Joey Knish ... at The Sweet Science

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Features by Joey Knish

	[Sep 23, 2007] Jameel McCline: Time To Exit the Big Time? Having already been stopped by Wladimir in ten, McCline was looking to hit the brotherly double play payday, and likely to a similar fate.

	[Aug 29, 2007] TSS Scouting Report: Jones/Trinidad Examined Off a performance more impressive than expected, Jones holds two major advantages- recent activity and the contract weight.

	[Feb 7, 2007] Shannon Briggs: The Champ Is An Underdog Last November Briggs upset the odds and shook the division with a come-from-behind, last second victory over Sergei Liakhovich.

	[Jan 30, 2007] Kelly Pavlik Keeps Producing Standing close to 6'3", Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlik gave Jose Luis Zertuche a crash course in the sweet science. And Zertuche crashed hard.

	[Jan 24, 2007] The Fight To Save The Heavyweights Much has been made of the malaise that has infected the heavyweight division since the departure of consensus champion Lennox Lewis.

	[Jan 17, 2007] Less Is Best For These Fighters Here's a look at some of the fighters who have entertained us so well over the years, but whose time may have come.

	[Jan 15, 2007] Looking Forward To More In The New Year (Part II) This is the second part looking at fighters I am hoping to see much more of tin he New Year.

	[Jan 13, 2007] Looking For More In The New Year (Part l) Some fighters, win lose or draw, are always enjoyable to watch. Exciting fighters make for exciting, action-packed fights.

	[Jan 3, 2007] Mayweather Money Moves In Five months ahead of the mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya, the first blow has already been landed.

	[Jan 2, 2007] What's In A (Nick) Name? Why does every fighter feel the need for a nickname?

	[Oct 20, 2006] Daniel Ponce De Leon In The Lion's Den Saturday on HBO Daniel Ponce De Leon headlines the evening in El Paso, Texas when he takes on dangerous Al Seeger.

	[Oct 17, 2006] Unstoppable?!? Anderson Silva Stops Franklin Franklin is one of the sport's most respected and well-conditioned stars with an impressive record and a balanced freestyle attack..

[Oct 16, 2006]
Peter Manfredo Jr. Still Contending
Joey Spina says that Peter Manfredo Jr. is a better boxer than him, but that he'll defeat him this Saturday in Providence, Rhode Island.  More ...

[Oct 10, 2006]
Weighing The Weekend Wagers
Saturday was a great night for boxing fans with four big bouts on tap for aficionados, as Showtime and HBO did their part to both help and hinder the sport.  More ...

[Sep 21, 2006]
The Hits Just Keep Comin'
HBO has bought the rights for the next biggest super middleweight bout as Mikkel Kessler and Markus Beyer tangle in Copenhagen, Denmark for the right to call out Calzaghe.  More ...

[Sep 14, 2006]
Atomic Bull Still Kicking
The element of surprise is a dangerous weapon that one can bring to a fight, and Oliver McCall and "uncertainty" go hand-in-hand . . . for better or for worse.  More ...

[Aug 31, 2006]
Weighing In On Toney-Peter
It's Showtime Saturday as James Toney and Samuel Peter do battle to determine who will become the mandatory defense for new champion Oleg Maskaev.  More ...

[Aug 1, 2006]
Another Big Weekend As Boxing Gets Busy
If the state of boxing can be measured by the number of quality bouts taking place each week, the sweet science is bursting with promise.  More ...

[Jul 17, 2006]
This, That, And The Weekend That Was
With Mosley's performance, I think it is my opinion that Vargas is better off not fighting again, although he is still a marketable fighter for now.  More ...

[Jul 14, 2006]
Felix Sturm Feels Pressure to Impress
Felix Sturm boasts an impressive 25-1-0 record as a professional, and has only lost in controversial fashion to Oscar De La Hoya.  More ...

[Jun 30, 2006]
I Back Pac Man To Whack Larios
Manny Pacquiao has remained a homerun hitting machine ever since he was called up to the big leagues. This weekend he faces a fastball hurler who throws strikes down the middle.  More ...

[Jun 20, 2006]
Wright Was Wrong
Saturday night at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee, 54-fight veteran Ronald "Winky" Wright made a rookie mistake. He gave away a fight he could have won.  More ...

[Jun 7, 2006]
Tarver-Hopkins: It'll Be Over
In terms of ring years, Antonio Tarver is a young fighter with just 27 bouts under his 175-pound belt, including 24 victories with 18 wins coming by way of knockout.  More ...

[May 30, 2006]
Shannon Briggs Easier To Find Than Ever
Briggs has accumulated 41 knockouts and 47 wins to go with just 4 losses and a draw in his 14-year professional fight career.  More ...

[May 26, 2006]
Roy Jones Jr. Slips to Spudsville
Roy Jones Jr. was once a pound-for-pound ruler who could dictate fights on his terms. But that was then and this is now. "Now" is a 37-year-old Roy Jones Jr. who is fighting in a Boise, Idaho.  More ...

[May 16, 2006]
Hatton's Options Abound
Ricky Hatton is unbeaten. He is the new WBA welterweight champion. Hatton is also the last person to claim the WBA and IBF junior welterweight titles.  More ...

[May 8, 2006]
Marketing Mayorga What Now?
Saturday night in Las Vegas Ricardo Mayorga was completely outclassed, not only in the ring, for the second time in his past three fights. So what now?  More ...

[May 3, 2006]
Fight Breakdown: De La Hoya vs. Mayorga
With De La Hoya vs. Mayorga just a few sleeps away, here is a breakdown of the fighters and a look at how things may play out in the ring.  More ...

[Apr 20, 2006]
I'm In Love Again
ESPN delivered an amazing fight Wednesday night it looked great on paper and was even better in the ring. I love it when a fight exceeds the hype. Yes, I'm in love again.  More ...

