Doc’s Boxing Article Archive
Wright and Taylor Fight to Draw
by Ryan Songalia - 06/18/2006
In a very entertaining fight for the middleweight championship of the world, Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor and Ronald “Winky” Wright fought to a split-decision draw in Memphis. Taylor, a Little Rock native, retained the middleweight title he had won from Bernard Hopkins last year, but sustained the first blemish on his previously perfect record. Wright, from St. Petersburg, FL, fought well enough to prompt another title shot.
Read more about Wright-Taylor Recap.
The Torment of Winky Wright
by Jeremy “Fasttalker” Bjornberg - 11/28/2005
Winky Wright (49-3, 25 KOs) is generally regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Winky possesses the best jab in boxing as well as a turtle defense that is second to none. Winky has worked his way to the top without any exciting performances or devastating knockouts. Winky is like an average Joe who worked hard to get where he is and now has no idea what to do.
Read more about Winky Wright.
The Truth About the Odds for Bernard Hopkins and Jermain Taylor
by Jeremy “Fasttalker” Bjornberg - 11/22/2005
As I prepared my pick for the upcoming Dec. 3 Bernard Hopkins and Jermain Taylor fight, I pulled out the odds for the rematch to study the differences in lines. Here are the lines from their first encounter.
Read more about Taylor vs. Hopkins II odds.
Mitchell Unable to May"weather" the Storm
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 11/21/2005
Longtime Jr. Welterweight champion Sharmba Mitchell was outclassed easily by the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Floyd Mayweather Jr. Floyd was simply too fast, too smart and too strong for the shot ex-champion.
Read more about Mitchell-Mayweather recap.
Can Gatti Bring the “Thunder” at Welterweight?
by Trever "DeuceDrop" Malagon - 11/22/2005
Arturo Gatti (39-7, 30 KO’s) is looking to bring the “Thunder” in the Welterweight Division. Gatti is set to take on undefeated Thomas Damgaard (37-0, 27 KO’s) in his second attempt at Welterweight on Jan. 28 2006. Gatti vs. Damgaard will make an exciting fight due to the fact that both fighters have high knockout ratios. These two gladiators have some pop in their punches so expect fireworks. Arturo is known as the human highlight reel, as Gatti being in the ring with another puncher with some pop means big punch drama.
Read more about Gatti vs. Damgaard.
Oscar De La Hoya's Play to be the Next Don King
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 11/17/2005
Although Oscar De La Hoya made boatloads of money for all of boxing he never really paid off for the gamblers. Oscar blew it against Trinidad and Mosley twice in fights he was heavily favored to win. De La Hoya was a huge favorite to Trinidad considering both were undefeated, the lines were around +185 for him on fight night.
Read more about Oscar De La Hoya.
Will He Ever Be The "MANny" Again?
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 11/14/2005
Two years ago almost to the day southpaw Manny Pacquiao (40-3, 32 KO) shockingly destroyed the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera in a one-sided beating. Manny eventually stopped Barrera in the 11th round to earn a spot in the illustrious Ring Magazine pound-for-pound top 10. Many boxing fans and experts felt Pacquiao could even have been the best fighter in the world.
Read more about Manny Pacquiao.
Doc's Prospect Profile - Calvin Brock
by Trever "Deucedrop" Malagon - 11/07/2005
Calvin “The Boxing Banker” Brock is becoming a key player in the Heavyweight Division. BoxRec currently ranks him No. 9 in the world while Ring Magazine has him slotted at No. 7.
Read more about Calvin Brock.
Mike Tyson Comeback In The Works?
by Jeremy “Fasttalker” Bjornberg - 11/07/2005
I was very negative about the heavyweight division and honestly believe that there isn’t anything positive to talk about. The fact that Vitali Klitschko and Hasim Rahman are about to face off in the “biggest” heavyweight battle of the year is all that needs to be said.
Read more about Mike Tyson Part 1.
