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JOHNNY MORTON CONFERENCE CALL

Posted on | May 25, 2007 | No Comments

CONFERENCE CALL QUOTES
FORMER NFL AND USC FOOTBALL STAR, JOHNNIE MORTON,
CROWD-PLEASING HEAVYWEIGHT MIGHTY MO
Thursday, May 24, 2007

Johnnie Morton and Mighty Mo will be featured performers on “Softbank presents Dynamite!! USA in association with ProElite” on Saturday, June 2, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Morton, who will make his MMA debut against Bernard Ackah, and Mo, who meets Mu Bae Choi, will fight in two of the fights that will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME® Pay-Per-View (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

The SHOWTIME® PPV fights will be preceded by a one-hour telecast on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) that will feature some of ProElite’s EliteXC top performers such as Antonio “Big Foot” Silva and Jake Shields.

Tickets, priced from $10 to $1000, are on sale via Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com and the L.A. Coliseum box office. Contact your pay-per-view provider to order “Dynamite!! USA.’’

Opening Comment.

Question: Johnnie, how is training going and are you looking forward to your MMA debut?

Morton: Training is going really well. I am really excited. I am at a point right now where I probably have learned as much as I am going to learn in two months. So I am trying to heal up and recover and just get mentally ready and focused for the fight.

Press Questions.

Question: Johnnie, you are a top athlete. What have been some of the biggest adjustments you have had to make for MMA?

Morton: I would say the full gamut as far as cardio, the endurance and stamina is a lot different from football. Football, you explode on plays and you have time to recover in between, whereas Mixed Martial Arts, you have to be focused for 15 minutes straight and be able to explode with endurance. So you cannot take time off and you cannot take a deep breath and get yourself back together. You have to be focused 100 percent of the time.

Question: Since getting into MMA, is it what you expected as far as conditioning and training? Has anything caught you by surprise as you continue to learn on the job?

Morton: I would say it is a lot different than I expected. The cardio – and when I say cardio, I mean as far as the endurance and being able to keep going minute after minute – that is a 100 times harder than football. And also learning different moves and learning how to punch and defend yourself. I learn something every day. The hardest part is most football players, when we are in a game or practicing, we use a lot of physical exertion, where in MMA a lot of it is relaxation and technique. That will get you further. For instance, if you are on the bottom and someone is on top of you, it is better to technique your way out than to try to use muscle because you exhaust yourself. So I am learning everyday, every minute.

Question: Do you know anything about your opponent or how he was chosen?

Morton: I am not sure how he was chosen, but I know his specialty is Tai Kwon Do. He is probably a little bit taller than me, maybe not as big, and he has a got a plethora of strikes and kicks he will be using. So I am working a lot on defending that.

Question: As a football player, a person who really plays in a skilled position, how do you think having your athletic skills would be an advantage for you in Mixed Martial Arts?

Morton: I think by playing wide receiver in the NFL, because I had to learn so many techniques physically and mentally, it allows you to pick up a little bit more than I think the average football player because while you are learning MMA, there are so many different entities you have to learn from — ground, stand up, defense, offense. So I am constantly learning. Because I am used to that, I think it accelerates my learning process a little bit. Even though it has only been two months, I feel like I am a little bit ahead of the curve.

Question: Is this your first foray into combat sport?

Morton: Yes.

Question: So you have not fought in amateurs, like Golden Gloves or anything like that?

Morton: No. I am 0-0, and underground, amateur and pro. Zero experience.

Question: In football, there is time out, a huddle, half time. (In MMA), you can be in there for 15 minutes with a guy who is constantly on the attack. Have you prepared yourself for that, or are you going into the great unknown right now?

Morton: No, I have prepared myself for that. In football, sometimes I play games for three hours and I am not tired afterwards. But in MMA, to prepare for the 15 minutes of combat, I have had guys come at me, fresh guys who I will wrestle. (Then, I will) spar with somebody, and wrestle the fresh guys back to back to back. So they are constantly putting pressure and taxing my endurance.

Question: Why are you doing this?

Morton: That is the No. 1 question.

Question: Why not blend in with the stars?

Morton: It is just I want to live life in a way. I know there are other things to do like maybe surf, golf and do things on TV, which I probably will in the future. But right now, because I am still athletic and I am still young enough to do this, this is just something I want to try in life and explore and experience. It is something I have always been interested in. At least, when I am old, I can say I tried or I did it. It is just something I have wanted to do for a long time.

