Thursday, September 26, 2013

A Call For Action Poll:




The Boxing Truth® is currently in the process of formulating a feature entitled “A Call For Action.” As a writer, controversy always is something to live by. As a true fan of the sport of Boxing I have had just about enough of incompetence, rumors, and many controversial atrocities merely swept under the rug. 

I am asking for feedback regarding the avid Boxing fans view and insight on the sport of Boxing.  I am proposing the need for an “Independent Boxing Association” on a national level which much like Baseball, and Football would govern all facets of the sport in the United States. 

Please submit feedback either on this blog or, by contacting me via Twitter at: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

I thank you for reading and look forward to every response.  Stay tuned “And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Mayweather Still The Best Pound For Pound




There was much intrigue and anticipation leading up to the World Jr. Middleweight championship unification bout between undefeated multi-division world champion Floyd Mayweather and undefeated WBC Jr. Middleweight world champion Saul Alvarez. This fight had all the plausible ingredients to be a major pay-per-view and box office draw. It also however, had the ingredients going in of a fight between a future Hall of Famer and a young unbeaten champion who has yet to enter his prime. A fight that had the potential to be a classic.


All of the anticipation leading up to this fight culminated in what overall should be considered a great night for the sport of Boxing on September 14th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the lead up to this fight, this observer stated that it was critical in my opinion that Alvarez put pressure on Mayweather from the outset. I stated that Alvarez needed to be consistent in throwing his jab and also consistent in pushing Mayweather back.


When the fight began however, it was somewhat surprising to see the thirty-six-year-old Mayweather as the one who was coming forward in a clear attempt to test the twenty-three-year-old Alvarez who despite an undefeated record of 42-0-1, with 30 knockouts coming into the fight had never been in a fight with someone who is of the level of a Floyd Mayweather. To Alvarez’ credit he was composed, not intimidated, and solid defensively. 


Alvarez however, opted to fight tactically with Mayweather and not putting forth consistent pressure which most observers this one included felt would be to his advantage. A tactical chess match seemed to play right into Mayweather’s hands. It seemed that neither fighter wanted to make the first move early on with Alvarez electing to fight at long range seemingly looking to force Mayweather to commit and look to counter Mayweather’s offense. Although this fight was fought seemingly at Mayweather’s pace, Alvarez was able to have his moments landing occasional hooks to the head as well as periodically landing combinations to the body.


An argument could be made that the first four rounds of this fight were “Swing rounds” that could have caused a difference of opinion as to who won those rounds due to the pace that the fight was being fought and both fighters being able to have their moments. The difference in this fight as the rounds went on was Mayweather’s ability to get his punches off first, use his lateral movement to defend, and deflect Alvarez’ offense. Not only did Mayweather seem to get off first, he also landed the cleaner, more effective punches led by an excellent jab that he seemingly landed whenever he threw it. As the fight went on, Mayweather picked his shots landing combinations to the head and body of Alvarez.


Alvarez was active in throwing punches, but the key in this fight was he could not find a way to land flush on Mayweather, who showed his great defense and accuracy when he threw punches landing 232 of 505 total punches throughout the twelve round championship bout to Alvarez’ 117 of 526 punches thrown according to CompuBox. 


What should also not be overlooked is that Mayweather was more than willing to engage with Alvarez throughout the fight and consistently beat him to the punch. In a tactical Boxing match sometimes it is as simple as who has the quicker hands. In this fight that fighter was Floyd Mayweather. As I have said many times over the years, although Floyd Mayweather’s Boxing style may not always be crowd pleasing, for Boxing purists it is a pleasure to watch.

Although Alvarez never stopped trying to turn the momentum in his favor and continued to attempt to walk Mayweather down; he was unable to cut off the ring and trap Mayweather consistently throughout this fight due to Mayweather’s lateral movement , precision timing, and counter punching. Alvarez however, fought well in this fight and deserves credit for the effort he put forth. This fight could be best described as a great fighter at the peak of his greatness besting a fighter who could and probably will be considered a great fighter in the years to come. In my opinion, Showtime Boxing analyst Al Bernstein summed it up best when he said “ “Canelo “(Alvarez) may well be the fighter of tomorrow, he is not quite yet the fighter of today.”


Last week, I closed my comments in the build up to Mayweather-Alvarez by saying that it was my hope that as the Boxing world prepared for another “Super Fight” that the sport of Boxing would at least be spared for one night from any controversy or, would be black eyes that all too often plague the sport. For the most part, as a whole I got my wish as the card headlined by Mayweather and Alvarez simply titled “The One” provided plenty of action and was well-matched.