Heavyweight Title On The Line, But How Strong Are The Lines?
by Jeremy “Fasttalker” Bjornberg - 11/02/2005
The end of the year in boxing really seems to have some potential. There are two major pay per views. Vitali Klitschko and Hasim Rahman face off for the Ring heavyweight championship of the world. Rahman has earned his way back into contention by staying active and beating some top-10 contenders. Rahman faced off with Monte Barrett for the right to fight Klitschko.
Read more about Vitali and Rahman.
The Calm Before The Storm
by Jeremy “Fasttalker” Bjornberg - 11/01/2005
Mexico bested Thailand and won Oscar De La Hoya's cup with a sweep. Fernando Montiel and Daniel Ponce De Leon both proved their heritage by gutting out gritty decisions. Montiel looks a lot like a young De La Hoya and Ponce De Leon just plain brings it. Montiel’s eye was absolutely grotesque but he held on despite being hurt to earn a well fought decision. Montiel seems to have recovered fully from the loss to Mark Johnson a few years ago. Ponce De Leon was dropped in round 2 but came back to dominate the fight via 12 round decision and also took the 122 pound WBO strap in the process.
Read more about The Calm Before The Storm.
Showtime’s Shining Boxing Moment Coming This Weekend
by Jeremy “Fasttalker” Bjornberg - 10/31/2005
This coming weekend Showtime offers possibly their best back-to-back boxing ever. I am not even sure they have attempted to have a weekend of boxing with this potential but either way it isn’t going unnoticed in the boxing community.
Read more about Showtime’s Shining Boxing Moment.
Doc’s Prospect Profile -- Daniel Ponce De Leon
by Jeremy “Fasttalker” Bjornberg - 10/31/2005
It might seem silly to call De Leon a prospect, but a fringe, vacant title can only mean so much. De Leon actually is a titleholder as he just won the vacant WBO title via a rugged 12-round decision over Sod Lookongyangtoy. I can’t thank heaven above that I only had to type that name, not pronounce it. If Sod had won the fight, it would be a nightmare for any broadcaster and hopefully this is the end of him and his ridiculously long name.
Read more about Daniel Ponce De Leon.
Mayweather Still Making Millions?
by Jeremy “Fasttalker” Bjornberg - 10/26/2005
Although many “experts” like to discredit undefeated Floyd (PBF) Mayweather Jr.(34-0, 23 KOs), the fact remains he is the most talented fighter since Sugar Ray Leonard. Mayweather says what he feels and he has rubbed a few writers and announcers the wrong way and that has led to his image being destroyed. Lately many people have blamed his level of competition as a reason to keep him out of the No. 1 Pound-for-Pound spot in the sport. Mayweather cleaned out all the tough Mexican brawlers at 130 and 135 pounds and hasn’t had a chance to face any topnotch opponents since he came to 140 last year.
Read more about Mayweather Still Making Millions?.
The Canadian Report
by Alex Pelletier - 10/26/2005
It’s now official: former WBC super middleweight title holder Éric Lucas (38-6-3, 14 KO) will travel to Denmark to challenge the reigning WBA champ Mikkel Kessler (36-0, 27 KO) in January. ‘Lucky Luke’ hasn’t fought a world-class opponent since getting trashed in six rounds by Danny Green in Montreal back in Dec. 2003. Since then, he has taken a one-year layoff and battled two third-raters, before injuring his right hand. Lucas hasn’t fought since winning a 12-round decision over journeyman James Crawford back in March.
Read more about The Canadian Report.
Boxing's Future Moneymakers
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 10/21/2005
Many names come to mind when compiling a list of the best newcomers in boxing. I decided to mostly focus on some of the more exposed and well-known prospects. I will continue to focus on up and coming fighters so be sure to check back.
Read more about Boxing's Future Moneymakers.
