other noteworthy wins by the underdogs - Jesse Feliciano KO8 Delvin Rodriguez, Oleydong Sithsamerchai W12 Eagle Den Julaphan, Cristian Mijares W12 Jorge Arce, Nonito Donaire KO7 Vic Darchinyan

ROBBERY OF THE YEAR

Dubious verdicts just never seem to disappear. Perhaps it’s in the nature of the sport itself. After all, isn’t boxing a sport frequently fueled by its share of controversies?

Well, the habitual nature of bad decisions struck once more when Miguel Huerta dropped a split decision to Kid Diamond on their nationally televised bout on Versus Network.

It wasn’t necessarily the case where a superior competitor was outworked by the lesser caliber, but in fact, it was more of a name guy getting every benefit out of doubt and then some, against a lesser known B-side.

In what started out as a competitive matchup, it was Huerta who dug deep down the stretch, clinching an unofficial ‘W’ with a knockdown in the eleventh. Regardless, his efforts were simply ignored by two of the judges, who scored the bout in favor of the name guy.

Dishonorable mentions: Steve Forbes L12 Demetrius Hopkins, Jose Armando Cruz L12 Joel Casamayor

TRAINER OF THE YEAR

Trainers often receive too much credit especially when their fighter either pulls an upset or wins a mega bout.

But giving credit where credit is due, Enzo Calzaghe undoubtedly made his mark as one of the best trainers in the game.

Simply put, Joe Calzaghe isn’t Joe Calzaghe without the tutelage from his father, who has trained him since pre-teen amateur days.

In addition, Enzo has done quite a job developing his other notable pupil who shares the same first name, the WBO titlist, Enzo Macarinelli, who’s also had a breakthrough year in the cruiserweight ranks.

BEFORE WE LOOK AHEAD TO 2008

Before we celebrate the new years, there’s a world cruiserweight title on the line in Germany between Steve Cunningham of Philadelphia and mandatory challenger Marco Huck on December 29th.

Cunningham, who currently holds the IBF trinket of the 200 lbs weight class, will make his third visit to Europe where he’s had a bit of both misfortune and success.

Taking on an unbeaten foe on a foreign territory, the venue of the fight obviously plays an important factor in determining the outcome. Regardless, that could become a moot point when actual skills come in to play. At last, we can only hope for a fare shake from the judges.

Good luck, Steve.

LAST MINUTE TAKEDOWN

It’s been emphasized several times that the year 2007 has been a great one for boxing and its fans. As we look forward to another great year in the world of ‘Sweet Science’, let us be thankful to those who contribute daily and daily to keep the sport on its feet.

Credit to stars like Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya for their presence and influence in the game. Here’s to Miguel Cotto for his excitement and developing fan base.

Toast to all the promoters who persistently devote their time and money to invest in a market once touted to be stagnating.

And of course, thanks to all the internet writers, reporters, newspaper journalists, and various media outlets for providing coverage for all the fans.

All in all, let it be known once more. It’s been one heck of a year. One can hardly wait for what’s coming in 2008.