The ugly element of controversy however, reared its head when the decision of Mayweather-Alvarez was announced. After a fight with a consensus among fans and experts alike being a clear victory for Floyd Mayweather, Judge C.J. Ross turned in a baffling score of 114-114 calling the fight a draw.


Many Boxing fans will remember Ross for turning in a scorecard of 115-113 in favor of Tim Bradley in his controversial decision over Manny Pacquiao last year. The decision which raised the ire of fans, experts, and even got the brief attention of Senators John McCain and Harry Reid who introduced legislation that would create a national board of control in the United States to oversee and restore the integrity of the sport of Boxing. Unfortunately, the efforts of Senators McCain and Reid seemed to have fallen on deaf ears as there was not much said following the brief introduction of legislation in the immediate aftermath of the Pacquiao-Bradley fight.


Unlike the Pacquiao-Bradley decision however, Judge Ross’ scorecard did not play as much a factor in the Mayweather-Alvarez fight. Judges Dave Moretti, who scored the fight 116-112, and Craig Metcalfe who scored the fight 117-111 respectfully had Mayweather as the winner giving Mayweather a justified decision win.


Although I am not one who likes to criticize judges for the sake of criticizing judges, and although much criticism has been directed toward C.J. Ross for her scorecard I must say that I disagree with how she saw this fight. The fight was fought at a tactical pace and the first four rounds could have a difference of opinion as to who won those rounds. I fail to see however, how Alvarez could have won six out of twelve rounds. Mayweather was the effective aggressor and although Alvarez was able to have his moments in the fight, he was not consistent enough to win six rounds.


Unofficially, I scored this fight the same as Craig Metcalfe 117-111 for Mayweather giving rounds two, ten, and twelve to Alvarez. Ross however, gave rounds one, three, eight, nine, eleven, and twelve to Alvarez. If this fight had knockdowns scored against Mayweather or point deductions against Mayweather I could potentially see the argument of Judge Ross. I cannot however, see an argument as there were no knockdowns, no point deductions and Mayweather getting the better of the action for the majority of the fight.


For her part, according to TMZ Ross has simply stated “I stand by my decision.” On one hand one could say that it is good for a judge to stand behind their score of a fight. On another hand however, for Ross to ignore criticism of her scoring especially after the Pacquiao-Bradley controversy is at least a little surprising. What is not surprising is the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s stance that it has no plans of disciplinary action against Ross much as there was no disciplinary action taken by the commission following the Pacquiao-Bradley fight.


This observer was extremely critical of the scoring of the Pacquiao-Bradley fight and I along with many other members of media and Boxing fans said that it was time to clean up the sport… In this case the result of this fight was right and just as Mayweather earned his 45th victory in as many fights. Would this controversy regarding the scorecard of C.J. Ross be turned up had the scorecard led to a loss against Mayweather in a fight that he clearly dominated?  Certainly…  It is however, refreshing to see that people whether they be a fan or expert are looking for accountability in a sport that needs accountability.


Whether this latest controversy leads to more calls for government intervention in the sport remains to be seen.  In the aftermath of the Pacquiao-Bradley fight, I had the pleasure of conversing with several readers and observers who suggested to me that the potential way that real change will come to the sport in the state of Nevada is if promoters and fighters simply choose to stage fights and fight elsewhere. One observer said very boldly “Hit them in the pocketbook.”


It is debatable as to whether the theory of economic loss would lead to a change in any state athletic commission with regard to the sport of Boxing or even the sport of Mixed Martial Arts that has seen its own share of controversial decisions. This observer however, believes that the only way that there will ever be federal intervention to oversee the sport of Boxing in the United States is if the people who care about the sport, the Fans, Fighters, Broadcasters, Journalists and what have you, all rise as one and demand it. Demand it by writing politicians and those who can make a national board of control for the sport of Boxing possible. We are all guilty for quieting down on this issue once it appears that steps might be taken that may lead to a national Boxing board of control here in the United States.


Only by the demand of the people will such a concept be brought to fruition. For the moment, the Mayweather-Alvarez fight and the night of Boxing overall on September 14th in Las Vegas should be viewed as a victory for the sport of Boxing. Even if one judge’s scorecard has been called into question it was a memorable night that Boxing surely will benefit from. 



”And That’s The Boxing Truth.”


The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.


Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

Friday, September 13, 2013

Mayweather Seeks To Extend Legacy VS. Saul Alvarez




Throughout Boxing history there have always been fighters that have come to define a certain time period and have become the face of the sport.  Whether it was Sugar Ray Robinson one of the sport’s biggest stars in the 1950’s, Muhammad Ali who became the face of the sport during the 1960’s and 1970’s, on through to Sugar Ray Leonard who was a focal point in the 1980’s and Oscar De La Hoya in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, Boxing has always had a central figure or two that defined an era.  


In the last several years an argument should be made that a fighter that has come to define the current era of the sport of Boxing is Floyd Mayweather.  Mayweather has emerged as one of Boxing’s legitimate superstars defeating a who’s who of the sport including Arturo Gatti, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Zab Judah, and Miguel Cotto just to name a few. This has solidified Mayweather as the sport’s top pay-per-view draw, rivaled only by fellow superstar Manny Pacquiao.


There may be a difference of opinion in regard to whether or not Mayweather’s legacy might be somewhat diminished due to a potential mega fight with Pacquiao not being made. This observer has said over the years that it was my opinion that a fight between the two should happen as both were considered to be the best pound for pound fighters in their era. For a long time if one were to consider Floyd Mayweather the number one pound for pound fighter in the world, it was hard not to say that Manny Pacquiao would be considered 1-A or, vice versa.


This has changed somewhat due to Manny Pacquiao losing his last two fights. A controversial decision loss to Timothy Bradley in June of last year followed by a devastating one punch knockout loss in his fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez last December. Although many observers, this one included feel that Pacquiao was the victim of injustice in his decision loss to Tim Bradley, based on his loss to Marquez and the devastating manner in which that loss occurred; Manny Pacquiao one might argue has been knocked down a few rungs in most pound for pound ratings. It is hard not to argue based on Manny Pacquiao’s setbacks that Floyd Mayweather is the undisputed number one fighter pound for pound in the world.


Mayweather’s style which puts an emphasis on defense and lateral movement has continued to befuddle all opponents placed before him. What makes Mayweather’s elusiveness so frustrating is his ability to time his opponents with near surgical precision. The ability to block the majority of an opponent’s offense with his trademark shoulder roll defense and fire fast and accurate counter punches.  Although Mayweather’s style may not always be crowd pleasing, for Boxing purists it is enjoyable to watch.  Boxing after all is a sport where the objective is to hit and not be hit and for someone who can put all the facets of what makes a boxer great. Great defense and lateral movement, precision timing, and hand speed, working in near perfect synchronization is a pleasure to watch.  


Mayweather however has been tested at various stages of his career.  One of the most notable tests was when Mayweather defeated Jose Luis Castillo in 2002 for the WBC World Lightweight championship.  In that fight although Mayweather controlled the early rounds, Castillo was able to make up ground in the middle rounds due to his ability to land to the body and head of Mayweather.  The fight was very close with a wide difference of opinion among fans and experts alike as to who won the bout.  In my opinion, I felt that although the fight was close that perhaps Castillo’s effective aggression in the middle rounds was enough to defeat Mayweather by a narrow margin. It was however, a very close fight that could have gone either way. Mayweather would silence all doubt as to who won that fight by convincingly beating Castillo in a rematch later that year.


In 2007, Mayweather took part in what would become the richest fight in Boxing history when he defeated Oscar De La Hoya in a closely fought tactical battle that also had a difference of opinion among fans and experts alike as to who won the fight. Unfortunately for Boxing fans, there would be no rematch between the two legends as Mayweather would briefly retire in 2008 followed by De La Hoya who retired in 2009.


Mayweather’s dominance in the sport resumed when he returned to the ring in 2009 scoring a dominant twelve round unanimous decision over Juan Manuel Marquez. Following a convincing unanimous decision over Shane Mosley, and a knockout win over Victor Ortiz, Mayweather would fight Miguel Cotto in May of last year.


Much like his fight with Oscar De La Hoya, Mayweather’s fight against Cotto was a tactical battle in which both fighters had their say. Mayweather generally got off first with his punches and was able to win rounds that were very close simply by getting off first. Cotto’s defense however, was very solid as he was able to block a lot of Mayweather’s punches. Cotto also had a significant period in the middle rounds where he was the more effective of the two fighters, periodically landing his jab and pushing Mayweather back to the ropes and landing shots to the body. Cotto however, was not able to maintain the momentum he had built in the middle rounds of the fight allowing Mayweather to make the necessary adjustments to win the late rounds and secure victory.