Mora Edges Manfredo Again
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 10/17/2005
Hometown hero Sergio Mora successfully defended his Contender crown by narrowly out pointing Peter Manfredo Jr. I had picked Manfredo to win and I feel like he did pull it out on the scorecards, but the shoddy refereeing disagreed.
Read more about Sergio Mora versus Peter Manfredo Jr.
Corrales Gets Bamboozled
by Jeremy “Fasttalker” Bjornberg - 10/11/2005
It is very hard for me to believe that a class act like Jose Luis Castillo would pull off a stunt like the one committed this past weekend. Castillo had his doctor use his foot to make him lighter, because he wasn’t even close to making weight. Luckily experienced commissioner Marc Ratner was wise to the scam. Castillo’s excuse was that he hurt a rib and couldn’t drop weight, but I feel he was in the best shape of his life. Castillo was as strong as any Junior Welterweight and he seemed to have every advantage over the brave champion Diego Corrales.
Read more about Corrales Gets Bamboozled.
Corrales verses Castillo Rematch
by Trever "Deucedrop" Malagon - 10/02/2005
Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo get it on again this Oct. 8, in Las Vegas. I, much like millions of other boxing fans can’t wait. Is this fight going to be as exciting as their last one? Is it going to have the same kind of drama? I sure think so; I think that these two guys are going to fight the exact same. In all actual reality, neither fighter can fight any other way. These two warriors gave it their all in the last fight, a true full blown assault against one another. The fight was filled with give and take action until someone had to break.
Read more about Corrales/Castillo.
Cotto and Klitschko's Chins Prevail, Will RJ's?
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 09/28/2005
When Ricardo Torres (28-0, 26 KO) was picked as a last minute opponent for super prospect Miguel Cotto, I was a bit surprised. Oddsmakers put Torres at +1200, so I took a chance on a $50 bet and almost saw it turn to $600. Torres had Cotto hurt badly many times in the fight, but Cotto kept coming back. Cotto stayed on his feet all night despite being visibly hurt.
Read more about Wladimir Klitschko.
Barrera Outclasses All-Talk Australian
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 09/23/2005
Hall of Famer and Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera added another name to his impressive resume, by out boxing and outworking Robbie Peden, exactly as Doc's predicted. Peden fought a clueless fight all night long, holding his hands down and taking no chances. One would think that Peden thought he was the legend in the ring, not Barrera.
Read more about Doc's Boxing Report.
Raheem Pulls Off Epic L.A.-Style Shocker
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 09/16/2005
Coming into HBO's doubleheader, all Eric Morales and Manny Pacquiao had to do was win and a multimillion dollar rematch would be set. Problem was, Morales' promoters once again put their fighter in with the wrong style opponent. Styles make fights, and Mexican fighters shouldn't go out of their way to fight tricky, quick-footed opponents. Zahir Raheem was always a talented guy, and he was also a bit naturally bigger than Morales, which helped him absorb the few power shots he took.
Read more about Erik Morales Manny Pacquiao Recap.
Boxing fans look forward to appetizer before the main course?
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 09/07/2005
Boxing fans were treated to a treat earlier this year when Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao battled in a fight of the year candidate. Maybe to hype up the rematch more, or just to spare themselves 2 wars so close together, they decided to fight on a card together to set up their rematch.
Read more about Erik Morales Manny Pacquiao Rematch.
Doc's Prospect Profile -- Lucian Bute
by Alexandre Pelletier - 08/22/2005
Thirteen fights into his pro career, many observers believe that Lucian Bute is the finest young fighter to grace the Montreal boxing scene in many years. He has already become a favorite of Canadian fans, and he has gained celebrity status in his native Romania. Already a Top 15 contender of two of the major sanctioning bodies, Lucian Bute will face the biggest challenge of his pro career as he gets ready to face the rugged Kabary Salem on September 16th.
Read more about Lucian Bute.
