By Troy Ondrizek
Photo © Chris Cozzone/FightWireImages
It takes a lot of growth mentally and physically for a boy to become a man. Some mature faster than others based on external conditions or on the genetic mental mettle of the particular individual. Some boys are thrust into manhood too early and they don’t completely acclimate to it, then fizzle out before they ever had a chance. While others are protected and babied instead of being brought along as men. When those fighters encounter a tough situation they do not know exactly how to react and they crumble and cower under the pressure.
The truth is, it is an inexact science that possesses several integral components in bringing to fruition a true man. The same difficulties arise in bringing up a quality heavyweight prospect, and quite honestly it may be easier to rear a boy into manhood than a heavyweight into a champion.
Much has been made of the current stagnant state of the heavyweight division. The reluctance of the belt-holders to meet in the ring leaves a foul taste in many a fan’s mouth, and it steers casual fans away. The time has come where the consistent rants of the press and the constant moan of the fans has pressured the networks and promoters into serious talks about unification.
The aging contenders that remain outside the realm of championship banter realize that the time has come to either deliver their goods inside the ring, or walk away from the competitive side of the sport. Now that there is hope of a true champion, the next question is who will replace them at the top? The consensus is that the future is bleak and that there is no real prospect separating themselves from the pack. There is a lot of truth to that statement, but the over-protected fighters are starting to break out of their shells and soon an accomplished front-runner will appear from the darkness and a ray of hope will be cast along the heavyweight landscape.
There are a handful of prospects fighting each other and the results are impressive.
Recently Chris Arreola has made big strides into becoming a legitimate contender. The young man from Southern California has been a nightmare for all of his opponents and in his last three fights he's beaten credible opponents, all by stoppage, including heavyweight hopeful Damian Wills. Granted Arreola has a lot of work to do until he becomes a true force in the division, but at the moment he makes for a dangerous opponent due to his growing experience and confidence.
In a thrilling heavyweight fight, which is rare these days, Eddie Chambers finally gained the notoriety that had eluded him for years by fighting no-hopers and retreads. Chambers broke out with a masterful defensive and countering performance against a game but overwhelmed Derrick Rossy.
Chambers has been on the radars of boxing fans for years, but his seemingly unwillingness to engage in meaningful bouts annoyed fans. But, through his victory over Rossy, he was awarded another bout against once highly touted heavyweight Dominick Guinn. Guinn is a man who fears no one and has no qualms about facing a tough stylistic fight with Chambers, and this fight will tell us a lot about the future of both men.
As Arreola and Chambers are starting to show characteristics of maturing into contenders, some younger fighters are preparing themselves for the growing pains in their next bouts. On April 6th, Travis Walker (22-0-1 17KOs) is trying to erase George Garcia’s (13-0-0 5KOs) chance of developing into anything special. Walker is a strong fighter with very crude abilities. He does have a decent jab when he remembers to use it, and a big right hand that sometimes has trouble finding a home. Walker though has been very diligent in training and takes a workman like approach to his craft.
Never afraid to engage in contact, Walker is doing a better job of keeping busy on the inside and he was able to outwork former Olympian and amateur rival Jason Estrada in his last fight. He does live up to his nickname of Freight Train; he is a slow, but strong fighter of whom you do not want to directly stand in front of. As for the other man in the equation, George Garcia is an accomplished amateur who truthfully is fighting about three weight divisions north of where he should be. Garcia is a butterball of talent. Yes he is a bit pudgy and short, but he throws nice combinations and uses speed and counters to overcome his physical disadvantages. Thing is, Walker just faced this exact opponent in Estrada, and he is bigger and more talented. This fight is another tough one for Walker and Garcia has a chance to make a big statement here, but I question his heart and commitment to it all.
Garcia has had chances for big fights before but found ways to back out of them, so we’ll see where his mindset is for this one.
The following week in Russellville Arkansas the fans there will get to see whether JD Chapman (25-0-0 22KOs) or Carl Davis Drumond (19-0-0 16 KOs) is ready to move on to proverbial manhood. Both men have fought nothing but limited opposition. Chapman has fattened his record on the Arkansas club circuit, while Drumond has beaten less than marginal fighters on the Costa Rican fight scene.
