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by Ramon Aranda
12.22.2009
PART I
Where should the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight be held? Was Lou DiBella in the right by leaving Jermain Taylor? Would Paulie Malignaggi beat Ricky Hatton in a rematch? Ali Shakoor and Matt Knowles battle it out on these topics and more in this week's edition of Fact or Fiction.
Malignaggi-Diaz photo by Hoganphotos / Golden Boy Promotions
Darchinyan & Pacquiao photos by Laura De La Torre.
It's go time as Ali Shakoor and Matt Knowles lock horns this week on Fact or Fiction. Also be sure to check out Ali's weekly ‘Fight Lover's Forum' column alongside Matt's usual ‘Prizefight Preview'.
I'll be the third man in the ring so let's get it on!
Round 1: Regardless of how good Malignaggi looked, you'd still favor Hatton over him.
Matt Knowles: FICTION - I am a firm believer in a concept they call momentum. As of right now, Paulie Malignaggi's confidence must be at an all-time high following his biggest career win against Juan Diaz last Saturday. He has a new trainer who looks to be bringing out the best in him, and is in a prime position for a big-$ bout. Ricky Hatton, on the other hand, basically fell off the face of the Earth (minus his bloated appearance on RAW a while back) following his crushing defeat against Pacquiao back in May. We really have no idea what Ricky's got left in the gas tank; on the other hand, we're all pretty aware that Paulie has his A-game in full swing. If they were scheduled to fight in Spring 2010, I would confidently predict a decision win for the Magic Man.
Ali Shakoor: FICTION - I really had to deliberate over this one. It's a close call. I wrote a column about how Hatton's win over Malignaggi looked so good, and how maybe he wasn't washed up. I wrote that after the first Malignaggi/Diaz fight. However, since then Hatton has gotten fat, got sent to the hospital with a serious, suspicious, stomach issue, got fatter, and then appeared on RAW looking and sounding totally "shot". I have concerns about Hatton's health. Considering their last fight was before this latest version of Hatton, and before Pacquiao put Hatton to sleep in brutal fashion, I'd favor Paulie in a rematch. Paulie also had Buddy McGirt in his corner for the first fight. He's seemed to work better chemistry-wise with his new team.
Scorecard – That's a close one to call as both guys put up the same argument but from different angles. However, the momentum Malignaggi is riding has to account for something so good call on Matt's part to point that out.
1-0 Matt
Round 2: You'd prefer to see Pacquiao vs. Mayweather at the Dallas Cowboys' stadium rather than at the MGM Grand.
Matt Knowles: FICTION - I've said it before and I'll say it again: this fight NEEDS to be in Vegas. Between you, me, and your PC, I believe that all negotiations with sites outside of Sin City are simply a negotiating tool, in order for the promoters to receive a higher guarantee from whichever Vegas casino decides to host the bout. Example: If Jerry Jones offers $30 million to host the fight in Dallas, then MGM or Wynn have to come over-the-top with a $35 million guarantee. These are basic, fundamental negotiation tactics if you ask me; and frankly, I've got no problem with it! This bout is going to break the bank at the box office, on PPV, as well as on closed circuit. For once, the promoters actually deserve this kind of financial leverage, as they have all done an outstanding job in promoting both Manny and Floyd to the point where 8-figure paydays are appropriate for all involved. SHOW THEM THE MONEY!
Ali Shakoor: FACT - I feel what you're saying Matt, but I think a really, really special fight like this could use a different type of venue to make it that much more special. I'd love to see over 70 thousand people in attendance at a stadium, and watch the extra long walks from the dressing rooms and crazy crowd chants. Maybe a major rock band could do the anthem. Kings of Leon please! We've seen so many fights at the MGM Grand, I'd love to see an added wrinkle to make this fight more special. THAT BEING SAID (I love Curb…), with this fight being just right around the corner, I prefer that we stick with what we know. I don't want to see any last minute logistical problems screwing things up for this major fight. The MGM Grand is the old standby, and they know what they're doing. So although, I'd PREFER to see this event in a major stadium, I don't want to risk the fight, so the MGM Grand works best on this short notice. Got that?
