HBO: Telling it like it is... -PART DEUX-

[TintaBoricua]

MGM Grand...FIRST QUARTER 2010…


Lampley: “Hello, I’m Jim Lampley. Welcome to HBO Pay-Per-View Boxing, where tonight in Las Vegas, Nevada undefeated and former pound for pound fighter Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is making his return to the sport against the number one pound for pound fighter in the sport Manny Pacquiao.. But before that, an intriguing series of match-ups before the main event. First up, a 175 pound rematch between Bernard Hopkins and Joe Calzaghe. Following that fight, it’s another rematch; this time in the welterweight division as Miguel Cotto takes on Antonio Margarito, which could make for a highly entertaining and highly confrontational battle! Afterwards, in our co-featured bout of the evening, Juan Manuel Márquez will take on Shane Mosley at a weight of 140 pounds. Then, in our main event, it’s Mayweather vs. Pacquiao at a 144 pound weight limit. Once again, I’m Jim Lampley joined by my colleagues Larry Merchant and Emanuel Steward standing here at ringside. What was originally thought to be an unfortunate postponement ultimately ended up being a blessing in disguise, as tonight we are fortunate enough to bear witness to a spectacular set of matches on a single card. With a star-studded crowd on hand here tonight, it is somewhat hard to digest the fact that the fights we will see in the following hours are all together on one night, considering that alone they could all headline a pay-per-view. As I turn to my colleague Larry Merchant, Larry, one question: how exciting is this?”

*Camera zooms out and moves in on Larry Merchant*

Merchant: “Jim, I’m having trouble just trying to speak. I’m hooked up to an electrocardiograph for God’s sake!”

*Laughs a little*

Merchant: “When I originally heard that the fight between Mayweather and Márquez would go on…naturally I was disgusted, but when I heard…that there would be some changes and that an additional six fighters…all of whom are fighters who…attract audiences…who have fan bases…I couldn’t help but be intrigued. But I, like many others wondering…..how did promoters find a way to pull this off? The average salary of the boxers here tonight is around…$8 to $10 million. When you take two fighters headlining a fight while commandeering that kind of money, it’s a risk. When you have eight fighters asking for that amount, it’s not a huge risk, it’s financial suicide! Something’s gotta’ give…so as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months…reports came from the companies and from promoters’ own mouths that…the event would be big, it would be spectacular…but that it would come with a heavy price…literally. Under normal circumstances this event…would probably do better than any Pay-per-view…with the exception of De la Hoya-Mayweather…whose numbers will stand the test of time…but…I’m not so sure it’ll do as well as it’s expected…since ordering it will set you back $200. Ringside seats cost a staggering $30,000…it’s unfathomable! I, for one…will never understand…what it’s like to pay to go to a fight… rarely, if ever. But believe me when I say the following: boxing fans out there, I sympathize with you all…due to the price.”

*Camera zooms out to both Larry Merchant and Jim Lampley*

Lampley: “Well, I’m sure everyone watching right now has managed to scrap together the money to watch this highly intriguing series of match-ups. The only question I’m asking myself is how well this will do at the end of the day?”

Merchant: “One more thing, Jim: given that Top Rank and Golden Boy have upped the prices in exchange for more attractive fighters on one card, it still wasn’t enough…to safely ‘green light’…this costly mega event. Enter ****** mogul Richard Branson, who strangely enough as a fan of boxing…decided to put money from his own businesses…into the purses of these fighters to make this event possible, with no strings attached…I know I’m past my prime, but if I manage to keep myself alive to see who’ll emerge victorious in the main event …I can surely die…a happy man.”

Lampley: “It’s interesting to note that 7 of the 8 fighters are considering retiring in the following year due to various reasons. The only one that isn’t considering retirement is recently unsuspended welterweight Antonio Margarito, who after being outclassed and knocked out by Shane Mosley in January of this year re-emerges back with his boxing license after a stunning revelation in late July, more on that later on. But first, let me turn my attention to Emanuel Steward. Emanuel…in just a few moments, we’ll be seeing Bernard Hopkins take on Joe Calzaghe. What’s your take on this fight and do you think it ultimately means anything to the light heavyweight division?”