Question: You are probably the biggest name from the NFL to come into MMA. Do you see anyone else maybe coming over, or maybe MMA becoming a sport where it could possibly be an alternative for athletes who might have otherwise gone into football?

Morton: I think it definitely will: one, because the market is growing. It is becoming a sport where the fighters are going to constantly get paid more and more because it is growing. I see the money rising there. Also, the NFL, the career has just jumped to a three-year career average, which means a lot of guys will be done and retire with the NFL at age 25 and 26. So they will still be young and athletic and I think many of the players will be able to transition into MMA as long as they have the desire and the discipline because the training is a lot harder. It is something that I might have second guessed knowing the training was going to be this hard.

Question: Who are some of the other fighters that you are training with and what has been the toughest aspect of MMA to pick up on?

Morton: For me, I train with Mike Diamond, aka Joker. That is why I am training at Joker’s Wild (Fighting Academy in Lake Forest, Calif.). I am also training with an Australian Muay Thai kickboxer, Tony Bonello. I would say the hardest aspect of MMA for me personally is, I thought my striking would be a little bit more advanced than my ground work, but for me ground work is a little bit easier. Then striking is a little bit harder to pick up because of the hand speed. You punch – most people think they punch and strike an object or a target. But you have to bring your hands back just as fast. And I also think the endurance aspect, being able to go punch after punch, kick after kick, go on the ground and get back up. It taxes you. It just wears you out.

Question: You are within the Japanese American community (where) martial arts is taken pretty seriously. How can you justify or explain your decision to go into something like this, which is sport, but has a certain degree of show business to it as well, as opposed to some of the pure traditional martial arts?

Morton: It does. It is revered in Japan, where in the United States; it is looked upon a little bit differently. I have had a wonderful opportunity to play the No. 1 American sport which is the NFL, and now I have a chance to go into the No. 1 Japanese sport, which is MMA. So it is kind of a chance to explore and experience different parts of my heritage.

Question: You mentioned you will be in there for 15 minutes. There is certainly going to be a certain pain threshold as opposed to downs that are separated by breaks when you are playing football. What have you done specifically as far as endurance training?

Morton: Well, I stay in good cardio shape regardless if I am playing sports or not. But this is a whole other world because you do not get any breaks. Like you said, 15 minutes straight of aggression is really hard to deal with. So I usually just do a lot of cardio, a lot of drills and then train with guys one after another when they are fresh and I am tired. That really pushes you to build your endurance.

Question: What is it like making the crossover to something like this?

Morton: It is hard because, for one thing, the biggest change was trying not to muscle everything and learn technique. But I have been playing football for so long that naturally I want to muscle people over or do things to them without technique. So the hardest thing is to relax and use a technique and train your body to do that.

Question: What is the difference between MMA peak conditioning and football peak conditioning?

Morton: For instance, in the NFL, one time I missed about 90 percent of the training camp. I practiced for a week and I started and played the whole game at Denver in the altitude. (In) MMA, I do not know if you ever get in shape because it is just like you are put in this pit where your endurance is constantly being tested and you feel like you can never be in good enough shape to survive.

Question: Comparing the two sports, how would you compare getting hit in football and taking a real shot to the face? Also, how do you compare playing a real team sport (as opposed to) an individual sport like this?

Morton: As far as getting hit, in the NFL, I think the blows are delivered in more of a blunt force, where sometimes you get hit in the body, sometimes unknowingly you get a shot to the head, but you have a helmet on so the force is disbursed a little bit differently. If you get punched in the face or the head in MMA, it is more of an acute pain so it stings you a little bit and it stuns you. But you get a little bit angrier when you get hit in the MMA.

Question: What was your reaction the first time you took a real shot to the face?
Morton: Frustration because I am a perfectionist. So you learn many different things and everyone stresses to keep your hands up. So as soon as you get hit, it is because (I) did not have (my) hands up.

Question: What is it like participating in an individual sport now after playing the ultimate team sport?

Morton: There is a lot more pressure and stress. I remember with the NFL, I usually would not change moods until the day before the game. But with MMA, because there is so much pressure on you, it all rides on your shoulders. You actually do have a team that you have to prepare with, and you are no good without your team. But when it comes down to it, when you walk into the ring, it is all you. So I notice myself changing my attitude maybe two weeks before. You do not want to talk to anybody, take phone calls, and talk to media. You just want to put yourself in the hole and think about the fight.

