BigTime Timmy Tells it Like it is: “DoghouseBoxing.com Debut Edition”

BigTime Timmy Tells it Like it is: “DoghouseBoxing.com Debut Edition”

By Timmy Kudgis (June 14, 2010) Doghouse Boxing

Welcome everybody to BigTime Timmy Tells it Like it is: “DoghouseBoxing.com Debut Edition.” During this article we are going to cover a few important topics that were delivered to my news desk. Let’s get things started.

ESPN Friday Night Fights

On this week’s edition of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights we were able to witness a few events take place that us fans enjoy

watching. We started off with an upset with Brian Vera 17-4 (11) stopping the Hometown favorite Sebastian Demers 31-3 (11). Even though this fight was consider an upset by news media worldwide, you really must stop to think if was really an upset at all.

The ‘hometown fighter’ Sebastian Demers has an 11-1 record since being stopped in the 3rd round of his IBF world title challenge against Arthur Abraham. His only other loss came against Dionisio Miranda, who has as record of 1-3 since then. He also went tooth and nail against a former world titlist but way past his prime William Joppy.

The ‘underdog’ Brian Vera has gone 2-3 since being stopped by Contender finalist Jaidon Codrington in the second round of their Contender match-up. He followed that loss by defeating Max Alexander in the Contender Finale. Then he delivered an upset on ESPN FNF’s against then undefeated, highly touted prospect Andy Lee, who was believed to be the next middleweight champ by trainer Emmanuel Steward. Those two victories were then followed up by a string of defeats against undefeated prospects James Kirkland, Craig McEwan, and Issac Rodriguez. By now it should be known that Vera like to put everything on the table during his fights and has the power that allows him the right to never be counted out of the fight before it happens.

After analyzing these two fighters I have came to the conclusion that there could possibly only two reasons Brian Vera could be considered an underdog. The first reason is Demers has more pro experience which is easily countered by Vera having been in the ring with a better quality of opposition. This leaves the second reason, the seemingly only viable reason, and it is simply because Demers is the ‘hometown fighter’.

Fans also were able to witness a prospect showing the boxing world that he is ready for the next step in his career. Hard-Hitting Canadian middleweight David Lemeiux, 23-0 with 22 of his wins coming via stoppage, annihilated former world title challenger Elvin Ayala 20-5-1 (9). Now David Lemeuix is one big fight away from challenging for a world title. Sergio Mora, Peter Manfredo Jr., or Lajuan Simon would be a very good next test for the 21 year old Canadian. Another good fight, if his promoters wanted one more test before the move up in class, would be Brian Vera. If Vera would fight at 160 again it would make one hell of an ESPN FNF’s card. This would be a fight that would promise not to go the distance.

Miguel Cotto’s future plans

Since his stoppage victory over then WBA junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman there has been a lot of talk about who is next for Miguel Cotto. The two popular choices are a rematch with Pacquiao or Margarito at junior middleweight. Would an Emmanuel Steward trained Cotto at junior middleweight have a better chance of defeating both Pacquiao and Margarito? Of course, but that doesn’t mean they should be his only choices. There are three more suitable opponents in my mind and I will explain why.

Andre Berto took the time this week to discuss with the press his desire to more to 154 to finally receive the shot he has been craving with Cotto. The fight is a risky confrontation for Cotto. Berto is believed to be one of the top prospects in the welterweight division. His resume doesn’t allow him to be a big money fight for Cotto, but if he wins convincingly it could possible land him a big “Money” fight, if you catch my drift.

Another Puerto Rican fight officially announced his move to junior middleweight a few weeks ago. Luis Collazo was scheduled to fight Selyuk Ayldin in Turkey last weekend for the WBC silver title at welterweight and the mandatory shot at Andre Berto. His team told boxing media that he was no longer healthy at 147 and planned on making the move to 154. One thing you can always expect from Luis is a fight even when a significant underdog. This would allow Cotto and Top Rank to make some good money whether it be in Yankee Stadium (since Collazo is a NY resident) or a title defense in Puerto Rico. This would be a great HBO card and a huge ticket seller.

