This is the crap that goes on behind the scenes in boxing.

Alwyn Cosgrove emailed me this...

http://ringtalk.com./index.php?action=fullnews&showcomments=1&id=1786

To say I wasn't disgusted and pissed as much as Alwyn was is an understatement. Damn, just when you start to feel great about the momentum boxing is gaining you get assholes like WBC that shit like this.

Look, we all know who the good fighters are. We know the TRUE champions. How much does the ring magazine champ have to pay in sanctioning fees? Not a damn dime! They have more recognition than most off these fighters wearing this junk belts. Notice when a fighter unifies, he doesn't stay so for long. These alphabet soup dip shits KILL the sport, suck from the fighters. Every fighter should do what Riddick Bowe did years ago ( although his reason was for ducking Lennox Lewis ) throw their belts in the trash and wear the ring belt that carries no corruption with pride!

I met Greg Sirb several times and he is a class act. Boxing needs more people with the passion of the sport and respect for the fighters that Sirb has. WBC President Jose Sulaiman sure as hell doesn't have any.

Grading Klitschko-Ibragimov

Grading Klitschko-Ibragimov? Who the hell am I kidding? They get an F! Grade them on what? That wasn't a fight! I mean they weren't pushed to gauge anything. Tell me the truth, you fell asleep after the six round didn't you? That's good, I hope you slept through Kellerman hyping Klitshcko's jab putting it in the same league as Holmes and Lewis. Mad Max better lay off those espressos or whatever the fuck he drinks to get so amped before the fights. The dude blurts out some what the hell are you thinking bullshit sometimes.

So we had a fight that Wlad dominated with one hand, his jab. Wlad does have a good jab. It's good but not yet that great. EVERYONE was wondering why the hell wasn't he wasn't dropping the so called steal hammer he possesses? Wlad is WAY too safety first. He does not like to engage. Sure he has potential BIG money fights ahead but damn! He could've stopped Sultain if he wanted to.

Sultain couldn't work his way inside as he planned. Klitshko continually knocked Sultain's jab down while keeping him at bay with his. Sultain had no plan b, no way of adjusting. He started to loose his cool lunging in throwing wild hay maker punches. He looked pretty amateurish in there as his frustration grew.

That was basically the fight. Sultain had no way how getting past Wlad's jab to lay hands on him and Wlad chose the path of least resistance by staying on the outside punishing Sultain with crisp jabs and occasional hard right hands. Yup, that's it. Fucking BORING! It's fights like these that make you actual miss the demented but call it like it is Larry Merchant. We would have had more entertainment listening to Larry whine about the fight!

So if anything was to be graded I think it was the corner work.

Klitschko's A

Manny was pleased with everything but Wlad's aggression to go in for the kill. It was there for his taking, but he chose not to go for it. Wlad came in prepared, fit, ripped and used his height and tools to the fullest. Just not his heart and balls. Without them he will never reach the next level. Manny knows this.

Ibragimov's F

I like Jeff Mayweather. He's the quietest/classiest Mayweather. I know, I know, who the hell would've thought there could be after listening to the constant loony tunes of Floyd and Roger.

Jeff gets an F as his body language said it all in the corner. He had NO answer. No way of getting Sultain sparked and back in the fight. No nothing. He was quiet several times in the corner. There just was no answer or insight for Sultain. So it was round after round of the same. Makes you wonder on who the hell they brought in for sparring Sultain? It sure didn't look like Sultain had good sparring with tall ranging fighters. Makes you wonder if Jeff will be back with Sultain for his next fight? Who knows, all I know is I hope Klitschko vs. WBA heavyweight champ Ruslan Chagaev isn't made next cause we could be seeing the same scenario again!

The real big men will be fighting this weekend. Oooooh yes! Varquez-Marquez III is this Saturday night! The super bantamweights are proving to be the true big men of the sport. Watch Saturday night to see for yourself.

Wladimir Klitschko vs Sultain Ibragimov... My Pick

Tonight's heavyweight match up features something that hasn't happened in 8 years.... UNIFICATION. Finally the right steps are being made to clear the muddled mess in the heavyweight division.

