Miguel Cotto vs. Zab Judah

[Guest Jack]

A big fight tonight. I've really got onto the Cotto bandwagon as of late. There isn't many faults to the guy, and he seems like a nice bloke too - Like Wlad Klitschko or Ricky Hatton. Plus, he is already a big draw. Despite not having a big list of names on his record, people love him. A young draw like him is what boxing needs. I don't like Judah. He's a good fighter, but aside from that, there isn't much praise for him.

 

Hoping, and expecting, a Cotto stoppage. I'd guess around the 9th or so, judah will get caught.

 

Should be a good fight though. Two contrasting styles and two big hitters.

[Guest Jack]

Anthony Thompson vs. Yuri Foreman

 

Sadly, I'm not expecting much from the opening fight on the card. Thompson was once a good prospect, so maybe this fight will get hi back on track. He certainly seemed to be hyped for a reason, unlike a lot of fighters, so maybe he can do it. Foreman isn't that great at all. Step up for him, but a fight I expect him to lose.

 

Round 1

Not much to note in this round. Like most fights with young fighters, a feeling out first 3 minutes. Thompson seemed to apply pressure better, and land the more effective jabs, so he's ahead on my round. 1-0 Thompson.

 

Round 2

A closer round, but this would be to Thompson once again. I hope they are still in a feeling out process, because if this fight does not sort itself out, the crowd will be dead for the main. Boring fight so far, btu a good chance it will improve over time. Both men need to start throwing more shots. Foreman did in round 2, so maybe he'll step it up again, and win a round. 2-0.

 

Round 3

Yeah, this fight is pretty crap. It seems both guys are willing to dance around the other, whilst only throwing sots when they get on the inside - In a clinch. I wasn't expecting aa good fight, but this is pretty poor. Thompson wins again, due to cleaner shots. 3-0 so far.

 

Round 4

A close round, and the first I would give to Foreman. when they got in close, he landed more. Simple as. When this fight is on the outside it's boring. However, they got in close, and there was a few moments of good stuff...finally. 3-1.

 

Round 5

Foreman isn't going to win this fight, without some bizaree knockout happening. He's a terribly boring fighter, who has nothing to offer against Thompson, other tan wiating until both men are leaning on each other, and throwing nothing shots to the body. Abslutely no intention on his behalf. 4-1.

 

Round 6

Larry Merchant brings the greatness with "So this one is a HORRORscope?" - Lampley was talking about 3 fighters on this card sharing the same star sign :lol This fight is appalling. Fans are booing. Foreman scrapes this one, actually. 4-2, based on his better inside work.

 

Round 7

Considering the fight has been really poor, this round was a nice suprise. some good work from both guys. This was without dobt essential. More close stuff, but Thompson did the better work. 5-2.

 

Round 8

It's hard to do rolling commentary on this fight because it is so boring. I could just say "Some in-fighting from both men, better stuff from Thompson" and it would apply once again. After a good round a few ago, this fight is back to stinking. 6-2.

 

Round 9

I didn't pay much attention to this round. It seemed to be fairly even though. The commentators were talking about a cut over both guys eyes, so that should mean that Thompson will avoid him further. Foreman seemed to be more effective on the inside. He sneaks the round. 6-3.

 

Round 10

Close round, once again. Neither guy did a hell of a lot of work. another boring round. I'd probably give this to Foreman. Neither guy did enough to clearly win it, and the fight probably deserves to be closer than it would be if I gave this round to Thompson.

 

 

I thought Anthony Thompson won.

 

 

Judges score it: 96-94 Thompson, 97-93 Foreman, 96-94 Foreman.

 

Yuri Foreman wins by SD. Neither fighter is going anywhere. Boring fight and neither man "deserved" to win. No heart, no guts, no passion. It was a robbery, but who cares?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Humberto Soto vs. Bobby Pacquiao

 

I'd be suprised if this fight wasn't a ton of fun. Soto is a really good fighter, and Pacquiao, whilst not being close to as good as his brother, has plenty of heart. The reason for tis fight is to build a name for Soto and htpe Soto vs. Manny Pacquiao - Bobby's, better, brother. I expect Bobby to get knocked out. Manny will get revenge if a fight between him and Soto comes about though. Soto should stop Pacquiao before 8.

