New Kid On The Scene.......

[vB Martin]

It's an opportunity he almost didn't get after disappearing into the Connecticut prison system for much of 2004.

"If I wasn't boxing I'd probably end up in jail somewhere," Oliver said.

A little late to make that statement, wouldn't you think?

Cong**** on another apparently good fighter in your stable, John. Keep him out of trouble.

[Mr. Ryan]

He went 12 solid, tough rounds Saturday with no apparent problem at all... he was as strong and active in the 12th as he was in the first.... we train hard and PROPERLY. 12 wont be a problem

True, I understand that. But as you always tell me, boxing is a mental game. Oliver's not a puncher by nature so he won't be as succeptable to the discouragement of seeing numbers on round cards he's not accustomed to viewing. But on the other hand, getting taken deep by a more experienced vet who has been around the block longer than Mike might play some games with him mentally that he might not be accustomed to. Of course, and this is not to flatter you so put your hands down, he has competent veteran advice in his corner that would be of great benefit.

I do believe that alot of the fighter is the guy in the corner. He has to work as battlefield general, support, and as a psychologist. For some, like the late Al Gavin who worked with your boy Eric Harding and Jimmy Glenn, you also have to be the medic help also.

[ICEMAN JOHN SCULLY]

He went 12 solid, tough rounds Saturday with no apparent problem at all... he was as strong and active in the 12th as he was in the first.... we train hard and PROPERLY. 12 wont be a problem

[Mr. Ryan]

Molitor is fighting for the title soon, the vacant IBF... I mean, I would say we could have two more fights and go for a world title... the right fight is whoever is the champ at the time

True, and also take into account that before this fight, Oliver was fighting 6 and 8 rounders. Since he's probably going to be forced to fight a full 12, I'd let him get his lungs accustomed to the rigors of going a hard 12 rounds before throwing him in there for a strap.

[ICEMAN JOHN SCULLY]

Molitor is fighting for the title soon, the vacant IBF... I mean, I would say we could have two more fights and go for a world title... the right fight is whoever is the champ at the time

[Mr. Ryan]

Nah, he could get a title fight I am sure.... guys like Mike have been on regional TV (Comcast, NESN etc) so tapes are available for the champs to look at.....plenty of guys get title figths without big exposure.... money talks, remember

I'm more than aware that money talks in boxing, that's the primary driving force behind a champion taking a risk against a tough challenger. The IBF belt is vacant, as are the top 2 contender spots. Oliver would have to get one of the top guys who are rated there to take the fight, which would be alot easier if he wasn't a southpaw. As of current, here are the ratings of the IBF at 122:

1. Not Rated
2. Not Rated
3. Michael Hunter
4. Ricardo Cordoba
5. Steve Molitor
6. Takalani Ndlovu
7. Ricardo Castillo
8. Oscar Larrios
9. Fashung 3k Battery
10. Julio Zarate

Looking at those rankings, what do you think would be a good move for Oliver?

[ICEMAN JOHN SCULLY]

Nah, he could get a title fight I am sure.... guys like Mike have been on regional TV (Comcast, NESN etc) so tapes are available for the champs to look at.....plenty of guys get title figths without big exposure.... money talks, remember

[Mr. Ryan]

There is definitely nothing set in stone for our next fight yet but the way he tore through 12 rounds like that against such a quality opponent definitely caught the eyes of many. I wouldnt be surprised at all if he was fighting for the IBF title by the end of 2007

Oliver will definitely need some tv exposure before he gets a title shot, nobody is gonna risk their title against someone who isn't known, it's too big a risk with minimal gain. Frankly, I'd just like to get some reference material LOL, that's why I wanna see him on tv.

[ICEMAN JOHN SCULLY]

There is definitely nothing set in stone for our next fight yet but the way he tore through 12 rounds like that against such a quality opponent definitely caught the eyes of many. I wouldnt be surprised at all if he was fighting for the IBF title by the end of 2007

[Mr. Ryan]

Honestly....Mike-Mike was spectacular last night. He stepped up to a high level with NO problem or hesitation. He is DEFINITELY the real deal.

Is there a tv date for him in the immediate future?