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Merry Christmas boxing scene!!! I trust my fellow fight freaks are enjoying the holiday season. I am. My favorite time of year caps off the greatest 12 months of boxing I have seen since 1981. Fantastic steps forward for the sweet science. Unprecedented exposure. Insane depth, so many fights to be made!!!!!!!! Exciting time for us. The sport is currently enjoying a mini golden age, at a time when many at ESPN tell us such a feat is impossible. Well take that!! 2013 proves beyond any shadow of a doubt that boxing is as marketable as ever. I was told by a writer I respect that my list is too early, and that I should get it published. Why? and no way. I am on my own timetable, and the fans in this forum as the best audience I could ever ask for. I will say, this list is MY opinion, not fact, not gospel. I am the son of a boxing promoter, I was raised in a gym that featured Simon Brown and Maurice Blocker. They personally, along with my father, taught me the rules of this game. In the ring, and outside of it. Those relationships led me to be a boxing writer. So before you call me a troll, or use pathetic race baiting tactics, understand you are addressing a serious boxing journalist that has covered fights on every level all over the country. I am also friends with many of the people you read every day, worked along side them, so to those that question my credentials, go grab yours, and lets compare
1. Disappointment of the year
Rigo
He is the most gifted boxer in the smaller weight divisions. He is a sublime mix of technique, speed, and problem solving intelligence. He boxed Nonitos ears off, toying with the flash to the point that the broadcast suffered. He unified the titles, and seemed poised for big things. A new hybrid type of defensive genius. Defense can sell, so I figured he was looking at mega fight, a coming out party to augment his destruction of Nonito. Wasn't to be. HBO was so disgusted with him, they would not even place Rigo on the Cotto card IN Fla!!!!! This guy is Cuban. His own promoter cannot stand him, and given his style and marketability I see no top draws tackling that pickle. Then the snooze fest two weeks ago cemented it for me. This guy is one of the most decorated fighters you will ever see, he scored what we thought was a career defining win, he dominated a game gate keeper in JA, yet, his stock has never been lower. That's a massive disappointment
2. Trainer of the year
Robert Garcia
Rios had a tough year, but he is the least talented dude in the stable, and it is quite a stable. Robert motivated Donaire to finish Vic, amazing the surge he created in between rounds. Listen to what he says before the 9th round. He saved Nonitos career. He masterfully guided his younger brother who has emerged as one of the best fighters in the world. He pushed Maidana, in a shortened training camp because of his travèl obligations, he did his best work yet. Even if the investigation bears fruit, Robert has nothing to do with that, and I refuse to believe otherwise
3. Question of the year
How bad is the PED problem???
JMM who I love to death, lost a good amount of the physical dimensions he had sported against Manny when he fought Bradley. It stuck out more then usual because of how chinny Bradley is. The pop on his punches, the thrust on his attempts, the torque. It was gone. Poof. Manny hit Rios with punches that shattered orbital bones, and pufferated ear drums a couple years back, yet Rios hung in for 12 rounds with half the damage. The one thing the two men have in common is that they subjected themselves to random testing this year for the first time. It cannot be argued that physically they both lost some steam. That raises questions. Rios used what he claims was a harmless substance, victor conte crushed that dream on this website many thanks to Ryan M. I saw wlad doing an interview in 2006, he was in the gym, with a towel wrapped around him. He looked big, but not Conan big. I compared that interview to his weigh in picture from the AP fight earlier this year, 10000000% difference. His body looks like a roman sculpture. I worked in baseball fora while and skeptical writers would always tell me that humans do not naturally gain muscule mass in their 30s. It simply does not happen, Wlad has not only gained it, he looks like one of the greatest physical specimens on the planet. Fine, not fair, but neither is accusing Barry Bonds of being a cheat if that's your position. I am worried that the PED problem is boxing is so rampant, and so accepted behind the scenes, that we will see more and more fighters suffering life changing injuries, something we saw an overall increase in this year.
