St. Louis Pound For Pound List August 2011 – SEF Perspective

St. Louis Pound For Pound List August 2011 – SEF Perspective
Lots of good things happening in STL – even if the national (and world press) is not picking up on all of it. Every now and again I like to look at who is doing what in Arch City’s boxing scene. This is not up for discussion…as always, my opinion is mine so spare me the hate mail. If you have a logical argument, I will listen – it’s only fair. Isn’t that kind of me? Here goes…

1. Devon Alexander – Yeah, yeah, yeah…Devon’s had some interesting fights as of late. He definitely beat Kotelnik – even if it was a thin decision. He lost to Bradley (quitting is a stretch, but he certainly lost) and won another close decision against Lucas Matthyyse last month. Devon has endured a lot of criticism over the past couple of years for not being exciting enough, tough enough or (to some) good enough to be a world champ with staying power. The fact is – he has fought some VERY good competition and the fights have been matched well enough that they were not complete blowouts. He is still a young kid who has not taken much punishment…and has been in some fights that have been educating and are experiences he can build upon. Dev is moving up to 147 to avoid cutting drastic weight and losing muscle…and is currently a free agent. Promoters take notice – he’s going to be #1 again…it’s just a matter of time.

2. Ryan Coyne – Ryan is a better fighter than his last performance indicated. When he is fighting an opponent that is interested in engaging, he’s at his best. He recently declined a fight with Lateef “Power” Kayode next month…and that is to his credit. A fight with Kayode is a big deal – and with less than a month to train, the prospect is too risky for any fighter on the incline. The fan in me knows that the back and forth banter between camp Coyne and camp Kayode is more show and hype than anything at this point…but I also know that if both parties can come to terms financially and with a decent timeline – the fight would be a good one for ShoBox. My biggest concern for the Outlaw at this point is inactivity. However, the fact that he’s still undefeated and pushing toward a world title keeps him high on this list.

3. Deandre Latimore – Bull has had his ups and downs as a professional , and has had to learn about the business through some very tough moments. An early loss to awkward Ian Gardner taught him a lesson in humility. A loss to cross-town rival Cory Spinks showed us a few conditioning flaws – and his most recent defeat to Sechew Powell (via rematch) gave us a scare as he struggled to maintain relevance at 154. Bull has been working on his weaknesses and is again pushing for a world title. Lately, he’s been in the Mayweather camp helping Floyd prep for his fight with slugger Victor Oritz. Bull had been in negotiations with undefeated prospect Vanes Martyrosian…and those talks seem to have cooled – but I’d still look for Latimore to get back into the mix before too long. It’s really up to him.

4. Dannie Williams – I get into arguments in boxing forums and Facebook after every Dannie Williams fight. There are those who feel that Dannie is better summed up in his loss to Eloy Perez than his 19 wins. Something can be said of that, as his competition has been a little on the softer side up to this point. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that in my book. I think Rumble Time learned a valuable lesson with Deandre Latimore via the Gardner fight. For now, at least, I will reserve judgment on Dannie’s opposition, but as we all know – at some point you have to see what a guy’s got before touting him as the second coming. That day is going to be upon us soon. Regardless of where he is at the moment, it’s only a matter of time before big fights come calling – and only then will we all have our answer. Dannie will ALWAYS have a puncher’s chance…

5. Cory Spinks – Not much to say about Cory other than he looked good in his last fight against a guy with far less skill and mobility. When was the last time you saw Spinks overwhelm another fighter with power punches (I’ll wait……..)? Cory is still a top draw in St. Louis and can probably still get fights as ‘tune up’ opponent. He’s a small middleweight, and I don’t see him going down in weight any time soon considering he’s been known to walk around at close to 200 pounds. Personally, I think he should consider retiring, but we all know that’s not going to happen. I am concerned that he will end up seriously hurt.

6. Tyrone Chatman – Tyrone is a dichotomy. I like his explosive style and he most certainly has a raw skill set. My concern is that he is a bit too short to be fighting at 140 pounds. In his last fight, he faced a long and lean opponent who was able to tie him up and keep him away – taking away his most dangerous weapons. Tye has an upside – and can bring the fans in if he continues fighting the level of opposition he’s currently being paired with…but at some point (as mentioned above), a fighter has to prove that he’s championship minded – or in it for the money (being an opponent). Right now, I think Tyrone wants more than a payday.

Eloy Perez - Please Fight Dannie Williams...

Boxingscene has an article up in which Perez calls out Dannie Williams - and says that every fight Dannie wins makes him look better...not really sure that's the case. I get into internet arguments weekly with matchmakers that don't think Williams is all that good - but I think he's being developed properly. I have not always agreed with how RT has brought their prospects along (see Deandre Latimore), but they are taking their time with Williams - which is a good thing.

Check out the article at Boxingscene...

http://www.boxingscene.com/eloy-perez-dannie-williams-makes-me-look-better--42719

Kelly Pavlik - You Lost Me...

So by now, Everyone has heard that The Ghost is bypassing his fight with Darryl Cunningham Friday night...