[Apr 18, 2006]
Audley Harrison Won't Dance
Audley Harrison had the moves, showing nice footwork popping up and down on his tippy-toes, circling opponents as he pecked away before dimming the lights on them with a straight left.  More ...

[Apr 17, 2006]
Otis Grant - Magic Man Set To Disappear
On June 10th, 1999, Canadian boxer Otis Grant had seconds to react as he saw a head-on collision coming right in his face.  More ...

[Apr 14, 2006]
This Is Not Your Mother's UFC
UFC isn't a television version of a "toughman" contest where the only noticeable difference is that in "toughman" everyone, including the fighters, are often drunk.  More ...

[Apr 6, 2006]
The Best and Worst of Zab Judah
There is a saying in gambling circles that no team is as good or as bad as their best or worst performance, but don't write off Zab Judah.  More ...

[Mar 31, 2006]
Betting Brewster: Being "Relentless" Will Be Rewarded
Lamon Brewster will fight at such a determined pace Saturday that our wager on him will pay off, at the expense of Sergei Lyahkovich.  More ...

[Mar 26, 2006]
Costa Rica Fireworks Recap
Headlining the six-bout event were Nelson Lara and Gonzalo Munguia in a rematch of their thrilling toe-to-toe lightweight battle that ended in a Draw last year.  More ...

[Mar 16, 2006]
Vince "Cool" Phillips Still Chillin'
Friday Night on ESPN Vince "Cool" Phillips continues his quest for one more big shot when he tackles Jesse Feliciano at The Roxy in Boston, Massachusetts.  More ...

[Mar 10, 2006]
De La Hoya Bets It All
None of De La Hoya's past gambles compare to the one he will take on May 6th this year when he faces free-swinging, trash-talking Ricardo "El Matador" Mayorga.  More ...

[Mar 5, 2006]
Friday Night Fights and Frights
Plenty of action Friday night as Fox Sports, ESPN, Telefutura and Showtime all got into the act of feeding fight fans with competitive bouts as an appetizer to an even bigger day Saturday.  More ...

[Mar 2, 2006]
Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson Calls It A Night
When the fire in a fighter's belly burns out, and all that's is left is the desire to douse that flicking flame with food, it's time to call it a night.  More ...

[Feb 21, 2006]
Costa Rica Has a Boxing Beat
Costa Rica hasn't earned the pugilistic reputation that famous fighters have brought to other neighboring countries, such as Panama. But that is all set to change.  More ...

[Feb 14, 2006]
Kirk Johnson: The Fire to Fight or a Passion for Pay?
Anticipating any fight involving Canadian heavyweight Kirk Johnson always comes with a hope and a prayer.  More ...

[Feb 9, 2006]
Weekend Wagering Winners
Things have been rather quiet in terms of value left on the boxing betting board recently, but things pick up this weekend and here is the best of the best as I see them.  More ...

[Jan 19, 2006]
Will Arturo Gatti Fight Another War?
When Gatti wins he wins on guts and power plus a touch of style that has been added in the twilight of his career.  More ...

[Jan 11, 2006]
Sign, Signs, Everywhere Signs
Along the road to Zab "Super" Judah's journey of defending his welterweight titles this past weekend there were signs everywhere ... as well as a "speed bump" named Carlos Baldomir.  More ...

[Jan 4, 2006]
Mormeck vs. Bell: No Cruising Allowed
Today's cruiserweight is a heavy-handed, in-shape boxer-puncher with power to turn out the lights.  More ...

[Dec 8, 2005]
Winky Wright is the Right Bet
Making sense in a wager when betting on a fighter that is a -800 favorite is a near impossibility. Saturday on HBO, however, that is exactly the case, well, sort of.  More ...

[Dec 1, 2005]
In Search of a Friend Fernando Vargas vs. Shane Mosley
Fernando Vargas and Shane Mosley, two fighters long removed from boxing superstardom, have found comfort in one another.  More ...

[Nov 23, 2005]
Remembering Vitali and All I've Forgotten
When consensus heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko hung up his gloves for good, he left a big void at the top of the sport's marquee division.  More ...

[Nov 4, 2005]
Left Hook Worthy of a Wager
Pemberton is getting his shot because an injury to Danny Green washed out a proposed eliminator, just around the same time a weak heart did the same to possible Calzaghe-Lacy matchup.  More ...

[Oct 27, 2005]
David Making Haye in the UK
From the heart of London, England comes power-punching cruiserweight David Haye, a 14-1 bloke with 14 stoppage wins, all coming in four rounds or less.  More ...

[Oct 12, 2005]
Jorge Arce Still Looking for Greatness
He's became a household name in Latin America. He also happens to be the WBC flyweight champion.  More ...

[Oct 4, 2005]
Roy Jones Saves Face But Loses Fight
Roy Jones didn't win another major bout, but rather he accomplished all that he set out to do, which was to simply not get knocked out again.  More ...

[Sep 27, 2005]
Dr. Wladimir Klitschko Passes Economics
Saturday night on HBO we witnessed Dr. Wladimir Klitschko pass another test on his way to second run to a heavyweight title shot.  More ...

[Sep 22, 2005]
Sam Peter to Cash In on Wladimir?
HBO will broadcast this intriguing heavyweight fight as questions abound as to whether Peter will be able to pass his first major test.  More ...

[Sep 16, 2005]
Sultan Ibragimov: The New Sultan of Swat?
Sultanahmed Ibzagimov, better known to fight fans as Sultan Ibragimov, follows his dreams of heavyweight grandeur tonight.  More ...

[Aug 30, 2005]
Vernon Forrest: Lost in the Trees
For a fighter with a sparkling record of 36-2, Vernon Forrest has somehow managed to lose himself in the crowded 154-pound division.  More ...