Finally power punching Mexican fighter and WBO interim titlist Alfredo Angulo. If Angulo is victorious against former world titlist Joachim Acline, he could be inline to face Miguel Cotto. These two fighters are known for their come forward approach which could make a good old fashion slobber knocker for the fans. Though Emmanuel Steward may have a different approach for his new protégé considering Angulo made Cintron look like “Money May” in their fight.

Those were just a few of the potential fights out there for Miguel. Also you can’t forget Paul Williams, Sergio Martinez, or even the winner of Chavez Jr./Duddy. Miguel may want rematches against his conquerors but he should not look into his past until he gets his stock back up for the negotiating table.

Oliver McCall returns to the ring on Tuesday

Former heavyweight titlist and Lenox Lewis conqueror Oliver McCall 54-9 (37) steps back in the ring to do battle with Timur Ibragimov 27-2-1 (15). This is truly a crossroads battle in the heavyweight division. A win could propel either man into title contention or maybe the loser considering how the heavyweight division is working these days. If McCall wins he would be a very viable opponent for any of the champions. He may not have always displayed the most mental toughness, but he has a chin of titanium. Often I have been quoted as saying “John Doe has an Oliver McCall-esque chin.” Even if a title shot is not in order he would make a great eliminator with the likes of Shannon Briggs, Sam Peter, or even Evander Holyfield. At the age of 45 the ’Atomic Bull’ cannot afford another setback so hopefully he can stay active in the ring and not in the streets.

Is Chuck Liddell Finished?

The answer is quite simple. Yes! Those who think this 1st round stoppage loss against Rich Franklin will effect the Hall of Famer’s legacy, you are horribly wrong. At one point the “Iceman” was the face of not only the UFC but of MMA in general. Throughout his career he held victories over some of the best in the business; Couture, Overeem, Ortiz, Horn, Sorbal and Silva are just some of the names. After being stopped in his last three fights I think it could be time for Dana White to say enough is enough and put him behind the microphone. Maybe Mr. White should have stuck to his word after the Rua fight and not allowed Chuck to fight but I guess he realized Team Liddell + Team Oritz = Huge Ratings! Regardless I would like to thank Chuck Liddell for years of exciting fights and wish him the best of luck with his future!

Glad to be at DoghouseBoxing.com

I would like to take this time to thank DoghouseBoxing.com for bringing me aboard. Truly it is an honor to be amongst a roster of such of highly regarded writers. Also a special thanks to my good friends Benny Henderson & Bob Carroll for allowing me to become a part of the Big Dog Radio staff.

Rumors:

Kalle Sauerland recently has shown interest in putting together a Super 4 or 6 in the cruiserweight division.

Audley Harrison looks to not be as close to a title shot as he may believe and/or lead other to believe.

Word is Riddick Bowe may sign to a certain overseas promoter and his first fight could potentially be a third fight with Andrew Golota.

Notes:

Lance Whitaker 35-6-1 (28) scored a split decision upset over Andrey Fedosov 21-2 (17). The scores were 115-112 for Fedosov and 115-112 & 114-113 for Whitaker.

Ivan Calderon 34-0-1 (6) recovered from a scored knockdown second round to earn a unanimous decision victory over Jesus Iribe 16-7-5 (10).

Karim Mayfield 13-0-1 (8) kept his prospect stock rising with a 5th round stoppage of Sergio de la Torre 11-14-3 (1).

Former middleweight title challenger Marco Antonio Rubio 47-5-1 (40) scored a workman-like unanimous decision over Samuel Miller 20-4 (17).

If there are any topics you would like to discuss with "Bigtime" Timmy Kudgis or have questions and/or comments you can reach him at TKudgis614@yahoo.com.

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