Question: Do you like that feeling? The individual feeling?

Morton: I do. I am responsible for everything that happens. It is not like I can prepare fully and then go in the game and maybe the defense could pick it up, or the quarterback threw a bad pass. It is all on you. So if you lose, it is on you, but I think when you win, it shows a team effort because you cannot perform well in this without a bunch of guys that will help you prepare.

Question: A lot of guys who played football as long as you did say they come out pretty beat up. Are you still in pretty good condition as far as not being injured?

Morton: Yes, in a lot of ways I feel like I never played in the NFL because my joints are all functional. I do not have any pain. I do not limp out of bed. I feel like I did not even play. I think that is due to my conditioning and taking care of myself.

Question: Do you follow the Lions at all anymore? How do you feel about your days in Detroit?

Morton: I wish I could be there. I want to play. After the fight, I am going to (go) over to training camps and
see if I can get in somewhere.

Question: They always love another receiver, right?

Morton: I do not know if Matt Millen wants me there. I do not know why.

Question: You might like to see him in the ring?

Morton: Well, I would challenge him for charity. All the money would go to charity.

Question: You are in different weight classes though, right?

Morton: We do not even need weight classes.

Question: As far as what you are planning, is this a one and done situation for you? Or do you plan to stay in MMA?

Morton: I do. What I am going to do is have this first fight and go from there. I do not like to plan too far ahead, especially with something I have not done before. But I am looking forward to more fights in the future.

Question: People look at you as a football player and will probably take the position of this being an opportunity to see how football players would do in MMA. Do you feel whether you succeed or not that people will use you as a barometer? Do you feel any pressure to represent the NFL?

Morton: In some ways, I do. I wish I had more time to prepare. I have only been doing this for two months, but I try to learn at an accelerated rate. But I am sure that I will be someone who represents the NFL and many guys, due to my success or what have you, will either make the decision to try it or not.

Question: You have only been doing this for two months; can you describe a typical day in your life?

Morton: As it gets closer to the fight, basically, wake up, eat, train, sleep a little bit and think about the fight. I watch a lot of fights, a lot of fighters that I like to emulate, then train again, eat a little bit. I pretty much keep to myself, especially as it gets closer to the fight. I just kind of stay home. I am a homebody anyway, but you notice yourself not wanting any outside contact. You just want to be with yourself and just kind of go over fights and strategies and get yourself mentally prepared.

Question: As far as conditioning each day, is it general conditioning or specific types of conditioning and training?
Morton: Different types. For instance, when I do stand-up, there is a different conditioning than if I roll around on the ground with guys and work on submissions. It is a lot different. Then sometimes I go out and run. I do sprints and run miles. There is a lot of different types of cardio. A lot of different ways to make yourself tired.

Question: What do you know about your opponent and have you had a chance to view any video on him in order to develop a specific strategy for your fight next week?

Morton: Yes, I have a strategy for him. I have watched a video probably 50 times already. I know what his strengths and weaknesses are. I am sure, (however), without him knowing exactly what I represent, he will probably work on some new techniques. But I do know what his strengths are.

Question: Prior to your training, what martial arts experience background did you have?

Morton: It was just off season, casual, May Thai kickboxing training. Nothing like this. There is a difference between training for fun and training for a fight.

Question: With your debut just one week away, are you nervous?

Morton: I do not really get nervous. Right now, I am working on recovery because I have been training hard. So I am trying to recover now. I am working on techniques and to get my body back and get massages and just get mentally focused.

Question: You spent the bulk of your career in Detroit. How do you look on that phase of your (life)? Was it the best of times, the worst of times?

Morton: No, best of times. Definitely best of times. I think about being there daily and just because I can still play, I wish I could go back there and play. But I am sure it would have to be in the absence of Millen. I love playing football and especially to play back there. I would donate 100 percent of my salary to charity to play back there.

Question: Do you have any closing thoughts or comments?

Morton: I would just like to thank everyone for their interest and I will do my best to make an exciting and victorious fight on June 2.

Question: Can you just give us some opening comments on your fight June 2?

Mo: It is just another day at work, that’s about it. I take every fight seriously. I am ready to compete.