Drumond can not be considered a prospect due to the fact that chronologically he is a man at the age of 32, but he is just a boy inside the ring. The only “name” on his record is Ramon Hayes, a fighter who is tough enough to go the distance and lose. While Chapman carries two ugly wins over journeyman Edward Gutierrez and a victory over Mitch “Hold my Beer” Hicks. Honestly, that should tell you about the level of competition on their records. Chapman and Drumond are both a little gun-shy in the ring and forget to throw combinations. Drumond also seems to get a little tired early, despite his sculpted physique. Maybe it's a case of nerves, or lack of experience.
The telling point in this fight to me will be the fact that JD has been given the opportunity by manager Scott Hirsch to train in the finest of gyms with some of the best young trainers and nutritionist in the sport. Also Chapman has garnered invaluable experience sparring top level guys including his stable-mate WBO Heavyweight Champion Shannon Briggs. Chapman has been given the rare luxury of only having to worry about his career and the ability to focus solely upon it; while Drumond was just recently brought to the states by Warriors Promotions. This fight should be a good one and the winner could be set up for a SHOBOX date in the near future.
Near the end of the month, ESPN favorite Michael Marrone (17-0-0 13KOs) will put his awkward fighting style (if you want to call it such) to use against power-punching Malachy Farrell (15-0-0 12KOs). Marrone has been a media darling helped along by Duva Boxing. However, the results of Marrone’s TV appearances have resulted in mixed reviews for the baby-faced boy from Vero Beach Florida. Marrone was floored and almost KO’d by blown-up cruiserweight Zach Page. Many critics will state how a smaller man shouldn’t have hurt Marrone and how the kid doesn’t have the skill. The truth of the matter is the kid got up and showed maturity and resolve by getting right back in the fight and not folding under the pressure.
In his most recent outing, Marrone out-boxed the durable punching-bag Jermell Barnes. Marrone used speed and combos to decidedly win the first four rounds of the fight, and then was gassed in the final two and he literally clung onto victory thereafter. There are a lot of reasons to think that Marrone is one of those kids thrust into the real world of fighting a little early.
For one, Marrone has not learned to pace himself and he dooes have problems moving his head and stepping straight back when finished throwing punches. I actually tend to agree that he is being pushed too fast. Marrone is only 21 years old and has a spectacular mentor and trainer in Lou Duva to learn from. Marrone is becoming a victim of the hype that has surrounded him. However, for as childish as his skills are, Marrone has an admirable and even enviable work ethic that keeps him in the gym year round and willing to work on his shortcomings all the time. This type of maturity will carry this kid a long way in this game.
Now Malachy Farrell hasn’t had the exposure that has been bestowed upon Marrone. And quite frankly Farrell at this point wouldn’t have it any other way. Not many really know much about him, thus not many weaknesses have been broadcast to fans and opponents alike. Thing is though, for as unknown as Farrell is, his opponents know his power all too well. Innocent Otukwu and Shannon Miller are the only recognizable names on the resume, but he stopped them both and looked far more impressive against Miller than Vinny Maddalone or Derrick Rossy did.
I feel Marrone like Chapman has had more opportunities as a result of his high profile promoter and hence is a little more skilled than Farrell. But Marrone’s propensity for getting hit and not doing so well after the fact will be a huge advantage to Farrell. This fight is risky for both and kudos to both for being willing to grow up inside the ring with useful experience.
April is a month in which we will have the opportunity to see some young men mature in the sport and to help their careers grow. It is nice to finally see the initiative from these fighters and their management to be so bold to take these necessary risks. Like children there is only so long that you can protect them from the real world; at some point the dangers and obstacles needed to develop into a real contender must be faced and overcome. Otherwise in life and in the ring you can never truly accomplish anything.
Fighters like Malik Scott, Tye Fields, Donnell Holmes, and Tarug Saleem should take notice of what these young fighters are doing. It is time for them to man-up and earn a little respect by fighting a live opponent, or get out of the sport. I can see a relatively bright future for the heavyweights of tomorrow, and at the end of the month we will see exactly how bright it is.