[Aug 26, 2005]
I Love Boxing But Not That Much
I love boxing, I really do, and that's why it pains me so much when I have to "just say no" to Showtime's "Heavyweight Heat."  More ...

[Aug 20, 2005]
Risking Proposition Betting on Fernando Vargas
Saturday night on HBO "Ferocious" Fernando Vargas makes his return to the junior middleweight ranks.  More ...

[Aug 10, 2005]
Wladimir Klitschko Gets Respect
Has Wladimir Klitschko lost it? Does he see something we don't? Or does the big man from the Ukraine have sweet dreams when he thinks about fighting The Nigerian Nightmare?  More ...

[Aug 3, 2005]
Roy Jones Jr. Amnesia Settles In
The most logical explanation as to why Roy Jones Jr. has agreed to challenge Antonio Tarver must be attributed to amnesia.  More ...

[Jul 25, 2005]
Vassiliy Jirov "The Tiger" No More
Vassiliy "The Tiger" Jirov was a tiger who mauled opponents with a punishing balanced attack for as long as they could withstand the pressure.  More ...

[Jul 23, 2005]
"Million Dollar Lady" Goes Broke
In case you haven't heard, the "Million Dollar Lady" showdown between Lucia Rijker and Christy Martin is now officially off. In case you cared, read on.  More ...

[Jul 19, 2005]
Corrales-Castillo II Revenge or Replay?
Thinking back at the best bouts of the year-to-date, I couldn't help but reflect on the May meeting between Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo.  More ...

[Jun 30, 2005]
Floyd Mayweather Too Good for His Own Good
Floyd Mayweather Jr. looked so good last weekend he may have eliminated nearly every potential opponent from his list of prospects.  More ...

[Jun 21, 2005]
A Disturbing Trend Quitting
There was a time in boxing when quitting was simply not an option it wasn't considered and it didn't happen. Today it's hardly frowned upon and has suddenly become the norm.  More ...

[Jun 16, 2005]
Wanna Bet? It's Tarver Time
Saturday night on HBO, in a fight broadcast from Memphis, we get to see Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver square off a second time in a rematch of their December 2004 bout.  More ...

[Jun 14, 2005]
Mike Tyson With All Due Respect
Saturday night in Washington, DC, "Iron" Mike Tyson showed how rusty he has become and failed in yet another test in the ring, and in life.  More ...

[Jun 8, 2005]
Heavy Confusion Above 200
History suggests that the popularity of the sport of boxing often depends most on its heaviest fighters. Assuming that still holds true, the sport is in a state of mass confusion at this moment.  More ...

[Jun 2, 2005]
Tszyu vs. Hatton: A Success
This Saturday in Manchester, England, Ricky Hatton comes upon what may be a career defining bout against light welterweight guru Kostya Tszyu.  More ...

[May 28, 2005]
Luan Krasniqi, Lance Whitaker and a Title Chance
Saturday night from the land of sauerkraut, Oktoberfest and lederhosen comes a very meaningful heavyweight fight.  More ...

[May 20, 2005]
A Bet Brewing on Lamon Brewster
For Brewster the fight will mark his second defense of the title he won by outlasting Wladimir Klitschko just over a year ago.  More ...

[May 18, 2005]
For Whom The Bell Tolls Dale Brown
Friday night on ESPN2, "Cowboy" Dale Brown gets what must be considered his last shot at a major cruiserweight title.  More ...

[May 14, 2005]
Stepping Up Trinidad meets Wright
Saturday on HBO-PPV, Felix Trinidad and Winky Wright take a step up in class at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.  More ...

[May 10, 2005]
Boxing Betting Basics
To start off with, you have to have some scratch. In wagering circles this is referred to as your bankroll. The money isn't in the bank. It's the cash the "punter" intends to roll into a bigger bundle.  More ...

[May 6, 2005]
Calvin Brock Paints His Way Into The Heavyweight Picture
After inching his way up in class and then defeating Jameel McCline in his last bout, Calvin Brock has finally announced he belongs.  More ...

[May 3, 2005]
Ruiz Takes the High Road/Toney Chooses the Low Road
John "The Quiet Man" Ruiz put an end to a career many critics will say highlighted the shortcomings of today's elite division.  More ...

[Apr 27, 2005]
Margarito Catches a Killer
Saturday night in Las Vegas, Antonio Margarito caught Kermit "Killer" Cintron with nearly everything he threw at him. Timely offense was coupled with disciplined defense.  More ...

[Apr 21, 2005]
Big Time Running Out Of Time
Saturday night at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, heavyweight contender Jameel "Big Time" McCline finds himself in an unusual position: gatekeeper of the heavyweight division.  More ...

[Apr 13, 2005]
Please Allow Me to Introduce Myself (Again) - I'm Shane Mosley
You have seen me in the ring putting on classic displays of "power boxing" - a mix of speed and explosive power that overwhelmed opponents.  More ...

[Apr 4, 2005]
Floyd Mayweather vs. Arturo Gatti: The Bigger or The Boxer?
Arturo "Thunder" Gatti isn't necessarily the best in the division, but there is little debate that he is the biggest.  More ...

[Mar 31, 2005]
Braithwaite vs. Mormeck - Big Truck Faces a Roadblock
Cruiserweights Wayne Braithwaite and Jean-Marc Mormeck will both enter the ring this Saturday with world championship belts. When all is said and done, one of these men will be left empty-handed.  More ...

[Mar 24, 2005]
Heavyweight Picture Coming Into Focus Part 2
In the second part of our heavyweight snapshot we will focus on the division's near future as it pertains to non-title bouts.  More ...

[Mar 22, 2005]
Heavyweight Picture Coming Into Focus Part I
In the first part of two articles, let's take a look at the titleholders and what lies ahead for them in the next few months.  More ...