Question: What do you know about your opponent and what kind of fight do you expect?

Mo: First of all, KO. I have seen him fight other guys before. (I do not have) to worry about him. As far as matching up with me, I do not think he can handle my strength and power.

Question: You are really a tribute to not only MMA, but to all sports in regard to what you have gone through and how you support your family. Can you tell us about that?

Mo: I grew up in a rough life. I grew up around crime and my parents were not too educated, but they tried and did their best. Out of all the mistakes, I tried to learn. So I am trying to raise my kids better than I was raised. My brothers are going through their trials in their lives (so) I am trying to be there as a positive impact in my nephews’ lives. I am just there to support them and hopefully let them know that life is what you make of it. I want to set a good example for my kids and my nephews and nieces. You get what you get out of life, if you work hard for it.

Question: Before you got into MMA, you were in construction. Now you are in the business of destruction. How has life changed for you since you began your career in MMA?

Mo: It just made me explore more of my skills and what I know I am capable of. I want to bring something new to the table with my fight skills and my mentality and my athletic ability. )I can) adapt to anybody’s style of fighting.

Question: Who do you typically train with for your fights and who trained you for this fight?

Mo: Well, for this fight, I have been training at different gyms because I really want to open my own gym. I am not a young fighter, so I have seen a lot and I have been around a lot of people. I have adapted to my own style of fighting and I know what works for me and it is what brought me to this level of fighting. I teach myself. I have people there just to look at my lazy points and let me know that I have to focus on those lazy points, like my hands being down, that I need more cardio, that I need to stretch this and lose weight here. But overall, I am a fighter and athlete trying to compete at the highest level. As far as the people I have around me, they are people like Jamie Fletcher. He helps me on my MMA and my kickboxing skills. Then I have a couple other Tai brothers who help me with my stand-up skills. Basically, it is just I am an older fighter and a student of the game. I try to expand myself to be a better athlete and a better competitor in this level of sports and competition.

Question: Mo, it sounds like you really enjoy fighting. Is that true?

Mo: Well, to me, nobody enjoys fighting, but I would say I enjoy the competition, the competitive side of the sport. It is a sport and I am a very competitive type of person and an athletic type of person, and this happens to be where my ability is and I enjoy supporting my abilities. I always felt in my heart that I was an athlete. I tried football. I have been a football player and a wrestler in my life, but this is where my athletic ability landed at so I will make the best of it. Competition is everything and I am a very competitive person. Hopefully, in this athletic sport, I will show my best to the world.

Question: Besides winning, what do you remember about the night you knocked out three guys in three fights?

Mo: I just remember that I was looking for their weaknesses in them and just taking them one fight at a time. I picked them apart. I saw what their weaknesses were and showed them my strength. I got the best of the competition.

Question: Do you like to study tapes of your opponents?

Mo: Yes, I do. I like to study their weaknesses. I may watch films just one time to see their weaknesses. Then I know they have a weakness. There is one thing about fighting, you cannot just go to that weakness, not like football. It is more like you know this guy has a weakness, but it all depends on the moment. You have to be able to read your opponent and adjust to his style of what he is doing.

Question: Style wise, how does your opponent’s Greco Roman style play with your style?

Mo: Well, Greco, you got to pass the red zone when you are standing up, the red zone for a striker. Once he passes that, then I would have to adjust his style on the ground. One of my strengths (is that he weighs) that much. I doubt his skill level will match my strength because I am a very strong individual and that has helped me a lot. Plus, I have done pretty well in collegiate wrestling as a youngster. So I have some ground game for him too.

Question: If Hong Man Choi cannot fight and if you were approached, would you have a problem stepping up to fight Brock Lesnar next week?

Mo: I would have no problem fighting Brock Lesnar. He would look good on my resume.

Question: How do you feel you match up style-wise with Brock? Obviously, he has not fought before in MMA, but he has a very strong wrestling background. Do you feel like your skills will negate his wrestling?

Mo: It depends on what opportunity he gives me. If he gives me an opportunity for me to strike him, then you can consider the fight over. If he is smart enough to get across that red zone and slick enough, then he might have a chance with me. But he has to pass that red zone as far as me striking him, I feel, like most wrestlers, they do not really strike, especially me. I am a very, very heavy striker. So if he is smart and slick enough to get past that red zone past me, he might have a chance. He might.