Fernando Vargas Takes One Step Forward, One Step Back -- Doc's Weekly Boxing Report
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 08/22/2005
Boxing fans in Chicago were treated to a much better night of fights than the previous week. Undefeated 126-pound prospect Rocky Juarez started off the televised card on Saturday against Humberto Soto. Soto (37-5, 21 KO) was brought in a few weeks ago to replace Injin Chi and was obviously overlooked by Rocky's promoter, Main Events.
Read more about Fernando Vargas Fight.
Doc's Scores Again - Weekly Boxing Recap - Hasim Rahman vs Monte Barrett Review
by Drew "King" James - 08/18/2005
Last weekend offered boxing fans title fights, comebacks and plenty of hot prospects.
Read more about Hasim Rahman vs Monte Barrett Review.
Lacy Demolishes Reid! Doc's Weekly Boxing Report
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 08/12/2005
Steroids in baseball has become possibly the hottest sports topic this year. Is it really important? Are steroids the reason for the home run increases or is it the expansion pitching and smaller parks? Should players be punished or have records taken away without any hard evidence? Should a player be chastised for using a supplement that either wasn't illegal at the time or they weren't aware of?
Read more about Lacy/Reid Recap.
Doc's Prospect Profile -- Jaidon 'The Don' Codrington
by Drew "King" James - 08/01/2005
A boxer fast becoming the division's worst nightmare, undefeated, knockout artist Jaidon Codrington is quickly becoming the toast of the largest town in American. Needless to say, with the way he's been dispatching opponents, he's quickly become a fan favorite in both New York and Connecticut.
Read more about Jaidon Codrington.
Great Britain Rules For Now - Tszyu/Kostya Recap
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 06/06/2005
In a shocking upset, Kostya Tszyu was battered into quitting on his stool after 11 rounds by Ricky Hatton. Kostya came off as a 2.5 to 1 underdog and seemed to be well prepared to beat Hatton. Kostya made a brave move by going to England for the battle to fight their best fighter. I didn't think Hatton had the kind of talent to dominate Kostya but he was definitely up to the task.
Read more about Tszyu/Kostya Recap.
Doc’s Weekly Boxing Report
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 06/01/2005
The weekend really didn't offer too much exciting in the boxing world. Sure, the Carlos Hernandez vs. Jesus Chavez was interesting but neither was really hurt as both fighters have almost identical skill levels. Jesus Chavez was able to pull away a 12-round decision in a fight void of any knockdowns but not short on action.
Read more about Doc's Boxing Report.
Doc's Weekly Boxing Report
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 05/23/2005
This weekend in boxing sure didn't offer much. Career disappointment Andrew Golota once again found a way to embarrass himself and may go down as the biggest boxing goat in history. Golota was in his third-straight title shot against fighters he is more talented than, and once again he found a way to not win a title.
Read more about Doc's Weekly Boxing Report.
Felix Trinidad Versus Winky Wright Boxing Recap
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 05/16/2005
As I pondered whether the Felix Trinidad versus Winky Wright match would be as good as Diego Corrales' incredible victory over Jose Luis Castillo I came to the obvious conclusion that just wasn't possible. I never realized that the fight would be as boring as the Trinidad versus De La Hoya snorefest.
Read more about Winky Wright versus Trinidad.
Felix Trinidad vs. Winky Wright preview
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 05/10/2005
As Saturday approaches the buildup for the fight is really starting to heat up. Felix
Trinidad is probably boxing's biggest stars right now and he is out to prove
once again he takes on all comers. Felix Trinidad has stepped up to fight undisputed
154 pound king Winky Wright in a fight that is very equal on paper. Winky is
a top fighter who has alot of experience and many doubt he has ever lost cleanly.
He has never been put down cleanly but Winky has also never faced a puncher like
Felix Trinidad, but then again there is no punchers like him.
Read more about Felix Trinidad vs. Winky Wright preview.
Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo -- Fight of the Year
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 05/10/2005
Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo battled Saturday at Mandalay Bay in what has easily been the fight of the year, and a candidate for best fight of all time. It definitely became an instant classic as the two lightweight champions bravely fought toe-to-toe for 10 incredible rounds.