Tonights fight doesn't guarantee fireworks as both fighters aren't true sluggers. I think we may see a stinker with Klitschko boxing and controlling the fight with his ramrod jab, or some good action with Sultan using angles to get inside and working Wlad's body and heads in close. That is what Sultain MUST do to win. If he stays on the outside, he gets outpointed or possibly stopped. That will just play into Wlad's strengths. If Sultain can work inside he has a chance to upset Klitschko. Sultain does have fast hands, good footwork, power and can box well using lateral movement punching in on angles, but again he must work to do this on the inside and not the outside in this fight.

Klitschko tipped the scales at 238 while Sultain 219. Speed will be shown tonight and will be the key to victory. Wlad must snap fast hard jabs to control Sultain from outside and Sultan must use quick lateral movement, head movement, and hand speed to score on Wlad when he sees openings.

I think it will be a close fight in the early to mid rounds but Wladimir's size and strength will start to take over in the late rounds IF he can keep Sultain on the outside. Sultain is very determined and if HE can establish a relentless body attack early, Klitschko could be the one to wither in the late rounds.

I want Sultain to win, but I like the weight Wladimir came in at and I think he will take over in the championship rounds and win a rugged decision.
Enjoy the fight!

**** Don't miss HBO Sports special film presentation of JOE LOUIS America's Hero... Betrayed, tonight at 8 pm in the East and following HBO Boxing's Wladimir Klitschko vs Sultain Ibragimov in the West.****

Pavlik-Taylor II... The Grades Are In.

Pavlik-Taylor II sure wasn't as exciting as their first fight, but it still wasn't that bad of a scrap. MUCH props for Taylor fighting the way he did. His improved defense surprised many. His jab was sharp and his conditioning was better.

Pavlik looked flat. Pushed his punches and didn't really get into the fight until the 7th round. Hell, it was a great experience for him as this was the first time he went 12 rounds. He took all the championship rounds as a good champ should. He showed he could carry his power into the late rounds severely hurting Taylor to the body in the 11th round. He needs to be far sharper though in his next outing and whatever caused him to perform flat, he better make sure it doesn't happen again. Although he was off, he was consistent at what he could do round after round and that too was impressive.

Their grades are as follows.

Conditioning

Pavlik B+
Taylor B+

Pavlik just wasn't busy enough to really gauge his conditioning. His work ethic in camp is never doubted, I just wonder what means Loew used to condition him? He needs to be far busier in his next fight. The best of them have off nights though.

Taylor showed much improved conditioning. He was aggressive from the get go to the late rounds. He said he spent more time conditioning for this fight than he did in his last. That was no bullshit as he really kept Pavlik from doing what he completely wanted. Jermain's condition wasn't the problem in this fight. He was just in the ring with a better fighter that night.


Strength

Pavlik B-
Taylor A

Pavlik wasn't pushed around but he really didn't seem as strong as the first fight. Maybe it was adjusting to the heavier weight, who knows. When he decides to move up to 168 for good, he needs to improve his strength as he won't be pushing guys around at that weight.

Taylor was always a strong fighter. This is never an issue with him. He will have no problem with carrying his strength to 168 and even improving upon it. If he wants to win another world title at 168, it's time he brings in a qualified strength coach.

Power

Pavlik B-
Taylor B+

Pavlik never had Jermain badly hurt in this fight. Of course Taylors slipping and blocking Pavlik's heavy right hand had a lot to do with this. I get the notion that Pavlik's team didn't have him performing the right kind of power training to allow him to summon the power as he usually does. Something was wrong in this fight. Whether it was a preparation issue or a nutritional one, Pavlik just can't afford to have that happen again against world class opposition.

You could hear the thud of Taylor's power punches. That says it all. Pavlik's chin is just that good. Taylor showed he still has the power in that jab to shut any other fighter down. His right hand was really crisp that night too. If Roy Jones Jr. signs to fight Taylor, Taylor has the power to land Roy's ass on the canvass for the count of ten again.

Speed

Pavlik C
Taylor A

Pavlik's punches lacked snap and speed. He couldn't double up his jab on Jermain. His speed was nothing like it was in the first fight. He just looked so sluggish. He can't afford to have this happen against a heavy handed counter puncher if he wants to keep his title. Preparation MUST improve and not allow for let downs.

Taylor was sharp and fast. His jab was on. He was fast on defense picking off and slipping Kelly's punches. Big props to Ozell for having Taylor faster and just all around better in this fight. It looks like Taylor may fight Roy Jones in June. I think Taylors strong and fast jab gives Roy fits. Roy isn't going to like the taste of Taylor's right hand that's going to be served after those fast jabs. If Jermain can keep his speed and conditioning up, he certainly can rejuvenate his career at 168.

