Boxing Blog – TSS Tidbits

When last seen in the ring, Oscar De La Hoya was gasping for air after being dispatched by Bernard Hopkins. Now on Saturday night, about 20 months later, the Golden Boy will collect several millions of dollars more to challenge Ricardo Mayorga, the loose horse who won the vacant WBC super welterweight title about nine months ago. De La Hoya goes into the fight with a 2-2-0 record in three years, while Mayorga also is 2-2-0 in the last 29 months. That the fight is on pay-per-view is an indication of the lack of pay-per-view fighters, and whether the Golden Boy wins or loses, this should be the fight that cooks HBO’s pay-per-view golden goose. De La Hoya, the up-and-coming promoter, obviously feels that Mayorga is the right opponent to send De La Hoya, the faded fighter, out a winner. I agree, but I would not bet the ranch on it, especially if Mayorga is still around late.

Ed Schuyler writes for The Sweet Science.

This is the walkout fight. My main interest on Saturday is in Louisville where I think I have a live longshot (no, I’m not telling you, dear readers, thank me later for protecting your pockets). Ricardo Mayorga is a chin, a punch and a big mouth. Who knows what Oscar De La Hoya is at this stage? Therefore, a reasoned, logical prediction seems impossible. Long odds are tempting to take on Mayorga – Oscar has not been a banger at 154 (Fernando Vargas aside, and who knows what effect the juice had on his stamina?). He has faded in many fights (Felix Trinidad, John-John Molina, Miguel Angel Gonzalez). If he doesn’t take out Mayorga early, or at least cut him up, he could be in trouble late. But this is a fight where I shall let my emotions take over and pick Oscar because I want to see him win (and set up a Mayweather biggie) and I want to see Mayorga’s mouth shut. So, it’s Oscar by TKO9.

Michael Katz writes for The Sweet Science

Big George Kimball sees Byrd keeping his crown

Chris Byrd has struggled against his last four opponents, none of them world-beaters, and when he and Wladimir Klitschko first fought Chris lost 10, 11, and 12 rounds on the judges’ cards. The result, then, should be a foregone conclusion, but that analysis doesn’t take into account the indomitable spirit of the Brothers Klitschko. Contrary to conventional analysis, Byrd probably can’t win even by outboxing Wladimir, but he could win if his opponent quits because of an injury, either real or imagined. Byrd retains his title on a late-round booboo.

George Kimball writes for The Sweet Science

Mitch Abramson says Mayweather will be razor-sharp

As much as I would like to see Zab Judah win, if for no other reason than because he is from New York, I have trouble seeing Floyd losing. He’s simply too quick, too smart and too game to let Zab beat him. The only scenario that I could Zab winning is one in which Floyd steps to Zab like he did against Sharmba Mitchell in search of a quick knockout and Zab, who can crack, catching him. But I don’t see that happening. I don’t see Floyd giving Zab any kind of openings. Floyd not only wants to beat Zab, he wants to embarrass him, and he’ll be razor-sharp, in top shape, while Zab, who everyone says always steps up in big fights, except when he fought Kostya Tszyu, is a wildcard. He has behaved erratically in the run-up for this fight, not participating in the promotion and who knows where his head is at. So all things considered, I like Floyd Mayeather Jr. by late stoppage, maybe by the tenth round.

Mitch Abramson writes for The Sweet Science

Jesse Cox sees Mayweather-Judah going to distance

I hate to drag up the past, but I’m going to do it anyway: Carlos Baldomir – are you serious?! Zab Judah, according to my personal predictions based on actually watching Baldomir fight one of the more lackluster bouts in Chicago last summer, should have destroyed this guy and retained his belts – that’s a plural, folks. The rest of the civilized world paying attention had jumped on the common sense bus when it came to Judah dismantling Baldomir. Baldomir instead works over Judah, but only wants to pay for one of three belts and we’re all incredibly confused. To clear the air, Judah puts the loss on performing Don King’s job in making special appearances and having to take phone calls. Good thing he’s not doing any of that this time around. He’s hiding out in the gym, concentrating on Floyd Mayweather Jr. Answering questions could ruin the whole thing. I’m assuming squeaky cat toys are banned from the gym as well, lest Zab blow off his state of mind to frolic with a rubber mouse on the floor. No matter of hiding or “focus” in the gym is going to bring Judah to Mayweather’s level. It’s unanimous for “Pretty Boy” after 12. Now what was I saying?

Jesse K. Cox writes for The Sweet Science

The Wolfman can not endorse the White (a/k/a Big and Bad) Wolf. Curious to see how Buddy McGirt has changed Lamon Brewster. Suspect it will be for the good. Lamon by KO in the sixth round, a nice gesture to allow fans to quickly leave Cleveland.

Michael Katz writes for The Sweet Science

Aaron Tallent says watch out for Brewster’s pressure and strength

Lamon Brewster is the most exciting of our four heavyweight champions. Is it due to his power or the fact that none of his fights are sure things? Regardless, Sergei Lyakhovich may lead early, but in the end, Brewster’s constant pressure and strength will prevail. Brewster by KO.

Aaron Tallent writes for The Sweet Science

Alex Stone thinks Brewster’s power wins the day

Sergei Liakhovich is Balboaesque. He’s got the heart of a lion, he’s tough, and he’s well… unknown. On top of that he has nothing to lose and everything to gain, which makes him a very dangerous opponent, though most critics will probably dismiss him as another nobody if (or when) Lamon Brewster smashes his face into 18,000 pieces. However tough Liakhovich may be, he hasn’t really fought anyone. I take that into consideration along with the fact that he will be fighting arguably the greatest heavyweight in the division. Brewster was easily the most lethal puncher in the game as it was, and now that he’s teamed up with a world-class trainer in Buddy McGirt, the heavyweight division truly has a force to be reckoned with. Brewster by KO 6, and another one bites the dust.

Alex Stone writes for The Sweet Science

Zachary Levin sees Brewster by late-round stoppage

Lamon Brewster needs to come out fast and furious, and gain Sergei Lyakhovich’s respect. The young Belarussian (he’s 29, a baby by today’s standards) is tough, confident and a better boxer than the WBO titlist. If he’s able to get into his rhythm and frustrate the heavy-handed yet erratic Brewster, an upset wouldn’t surprise me. But Brewster looked great in his last two outings; the “White Wolf” has been in a deep-freeze for 15 months. Brewster by late-round stoppage.

Zachary Levin writes for The Sweet Science

Scott Mallon bets on Brewster’s punch

Lamon Brewster + Buddy McGirt does indeed spell trouble for Sergei Lyakhovich. Brewster can bang, Lyakhovich has a suspect chin (Mo Harris?!). Brewster has heart to spare and Lyakhovich hasn’t fought in 16 months. Brewster has worked too hard and it’s his time – he will not be denied. Brewster in seven!

Scott Mallon covers boxing in Asia and writes for The Sweet Science