 

Round 1

An apparent knockdown on Pacquiao was called. I don't think it was legit, but whatever. The referee obviously thought it was. Decent first round. Soto looks quick - Fast, sharp, accurate punching. 10-8 round to Soto.

 

Round 2

You can trim a few rounds off my prediction if the fight continues to go like this. Good round, but there won't be many more if Pacquiao keeps trying to outclug Soto. Pacquiao isn't close to being as good a puncher and will lose that type of fight without any doubt. Another round to Soto. 2-0.

 

Round 3

Pacquiao did a good job here, until, like Larry Merchant correctly poited out, he tried to fight soto. if he boxes him, he can do something. if he fights him, he gets knocked out. This is a good fight so far. Because of the two power shots which both wobbled Pacquiao, I give the round to Soto. 3-0.

 

Round 4

Very good round. both men took really big shots, wth, suprisingly, Soto coming off worse. He showed a lot of warrior spirit and fought backthough, after eating a huge picture perfect right hook counter. Real fun round, with Pacquiao wining it. 3-1.

 

Round 5

I always had Pacquiao down as a tough, brave fighter, but in the end, a rank contender at best. however, he is doing real well here. Good fundamental skills, tough and packing a great punch. Probably another Soto round, ut Pacquiao is keeping it close and deserves respect. 4-1.

 

Round 6

Soto has forgotten trying to blow Pacquiao out as soon as he can, and is now resorting to boxing and when he sees an opening, closing in and landing the power shots. That is effective, without doubt. If the fight stays like this, Soto wins easily. 5.-1.

 

Round 7

Soto finishes Pacquiao off! Great finish to this fight. a straight right had Pacquiao on Queer Street, to which Soto followed up with a tremendous left hook power shot to the ribs. Pacquiao showed a ton of heart though.

 

 

Humberto Soto wins by KO 7.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr vs. Grover Wiley

 

This is an interesting fight because of the backstory. Chavez Sr. was without doubt one of the top 3 fighters of the 1990's, but stayed around far too long. When he did, Wiley was there. He beat Chavez Sr. in his final fight. Chavez Jr. is after redemption. I expect a (T)KO win from Chavez here. The kid looks real good, and wiley is probably a bit past it, and lacks the chin to stay around with Chavez. Wiley isn't a great fighter and is probably slightly past it. Chavez should get the win before the 7th.

 

Round 1

Wiley took a big Chavez family signature left to the body, and was dropped by it. The round was pretty close up until that point too. I dn't see this fight lasting until the 4th. Chavez 10-8.

 

Round 2

I think Chavez realises he has Wiley where he wants him. He's hurt, nervous about that left hook to the body, and all Chavez has to do is wait. it will come, and that's what he is doing. Smart fightig from him. He wins that round too. 2-0.

 

Round 3

Chavez had the perfect gameplan from the first round knockdown. he bided his time, and in the third round, Wiley took left hook after left hook, before going down twice and the second time, remaining on the canvas.

 

 

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. wins by a 3rd round TKO.

 

 

 

A fairly decent night of boxing so far. Despite the awful opener, the other two bouts have been entertaining. Like Lampley said, the last two fights have been stopped through left hooks to the body, which is Cotto's best shot. Will Judah suffer the same fate? Should be a good bout.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miguel Cotto vs. Zab Judah

 

I went over this one above, obviously, but I'll expand on that. Basically, I don't trust Judah after the embarassing loss to Baldomir. I think the people making Judah out to be favourite need to realise how much worse Baldomir is, compared to Cotto. He isn't as fast, lacks as much skill, lacks the power. The only advantage Baldomir has, is chin. However, you could say that Cotto is still unproven. This is a step-up for Cotto, but a fight I expect him to win. I'm confident that Judah will buckle under the power shots somewhere around the 9th. It could be a lot quicker though. I don't rate Judah's chin at all, and with Cotto's power, anything could happen. Judah needs to avoid Cotto at all costs. If he doesn't, he loses.