Although Kelly won and I had it scored 115-113. There was no loser in this fight. Look for both to make a lot of noise at 168 which will perhaps lead to Pavlik-Taylor III

Pavlik-Taylor II My Prediction.

A lot of questions will be answered in tonights big fight. Did Taylor really underestimate Pavlik as much as he said in their first fight? Was Kelly's performance a fluke? I think not, Pavlik is just that good. Who will benefit more with the fight being fought at the 166lb. limit? Again I think Pavlik.

The biggest advantage Pavlik has over Taylor and really the biggest difference between the two was how Pavlik was matched, moved, and now how he has matured as a solid pro. Taylor has never evolved, never progressed more. Taylor fighting predominantly blown up Jr. Middleweights has back fired on him. He's just not used to being in the ring with a fighter as strong and consistent as Pavlik.

I think Taylor will be dangerous for the first two-three rounds and that will be it. I mean really what do you have to worry about with Jermain? His strong jab and right hand that's it. He's a VERY predictable fighter that doesn't do many things great. Why wasn't he developed more? He's paying for it now.

Kelly's relentless pressure, strong jab, heavy right hand, and body work will take the fight out of Taylor. I don't give a shit on how much better shape Taylor says he's in. That won't matter cause Pavliks in great shape too and HE'S the better fighter. KELLY has proven he can fight with big pressure punchers while Taylor in his first fight with Kelly didn't.

Taylor has too many flaws and makes too many mistakes. Pavliks the type of fighter that capitalizes on those mistakes BIG TIME. That will be the deciding factor again in this fight. Look for Kelly to land his heavy and lethal right hand over Taylor's low left hand and even his jab in the middle rounds earning Pavlik another KO victory.

There's another interesting fight tonight with Nikolai Valuev vs Sergey Liakhovich. I have to go with the giant in this fight. Valuev weighed in at a massive 321.8 while Liakhovich came in at a heavy and soft 250.8. Liakhovich won't be as mobile at that weight and this will cause him lots of problems with Valuev. Nikolai is not that skilled, but he's very strong and determined. I see Valuev's shear size and strength wearing Sergey down late with a 10th round TKO victory.

Enjoy the fights!

This Is How You Punch! Three Of The Most Exciting and Hardest Punchers Ever In The Middleweight and Jr. Middleweight Division.

These are the punchers you study. Notice where their power comes from.


" The G-Man " Gerald McClellan




" The Hawk " Julian Jackson




" Terrible " Terry Norris

The belt is supposed to make the fighter better. What the hell happened?

The old timers would often say that the belt makes the fighter better. Quite often the fighter proves this true as the earned name champion makes the fighter fight harder to keep his belt.

This was not the case this weekend with the very hyped WBO champion Paul Williams. The Punisher was the one that was punished for his foolishness of over looking Quintana during his preparation or lack there off.. He obviously didn't train like he should have for this fight.

Quintana laid the blueprint on how to beat Williams. Great lateral movement, a stiff jab, and crisp counter punches kept Paul out of his rhythm. Quintana kept to his fight plan AND did everything he said he was going to do against the punisher.

Paul showed a lot of flaws in this fight. I mean he would through lazy punches and often dropping his hands or brining them back slow. The quick counter punches of Quintana made him pay. Brilliant on Quintans part! Paul didn't adapt and adjust. He did for a bit but then lost focus. Champions don't fight that way.

That's what you get when you buy into all that shit the nut huggers yell in you ear while your training like your fighting a bum. Not a professional approach at all. His whole team included. They all got a REAL lesson in this fight.

Paul needs to clean up his technique and basics. He needs to quite reading the headlines on how feared he is or really now was. This could be the type of fight though that polishes the punisher. This may be the type of fight that lights the fire to really raise the bar on fighting skills and ability. Only time and his next fight will tell though.

His grades in this fight are as follows.

Conditioning- C Did just enough to stay in the fight, not dominate it.

Strength C- Quintana bullied him around too much.

Power C- Quintana kept stepping in and countering and countering. No power to keep him at bay.

Speed C+ Paul pushed his punches many times in this fight. He is too WEAK to have real speed. This MUST be addressed!