Question: Is there any update on Man Choi and if that has been finalized whether he can compete next week?

Mo: No. I just heard that they are going to go through one more doctor to find out what the deal is on that and then I guess today or tomorrow I will find out what the deal is on that.

Question: You are a perfect 2-0 in MMA. You have experience and a knockout over Hong Man Choi. Are you thinking that you will go right through your opponent?

Mo: No, I am not thinking I am going right through him, but I just know what I have to bring to the table. Of course, I do keep in mind that he has some ground skills, but basically I do not want to put that type of pressure on myself as far as what he is bringing to the table. All I know is I am strong enough in my defense. Whatever he gives me on my offense; I will take advantage of that.

Question: Any closing comments?

Mo: Just look out for Mighty Mo, he is coming with the bomb.

GATTI WILL FINISH OUT HIS HBO FIGHT CONTRACT AGAINST ALFONSO GOMEZ THIS JULY

Posted on | May 24, 2007 | No Comments

Facing “Thunder” in AC too big a step up for ex-contender?

By Mike Indri

Retired Boxers Foundation

May 23, 2007

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF ED MULHOLLAND

New York – If television’s reality boxing series “The Contender” has done anything for it’s participants, it has provided several young fighters with very rare and beneficial mainstream exposure, as well as some well deserved finances. A majority of those that fought on the “The Contender”, such as Peter Manfredo, Sergio Mora, Joey Gilbert, and now Alfonso Gomez, are better known and more recognizable than most of the current world champions within boxing!

While “Tinsel town” has made these young pugilists household names, most have not been able to shake the “contender”, or even worse, “pretender” tag, after their TV show stints. Most have returned to boxing obscurity.

Peter Manfredo Jr., maybe the most formidable of all the contestants, courageously got in the ring with super middleweight king Joe Calzaghe this past April 7th, and even before the one-sided bout was pre-maturely halted in round three, it was quite apparent that the likeable hero of Providence, RI was in way over his head challenging the Ring magazine and World Boxing Organization World Champion. Sergio Mora, the inaugural series overall winner, has not fought in close to a year, and could not even be lured or enticed to lace up the 10 ounce Everlasts with a title shot against Jermain Taylor.

At yesterday’s Manhattan press conference, held at the popular “Spanky’s” BBQ restaurant, Main Events Promotions CEO Kathy Duva officially announced the July 14th return of two-time world champion Arturo Gatti, who will be making his twenty first appearance on HBO, facing Alfonso Gomez, best known for his brawling, feisty, fighting style as witnessed on the first season of “The Contender”.

The 26 year-old, Mexican born fighter, prevailed over a long list of hopefuls in the “Gatti opponent sweepstakes”, and this can be perceived in two totally different ways: HBO must feel that the scrappy Californian is a valid opponent, while Main Events and/or the Gatti camp does not consider the relatively untested, lighter punching Gomez much of a threat.

Gomez, 16-3-2 (7 KO’s), unable to make the trip east for the hastily scheduled press event, spoke with the NY media via telephone and noted the importance of this being his opportunity, fighting on HBO against a world renowned fighter, a former world champion, and that he assuredly will be ready. “This is an opportunity that I’m going to take advantage of,” reasoned Gomez, “the training regimen I’m going through will help me will this fight.”
While there are questions about Alfonso Gomez, questions that will be answered on July 14th, there are also concerns regarding Arturo Gatti that will be addressed in his adopted boxing home of Atlantic City that same
night.

Gatti, 40-8 (31 KO’s), has been thrilling his loyal legion of fans for many years and has truly earned his title as Boxing’s “pound-for-pound most exciting fighter”. While being rewarded with a well-deserved multi-million dollar, multi-fight contract by HBO (this fight marks the end of said contract), Arturo has also paid a big price.

Unfortunately, whomever the opponent, Gatti makes every fight a “fight of the year” candidate – great for the fans, and great for boxing, not great for Arturo. Also, while the 147-pound limit may be a healthier fighting weight for “the human highlight film”, his power is not as prevalent and Gatti has absorbed excessive punishment fighting as a true welterweight. Gomez is a natural 147-pound fighter.

“A lot of people have counted me out, but I feel great,” stated the proud New Jersey based fighter. “I know I’ve been in a lot of wars – but most of the time my opponents get hurt more than I do!”