An argument could and perhaps should be made that out of Mayweather’s forty-four professional fights that the most competitive of those fights where Mayweather was in danger of losing at some point came against Castillo, De La Hoya, and Cotto. One thing that was noticeable upon his return in 2009 was that Mayweather was starting to get hit a little more than he was hit earlier in his career. This can be attributed to Mayweather being more willing to engage with his opponents.


Mayweather however, showed earlier this year in his last fight against Robert Guerrero in defending his WBC World Welterweight championship that the lateral movement and great defense complemented with precision timing and hand speed were all there and that his skills had not diminished simply because fighters have found ways to land more on Mayweather in recent fights. After what was a dominating performance in his fight with Guerrero, talk almost immediately began about a potential fight between Mayweather and undefeated fellow Jr. Middleweight champion Saul Alvarez, holder of the WBC title. A fight that would be signed a short time following Mayweather’s win over Guerrero.


Alvarez is thirteen years Mayweather’s junior however, has only had two less fights than Mayweather since beginning his career in 2005. Alvarez fights in a measured tactical Boxing style that has proven to be quite entertaining to watch. A valid point going into this fight could be that despite Alvarez’ impressive record of 42-0-1, with 30 knockouts, despite wins over former world champions Carlos Baldomir and Shane Mosley, the argument of some could be that Alvarez fought both fighters at declining stages of their respective careers.


Alvarez however, has consistently looked impressive no matter the opposition and an argument could also be made that realistically a fight with Floyd Mayweather is the best fight out there for him at this stage of his career. In his last bout, Alvarez defeated previously unbeaten Jr. Middleweight Austin Trout who held interim/regular status in the WBA’s Jr. Middleweight ratings. What makes that noteworthy is that Floyd Mayweather is recognized as champion or, “Super” champion by the WBA per Mayweather’s victory over former champion Miguel Cotto last year.


The political landscape of the sport’s governing bodies notwithstanding; the Mayweather-Alvarez fight is really a win/win for all involved, the fighters, the promoters, but most importantly of all Boxing fans. For Floyd Mayweather this fight is another opportunity to prove that he is the best pound for pound fighter in the sport by defeating Boxing’s newest superstar. For Saul Alvarez, this fight is an opportunity to prove to any skeptics that he is an elite level fighter and should he be able to pull off what no other fighter has been able to against Floyd Mayweather, his place among the sport’s pound for pound ratings will be assured.


Besides the classic scenario of youth versus experience that this fight presents, it also presents an interesting style match up. It will be interesting to see whether or not Floyd Mayweather will fight in a similar way as he did against Robert Guerrero where he used great lateral movement, defense, timing, elusiveness, and hand speed which allowed him to consistently beat Guerrero to the punch and make Guerrero miss his punches for the majority of twelve rounds or, if Mayweather will be willing to engage with Alvarez as he did against Miguel Cotto.


For Alvarez the key in my eyes is whether he can bring the fight to Mayweather from the outset. Fighters like José Luis Castillo, Oscar De La Hoya, and Miguel Cotto all were able to have periods of success against Mayweather. One might argue that each made tactical errors in their bouts with Mayweather which allowed Mayweather to make the necessary adjustments in order to win.


In thinking about how Alvarez can be successful in this fight I thought back to Mayweather’s fight with Miguel Cotto and how Cotto was able to find a home for his jab periodically on Mayweather’s face and had success pushing Mayweather back and throwing to his body. In the eighth round of that fight, Cotto was practically glued to Mayweather landing hard body shots and did not let Mayweather get off first or give him room to breathe. It was the best round of the fight for Cotto in my opinion. The mistake Cotto made however, was after the eighth round he was not able to press Mayweather in the same way that he was able to in the middle rounds and was unable to capitalize on the momentum he was able to build. Cotto was also not consistent in throwing his jab enough throughout the fight, despite the success that he was able to have when he did throw his jab. This allowed Mayweather to regain control of the fight and win a unanimous decision.


It is critical in the view of this observer that Alvarez put pressure on Mayweather from the outset. Alvarez needs to be consistent in throwing his jab and needs to consistently push Mayweather back. Alvarez has also shown that he can be a devastating body puncher as he was in his fight with Josesito Lopez. If Alvarez can successfully cut the ring off, nullify Mayweather’s movement, and land more than occasionally to Mayweather’s body he could be successful in this fight. If Alvarez has trouble neutralizing Mayweather’s lateral movement however, it could be a difficult night for him as it has been for so many previous Mayweather opponents.