I will say that Paul needs to get stronger so he can develop some power that will stop a fighter in his tracks. He should be using his lanky long arms to put people to sleep like Kelley Pavlik, Who is another tall lanky fighter. The thing with Pavlik is that he has fight ending power and polished skills.

This fight showed what Paul lacked and needs. Lets see if his team can fix these weaknesses. They shouldn't hesitate be to contact me as I can make Paul live up to his Punisher name. If he wants to be champion again lets get in REAL fight shape and develop the power that will end fights quick behind his high punch output. Paul has all the ability. He just needs the right training to bring it out.

I was impressed with Quintana when he fought and beat Joel Julio. He hung in with Cotto for awhile, no shame in loosing there. Quintana appears to be the type of fighter who WILL improve with the belt and being a champion. I will give him a hellava chance to beat the Cintron-Margarito winner. He could easily out box both.

Quintana's grades.

Conditioning- B+ he was gassed good in the last round. Needs better conditioning so he can box well the WHOLE fight and not get caught by power punchers Cintron and Margarito. Road work of slow paced 6-8 mile jogs won't do it either.

Strength B- Mauled and pushes around the weak Punisher at will in the inside. Didn't do that against the strong Cotto. Needs to improve big time if he's to fight the above power punchers.

Power B- Stung Paul pretty good causing him to hold on at times in the fight. Quintana's style doesn't allow him to be a real power puncher. Still some more power will be needed to stop the bigger and stronger Cintron-Magarito from marching right in.

Speed-A You have to give him an A for coming over Paul's jab and countering. Using quick lateral movement then moving in and getting his shots in over a lazy defense. Great work.

Quintana will be rewarded for this great win with fighting the winner of Cintron-Margarito and making A LOT of $$$ doing it. He needs improvement too. If he gets it, we could again be hearing... AND NEW in his next fight.

Go to http://boxingperformance.com/ to lean how to improve Conditioning, Strength, Speed, Power, and over all boxing skill.

Does a jacked boxer equal a KO artist? How about in amateur boxing?

Is it possible to be an effective boxer and not have that much muscle? I mean look at guys like Tito Trinidad and Kelly Pavlik, epically Pavlik being a knockout artist, I was just wondering if their both great fighters and don't have that much arm strength then is it really necessary to have it? What about in amateur boxing where the point isn't to score a KO just to score points?

Yes... Pavlik punches with great leverage and Tito did too with his left hook. The power is not in the arms it come from the legs, core, lats, they deliver the most power. The power is in the mechanics/technique and the intention ( attitude ). Just because a guy is jacked doesn't mean shit. The cns ( central nervous system, brain ) thinks in terms of movements, not muscle. So if a fighter is really jacked, the question is, is the cns educated/trained in terms of moving with power?

Right, Amateur boxing is really a whole different sport than pro boxing. I teach a pro style to my amateurs, not that pity pat bullshit. The point system is different along with how the fights are fought and punches thrown. The focus is on accurate volume of punches landed. So power punchers often get out worked. I don't call that style the Sweat Science. There are some good amateurs who don't all fight like that.

Just because your a really good amateur with that style doesn't mean you'll be a great pro. Hmm... Notice how 04 Gold Medalist Andre Ward is being moved along ever so slow!

Visit http://boxingperformance.com/ for more info on how to train for a fight ending punch.

If a fighter stops fighting...How do you make them fight?

Alwyn Cosgrove emailed asking what I would have said to Eddie Chambers in between rounds to make him fight in his last fight against Povetkin. Eddie was NOT listening to his father and Buddy McGirt between rounds. He mysteriously quit fighting!

I agreed with Alwyn in saying that I would have thrown in the towel to stop the fight. All it takes is one shot to really fuck you up. If a fighter isn't listening to your instructions and isn't fighting back... Stop the damn fight! This will teach the fighter that you won't play around in stopping the fight again if he/she stops fighting. The sour taste of having the towel thrown in will forever stay with the fighter urging him/her to action in future fights.

I had an amateur coach who would stop the fight in a heart beat if the fighters didn't answer back or quit fighting. It taught everyone that Gene didn't play around in the corner. We better fight or get the hell out.

In stopping the fight in this situation, a trainer is truly looking out for his fighter. Situations like this often propels a fighter to future great performances. The fighter now knows that they've got no choice!

Visit http://boxingperformance.com/ for all your boxing training needs.