Hello Sportstalkbuzz Nation,

It’s been an interesting week across the boxing world, so let’s waste no time….

THE FURIOUS FIVE

1) There are a couple of different intriguing fights this week, with the first one taking place tonight on ESPN 2 between Joel Julio and Ishe Smith. This match up should be extremely entertaining for a Wednesday night bout, with two high caliber fighters both hoping to use this fight to ensure a future title shot. The former Contender contestant Ishe Smith (19-2, 9 KOs) is a slick boxer with knockout power, who possesses the raw athletic ability to give opposing fighters fits when he’s on his game. Although I like Ishe and his abilities a lot, I think he will be in tough tonight against the 23 year old Julio (31-1, 29 KOs), who has stopped 21 of his opponents within the first three rounds. The odds makers in Vegas seem confident in the young prospects power, with the betting line on Julio currently sitting at -256. I’m not going to make a prediction on this fight, I could honestly see it going either way. I think if Ishe fights a disciplined fight and stays to the outside, he has the potential for the upset. However, if he tries to mix it up with Julio it could be over very early. Either way, should be a highly entertaining fight tonight.

2 ) The other highly anticipated fight of the week also features another former contender contestant, with Steve Forbes (33-5, 9 KOs) attempting to pull off a major upset against Oscar De La Hoya (38-5, 30 KOs) this Saturday night on HBO. Despite the similar records, the quality of opposition faced by De La Hoya and his superior boxing skills have made him a heavy favorite entering the fight. With this fight unanimously considered a tune up for De La Hoya before his fall rematch with Mayweather, is there a possibility De La Hoya overlooks the bout against Forbes like he did with Felix Sturm a few years ago? Probably not, considering how much potential money is on the line and that De La Hoya has stated this is the beginning of his “farewell tour” in the sport. I don’t think De La Hoya will knock Forbes out, but I’m pretty confident predicting Oscar will score a comfortable unanimous decision on Saturday.

3) I’ve recently read a couple of negative articles criticizing the quality of opposition faced by Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., the 22 year old son of the legendary fighter who has so far complied an impressive record of 36-0-1, 29 KOs while avoiding the premier fighters in his weight class. I think the criticism against Chavez Jr. for avoiding the best in his weight class is absolutely ridiculous, as he’s still a very young fighter who had no previous amateur experience before beginning his pro career. Why is it perceived as a negative when a young fighter builds his confidence and skills before taking on the elite level of fighters in his weight class? The boxer Chavez Jr. defeated last weekend was Tobia Giuseppe Loriga, who has a solid professional record of 24-1-1, 6 KOs. It’s not like Chavez is fighting career amateurs while building his skills, these are solid professional fighters who present a legitimate challenge for a young fighter. You can’t blame the kids handlers for taking their time and making sure he’s ready for the next level, especially when you look around the sport and see the success of fighters who were handled in a similar manner during the early stages of their career (Miguel Cotto, anyone?). The time for Chavez to fight for a belt will come within a couple of years, until then stop criticizing the young man for progressing at a realistic pace.

4) I found the post fight interview with Bernard Hopkins following his match against Joe Calzaghe both amusing and regrettable. Without question, Bernard Hopkins has been one of the most dominant fighters of our generation. However, his refusal to acknowledge his defeat to Calzaghe and his subsequent comments were completely classless. It’s one thing to engage in trash talk during the weeks preceding the fight, but for Hopkins to publicly question the masculinity of Calzaghe and the integrity of the judges for ruling against him is ridiculous. I’ve enjoyed watching Bernard fight throughout his career, but for the good of the sport and his own sanity I think it’s time he hangs up the gloves.
5) We all love watching major bouts in Las Vegas or the Staples Center, as these are premiere venues that enhance the fight experience. That being said, it’s extremely nice to see the recent string of quality fights being held outside of these traditional locations. The fight tonight between Joel Julio and Ishe Smith will be held in Richmond, British Columbia, with a fight of this caliber being a rarity in the Canadian pacific northwest. The same can be said for the recent UFC 83 card, which was held in Montreal, Canada. Although these markets certainly don’t have the tradition of Las Vegas or the Staples Center, it’s worthwhile to occasionally stage quality fights in non traditional markets because it’s integral to gaining exposure for the sport. We all know the majority of future title fights will be held in Las Vegas (and rightfully so), but it’s nice to see the recent efforts by everyone involved to expose non traditional markets to high caliber fights.

That’s it everyone, I hope you enjoy the fights this week. I will see you for the next edition of the Furious Five!

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Last post (s) by Brandon Campbell

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Tags: Bernard Hopkins, Ishe Smith, Joe Calzaghe, Joel Julio, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Oscar De La Hoya, Steve Forbes