*Camera zooms in on Emanuel Steward*

Steward: “Well, to me the fight doesn’t really have a lasting impact on the future of this division. Joe Calzaghe’s comin’ out for one big payday, and so is Bernard. They’re not particularly interested in fighting others beside themselves, because there isn’t very much talent, aside from Dawson, who looked decent enough in his rematch with both Tarver and Johnson. Joe’s said that he hasn’t wanted to fight Dawson because he says he’s too green, and Bernard has said that he doesn’t want to fight Dawson because he’s not a financial attraction. As sad as it is, what’s happened is that Dawson’s been left out in the cold……like a puppy…and Dawson……*Voice begins to break*…Dawson’s shivering and trembling because nobody wants to open the door for him. Bernard…

*Tears are forming while the camera zooms out slowly and we see Lampley looking at Emanuel with wide eyes in a perplexed manner*

…Bernard and Joe are eating turkey, corn on the cob and fried chicken, some mashed potatoes and warm apple pie inside the cabin…and……Dawson is still outside…

*Sentences are nearly turning into pure blubbering and Emanuel looks up fighting a runny nose and fighting back tears*

…starving to death that poor basta—
*Emanuel covers his eyes and walks to his right, exiting the camera’s view, while Lampley faces the camera and tries to keep on going amidst the confusion*

Lampley: “Uhh…well…that pretty much sums up the future of the light heavyweight division. We’ll check in on Emanuel in a little while, but now, uhh…let’s get ready…for Bernard Hopkins and Joe Calzaghe 2...rules for the bout with our unofficial ringside scorer, Harold Lederman.”


TO BE CONTINUED...

A little background into this. I began writing this back in June 2010 but never got around to finishing it. I recently started again just so I could finish it and am about halfway through. I will be releasing more depending on feedback. Comments/Feedback is nourishment for the writer. Any is welcome! More to come and as always, thank you for your support!

[No bueno]

144 pound catch weight ? Sounds like a PAC fight alright . Calzaghe vs. Hopkins ... no thanks , boooring . Hated the first one and even though ima get alot of flack for this ... Calslappy is kinda overrated . Not to mention his unappealing style . Now if its Margs vs Cotton 1... he'll yeah . If its 2 ...I'll pass on matchmakers choosing Margs while damaged goods to give Cotto the opportunity to redeem himself . Now I love me some Marquez ... so put him in with anyone descent and I'm in .

[TintaBoricua]

Lederman: “The Bernard Hopkins Joe Calzaghe fight is scheduled for 12 rounds, using the unified rules of the association of boxing commission. There is NO three knockdown rule, only the referee can stop the fight, incase a cut is caused by an accidental headbutt, we go to the scorecards after four rounds have been completed and you cannot be saved by the bell in ANY round, including…the twelfth and final round…JIM!”

*Camera shows Bernard Hopkins getting ready for his ring entrance*

Lampley: “Bernard Hopkins said in an interview that this would be his farewell fight. Do you see any truth to that Larry, or is it just Bernard being himself and fooling us all once again like he has done so many times in the past?”

Merchant: “I DO think this IS…his last fight. I’m not sure whether he’ll win…meaning…I think Calzaghe has the clear advantages, but who knows? He’s surprised us before…Most of us would believe that Bernard might lose this fight, and that he’ll retire soon after. But maybe, just maybe…he can shock the world not once, but twice more…by beating Calzaghe, and by continuing…to fight. Not saying that would be good, but just that it would be shocking…if he’d decide…to do so.”

*Bernard Hopkins begins his ringwalk with “Close to the Edge” playing in the background*

Lampley: “Behind Bernard, we can see Naazim Richardson, one of the hottest trainers in the business after he trained Shane Mosley en route to a stunning knockout upset of Antonio Margarito back when Antonio Margarito was coming off of his biggest career win against Miguel Cotto. He’s also known for employing the use of a towel against his fighters for defensive purposes by swinging it around to create the habit of constant alertness. Emanuel, have you ever heard of any trainer throughout your career using this particular training technique with his fighters?”

