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By Dave Sholler - In the world of horse racing, a promising young thoroughbred sometimes fizzles after a fast start out of the gate. Somewhere between the middle and end of the race, the charging stallion inexplicably pulls up lame, his powerful legs seemingly out of steam. From the grandstand, the horse’s owners, trainers, and fans watch in horror as their projected stud falls to the back of the pack.
Last year, three young boxing broncos looked as if they’d win every furlong contested. Lightweight Juan Diaz, welterweight Paul Williams, and light heavyweight Chad Dawson all began to ascend in their respective divisions. Each captured championships in 2007 and the trio appeared to be destined for continued greatness in 2008.
However, somewhere in the early stages of the New Year, two of the three suffered their first setbacks. Williams, 26, a 6’2 southpaw who looked freakish at 147 pounds the year before, saw his progress impeded by the gritty Carlos Quintana in February. Likewise, Diaz, 24, whom many thought was the best young fighter on the market, watched as veteran Nate Campbell jockeyed his world titles from him in just the third month of 2008. [details]
Last year, three young boxing broncos looked as if they’d win every furlong contested. Lightweight Juan Diaz, welterweight Paul Williams, and light heavyweight Chad Dawson all began to ascend in their respective divisions. Each captured championships in 2007 and the trio appeared to be destined for continued greatness in 2008.
However, somewhere in the early stages of the New Year, two of the three suffered their first setbacks. Williams, 26, a 6’2 southpaw who looked freakish at 147 pounds the year before, saw his progress impeded by the gritty Carlos Quintana in February. Likewise, Diaz, 24, whom many thought was the best young fighter on the market, watched as veteran Nate Campbell jockeyed his world titles from him in just the third month of 2008. [details]
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