4. Fight of the year
Broner/Maidana
Without question. A polarizing star, a humble country boy. The stark difference between the two men cannot be understated. There was a lot at stake. Broner wanting to solidify himself as a PPV attraction, Maidana wanting to cement himself as a player on the scene. There was vitriol in the buildup, the fight was marketed well. The stage was set, and wow what a crescendo. Their personalities do not match, but by golly their styles do. It was a potent mixture, one that beget drama, intrigue, beauty. Boxing was pretty to watch that night. The fight was what boxing is all about. The theatre of the unexpected. The crowd, the ebb and flow, the pockets of ruthless exchanges, it was a masterpiece. I once wrote about Holyfield/Bowe 1. Even watched the fight with Bowe, I must say, this fight had that type magic
I have looked at all the fanboy threads, and the fantastic articles written on this site (shout out to David G), I think what many of you are missing is that both men were elevated. Broner was NOT disgraced in the fight. He answered serious questions about his resolve, his physical and mental toughness. He is a special fighter, he showed that in defeat, many have wanted to see floyd I the type of fight Broner was just in. Why? To see if he is tough, to see how he would react of pushed to his limits. Broner no longer has to answer those questions
Maidana meanwhile is a legend. Gary Cooper, Dirty Harry, John McLean, a real life bad ass that does not need to be heard or seen, a man of honor. He has earned this, and cheers, he fought an amazing fight
As for napkin gate, it undermines a classic confrontation. Much like Panama Lewis did to AP/AA all those years ago. It's to bad, no need to pass judgement on anyone until the investigation is complete, IF the allegation is true, Ariza should be given the same treatment Panama was. He shouldn't be allowed to sniff a boxing gym until our lord comes home to deliver us.
5. Hypejob of the year
Nonito Donaire
He seems like he doesn't like to fight anymore. He has regressed as a fighter. Watch the tape. He refuses to listen to Robert, he refuses to put punches together, he refuses to really engage. He looks slow, overweight, to think this guy was top 4 PFP a year ago. SMH. Robert kept his head above water with his gipper speech in between rounds 8 and 9.
6. Comeback fighter of the year
Miguel Cotto
I think he is overrated. I think he is a Hypejob, but the bottom line speaks loudest. His career looked done a year ago when he lost a tough fight to Austin no doubt trout. Another Hypejob, but the way he returned, the fire, convinced enough people that he is viable. To the point where Miguel is the subject of the biggest bidding war boxing has seen in five years. Lou Dibella, who remains in self imposed witness protection, seems to be winning, but that's the point, Miguel is as hot right now as he ever was, that's amazing considering. Cong**** sir.
7. Biggest loser award
Bob Arum.
He swims in his money. So every year is a good year, I have spent time with Arum, so I don't call him a loser in the disrespectful traditional sense, I mean on the playing field.