The bout between Floyd Mayweather and Saul Alvarez is likely to break all pay-per-view records in existence due in large part to both fighters’ star power. What should not be overlooked however, for a fighter in Floyd Mayweather who has periodically been accused of picking “Hand picked” opponents that the choice to face Saul Alvarez was a dangerous option. An option that some might say he did not have to take. As the best fighter pound for pound in the world however, a fight like this was necessary for someone of Mayweather’s status. Regardless of what one’s opinion of Floyd Mayweather, he has had a Hall of Fame career and has faced the cream of the crop of his era. Regardless of what happens against Saul Alvarez, this fight is another chapter in that Hall of Fame career.


 It is my hope however, as the Boxing world prepares for another “Super Fight” that the sport of Boxing will at least for one night be spared from any controversy or would be black eyes that all too often plague the sport. It is my hope that the spotlight will shine on these two fighters and regardless of who emerges victorious that the ultimate winners will be the Boxing fans and the sport of Boxing.


“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”


The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.


 Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Remembering Tommy "The Duke" Morrison



The Boxing world was saddened by the recent news of the passing of former WBO Heavyweight world champion Tommy Morrison at the age of forty-four. Morrison will go down as one of most devastating punchers in the history of the Heavyweight division.

Morrison’s punching power almost instantly made him a hot prospect shortly after turning professional in 1988. This observer has often said that Morrison was one of the hardest punchers that I have ever seen, a fighter who was a “Knockout Artist.” Morrison’s aggressive style along with his devastating left hook quickly made him one of the most exciting fighters in the Heavyweight division in an era that included such fighters as Riddick Bowe, Lennox Lewis, Michael Moorer, Evander Holyfield, Ray Mercer, Mike Tyson, and George Foreman among others.

One thing that I will always remember about Tommy Morrison was that in addition to his ability to end fights with one punch, he was always willing to go toe to toe with whomever he was fighting. Sometimes this willingness did not always benefit Morrison, but from a fan’s perspective it did provide plenty of action. Whether he won or lost Morrison always came to fight. Upon hearing the news of Morrison’s passing thoughts began to run through my mind of some of the memorable bouts in Morrison’s career.

In his fight with Ray Mercer in 1991, Morrison was able to control the fight in the first three rounds using head movement and combination punching in bringing the fight to Mercer. Mercer however, was able to take control of the fight in the fourth round and in the fifth round unleashed a sudden and brutal barrage as he trapped Morrison in his own corner and landed by some estimates fifteen or more unanswered punches before the bout was stopped. Mercer’s knockout of Morrison remains one of the most brutal in Boxing history.

Although Morrison lost that fight in what was the first loss of his career, he proved that he was a player in the Heavyweight division. Morrison would rebound from that loss to win four fights all by knockout leading to his fight with Heavyweight contender Joe Hipp on June 27, 1992. At this point in Morrison’s career, he had more than proven to be a commodity as a power puncher. Questions however, remained regarding his stamina as he faded after winning the early rounds against Ray Mercer, but also prior to his fight with Hipp had never been stretched beyond a six round distance.

In this fight Morrison showed he could fight in a measured tactical pace fighting from the outside keeping Hipp at distance with his jab and mixing in combinations. Morrison however, would also show his mettle in this fight. Two left hooks from Hipp would briefly stagger and open a cut over Morrison’s right eye in round four. Morrison would respond by knocking Hipp down with a flush right hand in the opening moments of the fifth round. To his credit, Hipp also showed his toughness getting up from the knockdown and continuing to fight on.

From rounds six through eight, the “Game” Joe Hipp became the effective aggressor landing combinations and dictating the pace of the fight. Morrison meanwhile, appeared to be fighting fatigue at the end of the eighth round. This was after all the first time that Morrison had been extended to such a distance in a professional fight. As the contest entered the ninth round it appeared as though Hipp may very well have been able to work his way back into the fight on the scorecards. Morrison however, would bring the fight to a sudden and dramatic conclusion staggering Hipp with a flush right hand followed by a barrage ending with another right hand that sent Hipp down to the canvas. Hipp could not beat the count.

Morrison had scored what was to that point the most dramatic knockout of his career. A testament to Morrison’s toughness was that in a post-fight interview he revealed that he had suffered a broken jaw in the second round and hurt his right hand which would later be determined was broken in the fourth round. As much as Morrison showed his mettle in this fight so too did Joe Hipp who some believed was a light hitter. Morrison himself would praise Hipp who suffered a shattered cheekbone in the bout as one of the hardest punchers that he had ever fought. It was one of the best fights of 1992.