Steward: “No, I haven’t. Although it’s not surprising because Naazim utilizes a lot of unorthodox training methods for his fighters.”

Lampley: “Do you see any particular benefit this would have over other particular training methods for its intended purpose?”

Steward: “I honestly don’t find it any different than defensive equipment. The double end bag is probably more effective since it actually moves faster and requires you to hit it back, and with precision; something you can’t practice with just a heavy bag and a towel.”

*Bernard Hopkins steps in through the ropes and is booed by the Europeans in the crowd*

Lampley: “Bernard Hopkins has long been a rarity in the sport. He is a fighter who, at the age of 36, had the biggest moment of his career by stopping a young, undefeated fighter in Felix Trinidad in Madison Square Garden. He became the undisputed middleweight champion and even though some said that he would just make a few title defenses, make some money and go out through the back door, he didn’t. 9 years later, he is still fighting, he is still relevant, he is still a threat in the divisions he chooses to fight in. Bernard Hopkins…is here.”

Merchant: “And a very proud fighter…”

Lampley: “Yes, he is. Yesterday when we sat down with him, he said to us, ‘If Joe was so content with his legacy, then why was he criticized so much for getting out of the business so soon after his fight with Roy Jones, Jr?’ to which he answered his own question with, ‘Because he is afraid of losing, especially against a fighter who’s never been dominated like me.’”

Merchant: “Hopkins has…never admitted…to being dominated, but he has been on record as saying…that the ONLY time…he accepted a loss…was…when he fought Roy Jones, Jr…in 1993. The rest of his losses…he says…are questionable.”

*Joe Calzaghe begins his ringwalk as “Breadfan” plays*

Lampley: “And here comes the Welsh man...Joe Calzaghe!”

*Joe Calzaghe moves briskly towards the ring with his corner men following closely behind*

Lampley: “Much like Hopkins, Joe Calzaghe has shown to be a proud fighter. His confidence whenever he steps in the ring is as well exhibited as the undefeated record he currently holds. For a long time, he was unknown to fans stateside until his one-sided beatdown of undefeated Jeff Lacy. However, criticisms continued to linger long after that fight. It wasn’t until 2008 that he came to the states and gained wins over Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones, Jr. And even after that terrific year, Calzaghe was criticized by many, particularly because of his decision to elect retirement rather than pursue a fight with the young, undefeated Chad Dawson or, in tonight’s case, a rematch with the legendary Bernard Hopkins, who was last seen dismantling a young, undefeated, power-punching fighter in Kelly Pavlik.”

Merchant: “A performance as great as, if not better, than the Trinidad fight.”

Steward: “I think his fight with Pavlik was the best he ever looked.”

Lampley: “It’s curious that throughout most fighters’ entire careers, they don’t often encounter an opponent who they rematch with, either because someone exercises a rematch clause because there’s enough financial incentive to make it. This fight does not fit either scenario. Bernard Hopkins is a highly respected fighter, but he does not draw big crowds. Joe Calzaghe, much like Ricky Hatton, has a large following, particularly because of his undefeated record and showmanship. And while there’s a bit of interest surrounding this rematch, the fact is Joe did not have to take this fight, but he did so anyway. In the past, he has been adamant about his position on rematches, saying, ‘I don’t do rematches. If you want to fight me, I have no problem. But if I beat you, then that’s that. Why should I have to put my record on the line twice if the judges saw me win the first time?’ But nevertheless, tonight he’s here, defying his longstanding belief that rematches pose a high risk/low reward kind of situation by taking on Bernard Hopkins a second time.”