1. Both his PPVs bombed
2. His most talented fighter is a pariah
3. Manny, his cash cow, is in debt to the point that he is willing to do random drug testing
4. He has no real players at 154 or 160 (Cotto is a free agent)
5. The top rank brand suffered and by extension, so did HBO
6. He was implicated in the biggest tax case boxing has ever seen
7. He failed to discover a new headliner to move his brand forward
8. FMJ refuses to give him the cash out fight he so desperately needs
Rough year for arum, I cannot list the amount of setbacks. He will bounce back, or HBO will seek a truce with Goldenboy
8. Fighter of the year
FMJ
He made more money this year then the New York Yankees combined. He put on the two biggest events of the year, he silenced Canelo, he gave boxing the mainstream attraction it has needed for years. He shifted the balance of power from HBO to Showtime. He refurbished boxings image, brought the mainstream fan back. He masterminded the richest fight in history. He reset the definition of the term "prize fighter". He cemented himself as the greatest of his generation. What more can one say? No one is even close
9. Prospect of the Year
Dontay Wilder
10. Round of the year
Kirkland/Tapia round 2
11.Writer of the year
Chris Robinson(he shut the game down)
12. Line of the year
Larry Merchant
When asked to describe the feeling in the room when JMM stopped Manny
"It was as if we all went into a multiplex, and walked into the wrong movie"
Boxing man of the year
Richard S/ Mr Espinoza
These two became the most powerful men in boxing. Haymon no longer compares. They did it with business acumen, marketing savy, and emotional brilliance. They have the boxing industry on a string, and what scary is they have not even scratched the surface. These men run boxing, they more then anyone else, will determine how good 2014 is. Cong****
1. Disappointment of the year
Rigo
He is the most gifted boxer in the smaller weight divisions. He is a sublime mix of technique, speed, and problem solving intelligence. He boxed Nonitos ears off, toying with the flash to the point that the broadcast suffered. He unified the titles, and seemed poised for big things. A new hybrid type of defensive genius. Defense can sell, so I figured he was looking at mega fight, a coming out party to augment his destruction of Nonito. Wasn't to be. HBO was so disgusted with him, they would not even place Rigo on the Cotto card IN Fla!!!!! This guy is Cuban. His own promoter cannot stand him, and given his style and marketability I see no top draws tackling that pickle. Then the snooze fest two weeks ago cemented it for me. This guy is one of the most decorated fighters you will ever see, he scored what we thought was a career defining win, he dominated a game gate keeper in JA, yet, his stock has never been lower. That's a massive disappointment
2. Trainer of the year
Robert Garcia
Rios had a tough year, but he is the least talented dude in the stable, and it is quite a stable. Robert motivated Donaire to finish Vic, amazing the surge he created in between rounds. Listen to what he says before the 9th round. He saved Nonitos career. He masterfully guided his younger brother who has emerged as one of the best fighters in the world. He pushed Maidana, in a shortened training camp because of his travèl obligations, he did his best work yet. Even if the investigation bears fruit, Robert has nothing to do with that, and I refuse to believe otherwise
3. Question of the year
How bad is the PED problem???
JMM who I love to death, lost a good amount of the physical dimensions he had sported against Manny when he fought Bradley. It stuck out more then usual because of how chinny Bradley is. The pop on his punches, the thrust on his attempts, the torque. It was gone. Poof. Manny hit Rios with punches that shattered orbital bones, and pufferated ear drums a couple years back, yet Rios hung in for 12 rounds with half the damage. The one thing the two men have in common is that they subjected themselves to random testing this year for the first time. It cannot be argued that physically they both lost some steam. That raises questions. Rios used what he claims was a harmless substance, victor conte crushed that dream on this website many thanks to Ryan M. I saw wlad doing an interview in 2006, he was in the gym, with a towel wrapped around him. He looked big, but not Conan big. I compared that interview to his weigh in picture from the AP fight earlier this year, 10000000% difference. His body looks like a roman sculpture. I worked in baseball fora while and skeptical writers would always tell me that humans do not naturally gain muscule mass in their 30s. It simply does not happen, Wlad has not only gained it, he looks like one of the greatest physical specimens on the planet. Fine, not fair, but neither is accusing Barry Bonds of being a cheat if that's your position. I am worried that the PED problem is boxing is so rampant, and so accepted behind the scenes, that we will see more and more fighters suffering life changing injuries, something we saw an overall increase in this year.