[Mar 14, 2005]
The Toughest Fight of Erik Morales' Career
Epic battles with Barrera aside, if Morales loses this weekend against Philippine buzz saw Manny Pacquiao, his career will take a major hit.  More ...

[Mar 6, 2005]
Boxing in Germany: Winter Sturm Advisory
Felix Sturm fought most of his fights behind the spotlight. Judging by the way he's been treating his opponents, he doesn't seem happy about it.  More ...

[Mar 3, 2005]
Castillo vs. Diaz: A Battle of Wills
Perhaps the best fight we will see all year comes this weekend as Showtime broadcasts the WBC lightweight title clash between Jose Luis Castillo and Julio Diaz.  More ...

[Feb 26, 2005]
Robbie Peden Marches On
Many pundits wrote Peden off. Now, three years, five straight wins and four knockouts later, Peden has proved them wrong.  More ...

[Feb 18, 2005]
Howard Eastman: Battersea Bomber Bombs Away
Howard Eastman is supremely confident, packs a punch, takes a licking and keeps on swinging.  More ...

[Feb 11, 2005]
The Pain in the Game - The Science Isn't So Sweet
Once boxing is in your blood not even a transfusion can get it out. You are who you are: a boxer.  More ...

[Feb 4, 2005]
Heavyweight Boxing: Who the Heck is Owen Beck?
Owen Beck is a fighter many fans are going to see for the first time when he enters the ring Saturday to face Monte Barrett.  More ...

[Feb 3, 2005]
The Dish from Knish: Cory Spinks vs. Zab Judah II
Insightful as always, Joey Knish breaks down the Cory Spinks vs. Zab Judah matchup from a handicapping perspective.  More ...

[Jan 29, 2005]
Boxing Results: Saturday's Fight Action from Bayamon, Puerto Rico
A round-up of Saturday's boxing action from Puerto Rico.  More ...

[Jan 26, 2005]
Billy Irwin: 'The Kid' No More
Last Friday night Billy "The Kid" Irwin acknowledged he was a "kid" no more and hung up his professional boxing gloves for good.  More ...

[Jan 25, 2005]
Lennox Lewis - Don't Call It A Comeback
The next time we hear rumors of a Lewis comeback I just hope we get a better excuse than that he needs the money.  More ...

[Jan 20, 2005]
Cruiser Countdown O'Neil Bell vs. Kelvin Davis II
When two guys with the nicknames of "Give 'em Hell" and "Concrete" get together you can expect some fireworks.  More ...

[Jan 18, 2005]
David Tua Calls Talmadge Over
David Tua and his decapitating left hook are back, ready to put a dent in the heavyweight scene once more.  More ...

[Jan 11, 2005]
Heavy Hands at Lightweight - Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo
Diego Corrales challenges Jose Luis Castillo on March 5 in an intriguing matchup.  More ...

[Jan 1, 2005]
Old Faces, New Year For Boxing
As the calendar turns the page there are ring rumblings that a few bright lights from the past may hope to shine again.  More ...

[Dec 15, 2004]
Heavy Issues for Cruiser Vassiliy Jirov
Tough decisions lie ahead as Vassiliy Jirov saw his record as a heavyweight drop to 0-2 as he was knocked out by Michael Moorer last week.  More ...

[Dec 10, 2004]
Heavyweight Boxing: Would Fewer Rounds Make Better Fights?
Heavyweight boxing would be better if bouts had less rounds.  More ...

[Dec 8, 2004]
Dr. Klitschko Set to Operate
This Saturday Dr. Vitali Klitschko gets set to make the first defense of the WBC heavyweight title he won earlier this year by punishing Corrie Sanders over eight rounds.  More ...

[Dec 6, 2004]
Dominick Guinn Contending with Contention
There were no excuses, and subsequently no results, from Dominick Guinn this past Friday night.  More ...

[Dec 1, 2004]
Guinn Ready to Bear It This Time on ESPN
The last time heavyweight suspect Dominick Guinn stepped into the spotlight he froze under the bright lights.  More ...

[Nov 29, 2004]
Ivan Calderon - Boxing's Doctor of Style
If "slick" is a term often used for stylish southpaws, then WBO Minimumweight Champion Ivan Calderon is the 'Doctor of Style.'  More ...

[Nov 23, 2004]
William Joppy's Losses Look Good to Jermain Taylor
In choosing to face William Joppy next, Jermain Taylor continues to tread water rather than take steps up in competition.  More ...

[Nov 21, 2004]
Joel Casamayor Takes the Road Less Traveled
Taking on rough waters is nothing new to Joel Casamayor, who left his family behind when he defected Cuba in order to become a professional prizefighter.  More ...

[Nov 16, 2004]
Light Rock Sounds Good to Hasim Rahman
Hasim 'The Rock' Rahman suggested he better get himself a heavyweight title belt soon, if for no other reason than to keep up his suddenly over-sized pants.  More ...

[Nov 12, 2004]
Breaking Down a Night of Heavyweight Boxing
You have to give Don King and his organization credit. They know that the general public is fascinated with the heavyweights.  More ...

[Nov 8, 2004]
In Boxing a Deal's a Deal . . . Sometimes
Saturday night boxing fans were set to be treated to a double bill of championship fights, but were left with the short end of the deal. So was Marcos Licona.  More ...

[Nov 4, 2004]
Kali Meehan: Make, Break or Mismatch?
On November 13th at Madison Square Garden, Hasim Rahman and Kali Meehan meet to determine whether "Checkmate" Meehan has the right moves.  More ...

[Nov 2, 2004]
Vivian Harris and the Junior Welter Helter Skelter
Heading the list of top junior welterweights is "Vicious" Vivian Harris, and he is ready to challenge any of the top contenders to prove he is the best.  More ...