Merchant: “And Jim, I’d like to add on that…when I asked Calzaghe…about the…supposition…that if he had lost a fight with…say, a Chris Eubank, Mikkel Kessler, or even Roy Jones, Jr…wouldn’t he have asked for a rematch? And he responded, ‘I can’t answer that…because I will never lose a fight as long as I stay hungry.’…Give him credit for that, Jim. He certainly has…that fighter’s stubborn mentality of megalomania.”

*Some rustling can be heard*

Lampley: “And now joining us ringside is boxer and former champion Roy Jones, Jr. Roy, glad to have you with us.”

Jones, Jr: “Thanks for havin’ me, Jim. ‘Preciate it!”

Lampley: “Roy, we were just discussing how these two fighters stacked up against each other. What’s your personal take on—

Jones, Jr: “Bernard got this.”

Lampley: “You sound completely certain.”

Jones, Jr: “I am, Jim! Bernard Hopkins is more experienced, more crafty, more wily and sneaky than Joe is. Bernard also has more power than Calzaghe. The only advantage Calzaghe has is speed, but Bernard will be able to nullify that with his timing.”

Merchant: “Well, I don’t know about that, Roy. It’s not only Calzaghe’s speed…that Bernard has to worry about. It’s his…voluminous output…and his…decent power. Calzaghe is not known…as a power force…but his power…is still formidable.”

Jones, Jr: “Not necessarily, Larry. Calzaghe throws a lotta’ punches, but a lot of them don’t land, because they usually glance and are more shoe shining punches. Calzaghe’s punches hit hard, but not enough to make it a factor.”

Larry: “Roy…if that’s true…then I suppose his opponents would…barge in…and throw caution to the wind. If Calzaghe didn’t have power, then…he wouldn’t have stopped…over 75% of his opponents.”

Jones, Jr: “And a lot of them were bad stoppages. His flurries are open-handed slapping, he slaps, he’s slap-happy, he’s Cal-slappy, he’s sloppy with his slapping.”

*Calzaghe enters the ring through the ropes and jogs around through the center*

Merchant: “It didn’t look…like he was slapping…when he fought you.”

Jones, Jr: “…”

Lampley: “…”

Steward: “…”

Lederman: “…”

Merchant: “Nothing to say to that, Roy?”

Jones, Jr: “I’m gonna’ slap the sh** outta’ you when this telecast is over.”

Steward: “Heh heh heh heh heh!”

Lampley: “Alright, and now we send it up to the ring where Michael Buffer stands by to begin the official introductions.”

TO BE CONTINUED...

[SCEN3RY]

MGM Grand...FIRST QUARTER 2010…


Lampley: “Hello, I’m Jim Lampley. Welcome to HBO Pay-Per-View Boxing, where tonight in Las Vegas, Nevada undefeated and former pound for pound fighter Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is making his return to the sport against the number one pound for pound fighter in the sport Manny Pacquiao.. But before that, an intriguing series of match-ups before the main event. First up, a 175 pound rematch between Bernard Hopkins and Joe Calzaghe. Following that fight, it’s another rematch; this time in the welterweight division as Miguel Cotto takes on Antonio Margarito, which could make for a highly entertaining and highly confrontational battle! Afterwards, in our co-featured bout of the evening, Juan Manuel Márquez will take on Shane Mosley at a weight of 140 pounds. Then, in our main event, it’s Mayweather vs. Pacquiao at a 144 pound weight limit. Once again, I’m Jim Lampley joined by my colleagues Larry Merchant and Emanuel Steward standing here at ringside. What was originally thought to be an unfortunate postponement ultimately ended up being a blessing in disguise, as tonight we are fortunate enough to bear witness to a spectacular set of matches on a single card. With a star-studded crowd on hand here tonight, it is somewhat hard to digest the fact that the fights we will see in the following hours are all together on one night, considering that alone they could all headline a pay-per-view. As I turn to my colleague Larry Merchant, Larry, one question: how exciting is this?”

*Camera zooms out and moves in on Larry Merchant*

Merchant: “Jim, I’m having trouble just trying to speak. I’m hooked up to an electrocardiograph for God’s sake!”