Read more about Diego Corrales/Jose Luis Castillo.
Doc's James Toney Versus John Ruiz Recap
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 05/02/2005
James Toney vs. John Ruiz was not highly anticipated -- people felt it would be another boring wrestling match as snuggler Ruiz usually holds 30 times a round. The fight was actually pretty entertaining and the holding was kept to a minimum.
Read more about James Toney and John Ruiz.
Doc's Looks At The Upcoming John Ruiz-James Toney Fight
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg
This weekend was a big one for ESPN has it made its first foray into the boxing pay per view business. I was in Vegas for both Friday and Saturday's fights at Caesar's Palace and it was a great experience. Other than a little rain on both nights, the outdoor arena created a great atmosphere.
Read more about John Ruiz versus James Toney.
How to Bet Boxing
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg
Betting on boxing is definitely an underrated play. But not everybody knows how to bet boxing. Thirty years ago gambling on boxing was bigger than the NFL and NCAA basketball combined. Mobster influence and possible thrown fights scared off network TV and boxing as well as gambling has suffered greatly.
Read more about How to Bet Boxing.
Doc's Boxing Preview -- Calvin Brock vs. Jameel McCline
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg
The past weekend offered very little in boxing other than Johnny Tapia edging out a decision over a journeyman. The coming weekend, however, is going to be very exciting. The action starts at Caesar's Palace on Friday with St. Paul prospect Jason Litzau (13-0, 13KO) featured as an appetizer to the pay per view event on Saturday.
Read more about Calvin Brock versus Jameel McCline.
April Boxing Report
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg
No surprises this weekend as Marco Antonio Barrera detonated the chin of African Mzonke Fana in less than 2 rounds. Doc's was right on target with our selection in this match.
Read more about April Boxing Report.
Doc's Weekly Boxing Notes and The Contender Recap
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg
Jean Marc-Mormeck vs. Wayne Braithwaite was definitely the best Cruiserweight fight in at least five years. Marc-Mormeck was able to overpower Braithwaite and catch him on the ropes at will after the third round. With very little U.S. exposure for either fighter this was a tough fight to call.
Read more about boxing and The Contender.
Doc's Scores Another Boxing Knockout -- Wayne Braithwaite vs Jean-Marc Mormeck Preview
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg
Saturday's crossroads fight for Fernando Vargas was just as Doc's predicted, a unanimous decision win for Fernando. Doc's is on a six-week streak of wins on boxing plays.
Read more about Wayne Braithwaite vs Jean-Marc Mormeck - Boxing Match.
Review Of Eric Morales Vs. Manny Pacquiao
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg
Eric Morales against Manny Pacquiao was everything that was advertised -- a war for the ages.
Read more about Eric Morales and Manny Pacquiao.
Doc's Boxing preview - Eric Morales/Manny Pacquiao
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg
The Eric Morales/Manny Pacquiao fight is only five days away. Manny will definitely be bringing the pressure and Morales will be looking to counter with his right hand.
Read more about Eric Morales/Manny Pacquiao.
Doc's Sports Boxing Rankings
by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg
This weekend is a slow one for boxing as no major fights take place. However there is good news as Arturo Gatti has officially agreed to fight "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather Jr. This fight has the makings of a classic as you pit the classic slugger vs. the quintessential boxer. I, and many in the boxing community can't wait for this fight to happen. It is taking place in Atlantic City on June 25.
Read more about Boxing Rankings.
Doc’s Sports Weekly Boxing Report
Showtime’s doubleheader Diaz lightweight championship along with the Jeff Lacy super middleweight was everything I expected. I went to Las Vegas to catch the Jose Luis Castillo vs. Julio Diaz and Jeff Lacy vs. Rubin (Mr. Hollywood)Williams fight.
Read more about Jose Luis Castillo