[Oct 25, 2004]
More Substance than Style Ponce De Leon
He is neither sweet nor scientific. He is Daniel Ponce De Leon, a rising junior featherweight, and he carries sleep drops in both hands.  More ...

[Oct 21, 2004]
Bid Adieu to Phillip Ndou
This week Phillip "The Time Bomb" Ndou officially announced that he would be walking away from the sport of boxing. He left at the right time.  More ...

[Oct 18, 2004]
Bazooka Quartey One Last Shot
Coming soon to a boxing ring near you, the return of the top fighters ever to make it out of Ghana, Ike ' Bazooka' Quartey.  More ...

[Oct 13, 2004]
Will the Quiet Man Ruiz Wake Up Golota
On November 13th at Madison Square Garden in New York, John 'The Quiet Man' Ruiz tackles Andrew Golota for the right to wear the WBA belt.  More ...

[Oct 7, 2004]
Holyfield vs. Donald: Loser Leaves Town
Through a hazy dust storm, Evander Holyfield and Larry Donald look down over the townspeople from their view on the side of the mountain.  More ...

[Oct 4, 2004]
Trinidad-Mayorga: Credit Where Credit Is Due
This past weekend fight fans both casual and die-hard were treated to an excellent battle of skill versus will as Ricardo Mayorga and Felix Trinidad put on a display that demonstrated boxing at its best.  More ...

[Sep 30, 2004]
That's Why They Fight the Fights
This past weekend Glencoffe Johnson, Ivan Hernandez, and Dario Esalas went into fights as heavy underdogs, but it didn't seem to bother them. The underdog won in all 3 fights.  More ...

[Sep 29, 2004]
Ready To Shine - An Interview with Syd Vanderpool
This Saturday at Caesars Palace, Canada's Syd 'The Jewel' Vanderpool takes on Jeff Lacy for the IBF Super Middleweight title.  More ...

[Sep 22, 2004]
Next Appearing on a Milk Carton - Antonio Tarver
Be on the lookout in the dairy section of your local grocery store the face of Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver may be the next mug you pull off the shelf.  More ...

[Sep 21, 2004]
Bernard Hopkins the Bigger Badder Better Boxer
This past Saturday in Las Vegas, Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins stopped Oscar De La Hoya dead in his tracks in his quest to become the undisputed middleweight champion of the world.  More ...

[Sep 15, 2004]
Weighty Issues for Oscar De La Hoya
Comparing the skills and accomplishments of Bernard Hopkins and Oscar De La Hoya reveals a close fight, but for Oscar the issues are much more weighty.  More ...

[Sep 6, 2004]
Bantamweight Jose Nieves The Cat's Meow
Bantamweight Jose "Miau" Nieves is doing his part to maintain the recent resurgence of hot young Puerto Rican prospects.  More ...

[Aug 31, 2004]
So What Ails Wladimir Klitschko?
The last time boxing fans heard from Wladimir 'the other' Klitschko he was gasping for breath, and shortly after began grasping at straws.  More ...

[Aug 13, 2004]
The WBC Coughs Up a Booker
Since when does one heavyweight fight take you straight to the top of governing body? Well, ever since these 'governing bodies' existed I guess.  More ...

[Aug 11, 2004]
Acelino Freitas, Meet David Lopez
Acelino Freitas quit in a fight he was within a point or two - according to the scorecards at the time - of winning. The night before David Lopez won a fight in which he boxed seven rounds with a broken hand.  More ...

[Aug 5, 2004]
Popo and Chico Who's The Man?
According to any governing body in boxing without a financial bias towards a particular fighter, Acelino 'Popo' Freitas is The Man at 135 pounds.  More ...

[Jul 29, 2004]
Hasim Rahman - The Rock Keeps Rolling
The new management team behind Rahman has cracked the case on how to keep Hasim focused, and that is to not let his mind and belly wander.  More ...

[Jul 26, 2004]
In Case You Missed It: Bojado KO's Leija
In the second round of their bout, Jesse James Leija was ripe for the picking, but Bojado left the win on the branch and it spoiled.  More ...

[Jul 22, 2004]
Dorin is Gatti and Gatti is McGirt, Got It?
This weekend HBO has 2 fights that, on paper at least, could be candidates for 'Fight of the Year.' Whether or not this materializes in the main event likely depends on the betting favorite, Arturo Gatti.  More ...

[Jul 19, 2004]
Kermit Leapfrogs the Welter Rankings
In defeating Teddy Reid this past Saturday as part of HBO's solid boxing triple-header, Kermit "The Killer" Cintron made his leap to the coziest lilly pad near the top of the 147-pound division.  More ...

[Jul 16, 2004]
A Little Ebo Room at 140
Last week on ESPN Friday Night Fights Ebo Elder broke down and out-classed Fernando Trejo over ten heats to take a lopsided unanimous decision.  More ...

[Jun 29, 2004]
Despite Everyone In His Pocket, Magee Comes Up Empty
Irishman Brian Magee had all the chips stacked in his favor this past Saturday as he wagered his International Boxing Organization Super Middleweight title, but it wasn't enough.  More ...

[Jun 24, 2004]
To Melinda Cooper - My Sincere Apologies, I Was Wrong
Women's boxing was dead as far as I was concerned. In my humble opinion women should not have been trading leather in the ring. Leather and rings were meant to be worn by women. Then along came 19-year old Super Flyweight Melinda Cooper out of Las Vegas.  More ...

[Jun 21, 2004]
For Marco Antonio Barrera - Too Bad Paulie Isn't PacMan
While Marco Antonio Barrera seemed to be his old self in breaking down Paulie Ayala this past Saturday, let's not forget it was Ayala in that ring and not Manny Pacquiao.  More ...

