Watchdog Answers on Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones Jr, Miguel Cotto, Fernando Vargas, Ricardo Mayorga and More
 Watchdog By Steve Hudgins (Aug 8, 2007) Doghouse Boxing
This week Watchdog answers on Bernard Hopkins, Paul Williams, Cotto, Vargas, Holyfield and so much more!
"The Ring" said Hopkins should retire because he has nothing left to prove. Why on earth does anyone, especially a boxing mag, want a legend who is still fighting well to retire? He should unify, fight Calzaghe, have a rematch with Roy Jones or even move up to Heavy Weight like he was planning to. He might not have anything to prove but he certainly has something to gain. Am I alone in thinking this? – Anonymous
THE WATCHDOG’S RESPONSE: First of all, there’s nothing for him to unify. He’s the Light Heavyweight Champion of the world. Period. Secondly, I think he should retire, no so much because he has nothing to prove but rather because he’s boring as hell. As he’s aged, Bernard Hopkins has become one very boring fighter. I’m ready for him to call it a career.
I thought I'd give you some of my predictions and see if you agree before I start my betting. Rafael Marquez beats Israel Vazquez (KO), Fernando Vargas beats Mayorga (KO), Juan Manuel Marquez beats Jorge Barrios (decision), Vitali beats Jameel McCline (KO), Jean-Marc Mormeck beats David Haye (KO), Samuel Peter beats Oleg Maskaev (KO), Pacquiao beats Barrera (KO), Calzaghe beats Mikkel Kessler (decisions). – Zar, England.
THE WATCHDOG’S RESPONSE: Well based on my predictions for the welterweight tripleheader a couple weeks ago, you may want to do the opposite of my predictions! I agree with all of your predictions with a few exceptions: I like David Haye over Mormeck and Mikkel Kessler over Calzaghe. I’m also very tempted to take Barrios in an upset over Marquez. That should be a close one.
I couldn't agree with you more about Evander Holyfield. At least he has the work ethic and comes in to the ring in shape. I think he has proven in his last 4 fights that he really did have serious shoulder problems in the Donald, Toney, and Byrd fights. Holyfield’s ring smarts are second to none in boxing today, the way he rolls off of punches, and is hooking off the jab again, makes him look like an actual contender. My question is who are Holyfield’s realistic options for his next fight? - Zac- ATLanta, Ga
THE WATCHDOG’S RESPONSE: In case you haven’t heard yet, Holyfield will be fighting Sultan Ibragimov this fall. As pathetic as it sounds, Sultan is a top 5 heavyweight right now, which just shows you how bad the Heavyweights are. Holyfield could certainly win this fight.
You didn’t do too well with your welterweight triple header predictions did you? You said you would be shocked if Gatti lost to Gomez. Well, are you shocked? – Bob, Chicago
THE WATCHDOG’S RESPONSE: I was shocked, yes. I didn’t think Gomez could be that sharp and thought Gatti would be able to out box him easily. Kudos to Gomez for fighting a smart, aggressive fight. And Kudos to Martin, who wrote in last week and predicted all 3 winners on that night!
I think Cotto will destroy Williams. If He doesn't ko him in 6, he gets the decision. Cotto is faster and hits harder than Margarito. He will attack low and that hurt Williams with Margarito. What do you think on this one Watch Dog? I got Cotto wining either way! Thanks man - Antony , California LA
THE WATCHDOG’S RESPONSE: I think Cotto or any welterweight for that matter would have their hands full with the lanky, volume punching Williams. I’d pick Williams in that fight. Cotto would attack to the body as he should and I think it would be a great fight. Cotto does not hit harder than Margarito. He’s a good puncher, but not a huge puncher. Cotto is most likely facing Mosley next and not many out there are going to be lining up to face Williams. Clottey or a Margarito rematch are probably the most likely to fights for Williams next, but that’s just a hunch.
Just have a comment regarding Vargas. He's stating that he's fighting for pride. He has to be joking right? How can you say you are fighting for pride and pick an opponent that was demolished by Tito and Oscar. Just say I want retire on a win not pride. If you want to fight for pride, bust your ass in the gym and work hard on your craft. He's bitching that he can't make the weight, come on dude be a professional and don't balloon up to 265 lbs. between fights and then decide to fight a Welterweight. I wish he would take pride in his followers and bring back that desire to train and fight hard. Your followers deserve it, they made your wallet fat. Thanks for your time. A DIE HARD BOXING FAN. – Geo from Jersey City.
THE WATCHDOG’S RESPONSE: I agree, they picked Mayorga for a reason, but I don’t think it’s a given that Vargas wins this fight.
Paul Williams showed he had heart, a chin and the will power to finish the fight strong vs Margarito. Two things concern me though about The Punisher: One his defense. Two, making the weight. I think P-will is too big for 147, he probably had to shed bout 20-25 lbs before the weigh in. One thing is clear though, P-will is for real. What would you think of a Williams/Cintron, Cintron/Margarito2 and Cintron/Cotto? Cintron impressed. – Anonymous
THE WATCHDOG’S RESPONSE: Yes, Paul Williams did show those attributes and while his defense isn’t great, he does seem to take a decent shot. I haven’t heard anything regarding Williams having trouble making 147 lbs. But yes, he’s for real. I think all 3 of those fighters would beat Cintron by KO, but Cintron can punch! He’d have a shot in all of those fights. Especially against Cotto whose chin isn’t quite as good as Williams’ or Margarito’s.
Agree with The Watch Dog? Disagree? LET HIM HEAR ABOUT IT! Have questions or comments about anything boxing related? Send them into THE WATCH DOG! Let your voices be heard!
askthewatchdog@yahoo.com
Questions/Comments subject to editing – Be sure to include your name and State/Country.
|
|
|
|
|
|
© Copyright / All Rights reserved: Doghouse Boxing 1998-2007
|
|
|