*Laughs a little*

Merchant: “When I originally heard that the fight between Mayweather and Márquez would go on…naturally I was disgusted, but when I heard…that there would be some changes and that an additional six fighters…all of whom are fighters who…attract audiences…who have fan bases…I couldn’t help but be intrigued. But I, like many others wondering…..how did promoters find a way to pull this off? The average salary of the boxers here tonight is around…$8 to $10 million. When you take two fighters headlining a fight while commandeering that kind of money, it’s a risk. When you have eight fighters asking for that amount, it’s not a huge risk, it’s financial suicide! Something’s gotta’ give…so as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months…reports came from the companies and from promoters’ own mouths that…the event would be big, it would be spectacular…but that it would come with a heavy price…literally. Under normal circumstances this event…would probably do better than any Pay-per-view…with the exception of De la Hoya-Mayweather…whose numbers will stand the test of time…but…I’m not so sure it’ll do as well as it’s expected…since ordering it will set you back $200. Ringside seats cost a staggering $30,000…it’s unfathomable! I, for one…will never understand…what it’s like to pay to go to a fight… rarely, if ever. But believe me when I say the following: boxing fans out there, I sympathize with you all…due to the price.”

*Camera zooms out to both Larry Merchant and Jim Lampley*

Lampley: “Well, I’m sure everyone watching right now has managed to scrap together the money to watch this highly intriguing series of match-ups. The only question I’m asking myself is how well this will do at the end of the day?”

Merchant: “One more thing, Jim: given that Top Rank and Golden Boy have upped the prices in exchange for more attractive fighters on one card, it still wasn’t enough…to safely ‘green light’…this costly mega event. Enter ****** mogul Richard Branson, who strangely enough as a fan of boxing…decided to put money from his own businesses…into the purses of these fighters to make this event possible, with no strings attached…I know I’m past my prime, but if I manage to keep myself alive to see who’ll emerge victorious in the main event …I can surely die…a happy man.”

Lampley: “It’s interesting to note that 7 of the 8 fighters are considering retiring in the following year due to various reasons. The only one that isn’t considering retirement is recently unsuspended welterweight Antonio Margarito, who after being outclassed and knocked out by Shane Mosley in January of this year re-emerges back with his boxing license after a stunning revelation in late July, more on that later on. But first, let me turn my attention to Emanuel Steward. Emanuel…in just a few moments, we’ll be seeing Bernard Hopkins take on Joe Calzaghe. What’s your take on this fight and do you think it ultimately means anything to the light heavyweight division?”

*Camera zooms in on Emanuel Steward*

Steward: “Well, to me the fight doesn’t really have a lasting impact on the future of this division. Joe Calzaghe’s comin’ out for one big payday, and so is Bernard. They’re not particularly interested in fighting others beside themselves, because there isn’t very much talent, aside from Dawson, who looked decent enough in his rematch with both Tarver and Johnson. Joe’s said that he hasn’t wanted to fight Dawson because he says he’s too green, and Bernard has said that he doesn’t want to fight Dawson because he’s not a financial attraction. As sad as it is, what’s happened is that Dawson’s been left out in the cold……like a puppy…and Dawson……*Voice begins to break*…Dawson’s shivering and trembling because nobody wants to open the door for him. Bernard…

*Tears are forming while the camera zooms out slowly and we see Lampley looking at Emanuel with wide eyes in a perplexed manner*

…Bernard and Joe are eating turkey, corn on the cob and fried chicken, some mashed potatoes and warm apple pie inside the cabin…and……Dawson is still outside…

*Sentences are nearly turning into pure blubbering and Emanuel looks up fighting a runny nose and fighting back tears*

…starving to death that poor basta—
*Emanuel covers his eyes and walks to his right, exiting the camera’s view, while Lampley faces the camera and tries to keep on going amidst the confusion*

Lampley: “Uhh…well…that pretty much sums up the future of the light heavyweight division. We’ll check in on Emanuel in a little while, but now, uhh…let’s get ready…for Bernard Hopkins and Joe Calzaghe 2...rules for the bout with our unofficial ringside scorer, Harold Lederman.”