 

Round 1

Very entertaining first round. Judah wobbled Cotto with a big left hand counter, which left Cotto stunned for quite a while. He chased after, there was a bit of a brawl, before a big low blow from Cotto. The crowd is seriously hot. Big potential for a riot tonight. Judah won the round. 9-10.

 

Round 2

cotto got caught again, but there probably isn;t too much in it this time. he was on the attack non-stop for ages and walked straight into a straight left. Big round for cotto. Plenty of pressure and good shots. He wins this one clean. 10-9.

 

Round 3

This fight is really, really fun. Judah down again because of a low blow. Judah sold is massively though, and is working the crowd big time. More big body shots for Cotto and sharp counters from Cotto. I would give him this round, but Cotto has had a point deducted. 9-10.

 

Round 4

Definetly a Cotto round. A load of big body shots that are making me wince. Putting on plenty of pressure here, and landing the cleaner shots. 10-9.

 

Round 5

Judah isn't doing enough to win this fight yet. The gameplan of his is obviously waiting for Cotto to tire out, but he is losing the fight easily. Taking far too many body shots and losing on the cards. That jab is cutting Zab to pieces. Cotto 10-9.

 

Round 6

Whilst Judah's countering is effective, there isn't enough of it. He needs to starting landing a lot more punches if he is going to take this fight. Right now, the punch output from Cotto is going to be decisive if it goes to points. Cotto wins another round. 10-9.

 

Round 7

Judah finally takes control of the fight again, for the first time since the opening 3 minutes. He did exactly what he needed to do at this stage. Maybe his gameplan was right? He has taken a load of shots, but maybe Cotto is tiring? 9-10.

 

Round 8

Another big change of pace. Cotto goes back to piling on the pressure and hurts Judah several times. Judah looked hurt big time. 10-9.

 

Round 9

Huge round for Cotto! Judah takes a knee after recieving a massive amount of punishment. Judah look like a broken fighter. his round told him to throw all he could for this round, but he can't. I don't think he will throw this next round either. Cotto will punish him. 10-8.

 

Round 10

Judah's eye is messed up, Cotto is still looking quite strong. Not good news for Judah or his fans. he is going to take more of a beating as the fight goes on. It's a glimmer of hope, but Cotto is leaving his hands down. He needs to be careful. 10-8.

 

Round 11

Judah down at the start of the fight and Cotto follows up with a big time beating! Arthur Mercante Jr. stops the fight!

 

 

Miguel Cotto wins by a 11th round TKO.

 

 

Absolutely tremendous fight. Both men are tough warriors. Brilliant stuff.

 

 

 

 

 

.....and we're done! Good night of fighting that really picked up after a drab opener. Even with that, it was a really fun show.

[Guest Drake]

Jack, great round by round review. I just got home from watching the fight and I really don’t have a voice thanks to screaming so much. Cotto just WHOOPED Judah’s behind the entire fight bar two rounds. But apart from those two, Cotto had the entire fight under his belt. He remained calm and was consistent throughout the whole fight. The two low blows he landed on Judah weren’t done on purpose. He always has his head bowed down and most of the time he goes for the lower body, hence why a quick shot can easily go towards his opponent’ crotch.

 

I think Cotto’s next opponent will be Margarito. And if he manages to beat Margarito, which I think he will, then we can expect and dream of the big money fight we’ve all been waiting in the Welterweight division. Miguel Cotto vs. Floyd Mayweather.

[Fidel Cashflow 130]

Disappointed by Judah in this fight, severly disappointed. His left hand was money, he knew it, yet didn't throw it nearly enough to be consistently effective. A damn shame, as Cotto was finally getting tested, but Zab pretty much put it on cruise control and handed Cotto the fight.

