July, the first full month of summer, should be a period of appreciation: the blooming of flowers, warm nocturnal zephyrs and abundant sunshine. But the sun set shockingly early for three of boxing’s best this month. For this reason, a part of me wants to forget “Cruel-ly”. The boxing world lost three universally liked and respected members. I hurt because messrs. Arguello, Gatti and Forrest were three of my all-time favorites. But to honor their memories and contributions I will never forget them.

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RANDOM THOUGHTS:

* The true PFP champ is Juan Manuel Marquez. This diminutive warrior won more rounds and landed more punches against Manny Pacquiao than vice versa. As the late Senator Moynahan once famously said, “you are entitled to your opinion but not your own set of facts”. And facts can be stubborn things. The second war between these sluggers was more controversial in its decision than the first epic battle. What makes this point significant are two factors. The last bout featured a 35 year old pugilist and a champ supposedly more skilled than ever before. The man in his mid-thirties, an age considered advanced to ancient in the sub-160lb range, was Mr. Marquez. The man with years of additional Freddie Roach tutelage was the Pacman. Please understand that I have tremendous respect for the ever-exciting Pacquiao; however, Marquez was victorious twice against him no matter how you keep score. NOTE: for those of you who read my article in May, my PFP determination may seem like a reversal of opinion. It is! The reason is that I have since learned more about JMM’s training regimen in high altitudes. To see video of such a workout is truly impressive. Furthermore, when comparing the Marquez of 2009 with the Marquez of 2000, there is little, if any, sign of physical erosion. The reflexes, power, stamina and skill are in copious supply. One other point, did I hear correctly that Freddie Roach, who I also admire greatly, assert that Manny P is so improved now that he could stop Marquez in 3 rounds or less. This I believe he said in the post-Hatton fight interview. I am not a betting man…but this is one bet I would gladly accept. Can anyone picture Marquez getting pummeled to the point where he could not answer the bell for round 4? Marquez is like the Hawk, Aaron Pryor, you can knock him down but then you pay a severe price for doing so. Picture Pryor landing on his butt. He gets right up and goes wild. No need for a standing eight. JMM is the same type of fighter. When you rattle his cage with a supine producing shot, you further heighten the primal instinct to punch harder and more often. In fact, I predict that Marquez will outwork and outpoint Mayweather in September. By the way, this is another altered opinion. Then he will prevail against MP in a classic slugfest where we will see both fighters dropped. WWIII will resemble Foreman-Lyle albeit with more action and jaw-dropping handspeed. This is easy to visualize as these combatants bring out the best in eachother and will leave it all in the ring. In short, MP is 30 going on 31. JMM is 35 staying at 27. The ultimate contest of physiology is boxing and a good young man will always triumph over a good older man when skill and will average out to be roughly equal. Forget chronology. Marquez is the superior fighter because of superior conditioning.

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