4. Fight of the year
Broner/Maidana
Without question. A polarizing star, a humble country boy. The stark difference between the two men cannot be understated. There was a lot at stake. Broner wanting to solidify himself as a PPV attraction, Maidana wanting to cement himself as a player on the scene. There was vitriol in the buildup, the fight was marketed well. The stage was set, and wow what a crescendo. Their personalities do not match, but by golly their styles do. It was a potent mixture, one that beget drama, intrigue, beauty. Boxing was pretty to watch that night. The fight was what boxing is all about. The theatre of the unexpected. The crowd, the ebb and flow, the pockets of ruthless exchanges, it was a masterpiece. I once wrote about Holyfield/Bowe 1. Even watched the fight with Bowe, I must say, this fight had that type magic
I have looked at all the fanboy threads, and the fantastic articles written on this site (shout out to David G), I think what many of you are missing is that both men were elevated. Broner was NOT disgraced in the fight. He answered serious questions about his resolve, his physical and mental toughness. He is a special fighter, he showed that in defeat, many have wanted to see floyd I the type of fight Broner was just in. Why? To see if he is tough, to see how he would react of pushed to his limits. Broner no longer has to answer those questions
Maidana meanwhile is a legend. Gary Cooper, Dirty Harry, John McLean, a real life bad ass that does not need to be heard or seen, a man of honor. He has earned this, and cheers, he fought an amazing fight
As for napkin gate, it undermines a classic confrontation. Much like Panama Lewis did to AP/AA all those years ago. It's to bad, no need to pass judgement on anyone until the investigation is complete, IF the allegation is true, Ariza should be given the same treatment Panama was. He shouldn't be allowed to sniff a boxing gym until our lord comes home to deliver us.
5. Hypejob of the year
Nonito Donaire
He seems like he doesn't like to fight anymore. He has regressed as a fighter. Watch the tape. He refuses to listen to Robert, he refuses to put punches together, he refuses to really engage. He looks slow, overweight, to think this guy was top 4 PFP a year ago. SMH. Robert kept his head above water with his gipper speech in between rounds 8 and 9.
6. Comeback fighter of the year
Miguel Cotto
I think he is overrated. I think he is a Hypejob, but the bottom line speaks loudest. His career looked done a year ago when he lost a tough fight to Austin no doubt trout. Another Hypejob, but the way he returned, the fire, convinced enough people that he is viable. To the point where Miguel is the subject of the biggest bidding war boxing has seen in five years. Lou Dibella, who remains in self imposed witness protection, seems to be winning, but that's the point, Miguel is as hot right now as he ever was, that's amazing considering. Cong**** sir.
7. Biggest loser award
Bob Arum.
He swims in his money. So every year is a good year, I have spent time with Arum, so I don't call him a loser in the disrespectful traditional sense, I mean on the playing field.
1. Both his PPVs bombed
2. His most talented fighter is a pariah
3. Manny, his cash cow, is in debt to the point that he is willing to do random drug testing
4. He has no real players at 154 or 160 (Cotto is a free agent)
5. The top rank brand suffered and by extension, so did HBO
6. He was implicated in the biggest tax case boxing has ever seen
7. He failed to discover a new headliner to move his brand forward
8. FMJ refuses to give him the cash out fight he so desperately needs
Rough year for arum, I cannot list the amount of setbacks. He will bounce back, or HBO will seek a truce with Goldenboy
8. Fighter of the year
FMJ
He made more money this year then the New York Yankees combined. He put on the two biggest events of the year, he silenced Canelo, he gave boxing the mainstream attraction it has needed for years. He shifted the balance of power from HBO to Showtime. He refurbished boxings image, brought the mainstream fan back. He masterminded the richest fight in history. He reset the definition of the term "prize fighter". He cemented himself as the greatest of his generation. What more can one say? No one is even close
9. Prospect of the Year
Dontay Wilder
10. Round of the year
Kirkland/Tapia round 2
11.Writer of the year
Chris Robinson(he shut the game down)
12. Line of the year
Larry Merchant
When asked to describe the feeling in the room when JMM stopped Manny
"It was as if we all went into a multiplex, and walked into the wrong movie"
Boxing man of the year
Richard S/ Mr Espinoza
These two became the most powerful men in boxing. Haymon no longer compares. They did it with business acumen, marketing savy, and emotional brilliance. They have the boxing industry on a string, and what scary is they have not even scratched the surface. These men run boxing, they more then anyone else, will determine how good 2014 is. Cong****
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