The Contender

The Contender on ESPN is not a great show. In fact, I really don't like it that much yet it is still on my DVR week after week. There have been so many reality shows over the past years that make me want to watch it live instead of setting up my DVR to record it. The Contender is not one of them. The reasons are simple. I don't find the side stories that interesting. I also don't like watching a Hollywood production of a fight. The fights should be broadcasted in its entirety. ESPN should show 3 minute rounds instead of 1. Lastly, I don't need to hear Hollywood sound effects every time someone lands a clean shot. Let's save the Hollywood production for Rocky Balboa vs. Mason "the line" Dixon.

Mayweather to get tested

The pound for pound champ gets the chance to add some hardware to his collection as he faces champion Carols Baldomir in November. Mayweather decided to take this fight when Shane Mosely decided that he wouldn't fight Mayweather until next year. Of course Mayweather would have liked to have faced Mosely instead because it would mean more money and someone that is naturally 140 - 150 lbs. Instead, Mosely will fight Baldomir for less money and will have to deal with someone that can take a punch and deliver one just as hard. Both Mayweather and Baldomir beat Judah and Gatti which sets up for an interesting fight but in reality Mayweather should have no problems with Baldomir. Mayweather is the best in the business and won't give Baldomir the opportunity to throw any punches. I like Mayweather in a lopsided decision.

Not great never will be

Haseem Rachman's claim to fame is that he knocked out a out of shape boxer to become the heavyweight champion of the world. He hasn't won a big time fight since and was quickly knocked out in the rematch with Lennox Lewis. He entered the ring against Maskaev in terrific shape but for some odd reason he did not have the stamina to overcome Maskaev's assault and was knocked out yet again. With this loss, I dismiss Rachman from ever being a threat to be champ again. He could have used his jab all night long against Maskaev and won the fight but instead he decided to trade with Maskaev was sent back to mediocrity.

BAD - Williams

Paul Williams took another step towards stardom on Sat. night's BAD with the destruction of one time contender Sharmba Mitchell. Williams a 6 foot 1 southpaw has the speed and power to be a real threat in the welterweight division and is already calling out all the top fighters. At 25 years, Williams has a bright future ahead of him and I hope he continues to showcase his skills on HBO. This fight reminds me a lot of how William Joppy has been used in previous years. Mitchell just like Joppy was a pretty good fighter that was past his prime and given a few opportunities against young talent before it was time to hang up the gloves.

Real Deal Returns

Holyfield gets a TKO victory against Jeremy Bates last Friday night. Although Holyfield did win the fight and was able to throw punches in combintations, he still got hit with some hard right hands that seemed to hurt him. If Jeremy Bates is able to connect with punches, what will a top tier fighter be able to do Holyfield? Holyfield aims to be the undisputed heavyweight champion by 2008 but he won't ever get the chance because he won't be able to defeat a younger, stronger, faster contender that also want that shot.

DVR: Calzaghe-Lacy

The invention of DVR allowed me to record an MSG rebroadcast of Joe Calzaghe and Jeff Lacy. Both fighters going in were undefeated and many predicted that Lacy's strength was going to play a huge factor in the contest. In the end, Calzaghe beat Lacy from pillar to post with great ring generalship, sharp jabs and devistating combinations. Lacy took a tremendous amount of punishment and needs to become a more complete fighter if he ever wants to be on the big stage again. As for Calzaghe, I think Roy Jones' impressive victory on Sat. night just opened up the possibility for a huge fight at the light heavweight division with many dollar signs attached.