TO BE CONTINUED...

A little background into this. I began writing this back in June 2010 but never got around to finishing it. I recently started again just so I could finish it and am about halfway through. I will be releasing more depending on feedback. Comments/Feedback is nourishment for the writer. Any is welcome! More to come and as always, thank you for your support!

well done, captures the hbo crew well. Altho, I'm not sure Steward would've been so emotional, otherwise good stuff.

[soul_survivor]

what....is...this?

[The Gambler1981]

what....is...this?

I believe it is called creative writing~

[torosboxing75]

well done, captures the hbo crew well. Altho, I'm not sure Steward would've been so emotional, otherwise good stuff.

This is pretty much what I thought. I wish this was a cartoon or something.

[torosboxing75]

Good job also!

[TintaBoricua]

well done, captures the hbo crew well. Altho, I'm not sure Steward would've been so emotional, otherwise good stuff.

This is a parody, this is going to go more and more off the rails as it goes while still retaining the personalities of the HBO crew. I am sincerely thankful that it's getting some feedback. More to come after I get off work. Thanks again, folks.

[TintaBoricua]

Buffer: “Ladies and gentleman, good evening and welcome to an evening of live boxing at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada where Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank Promotions are proud to present the first of four bouts on the televised HBO PPV card. This fight is scheduled for 12 rounds of boxing…in the light heavyweight division. Introducing first…fighting out of the red corner…his professional record stands at 50 victories, with 32 knockouts, 5 losses, and one draw, here is the former undisputed middleweight champion, and former light heavyweight champion of the world, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania…Bernard… ‘The Executioner’…Hopkins!”

*Bernard Hopkins makes an ‘X’ with his forearms*

Buffer: “And fighting out of the blue corner…his professional record; a perfect one. 42 bouts, 42 victories, with 32 knockouts…here is the former undisputed super middleweight world champion, and former light heavyweight world champion…from Wales…the undefeated…Joe Calzaghe!”

*Calzaghe throws a series of uppercuts in quick succession

*Hopkins and Calzaghe walk to the center of the ring to receive instructions from referee Joe Cortez*

Joe Cortez: “Alright, gentlemen. You received your instructions in the dressing room. Keep the fight clean at all times. Anything below this is low, anything below THIS is low. Keep the fight clean, and break when I tell you to break. Remember, I’m fair but I’m firm! Touch gloves!”

*Fighters touch gloves and go to their corners*

Merchant: “If rematches were people…then Bernard Hopkins…would be well-acquianted with them. He is no stranger to rematches and tonight…he introduces his opponent to an old friend…the rematch. Will Calzaghe be able to get along with him or…will they butt heads?”

*Ding! Ding!*

Lampley: “And there’s the bell for round one as both fighters come out of their corners in a hurry, but neither of them throw punches despite the implied eagerness. Perhaps more surprisingly however, is the particularly large crowd at hand, despite this being only the first of three fights prior to the main event. It emphasizes the star power and genuine interest that there is surrounding what can be summed up as tonight’s quadruple-header.”

*Calzaghe and Hopkins circle around each other feigning but both reluctant to throw the slightest of punches*

Steward: “You can tell just by looking at the expression of both fighters that Joe is a little bit tense as he usually is in the beginning of a fight, even though both of them are only feigning. Bernard looks more relaxed and looks more confident and he’s actually the one leading the fight right now as you can tell because he’s the one stepping forward and Joe is stepping back.”

Lampley: “Well, in a way, the pressure is strictly on Calzaghe. He has never had a rematch and yet he chose to do one against a fighter as dangerous as Bernard Hopkins. Calzaghe didn’t have to do so, yet he did anyway and now his undefeated record is on the line again simply because Bernard kept calling him out after his dominating performance over Kelly Pavlik last year.”

Steward: “I still think that was his greatest performance.”