There are a few stories floating out there right now - and of course, most fans are immediately going to harken back to the days of K-Pav's drunken fisticuffs with Ohio law men...or other dudes with the last name Pavlik. That's logical, considering how lackluster his most recent performances have been - and the amount of attention said fisticuffs have generated.

The other story that has been mentioned is that Pavlik is upset that he is not being paid enough to fight Lucian Bute IN THE FUTURE. WTF?

I have had about enough of this with Kelly Pavlik. He cancels a fight in his hometown against Cunningham (who is only a C fighter AT BEST) that is scheduled to be on ShoBox THIS WEEKEND. I don't get it. Kelly should consider himself fortunate to even have a fan base. I have yet to hear anything positive out of Youngstown about this decision - and I know that Top Rank is probably ready to cut their losses.

If K-Pav is not drinking, someone PLEASE explain to me why he would pull such stupid crap when he's supposed to be working on a comeback.

Rumble Time to Host ESPN Friday Night Fights @ Ameristar

For Immediate Release.

ESPNs Friday Night Fights

St. Louis (MO) March 2011: On Friday August 12, 2011, Rumble Time Promotions is excited to announce ESPNs Friday Night Fights, an evening of Live Professional Boxing at The Ameristar Casino St. Charles Event Center. The main event will feature former World Champion Kermit The Killer Cintron vs. Antoine The Truth Smith.

The Co-Main Event will feature St. Louis own Dangerous Dannie Williams, who won the WBC Continental Americas Lightweight Title in The Ameristar Event Center on April 15, 2011!

Other local fan favorites, including Keandre Gibson, coming off an exciting knock out win at the April Ameristar show. Shawn Hammack is also making his return to the ring and Heavyweight Todd Brown, also coming off an exciting knock out win looks to continue his climb towards a title.

Tickets for the fights are priced at $35.00, $55.00 (table seats) and $100.00 (table seats) and are available now at the Ameristar Casino Gift Shops or online www.tickets.com . Call (314) 662-2000, visit Rumble Time Promotions on Facebook or www.rumbletimepromotions.com for more information.

Buddy McGirt is Not Going to Let You Get Punished...

But, unfortunately - he will not help you win a championship fight.

What is it with McGirt lately? I was just watching him give instructions to yet ANOTHER overwhelmed and undertrained fighter of his on national television. Tonight, the victim was Dat Nguyen, who (even though Buddy implored him to double jab) ingnored every single word out of McGirt's mouth.

McGirt: You are saying yes to me, but when you go out there, you do whatever you want. Now double jab and stand southpaw!

Nguyen: Ok, I'll do it.

Nguyen proceeded to walk to the center of the ring, stand orthodox and throw overhand rights.

It's like his charges don't even care what he says anymore.

Look, I respect the man - after all, he was partially responsible for the dismantling of Roy Jones (see Tarver 2 and 3). However, I can't remember the last time one of his guys won a major bout let alone looked good. Christ, even Buddy's OWN SON was stopped on his watch.

Famous Buddy McGirt Quote (almost every fight): I'm gonna stop it baby - you are taking too much punishment".

Just to give you an idea of the carnage that has happened while Buddy shouted instructions:

Gatti slaughtered by Mayweather
Gatti turded by Baldomir
Tarver trounced by Hopkins
Malinaggi destroyed by Hatton (something that should NEVER have happened)
Spinks run over by Bundrage

....and more. Jesus Buddy, take a break before someone gets killed. Seriously.

Khan vs. Judah - Fireworks Shall Ensue

Anyone who thinks that Zab Judah is completely shot should think again. Even a 33 year old Zab is game for a firefight against a top competitor. Khan should provide the fuel for Zab's interest.

One of the problems with Judah in his career is that he has the tendency to take certain styles lightly...and does not prepare for the unexpected. Look at some of his worst losses - Tzsyu, for instance. In that fight, he was so confident that he'd be able to run the table on a supposed one dimensional puncher that he forgot to put his hands up and block what would be a succession of career changing right hands.
The same thing happened against Carlos Baldomir...he thought that he'd won both of those fights with pre-fight intimidation - only to lose badly to lesser fighters (or at least, less gifted).

Zab's best performances were during his defeats against Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto. Even with the tarnished legacy the Mayweather fight left (the unfortunate but severely intentional low blow), Zab showed that he was able to do what few have been able to accomplish against Mayweather - win successive rounds and look good doing it. In the Cotto fight, Zab fought one of his most crowd pleasing fights - and in a TKO loss showed heart that few these days seem to have.

I didn't think much of Amir Khan until after his war with Marcos Maidana. Khan showed that he can last 12 rounds against an earth shattering punch...and although I am not sold on his chin - managed to give back as much as he took.

If Zab has a fight left in him, this is the one. Styles (to me) look to be a great match for an all action fight, though I am concerned about Zab's conditioning. If he is indeed serious about a final run at all of the belts at 147, he needs to make sure every hour in the gym is focused - and that he regains at least some of what made him a superstar in his early 20's.

Prediction: Khan W UD
Hope: Zab KO 10

Coyne vs. McNemar VIDEO FULL FIGHT

Found this on YouTube - thanks to the owner...! I have alot of footage, but it has not been edited yet. It's broken up into segments. Enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVYyEiKN3BQ