Scorecard – Way to dip into both fact and fiction on this one Ali but despite Matt's insistence that the fight go to Sin City, having the fight at a massively large venue like Cowboys Stadium would in fact be pretty awesome. Without being too biased one way or the other, Ali just makes a great argument as to why it should be in Dallas.
1-1 Even
Round 3: A Darchinyan-Donaire rematch would be competitive.
Matt Knowles: FACT - Competitive, outstanding, sensational, electric, intense…there are obviously a number of great adjectives that we can apply to the "best little rematch money can buy." This is one of the few potential rematches where we can all pretty much agree that both men are better prizefighters now, compared to what they were in the first encounter. True, Darchinyan did get another L when he challenged Agbeko, but I think most people (including Team Vic) grossly underrated Mr. King Kong, as Darchinyan was simply in over-his-head against a bigger, more physically gifted fighter. With Vic facing Nonito again, there won't be any significant size advantage for either man; maybe a mental edge for Donaire based on his previous KO victory or a motivational edge for Darchinyan who is seeking revenge. Neither man can make big-$ against anyone else, which makes the rematch all-the-more likely. MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Ali Shakoor: FICTION - It would be more competitive, but I still favor Donaire with a late stoppage or decision victory. I think Vic would make it past 5 rounds next time. Darchinyan looked very sloppy against Rojas before Rojas sloppily laid on the ropes to get cracked. Donaire is a world-class, smart boxer. He'd never be in that position. He'll simply outclass Darchinyan in the second half of the fight. Another point, Darchinyan is pretty old for smaller fighter. That has to catch up eventually. With all that, and add in Vic's savage, brawling instincts, I think things would be competitive for a while, before Donaire takes over for a clear win, if not a late stoppage.
Scorecard – I was thinking the same thing about Darchinyan in that he did in fact look sloppy against Rojas. The Showtime team pointed it out too and Donaire would likely exploit that. As Matt said, Darchinyan probably did underestimate Agbeko but despite his KO win this month, he's getting hit more often.
2-1 Ali
12.22.2009
PART I
Where should the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight be held? Was Lou DiBella in the right by leaving Jermain Taylor? Would Paulie Malignaggi beat Ricky Hatton in a rematch? Ali Shakoor and Matt Knowles battle it out on these topics and more in this week's edition of Fact or Fiction.
Malignaggi-Diaz photo by Hoganphotos / Golden Boy Promotions
Darchinyan & Pacquiao photos by Laura De La Torre.
It's go time as Ali Shakoor and Matt Knowles lock horns this week on Fact or Fiction. Also be sure to check out Ali's weekly ‘Fight Lover's Forum' column alongside Matt's usual ‘Prizefight Preview'.
I'll be the third man in the ring so let's get it on!
Round 1: Regardless of how good Malignaggi looked, you'd still favor Hatton over him.
Matt Knowles: FICTION - I am a firm believer in a concept they call momentum. As of right now, Paulie Malignaggi's confidence must be at an all-time high following his biggest career win against Juan Diaz last Saturday. He has a new trainer who looks to be bringing out the best in him, and is in a prime position for a big-$ bout. Ricky Hatton, on the other hand, basically fell off the face of the Earth (minus his bloated appearance on RAW a while back) following his crushing defeat against Pacquiao back in May. We really have no idea what Ricky's got left in the gas tank; on the other hand, we're all pretty aware that Paulie has his A-game in full swing. If they were scheduled to fight in Spring 2010, I would confidently predict a decision win for the Magic Man.
Ali Shakoor: FICTION - I really had to deliberate over this one. It's a close call. I wrote a column about how Hatton's win over Malignaggi looked so good, and how maybe he wasn't washed up. I wrote that after the first Malignaggi/Diaz fight. However, since then Hatton has gotten fat, got sent to the hospital with a serious, suspicious, stomach issue, got fatter, and then appeared on RAW looking and sounding totally "shot". I have concerns about Hatton's health. Considering their last fight was before this latest version of Hatton, and before Pacquiao put Hatton to sleep in brutal fashion, I'd favor Paulie in a rematch. Paulie also had Buddy McGirt in his corner for the first fight. He's seemed to work better chemistry-wise with his new team.