[May 12, 2004]
Do Go Gentle Into That Good Night.
Poet DylanThomas penned "Do not go gentle into that good night" but in the caseof Oscar De La Hoya, I hope he goes gently and quickly. It is thiswhich makes the upcoming De La Hoya-Mosley fight a must-see: it verywell could be Oscar's last appearance in the ring. Consider this -win, lose, or draw, what more does De La Hoya have to prove in thering? Nothing. Nada. Zilch. The Golden Boy has taken on, and beaten,the best his divisions have had to offer for years. Yes, he lost toMosley,...  More ...

[May 12, 2004]
Marco Disappoints and a P4P Note
Last Saturday in San Antonio, Texas, Marco Antonio Barrera didsomething I never really figured we would see. No, it wasn't the factthat he lost to Philippine Manny Pacquiao that was such adisappointment. There certainly is no shame in losing to a fighter whois younger, faster, punching harder and coming across with irresistibleforce. However, there is sometimes a noble way of losing a fight. Headbutting, hitting on the break, and feigning injury don't qualify asnoble ways to go down....  More ...

[May 12, 2004]
Got Jesus Angel Manfredy? Then Listen to 'The Word'
When a boxer is a "fighter" in every sense of the word it often makes walking away next to impossible despite all signs leading to the exit. The thinking is less rational, speech a bit slurred, and voices in the head more faint. But the desire rages on as games of self deception prevail and another fight is signed. If Angel "Got Jesus" Manfredy could still comprehend the voices in his head, they'd be telling him not to do it again. Yet, despite what everyone around him suggests,...  More ...

[May 12, 2004]
This Saturday It's Over.
Deck text  More ...

[May 7, 2004]
Antonio Tarver, Wrong . . . Not Wronged
Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver continues to rant to anyone who will listen about how he was robbed against Roy Jones Jr. back in November of 2003 when they met in the boxing ring at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. Tarver insists that justice was denied that night, that he should have retained the WBC and IBO Light Heavyweight titles that were at stake....  More ...

[May 4, 2004]
Damaged Goods - But Which One Is It?
By October two fighters are going to be pretty sure about where they stand in the sport of boxing. One will likely hang the boxing gloves up for good while the other will be thrown back into the pile of fighters about whom we ask, "who invited him anyway?" The fight in question is the Tito Trinidad comeback bout, as he takes on free swinging Ricardo Mayorga. For Mayorga, it will be his second consecutive bout moving up in weight as he has gone from 147 to 154 to 160 in less than...  More ...

[Apr 21, 2004]
Klitschko (with a Wink): Can't We All Just Pretend That Never Happened?
Despite being on HBO, as witnessed live by millions of viewers worldwide, Wladimir Klitschko wants us all to believe that really wasn't him in the ring against Lamon Brewster on April 10th at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas. The hulking heavyweight from Kazakhstan has appealed to the WBO to leave his No. 1 ranking intact, despite the loss to Brewster. In the letter written by his lawyers, Klitschko claims he should maintain his ranking until a medical exam reveals what...  More ...

[Apr 20, 2004]
Ricardo Mayorga - Money Hungry, and Just Plain Hungry
This past Saturday on Don King's Pay-to-View card from Madison Square Garden Ricardo Mayorga blew his chance to become the WBA Welterweight champion. While Mayorga didn't do anything in the ring to lose that opportunity, he obviously didn't do enough in preparing for the scheduled title fight with champion Jose Rivera either. The man who recently stepped up to the scales with a chicken wing in hand to show how comfortable he was making weight would have had to chop of a wing of...  More ...

[Apr 13, 2004]
Wladimir Klitschko - Much Ado About Nothing
Lennox Lewis, please come back. Unless Vitali Klitschko dazzles, amazes, and otherwise has me in awe on April 24th when he faces hard-hitting Corrie Sanders, the heavyweight division will be officially stamped a barren wasteland of broken promises and unfulfilled dreams. This past Saturday the city of Los Angeles gained a heavyweight champion as Lamon Brewster absorbed a four round beating from Wladimir Klitschko, yet emerged as the new WBO Heavyweight Champion. Sure,...  More ...

[Apr 7, 2004]
Augustus or Burton, You Don't Wanna Fight Either of Them
This past Friday Emanuel Augustus, the boxer once known as Emanuel Burton, toyed with 23-1 Alex Trujillo for 12 rounds at the Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson. If it is possible for a 29-year-old fighter with 23 losses to be dangerous, Augustus is the man. Just ask Trujillo. For ten of twelve rounds Augustus danced, pranced and tapped his way around Trujillo with a smile on his face and spring in his step. This was the same Trujillo who had dispatched of 30-4-1 Luis Villalta in his...  More ...

[Mar 30, 2004]
If Sven Ottke Fell In the Boxing Forest, Would He Make a Sound?
If Sven Ottke fell in the forest, the age-old debate as to whether or not he makes a sound will now be left forever to debate. The undefeated Ottke retired from boxing immediately after his win over Armand Krajnc this past weekend. The dictionary defines "sound" as "a tone or noise that is heard." Therefore, if no one state-side has ever seen Sven Ottke, he couldn't possibly make a sound if he fell in the forest. Someone has to be present to hear the noise, at least as far as...  More ...

[Mar 26, 2004]
Dominick Guinn - Back to the Future
Monsters. Freaks of Nature. Giants. Whatever you call the new generation of heavyweight hopefuls, the one thing they cannot be called is 'classic.' What is considered normal nowadays is a 6'5" 250 pound heavyweight with musculature that California's Governor could be proud of. At a mere 6'3" and entering the ring in the neighborhood of 220 pounds, Dominick Guinn brings a unique advantage to the division - the kid can box better than anyone in his class. Unlike many of the towers in...  More ...