*Hopkins barges in with a straight right hand as Calzaghe throws a right hook and both punches graze, their feet get tangled and Hopkins trips; damaging his left wrist as he tries to break his descent*

Lampley: “And down goes Hopkins from a right hook by Joe Calzaghe!”

Roy Jones, Jr: “I don’t think that punch actually landed, Jim.”

Lampley: “Whether it did or not, we’re not sure. But Joe Cortez is doing a ten count on Bernard Hopkins, who is already up, but as you can see…he is a gesturing with his left glove as if to show that something is terribly wrong.”

*Cortez counts to eight and asks Hopkins if he wants to continue, Hopkins continues to shake his left glove*

Cortez: “Are you alright, Bernard?! Can you continue?!”

*Hopkins yells something to Cortez and Cortez throws his hands up in helplessness*

Cortez: “Do you want me to stop the fight?!”

*Hopkins begins to yell more angrily towards Cortez while he raises his left glove up and points to it with his free hand*

Cortez: “I’m going to stop it then!”

*Hopkins continues to argue more intensely*

Cortez: “That’s it, that’s it!”

*Cortez puts his arm on Bernard’s back and waves the fight off*

Lampley: “Cortez waves it off! Cortez has waved off the fight! Unbelievable! Joe Calzaghe comes back after his retirement and now it would seem…that he has a 1st round TKO over Bernard Hopkins!”

*Calzaghe’s corner comes out to celebrate, while Hopkins’ camp comes out to argue with Cortez*

Merchant: “Jim, from what I saw, although I’m not too sure, was that Hopkins rushed in, and their legs became tangled. Uhh…Calzaghe…may or may have not…struck Hopkins while he was coming in, but either case, you could tell he wasn’t in any serious condition.”

Steward: “That’s what happens when you have an orthodox and a southpaw fighting each other. Sooner or later, they’re going to trip or stumble because their front legs are trying to get the better footing. It’s never an easy situation even if you train for it, especially if neither fighter is familiar with fighting opposite-handed fighters. It’s messy, it’s awkward, and it’s never easy.”

Lampley: “Well, I’m sure that later in the post-fight press conference we’ll be hearing more about this and certainly what Bernard Hopkins has to say in regards to the stoppage. Harold, is this an open-and-shut case or is this a tough call to make in your opinion?”

Lederman: “Jim, HAHAHAHA…there’s no tough call to make here! Unless a fighter is unable to continue because of a serious cut as a result of an accident, the fight must go on. Otherwise, the fighter complaining will lose by either KO, TKO, retirement, abandonment, etc. I think Córtez was a little quick to stop the fight but Hopkins kept arguing that he hurt his wrist, so what are you going to do? You instruct the fighters to keep fighting but one of them is telling you...you know, indirectly…that he can’t continue. So, because he can’t continue, he loses by TKO.”

Lampley: “Alright, so there you have it from Harold. Bernard loses by TKO because of his reluctance to press on after having landed on the canvas, regardless of whether or not it was considered a knockdown. Emanuel, what do you make of this?”

Steward: “I don’t like the fact that they stopped the fight like that, but Bernard should’ve known better. If you are being counted out, don’t keep arguing with the referee, especially if it’s injury-related. I don’t know how bad the injury was, but if you want to continue fighting, you can’t let the ref know that you’re injured, otherwise you risk losing the fight and that’s what happened.”

Lampley: “Do you think there’s a chance that they might overturn the result in the future and perhaps change it to a no decision?”

Steward: “I really don’t know. To me, it did seem that Bernard landed on his wrist but we won’t know for sure until we see him fight again and how he performs in the future. It’s just a shame for this to happen, especially considering how hard it was to get these two together again.”

Lampley: “I agree, Emanuel. If the decision is, by some a stroke of chance, overturned and the result is nullified, then getting Joe Calzaghe to take a SECOND rematch with Bernard Hopkins is highly unlikely. What do you think, Roy?”

Jones, Jr: “Oh, most definitely, Jim.”

Lampley: “Let’s take it up to the ring with Michael Buffer for the official result.”

TO BE CONTINUED...