Recently turning thirty-five years old, Gatti is a young man, and a new father (daughter Sophia turned one on March 31st). While 35 years of age is young in normal everyday life, it’s old for boxing. Arturo Gatti 35 is very old for boxing.

No longer the 127-pound fighter that knocked out Jose Gonzalez (TKO 3) in the walk out bout at a Secaucus ice rink in 1991, Gatti has endured, flourished and survived for sixteen brutal years, in the most vicious business of all, and has rightfully earned the respect and honor of all the boxing world.

“I don’t have to prove to you guys that I can fight,” stated Gatti, “I’m going to show myself that I still have the ability, and hopefully I can fight for a world title one more time!”

Another twist to the Main Events promoted “Welter Skelter” July 14th Gatti-Gomez battle is having Micky Ward back in the ring with Arturo.

Not fighting him – but training him!

Since the removal of legendary trainer Buddy McGirt, for unspecified reasons, following Gatti’s painful loss to Carlos Baldomir nearly one year ago (July 22, 2007), Gatti felt his old nemesis was the logical choice.

“I was really surprised by the offer, but I said yes, let’s do it,” said Ward, who trains a stable of fighters up in his hometown of Lowell, Mass., and has been working Gatti hard. “At this stage of the game, I can’t teach him (Gatti) anything new. I’m just going to make sure that he is in great shape and just make him concentrate on the fight, put the blinders on and be focused for this fight.”

The co-feature bout at the Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall will showcase newly re-signed Main Event’s fighter, Kermit Cintron, who will be facing dangerous Argentinean slugger Walter Matthysse (26-1, with 25 KO’s). Cintron, 27-1 (25 KO’s) will be defending his IBF welterweight title, in what promises to be an exciting fight – which will probably not go to the judges.

Local prospects Pawel Wolak, 15-0 (10 KO’s); Henry Crawford, 15-0-1 (7 KO’s); Giovanni Lorenzo, 23-0 (15 KO’s) and Giovanni’s brother Melvin Lorenzo, who will be making his pro debut, along with unbeaten Texas bantamweight Raul Martinez, 18-0 (12 KO’s) will also see action on this action packed, HBO televised, boxing event.

An added treat for all HBO customers will be the live coverage of the WBO Welterweight Championship fight between title holder Antonio Margarito, 34-4 (24 KO’s) and # 1 ranked challenger Paul Williams, 32-0 (24 KO’s), which will take place in California. These dual coast title fights, carried live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing, are part of an unprecedented HBO welterweight tripleheader that evening.

Tickets are now on sale and are available at the Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at 1 (800) 736-1420 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
RBFNJMIKE@aol.com

THE CAN’T MISS AND CAN’T WATCH LIST

Posted on | May 24, 2007 | 2 Comments

THE CAN’T MISS VS CAN’T WATCH LIST

By Tony Penecale

The HBO boxing card held on Saturday, May 19 featured an unusual combination: Candidates for best and worst fight of the year. The slugfest that saw Kelly Pavlik score a knockout over the feared Edison Miranda had the fans riveted throughout the contest. The “Main Event” between middleweight champion Jermain Taylor and Corey Spinks was a dreadful affair, featuring less action than a Philadelphia sparring session, with Taylor pulling out a split decision victory.

These bouts, one that had me breathless and the other that had me bored, inspired me to compile of list of boxers today that Can’t Miss (as in that I can’t miss them when they are on) and ones that Can’t Watch (as in ones that usually leave me asleep on the couch).

CAN’T MISS

What makes a “can’t miss” boxer? A “can’t miss” boxer is one that brings a combination of passion and heart into the bout but is also vulnerable enough where anything can happen at any given time. Not all “can’t miss” boxers are undefeated or pulverizing punchers. The boxers on this list are consistently entertaining whether they are winning or losing.

? Jorge Arce – The Mexican Cowboy is a 115 lb ball of fire. While he was beaten in his last fight, Arce is a fan-friendly fighter, attacking his opponent and looking for the knockout. His knockout wins over Husein Husein (first fight) and Masibulele Makepula got him on this list.

? Emmanuel Augustus – This journeyman boxer losses as many as he wins but his unusual style of moving, dancing, juking, and punching from obscure angles makes him fun to watch. Even though is record is slightly better than .500, he gave Micky Ward a tough time in the 2001 Fight of the Year, and even bloodied a young Floyd Mayweather in a losing effort.