 

I will say this though, that was easily one of the MOST annoying crowds I've ever witnessed at a fight. People would shoot up to their feet and go wild after he landed a jab. It's solely Cotto's fan base that makes me want someone to put an end to his hype. Whoever it is, I just want to see it happen and just to see how Miguel-mania handles it.

 

If it's Floyd that does it, cool, or if it's Margarito, I really don't care. Heck, even if it's him going up in weight to take on someone like Mosley, I just want to see him KO'd.

 

Also, Larry Merchant is a biased a**-clown. "Zab Judah doesn't have great power"? Are you kidding me? Tell that to Cory Spinks. It took one left and Cory wasn't the same for the remainded of the round. And then completely disregarding the fact that Zab had Cotto in serious trouble twice just adds fuel to my anti-Cotto fire. It's not his fault, but this is kind of rediculous.

 

What I saw from Cotto was an inability to handle speed and workrate, suspect defense, a questionable chin but with great resolve, a good jab, stamina, focus,and mastery of a very Trinidad-esque sack-blaster. Floyd would handle him easily, whereas a bout with Margarito would be a war.

[Guest Drake]

Disappointed by Judah in this fight, severly disappointed. His left hand was money, he knew it, yet didn't throw it nearly enough to be consistently effective. A damn shame, as Cotto was finally getting tested, but Zab pretty much put it on cruise control and handed Cotto the fight..

 

Judah's left hand is a hit or miss. If he hits that left upperhook, chances are that he will knock his opponent, but if he doesn’t, chances are that (If his opponent is good) he will loose in the later rounds. Cotto just had Judah in the palm of his hand during the entire fight. He did the subtle things, like changing his fighting stance to have Judah on his heels. Plus, Cotto was in a much better physical condition than Judah and that showed clearly on the fight.

 

I will say this though, that was easily one of the MOST annoying crowds I've ever witnessed at a fight. People would shoot up to their feet and go wild after he landed a jab. It's solely Cotto's fan base that makes me want someone to put an end to his hype. Whoever it is, I just want to see it happen and just to see how Miguel-mania handles it.

 

Well, that's Puertoricans for you. Cotto is the only thing we have left in boxing right now. So, you can expect that EVERYONE here is getting 100% behind Cotto. Plus, the Puertorican parade was the day after the fight, what did you expect? :P

 

If it's Floyd that does it, cool, or if it's Margarito, I really don't care. Heck, even if it's him going up in weight to take on someone like Mosley, I just want to see him KO'd.

 

I'm pretty sure that Cotto's next opponent will be Margarito. But I don't think they're going to throw Cotto to Floyd this early.

 

Also, Larry Merchant is a biased a**-clown. "Zab Judah doesn't have great power"? Are you kidding me? Tell that to Cory Spinks. It took one left and Cory wasn't the same for the remainded of the round. And then completely disregarding the fact that Zab had Cotto in serious trouble twice just adds fuel to my anti-Cotto fire. It's not his fault, but this is kind of rediculous.

 

Larry Merchant isn't biased, he's just a complete dick to the boxers he doesn't like. He's been like that for ages. When Tito was the king of the boxing world he did the exact same thing in the interviews after his fight. Merchant is just a negative dick.

 

That's the difference between Judah and Cotto. Cotto had the stamina and physical condition to come back from the times Judah had him in unwanted situations, Judah didn't and that's why he got TKO'ed.

 

What I saw from Cotto was an inability to handle speed and workrate, suspect defense, a questionable chin but with great resolve, a good jab, stamina, focus,and mastery of a very Trinidad-esque sack-blaster. Floyd would handle him easily, whereas a bout with Margarito would be a war.

 

Cotto's chin has always been his big question mark, but apart from that, the guy is as complete as they come. The only thing I would suggest that he worked on is that sometimes when he throws the odd punch he leaves himself wide open, but that's about it. Cotto knew that with his strength advantage that Judah would fall like a sack of potatoes if he pounded on him consistently.