By Jim Amato
2004 is closing out with a real bang. Based on this years multitude of upsets and action battles, in will end up being quite an historic twelve months. The two KO losses by Roy Jones and Oscar's loss to Hopkins were the big stories. So was Winky's upset over Shane Mosley and Arturo Gatti's quick win over Leonard Dorin. There is still more to come.
There is the big heavyweight showdown with John Ruiz facing Golota. There's Chris Byrd in against Jameel McCline. Evander Holyfield boxing Larry Donald and Hassim Rahman meeting Keri Meehan. Then there is Shane Mosley trying to avenge his loss to Winky Wright.
A couple more interesting bouts have been added. On December 9th former Heavyweight champion Michael Moorer takes on former cruiserweight champion Vassily Jirov. On December 18th Antonio Tarver and Glencoffe Johnson, the "Jones Jolters" will clash to see who is the world's best fighter at 175 pounds.
These are two interesting pair ups. Jirov has hung tough with James Toney and Joe Mesi. Moorer's best days are behind him, BUT...If he's in shape and his fragile chin holds up, he's has a chance. Jirov is not a big puncher and he will be the smaller guy. Moorer is a decent boxer and a sharp hitter. If Michael is not in shape the gritty Jirov may wear him down. I've got to go with Tarver over Johnson. Tarver is riding the wave right now. Johnson's a formidable opponent but Tarver has the edge in most departments. It will take a very busy and gutsy Johnson to pull the upset.