? Paul Briggs – The Australian Briggs hasn’t gotten a lot of exposure on American TV with only 2 of his bouts coming in the states. But both were exhilarating slugfests with Thomas Adamek, where both the punches and the blood were flowing freely.

? Miguel Cotto – The next star to come out of Puerto Rico is a relentless body puncher with power in both hands. Cotto often ignores defense which against Ricardo Torres nearly cost him in a big way. Cotto had to pull himself off the canvas and survive a serious onslaught before regrouping and knocking Torres out. His upcoming bout against Zab Judah, a quick and dangerous puncher, should prove to be exciting.

? Juan Diaz – While not a big puncher, Diaz wears his opponents down by settling a torrid pace and throwing punches from bell to bell. In his last bout, he wore down the respected Ancelino Frietas and forced him to surrender.

? Arturo Gatti – Known as “Boxing’s Blood and Guts Warrior”, Gatti is nearing the end of a highlight-reel career. Although he lost 2 of his 3 bouts, he is still a draw in Atlantic City where he has put on so many dramatic slugfests. While known most for his trilogy with Micky Ward, Gatti has been producing Fight-of-the-Year candidates since the mid 90s with his memorable brawls with Wilson Rodriguez, Gabriel Ruelas, and Ivan Robinson.

? Rogers Mtagwa – Quite possibly the best kept secret in boxing. I have known Mtagwa since he first came to the states from Tanzania in 2000 and I’ve seen his transformation from crude slugger who was losing close decisions in action-packed bouts on ESPN to highly-ranked boxers such as Agapito Sanchez and Israel Tejedor to a more polished, power-punching slugger, capable of ending a fight with one punch. The fearless featherweight boxes aggressively, trading punches from the start, and is not afraid to take 2 punches to land 1.

? Manny Pacquiao – What’s not to like about Pacquiao? This buzzsaw from the Philippines attacks relentlessly with power punches. Pacquiao has never been in a bad fight and has crushed 2 modern day legends in Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales.

? Kelly Pavlik – Before he demolished the highly-touted Edison Miranda on HBO, Pavlik has been featured on ESPN several times. He talks a good game and then he goes out and backs it up. His televised knockouts over Jose Luis Zertuche and Lenord Pierre were especially impressive.

? Paul Williams – The tall, power-punching southpaw has been emerging on the scene over the last few years. His impressive knockout win over Walter Dario Matthysse helped establish Williams as a boxer to watch. The upcoming bout with the equally excited but defensively deficient Antonio Margarito should be a fans dream.

? Diego Corrales – TRIBUTE – The late, great Diego Corrales, who tragically passed away earlier this month in a motorcycle accident, always left everything in the ring. After being knocked down by Floyd Mayweather 5 times, he got up 5 times and protested vehemently when his step father stopped the bout. His dramatic come-from-behind knockout over Jose Luis Castillo, when he rose from the canvas twice in Round 10 to starch Castillo, ranks as one of the greatest fights in recent memory. Rest in Peace Fallen Warrior!

? Vinny Pazienza – ALL-TIME FAVORITE – Growing up a “Pazmanian Devil” fan was one of the reasons I started boxing. His inspiring return from a broken neck that nearly paralyzed him was the stuff of legends. While his style was always aesthetically pleasing, which including trash talking, dancing with his hands at his sides, or pounding himself in the head, Pazienza fought every fight as if it were his last. While he didn’t always win, he brought a tremendous amount of heart whenever he stepped into the ring, and thrilled his millions of “Pazmaniacs” throughout his career.

CAN’T WATCH

What makes a “can’t watch” boxer? While I can appreciate all styles of boxers in the game and I understand how difficult of a sport boxing is, there are certain fighters who I just can’t watch as their style seems to just suck the charisma right out of the arena. A good defensive boxer who makes his opponent miss and then counters can also be fun to watch. I very much enjoyed watching a prime Pernell Whitaker stand right in front of his opponent and dodge every punch. The Bernard Hopkins of the late 90s was fun as he used his superior ring generalship to force his opponent into a mistake and then he “executed” him. But a boxer who substitutes running for the art of defense or one who resides on a gameplan that causes more damage to the audience than his opponent is one that can’t watch.