[Mar 21, 2004]
Got Jesus Angel Manfredy? Then Listen to The Word
When a boxer is a "fighter" in every sense of the word it often makes walking away next to impossible despite all signs leading to the exit. The thinking is less rational, speech a bit slurred, and voices in the head more faint. But the desire rages on as games of self deception prevail and another fight is signed. If Angel "Got Jesus" Manfredy could still comprehend the voices in his head, they'd be telling him not to do it again. Yet, despite what everyone around him suggests,...  More ...

[Mar 19, 2004]
The Round Mound Hasim Rahman Won't Rebound
With little fanfare, and less follow-up, Hasim "Rock" Rahman managed to outpoint Al "Ice" Cole this past Thursday on Rahman's home turf in Baltimore. That was about all that was "little" about Rahman that night. Once again Hasim made the Toledo's scream "holy toledo!" as he got on the scales weighing 255 pounds. He was a 'big' disappointment. Entering the bout with Cole, Rahman had gone four fights without a win - 3 losses to go with a draw - and one would have expected the former...  More ...

[Mar 12, 2004]
Baby Steps for Joe Mesi
Buffalo 's "Baby" Joe Mesi hopes to continue in his evolutionfrom 'pretender' to 'contender' this Saturday as he takes on formerCruiserweight champion Vassiliy Jirov at the Mandalay Bay . The bout,chief support to the Winky Wright-Shane Mosley clash, is set to answeronce again the age-old question in boxing as to whether a good big guybeats a good 'littler' guy. Last time we saw Mesi on HBO he was picking himself up off thecanvas from a picture perfect left hook courtesy of Monte...  More ...

[Mar 9, 2004]
Diego Corrales and Mark Johnson - Not Gone, Not Forgotten
Saturday night, at Foxwoods Resort Casino, Diego Corrales and Mark Johnson showed they plan on staying around the top of the fight game. Corrales faced a defining moment in his career that would either see him fall into the rankings as a contender or rise to the level of champions. On the other hand, Johnson was continuing to rebuild his spot as one of the lower divisions' best and was hoping to erase the memories of two losses at Bantamweight, which had many questioning whether Johnson...  More ...

[Feb 17, 2004]
Lennox Lewis: How High, now How Low?
Withthe recent passing of Heavyweight King Lennox Lewis from the pugilisticsweet science into the comfy pastimes of tea tippling and chessplaying, it is time to reflect on the highs and lows in the career ofan under-appreciated Champion. Therewere certainly sufficient highs to make a case that Lewis belongs asone of the greats, certainly the best of his time, and a few lows thatput a damper on what could have been an unblemished record. High:Lewis became a recognized World...  More ...

[Feb 8, 2004]
Is The Sweet Science
Last weekend on HBO we witnessed two fights, two mismatches,and two knockouts. While HBO match-making may have missed a beat withthe fights on Boxing After Dark, at least the fans were entertained . .. while it lasted. The week prior we were blessed with Arturo Gatti and FranciscoBojado in separate bouts, but I'll gladly watch Antonio Margaritoand/or Rafael Marquez headline instead of either Gatti or Bojado basedon what we saw. Margarito and Marquez stuck to what got them under...  More ...

[Jan 29, 2004]
The Rock's on Thin Ice
It was recently announced that Hasim "The Rock" Rahman willtake on Al "Ice" Cole sometime in March in an interesting heavyweightclash. One might consider this a cross-roads fight for both, but Colewas never 'on' the road with any visions of grandeur in the firstplace. For Rahman this bout is about one thing - the need to win, nomatter who the opponent is. But he may be on thin Ice. Hasim Rahman is in desperate "need" of a win. It has been nearly 3years since The Rock landed 'the...  More ...

[Jan 12, 2004]
Pound-for-Pound - There is no Debate
Thebeauty of writing a pound-for-pound article is that, unlike arguingwith my lady, I can't be wrong. But with her I just can't be right. Ifwe are discussing the fastest route home, her new hairstyle, or whethera dress "makes her look fat" or not, I simply can't win when it comesto the lady. When it comes to a boxing pound-for-pound list she canargue, but I can't be wrong. Am I? 1.Floyd Mayweather - An undefeated fighter is a nice place to start witha pound-for-pound list, right...  More ...

[Dec 23, 2003]
With Age, Wisdom
Having seen a mere 25 turns of the calendar, "Ferocious"Fernando Vargas has a lifetime of ring wars under his belt. Here's tohoping that he and his team have learned something from it. Despite astellar record of 24-2-0, it is the two "L's" that are cause forconcern for the former champion. Last week Vargas took on, and dispatched, veteran Tony Marshall, 5months after having had a bit of trouble with the very awkward CanadianFitz Vanderpool. Versus Vanderpool, Vargas struggled with...  More ...

[Dec 9, 2003]
So if it is the Holidays, Where's the Grinch?
Saturdaynight on HBO we saw heavyweight mammoth Vitali Klitschko and Joe Mesitake steps that each hope will move them toward an eventual heavyweighttitle. If that happens we could have two of the nicest young men in thesport wearing title belts around their waists . . . but who wants that?I know that the holiday season is officially upon us and everyone is inthe spirit of goodwill toward men, blah blah blah . . . so where's theGrinch when we really need him? AfterKlitschko disposed...  More ...

[Nov 14, 2003]
Manny and Marco
This SaturdayMarco Antonio Barrera takes another step through the ropes wearing theuncrowned title of "The People's Champion" at 126 pounds when he facesoff against Philippine slugger Manny Pacquiao. Barrera easilydispatched of Kevin Kelley in April and prior to that had carriedJohnny Tapia for 12 rounds. Saturday there is little chance thatBarrera will give the dangerous Pacquiao any more time in the ring thannecessary. Barrera is best known for his two wars with Erik Morales and...  More ...

