Expectations Aside

Unbeknownst to our readers and listeners, my colleague Marc Abrams is out with a flu, thus not providing our weekly radioshow for this week. For what it’s worth, I’ve decided to compile my random thoughts in order with some news and notes.

OSCAR PREDICTION

I’m proud to say that my picks for the 80th Academy Awards were correct in the major categories such as the Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, Actor, and Actress. Well, this Oscar pick I’m about to predict lies on its fashion and manner more so than its official outcome.

Alluding to a promoter’s course of action, Oscar De La Hoya shall emerge victorious come May 3rd at the Home Depot Center against the much smaller and less renowned former jr. lightweight champ Stevie Forbes.

But the point should be made that Forbes has never been dominated inside the squared circle, and the odds that currently lie in many sports book available, are based on Oscar’s star and political power more so than his punching power.

Mark these words. At the very best, Oscar will NOT look impressive in his so-called tune-up assignment.

History will most likely repeat itself, as it has throughout the long career of the Golden Boy, that while he may have looked great against the face-first brawler types, he often looked sluggish and robotic against guys who can stick and move.

Be that as it may, while Forbes’ slick style may pose be problematic, he lacks in punching power and size. To prepare for the September rematch against Floyd Mayweather, I guess it was an appropriate selection.

While there’s no actual thesis to be penned here, the point that’s to be made is simple. Expect a De La Hoya win, but don’t expect an Oscar performance.

HOPKINS RE-CEMENTS LEGACY DESPITE LOSING

Although the entire ‘Battle of the Planet’ event wasn’t much of a financial success, Bernard Hopkins added greater success to his legacy in dropping a close decision loss Britain’s Joe Calzaghe.

After twelve closely contested rounds, Calzaghe would wind up as the victor via split decision, but if there was anything to be applauded, it was Hopkins’ masterful ring generalship at the age of 43.

There’s no need to elaborate really. Hopkins is bar none, the greatest defensive wizard I’ve ever seen. Exemplifying the phrase ‘any means necessary’, Hopkins did exactly that to win on a lot of the observers’ scorecards, despite falling short on the judges’.

Hopkins hasn’t quite been the ‘Executioner’ since the Trinidad win, but he’s been the consummate and consistent ‘Professional’ throughout his entire career.

Calzaghe, being a fellow great, provided his best effort to prevail, but in a way, I thought Calzaghe himself looked ‘old’ for the first time in his career.

I guess Bernard deserves credit for bringing out the worst in every opponent.

COTTO-MAGARITO NEARLY SET FOR JULY SHOWDOWN IN VEGAS

Well, it looks like the Nevada State Athletic Commission is willing to bend their rules for the lucrative matchup between Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito. Top Rank’s Bob Arum got his wish to have his fighter wear the 8oz. gloves, while I’m sure Margarito and his handlers don’t give a damn.

In some respect, I think the likelihood of this mega-bout landing in Vegas is favorable to Margarito, whose fan-base reside mostly on the West Coast.

As far as my early predictions go, I’m in the minority of those who like Margarito to prevail. However, I’m iffy as to whether or not he’ll get the official ‘W’.

ADAMEK WINS BEFORE THE BELL

In cruiserweight action, Poland’s Tomasz Adamek (34-1, 23KOs) secured his shot at the IBF title by out-boxing and outhustling former undisputed champion O’Neil Bell (26-3-1, 24KOs)in Poland. Bell, who’s known for his courageous heart and frightening knockout power surprisingly quit in his corner before the beginning of the eighth. Adamek, who seemed to be wary of his opponent’s power, did his best to utilize his jab and better ring movement. With the win, the former WBC light heavyweight champ now awaits his shot at the reigning IBF champion Steve Cunningham. Cunningham had previously expressed his bitterness on his two trips to Poland, so it will be interesting to see where this one lands.

There’s not much going on this weekend besides the NBA playoffs, but those who follow the New York club circuit are in for a treat this Friday. To be televised on ESPN, former Olympian Andrey Tsurkan (25-3, 16KOs) takes on the rugged Jesse Feliciano (15-6-3, 9KOs) in a 10-round jr. middleweight action. For those insatiable for action after this past weekend, be sure to tune in for a bout that should be as good as it looks on paper.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (35-0-1, 28KOs) also returns in action, headlining this Saturday’s Latin Fury PPV card against the unheralded Giuseppe Loriga (24-0-1, 6KOs). It might appear as if Top Rank is stalling little Jr.’s career a bit, but let’s not forget, Chavez Sr, had about forty some bouts before getting his first crack at the title. Chavez Jr, while not as talented as his legendary father was, is still a work in progress and is fairly young at the disputed age of twenty two.

In other news, the WBO and ‘lineal’ light heavyweight champion Zsolt Erdei will defend his crown for the tenth time this Saturday, taking on a TBA calibre opponent, DeAndrey Abron of Youngstown, Ohio. Erdei, while a solid fighter, continues to lose credibility by defending on his home turf against less than mediocre opposition after another. Knockout sensation Edwin Valero (23-0, 23KOs) has a new opponent for his fourth defense of the WBA super featherweight title on June 16th, when it was revealed that his original opponent Israel Perez had pulled out due to an injury. His new opponent will be Takehiro Shimada (22-3-1, 15KOs) who’s on a fifteen fight winning streak. The anticipated showdown between Joan Guzman (28-0, 17KOs) and Alex Arthur (26-1. 19KOs) has been postponed due to Guzman’s visa problems. A new date for this WBO super featherweight clash will be announced in the near feature.

For whatever’s worth, I still think that Joe Calzaghe is the greatest super middleweight of all time and certainly the best fighter to come out of the U.K. in decades. Hopkins, on the other hand, is without a doubt, the best forty-three year old fighter I’ve ever seen. But I can’t leave without saying…Glen Johnson is still the best light heavyweight today.