? Chris Byrd – I used to enjoy watching this smallish heavyweight in the mid-to-late 90s. He would stand in front of his usually larger opponents, make them miss, and sometimes would talk to announcers while he was doing it. But after losing by knockout to Ike Ibeabuchi, he became an overly passive boxer, content to move away from his opponent and parry punches with his open hands. His bout with DaVarryl Williamson was an affair that saw little punching between both men. The only entertainment was provided by the referee who admonished both boxers for their lack of action as early as the second round.

? Keith Holmes – Holmes had 2 undistinguished reigns as WBC middleweight titlist. Most of his wins came against decent but hardly imposing opposition. When his big chance came against Bernard Hopkins in the 2001 middleweight tournament, he was content to fight like a frightened turtle, hoping to capture a disqualification victory against his rough-housing opponent.

? Zahir Raheem – While he was outstanding in his win over Erik Morales, Raheem has been dreadful in his subsequent bouts with Ancelino Freitas and Cristobal Cruz, with those bouts featuring little in the way of clean punching, but lots in the way of clutching and waltzing.

? John Ruiz – Another boxer who had his career ruined by a big punch. In Ruiz’s knockout loss to David Tua, he came out firing punches but was caught and brutally knocked out, never to be the same again. The Ruiz that returned was a clutching, mauling boxer. During the last few years, it would become a game to count how many clinches per round Ruiz would initiate. The only thing entertaining about a Ruiz bout would be the antics of his former trainer/manager Norman Stone, who would initiate more action by threatening the opponent, the opponent’s corner, the officials, or anybody else that got in “Stoney’s” way.

? Bruce Seldon – I don’t know what about Seldon has annoyed me the most. His professional wrestling gimmick early in his career, where he would get intentionally knocked down, feign like he was unconscious before bouncing up ala Hulk Hogan was pretty bad. His flopping from a Mike Tyson punch that clearly missed claiming that Tyson’s forearm touched a nerve near his temple was just plain flabbergasting. And after declaring that he had cleaned up his act and was going to get serious, he was felled by a left hook and pulled a “No Mas” on a PPV card against Gerald Nobles in a close bout.

? Corey Spinks – For a boxer who does so much dancing and showboating during his walk to the ring, Spinks should try to be a little more entertaining when he actually steps between the ropes. One of his bouts resembles a track meet with Spinks as a world-class sprinter. He punches in mid run and rarely sits down on any of his punches which explains why he only has 11 stoppages in his 36 wins (without a stoppage win since ’01).

? Hector Camacho – ALL TIME LEAST FAVORITE – There have been few boxers with such an inappropriate nickname as “Macho” Camacho. Most of his bouts consisted of a lot of running and slapping, and when things got tough; his bouts consisted of holding, a lot of holding. While his lack of fire in the ring was a sure annoyance, combined with his lax attitude to training, childish attitude, and outrageous outfits, along with several dubious decision wins he was awarded (the ones over Edwin Rosario and Ray Mancini still irk me) puts Camacho at the top of my all-time can’t watch list.

VAN MEER TAKES FIGHT OF THE NIGHT HONORS AT MCC VII

Posted on | May 24, 2007 | 2 Comments

Fight Of The Night

STORY BY: JOE BALL

PHOTOS BY: KRISTIN VAN ZEE

This was probably the most entertaining fight of the night! Three rounds of great stand-up fighting by each fighter. Jennet was throwing high kicks every chance he could to take advantage of the height difference over VanMeer, but he was checked nicely by VanMeer and countered with more than one take down in those exchanges.

Low kicks thrown by Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Academy Fighter Cole Jennet were countered by big overhand rights that caught Cole on more than one occasion. The three kicks to the groin of Mike ” Mini Van” Van Meer during the fight ended up costing Cole Jennet big in the fight to earn VanMeer a Unanimous Victory over the very game Jennet. Although they were unintentional strikes to the mid section of Mike VanMeer he did a great job of keeping his composure, helping Jennet to his feet at re-starts during the fight more than once. You rarely have the privilege of seeing that caliber of sportsmanship in any sport. Both Fighters were always busy and never retreating the entire fight and I really look forward to seeing what Midwest Cage Championships has in store for us in July! This earns Mike VanMeer a Title shot against Jason Louck in the future.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ROUND BY ROUND RUNDOWN OF MCC VII

Category: Blogroll, Joe Ball, Mixed Martial Arts, MMA, Post fight reports

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