Scorecard – That's a close one to call as both guys put up the same argument but from different angles. However, the momentum Malignaggi is riding has to account for something so good call on Matt's part to point that out.
1-0 Matt
Round 2: You'd prefer to see Pacquiao vs. Mayweather at the Dallas Cowboys' stadium rather than at the MGM Grand.
Matt Knowles: FICTION - I've said it before and I'll say it again: this fight NEEDS to be in Vegas. Between you, me, and your PC, I believe that all negotiations with sites outside of Sin City are simply a negotiating tool, in order for the promoters to receive a higher guarantee from whichever Vegas casino decides to host the bout. Example: If Jerry Jones offers $30 million to host the fight in Dallas, then MGM or Wynn have to come over-the-top with a $35 million guarantee. These are basic, fundamental negotiation tactics if you ask me; and frankly, I've got no problem with it! This bout is going to break the bank at the box office, on PPV, as well as on closed circuit. For once, the promoters actually deserve this kind of financial leverage, as they have all done an outstanding job in promoting both Manny and Floyd to the point where 8-figure paydays are appropriate for all involved. SHOW THEM THE MONEY!
Ali Shakoor: FACT - I feel what you're saying Matt, but I think a really, really special fight like this could use a different type of venue to make it that much more special. I'd love to see over 70 thousand people in attendance at a stadium, and watch the extra long walks from the dressing rooms and crazy crowd chants. Maybe a major rock band could do the anthem. Kings of Leon please! We've seen so many fights at the MGM Grand, I'd love to see an added wrinkle to make this fight more special. THAT BEING SAID (I love Curb…), with this fight being just right around the corner, I prefer that we stick with what we know. I don't want to see any last minute logistical problems screwing things up for this major fight. The MGM Grand is the old standby, and they know what they're doing. So although, I'd PREFER to see this event in a major stadium, I don't want to risk the fight, so the MGM Grand works best on this short notice. Got that?
Scorecard – Way to dip into both fact and fiction on this one Ali but despite Matt's insistence that the fight go to Sin City, having the fight at a massively large venue like Cowboys Stadium would in fact be pretty awesome. Without being too biased one way or the other, Ali just makes a great argument as to why it should be in Dallas.
1-1 Even
Round 3: A Darchinyan-Donaire rematch would be competitive.
Matt Knowles: FACT - Competitive, outstanding, sensational, electric, intense…there are obviously a number of great adjectives that we can apply to the "best little rematch money can buy." This is one of the few potential rematches where we can all pretty much agree that both men are better prizefighters now, compared to what they were in the first encounter. True, Darchinyan did get another L when he challenged Agbeko, but I think most people (including Team Vic) grossly underrated Mr. King Kong, as Darchinyan was simply in over-his-head against a bigger, more physically gifted fighter. With Vic facing Nonito again, there won't be any significant size advantage for either man; maybe a mental edge for Donaire based on his previous KO victory or a motivational edge for Darchinyan who is seeking revenge. Neither man can make big-$ against anyone else, which makes the rematch all-the-more likely. MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Ali Shakoor: FICTION - It would be more competitive, but I still favor Donaire with a late stoppage or decision victory. I think Vic would make it past 5 rounds next time. Darchinyan looked very sloppy against Rojas before Rojas sloppily laid on the ropes to get cracked. Donaire is a world-class, smart boxer. He'd never be in that position. He'll simply outclass Darchinyan in the second half of the fight. Another point, Darchinyan is pretty old for smaller fighter. That has to catch up eventually. With all that, and add in Vic's savage, brawling instincts, I think things would be competitive for a while, before Donaire takes over for a clear win, if not a late stoppage.
Scorecard – I was thinking the same thing about Darchinyan in that he did in fact look sloppy against Rojas. The Showtime team pointed it out too and Donaire would likely exploit that. As Matt said, Darchinyan probably did underestimate Agbeko but despite his KO win this month, he's getting hit more often.
2-1 Ali
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