[Oct 14, 2003]
The Foul Pole Strikes Back.
The Foul Pole Strikes Back. Joey Knish ( IBOPboxing.com ) Tuesday October 14, 2003 ?????What makes a 35-year old former fringe contender (actually he wasalways on the fringe but just sometimes a contender) want to come backto the sweet science to possibly have his eggs scrambled worse thanthey already are? Is it money? I doubt it. Is it...  More ...

[Oct 7, 2003]
Chico and the Man.
Saturday night in Las Vegas, Diego "Chico" Corrales was chopped downfor the second time in his pro career; and once again it occurred onhis run at the title. This time it was Joel Casamayor who got the bestof Diego after dropping him twice and having the fight stopped on cutsin the 6th. It is time for Chico to take a look at becoming a man -speaking in terms of physical stature only - and quit trying to squeezehimself into a boy's 130-pound division that just doesn't fit a personhis...  More ...

[Sep 30, 2003]
How Light the Heavies Are.
On Saturday adecent card was put together in Buffalo which was set to showcase "ANight of Young Heavyweights", featuring Buffalo's own "3rd Franchise" -after the Bills and Sabres - "Baby" Joe Mesi. Perhaps a more suitabletitle would have been "A Night of Continued Mediocrity". Naw, thatwouldn't have sold very well. But where were all these "young"heavyweights anyway? The main event featured 29-year old Mesi taking on 35-year old (oris that 35-year young?) DaVarryl Williamson in a...  More ...

[Sep 16, 2003]
Tow-may-to, Tow-mot-to, Pow-tay-to, Pow-tot-to. . . Just Call the Whole Thing off, Oscar.
Tow-may-to, Tow-mot-to, Pow-tay-to, Pow-tot-to. . . Just Call the Whole Thing off, Oscar. Joey Knish ( IBOPboxing.com ) Tuesday September 16, 2003 ?????Fred Astaire sang how "you say tomayto, I say tomato, you saypotayto, I say potato"; and after watching the De La Hoya - Mosley bouton Saturday many people were saying the same things the next...  More ...

[Sep 3, 2003]
Do Go Gentle Into That Good Night.
This Saturday night in Las Vegas Oscar De La Hoya getshis shot at redemption against Shane Mosley, whodefeated 'the Golden Boy' in June of 2000. In thattime Oscar, who took a bit of a hiatus from boxingafter suffering two losses in three fights in thatperiod, has rehabilitated his status as one of thegames best fighters. Mosley, after failing tocapitalize on his victory is currently on a threefight non-winning streak. Mosley is thought to be 'gun shy' and unsure ofhimself after his...  More ...

[Aug 20, 2003]
Stay Out of the Deep End!
The other daya colleague asked me what division in boxing was the most competitivetoday. Tough question I thought but not really. I had to think aboutit but the answer was easy to come to . . . 140. Call it LightWelterweight if you want, call it Super Lightweight if it tickles yourfancy, just don't call any other division in boxing more competitivethan these guys are. Swimming in the deepest of waters is Kostya Tszyu (30-1-0) oneof the top 5 pound-for-pound boxers on anyone's...  More ...

[Jul 30, 2003]
Angel Manfredy - In Case We Didn't Know.
In case we didn't know already, Tuesday night in Indiana Angel Manfredy showed us that his last title shot was exactly that - his last. At 42-7-1 (31) Manfredy is now a very old 28 years of age - not that 28 is old - but he is old in terms of the number of fights he has been in and the toll this abuse has taken on him. What we saw versus the now 19-1 (11) Courtney Burton was an...  More ...

[Jul 21, 2003]
Like Him or Lump Him, Get Used to Him.
Like Him or Lump Him, Get Used to Him By Joey Knish ( IBOPboxing.com ) Monday July 21, 2003 ?????Looking at the current state of the Welterweight division, onething becomes very clear; you better get used to WBA-WBC RicardoMayorga being there. And that isn't a ringing endorsement of theNicaraguan, but more a statement as to who is out...  More ...

[Jul 16, 2003]
Jeff ""Left Hook"" Lacy - A Work in Progress
Tuesday night on ESPN2 we got a chance to see former Olympian Jeff "Left Hook" Lacy take a step up in class as he took on Richard "The Alien" Grant at the Playboy Mansion. Lacy has been brought along well and Grant was a step in the right direction, albeit subtle. While Grant does not have the best record (now 14-10-0 and still just 2 whacks) he certainly has been in with some...  More ...

[Jul 5, 2003]
Time To Hang 'em Up?
Every boxer reaches a stage in his career - I guess "his or hers" would be more politically correct these days . . . anyhow - every boxer reaches a point in his career where the signs that it is time to hang up the gloves come upon him in one form or another. Whether they choose to notice and acknowledge these hints is an entirely different subject....  More ...

[Jun 30, 2003]
Betting Boxing: A Handicapper's View.
Many people in the sports gaming industry take one look at Boxing as a wagering option and then look the other way. Well, sometimes the road less traveled can be paved with greenbacks if you tread carefully and bring a map along the way. For one, I enjoy wagering on the outcome of these pugilistic battles, and do so with some success. So why shouldn't you follow the same route?...  More ...

[Jun 26, 2003]
A 'Mesi' Heavyweight Situation?.
????? Tuesday night in Buffalo, 'Baby' Joe Mesi did just what he wassupposed to do. Unfortunately, for those of us just settling in with awobbly pop, so did Robert Davis. Davis (now 28-6, 16 KO) was being brought in for Mesi (26-0, 24 KO) as the next step in his progression towards an eventual (?) heavyweight title shot. After Mesi had previously disposed of David Izon, Davis was being pitched as a perceived step up in class....  More ...