Morrison would continue to take part in exciting fights including surviving two knockdowns at the hands of former two-time world title challenger Carl “The Truth” Williams to score a come from behind eighth round knockout. In this observer’s view however, Morrison’s best performance came on June 7, 1993 when he defeated the legendary George Foreman for the vacant WBO world title.

 Prior to this fight many including myself believed that the fight would likely be an exciting battle between two of the most devastating punchers in Boxing history for however long it lasted. Morrison however, would surprise most observers by opting to box Foreman, keeping the former Heavyweight champion at distance utilizing good movement and elusiveness. Quite frankly, if one were to have bet prior to the fight that Morrison would have been able to remain an elusive target and out box George Foreman for the majority of twelve rounds that person would have won a lot of bets. An argument could be made that on that night Morrison won the lottery in winning the Heavyweight title. Not only did Morrison win the title by pulling off what some considered was an upset over the betting favorite Foreman, but he also was able to show that he was underrated as a boxer when he chose to box rather than go toe to toe. 

Morrison would successfully defend his world title under somewhat bizarre circumstances two months later, scoring a fourth round knockout over contender Tim Tomashek. Tomashek had stepped in to fight Morrison after original challenger Mike Williams withdrew from his challenge of Morrison on the night of the fight. 

Morrison however, would lose the WBO title, being knocked down three times, losing the title via first round knockout to unheralded contender Michael Bentt in October of 1993.  The upset loss to Bentt and loss of his world title prevented Morrison from a potential multi-million dollar unification bout with then undefeated WBC champion Lennox Lewis.

Following the loss to Bentt, Morrison would again rebound to win three out of four bouts, including earning a ten round split decision draw in his fight with journeyman contender Ross Purity in July of 1994.  Morrison would then be pitted against another “Knockout Artist” in former number one contender Donovan “Razor” Ruddock.

Much like Morrison, Ruddock was a fighter known for his ability to end fights with one punch, but was also known for being willing to stand and go toe to toe with whomever he was fighting including in two fights with former Heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.   The collision between the two “Knockout Artists” Morrison and Ruddock took place on June 10, 1995.

The anticipation of a war between the two was understandable and the fight more than lived up to that anticipation. Ruddock landed two uppercuts in the first round that sent Morrison to the canvas. Morrison would respond in the second round by landing several combinations including an uppercut of his own staggering Ruddock causing him to briefly grab the top rope with his glove as he was stunned. This caused Referee Ron Lipton to issue a rare standing eight count. Ruddock was able to recover and was able to win rounds four and five in my opinion based on his ability to back Morrison up with power punches. Morrison however, although looking fatigued was still very much in the fight.

The impression as the fight entered round six was that although these two warriors had each had their say in trading power punches for five rounds; that it was Ruddock who was seemingly starting to take control. Morrison however, would have other plans. A vicious counter left hook from Morrison knocked Ruddock flat on his back midway through the round. In all truth and honesty Tommy Morrison landed as perfect a left hook as a fighter can land. Ruddock showed his mettle in miraculously getting up from the knockdown that would have ended the night for most Heavyweights. Morrison would close the show later the round forcing another standing eight count on Ruddock and then finally a stoppage of the bout in the final seconds of round six.
Tommy Morrison will be remembered for having his career cut short by a positive HIV test in 1996 which would later be the subject of much debate when Morrison attempted a comeback ten years later claiming that the test that derailed his career was a result of a false positive. After two successful knockout wins in 2007 in 2008 respectively, Morrison retired with a record of 48-3-1, with 42 knockouts registering a career knockout percentage of nearly 81%.
Although some may question the circumstances of his passing, I am one who prefers to remember Tommy “The Duke” Morrison as a fighter who contributed much excitement to the sport of Boxing. A fighter who win or lose always gave it everything he had, every time he stepped in the ring. A fighter who displayed heart, courage, and the mentality of a warrior.

Regardless of what one’s opinion of Tommy Morrison as a boxer might be, his courage cannot be questioned. Morrison one might argue was part of the last great era in the Heavyweight division.
 Even though Morrison lost a few fights along the way this observer believes that Morrison has more than earned his place in any Hall of Fame associated with the sport of Boxing as well as in Boxing history. While there may be questions and debates regarding Morrison’s place among the all-time great Heavyweights, although there may be questions regarding his passing, this observer chooses to remember and give this legend the recognition he rightfully earned.

 Tommy “The Duke” Morrison Former Heavyweight Champion of the World.

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.
 Follow Beau Denison on Twitter:www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison