A Look At The Potential Options For Miguel Cotto After Dethroning Martinez

On June 7th the Boxing world turned its attention to New York’s Madison Square Garden for one of the most anticipated fights of 2014. A battle for the WBC world Middleweight championship between two-division world champion, and two-time holder of the WBC Middleweight championship Sergio Martinez and former three-division world champion Miguel Cotto.

Cotto, who was fighting for the first time at the 160lb. Middleweight limit was attempting to make Boxing history by becoming the first Puerto Rican boxer to win world titles in four different weight classes. Although Cotto has certainly earned his status as a first ballot future Hall of Famer, it was understandable for some to consider him an underdog prior to the fight. Cotto was after all moving up in weight and was going against a naturally bigger and highly skilled fighter. The basis of those who considered Cotto an underdog was likely based on his losing two out of his last three fights to Floyd Mayweather and Austin Trout.

Cotto however, was able to rebound by scoring an impressive third round knockout over Jr. Middleweight contender Delvin Rodriguez in October of last year. In the eyes of this observer it was the strength of Cotto’s performance against Rodriguez that secured his title shot against Sergio Martinez, in addition to the obvious name recognition value that he brings to the table for anyone he fights.

Martinez meanwhile, had not lost a fight in nearly five years since losing a controversial decision in his first fight against former Welterweight world champion Paul Williams in 2009. Although undefeated since the loss to Williams, Martinez had been stripped of two world titles that he won against Kelly Pavlik in 2010. Despite being stripped of those titles, many considered Martinez to be the champion of the division.

Martinez regained the WBC title with a dominating twelve round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in September 2012. Despite holding status as the number one fighter in the Middleweight division, Martinez had dealt with injuries in his previous two fights prior to facing Cotto, specifically to his right knee. Martinez, had also been knocked down in his previous three outings against Matthew Macklin, Chavez Jr., and Martin Murray. This may have prompted some to ask what the thirty-nine year old Martinez had left to give as a fighter.

Even though Martinez had suffered some injuries in recent years, he was still a highly skilled and extremely athletic fighter with the ability to knock opponents out with perfectly timed precision counter punches. If Martinez were fully recovered from his injuries and were able to make full use of his lateral movement, I felt that it could have been a difficult task for Cotto to overcome. This however, would simply not be the case.

Cotto badly staggered Martinez with a left hook in the first round that eventually led to Martinez being knocked down three times in the round. Quite frankly, I was surprised that the fight was allowed to continue after the third knockdown. It reminded me of the first fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez in 2004 where Pacquiao dropped Marquez three times in the first round and the fight was allowed to continue. Following those knockdowns, Marquez was able to make a comeback and by the end of the fight there were some who felt he had won the fight in a contest that was officially scored a draw.

Unlike Marquez however, it was clear once Martinez got hit with the first left hook by Cotto, which set off a barrage that led to the first knockdown that Martinez did not have his legs and it surprised me on that basis that the fight was allowed to continue. Although I was surprised, I give Martinez all the credit in the world for showing his mettle and fighting on through adversity.

This fight can be best described as a champion suffering a beating, but who was always “Game” and tried to find something to turn the fight around in his favor. Simply put, for nine rounds Miguel Cotto consistently pushed the champion back and punished Sergio Martinez with a systematic attack. Following Cotto being credited with another knockdown in round nine, Martinez’ trainer Pablo Sarmiento stopped the fight at the start of round ten to prevent his fighter from taking further punishment.

A dominant and career defining performance for Miguel Cotto as he wins a world title in a fourth weight class. Following the fight I commented on Twitter that I applaud Sergio Martinez for the heart and courage he displayed in this fight. Some fighters perhaps justifiably would have resigned to defeat after suffering the knockdowns Martinez suffered in the first round even though the fight was allowed to continue. When a fighter faces a significant deficit in terms of points due to knockdowns as Martinez did early in this fight, it is an extremely difficult task to come back from. Despite being out boxed and on this night outgunned by Cotto, Martinez gamely fought on and deserves all the credit he receives for the valiant effort he gave in defeat.

After a dominant performance, some interesting possibilities could be in store for the new champion Miguel Cotto. Some readers may recall in February I brought up the possibility of the winner of Martinez-Cotto potentially facing the hottest rising star of the Middleweight division in the undefeated WBA/IBO Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin.

There is no doubt in my mind seeing as Golovkin and Martinez seemed to have been on a collision course for a potential fight in the near future that the most logical option for Cotto, the man who defeated Martinez should be to face the man that many consider the future of the division. Golovkin however, must first defend his unified world title against former two-time Middleweight world champion Daniel Geale next month at Madison Square Garden.

Depending on the outcome of that fight and assuming that Golovkin is victorious in what would be his eleventh consecutive title defense, it would clear the way for a fight with Cotto that would not only be a significant marquee pay-per-view draw, but also a potential fight of the year candidate. Geale however, is not someone to underestimate and in his own right could be a potential opponent for Cotto at some point.

If a fight between Cotto and the winner of the upcoming Golovkin-Geale fight is not in the immediate future there are other options for Cotto. One option might be top contender Andy Lee, who scored a sudden come from behind fifth round knockout over Jr. Middleweight prospect John Jackson on the undercard of Martinez-Cotto. Even though that fight took place at the 154lb. Jr. Middleweight limit, I believe that Lee would welcome another opportunity at a world championship after previously coming up short against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in 2012. The recently crowned IBF Middleweight world champion Sam Soliman could also be considered as a potential option for Cotto after defeating former champion Felix Sturm in their rematch.

There could also be the possibility of Cotto facing the winner of the upcoming Jr. Middleweight bout between former Jr. Middleweight champion Saul Alvarez and Erislandy Lara. If the current landscape of the business aspect of the sport allows Cotto to face the winner of that fight, without contracts between rival promoters and television networks playing a role, I can certainly see it as a viable option for Cotto. I do however, believe that it is unlikely that Cotto will relinquish his Middleweight title in order for that fight to take place. If there is a possibility for Cotto to face the Alvarez-Lara winner, I believe that the winner of the fight will move up to challenge Cotto at the 160lb. Middleweight limit, or the fight could take place at a possible catch weight where the WBC Middleweight world title would be at stake.

No matter what Miguel Cotto decides to do next, he certainly has plenty of options to consider. Even though there may be some who may say that Cotto defeated a fighter in Sergio Martinez who may have been on the decline, I disagree.

In my opinion Cotto’s performance against Sergio Martinez was a demonstration of why Cotto has been one of the sport’s central figures for much of the last decade. Whether or not Martinez’ previous injuries were any factor at all in the fight, you simply cannot discredit what Cotto was able to accomplish.

As for Sergio Martinez, he appeared as though he may have been nearing retirement after his victories over Chavez and Murray. Whether or not the defeat to Cotto will signal the end for Sergio Martinez as a boxer, I would like to again applaud Martinez for his courage. If this is the end for him as a fighter we all should salute him on a fine career and what he has brought to 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 

Boxing And MMA Unites In Training Future Combatants

Photo Credit: Kicks MMA 

Press Release: June 7, 2014 By Majestic Raven Entertainment - O.Z. Productions of Katy Texas and Kicks MMA of Missouri City, Texas have created a joint partnership that will increase the range of their instructional programs. Kicks MMA, which teaches various martial arts including Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do believes that incorporating boxing will have benefits in both physical fitness and self-defense.

"Boxing is a martial art and that is something that I think many forget." Says CEO of O.Z. Productions, Rafael Ochoa. "This isn't a competition between two combat sports on the fundamentals of which one is better. This isn't Golden Boy versus the UFC. This is for the practitioners to learn how to be more effective in self defense techniques. Boxing techniques is essential in all martial arts and we look forward to bringing our knowledge to MMA. It's called mixed martial arts for a reason"

Cory Greenroad, President of Kicks is delighted about the partnership. "I have known Ochoa (Rafael) for many years and believe that this will allow boxing and mix martial art. 

The partnership will officially begin in July of 2014 and will be offered to all age groups at Kicks MMA and will be offered to amateur and professionals.

About O.Z. Productions®

O.Z. Productions is a promotion and management company with over 15 years of experience in developing amateur and professional boxers.  For more information on O.Z. Production, visit their official website at www.ozproductions.net

Material Courtesy of:Majestic Raven Entertainment Used with permission.

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

Meehan Wins The Super 8

Eight Heavyweights converged on The Trust Arena in Auckland, New Zealand on June 4th to take part in Professional Boxing’s newest one night tournament concept known as The Super 8.  In the lead up to this tournament this observer gave some thoughts and analysis on the opening bouts of the competition, but I also stated that under the tournament’s three round format that it was really a toss up and that a lot of the bouts in this tournament could come down to who is able to land the first significant punch. 

One thing that was clear about such a format was that the participants would have to let their hands go from the outset if they were to give themselves the best opportunity for success.  A three round fight does not necessarily lend itself favorably to fighters who like to establish a measured pace or who typically pick up their activity as a fight progresses.  There were however, fighters in this tournament who had previous experience competing under such a format who had previously competed in similar tournaments under the PrizeFighter banner in the United Kingdom.

The need for a fighter to start quickly under this format was made immediately apparent in the first fight of the competition as former two-time Heavyweight world champion Hasim Rahman, who was fighting for the first time in nearly two years, was rocked by a couple of left hooks in the first round and did not let his hands go in an attempt to return offense. Whether it was a case of eroding reflexes of the forty-one year old Rahman or simply Rahman only looking to land one punch is a subject for debate, but the fight got away from the former champion quickly as Nansen earned a convincing three round unanimous decision to advance into the semi-finals. 

In the second fight of the competition Brice Ritani-Coe scored a three round split decision over Alonso Butler. Although Butler was able to establish a consistent jab from the outset, it was Ritani-Coe who was able to land the cleaner punches and throw his punches in volume. Butler did have some moments counter punching, but did not throw combinations and looked to land one punch at a time.  Ritani-Coe won this fight in my opinion based on his ability to throw his punches in volume.

The third fight in the tournament featured former world title challenger Kali Meehan taking on Hunter Sam, who entered the tournament as a replacement for former WBC Heavyweight world champion Sam Peter who could not compete due to a calf injury.  Much as was the case with Rahman prior to the tournament, I wondered what the forty-four year old Meehan would have to offer in this competition in his first fight in nearly two years. Sam’s awkward style seemed to give Meehan trouble finding his rhythm in the opening round as Sam consistently beat Meehan to the punch. Meehan however, was able to land a left hook to the body late in the round that had Sam retreating.  

Meehan was able to pick up his pace in the second round as he was the busier of the two fighters. Sam was able to have his best moments occasionally stunning Meehan with counter hooks and had the former top contender against the ropes at the end of the round. Meehan was able to keep his pace in round three throwing more punches than his opponent. Sam’s ability to throw flurries in spurts however, made the round close in what was the closest fight in the tournament in my opinion. Meehan would win via split decision to advance into the semi-finals.

The fourth and last fight of the quarterfinals featured two former PrizeFighter Heavyweight tournament winners Michael Sprott and Martin Rogan. I thought based on both Sprott’s and Rogan’s previous tournament experience competing under a similar format under the PrizeFighter banner that this may have been the closest fight in the tournament.  

In a fight where both fighters had their moments and an argument could have been made for either fighter being the winner, Michael Sprott would win a split decision.  Although I felt Rogan won the fight by one round based on his landing what I felt were the harder punches, it wasn’t an easy fight to score and I can easily see an argument for Sprott winning. 

This would set the stage for the semi-finals.  In a one-night tournament format an obvious question that will come to mind as the competition progresses is whether or not fatigue would play a role in the semi-finals and finals.  This was an appropriate question to ponder as there were two very close and competitive fights in the opening round of this tournament. 

One could say that the fighter who benefits more under this type of format is a fighter who is able to get more rest due to either being able to end his fights early, or due to that fighter’s positioning in the bout order in fighting earlier in the opening round than the other participants, thus theoretically allowing more time to recuperate. 

The semi-finals would get under way as Kali Meehan faced Brice Ritani-Coe. 

Meehan staggered Ritani-Coe with a series of right hands that eventually knocked him down in the first round. Ritani-Coe showed his mettle and was very “Game” landing some solid right hands in the second round, which I felt were enough for him to win the round. Ritani-Coe gamely continued to press the action in round three and had his moments. The knockdown in round one however, would be enough for Meehan to earn a three round unanimous decision to move on to the finals.  

The last semi-final bout pitted Michael Sprott against Anthony Nansen.  Sprott dictated the pace of the fight from the start using his jab to keep Nansen somewhat on the defensive.  Nansen was able to throw small combinations, but Sprott’s jab was the story of this fight in my opinion as he was able to control most of the fight to earn a three round unanimous decision.  This led to the tournament finals between Sprott and Kali Meehan.

In the final fight of the tournament Kali Meehan would score the only knockout of the tournament. Meehan was rocked by a left hook from Sprott early in round one. Meehan however, would knock Sprott down with a right hand later in the round and would score a second knockdown with another right hand forcing Referee Brad Vocale to stop the fight.  Official time of the stoppage was 2:53 of round one.

Winnings:

With the win, Meehan earned the $200,000 first price of the $500,000 total purse for the tournament.  Sprott meanwhile, earned $100,000 as the tournament’s runner up, while both  Brice Ritani-Coe and Anthony Nansen each earned $30,000 as semi-finalists.  Hasim Rahman, Alonso Butler, and Martin Rogan each earned $15,000 after losing in the opening round. This leaves a balance of $95,000, which this observer cannot confirm to whom it is awarded. There is a possibility there was a guaranteed fee for each fighter to participate in the tournament however, at this point it remains undisclosed.

Whether or not this tournament will serve as a way for Kali Meehan to re-enter to the ranks of the Heavyweight division remains to be seen. It was however, an impressive performance by the forty-four year old Meehan in winning three fights in one night after a two-year layoff. 

As for what the future holds for the Super 8 tournament concept?  The tournament did produce some surprises as fighters who were looked upon by some as favorites to win the competition were defeated.  It is unclear whether or not the Super 8 concept will follow a similar path as the successful PrizeFighter series in the United Kingdom in staging several tournaments under the same format in various weight classes.  The potential is there however, for the Super 8 banner to grow and I for one look forward to seeing what may be in store in the future of the Super 8.

“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 

Froch Gets Validation

The rematch between three-time Super-Middleweight world champion Carl Froch and top contender George Groves was certainly one of the most anticipated fights of 2014 thus far. An electric crowd of 80,000 spectators packed into the legendary Wembley Stadium in London, England on May 31st to see the two men do battle for the second time.

Although it did not take long for a fight to breakout in the first encounter between Froch and Groves, the rematch would begin at a more tactical and measured pace. In contrast, to the first fight where Groves was able to drop the champion in the opening round. Groves’ timing and hand speed seemed to give him a slight edge in the early rounds.

The early rounds were close and there could be a difference of opinion as to who had an edge. Groves seemed to be able to get his punches off a little more than the champion, even though both fighters had their moments. In a tactical Boxing match, sometimes it simply boils down to who is able to do a little more that will determine who wins a round. Groves’ ability to establish his jab as a focal point of his offense, use his lateral movement, and mix in occasional combinations is what won him the early rounds in my opinion.

Although he was able to have his share of moments early on, Froch appeared a bit hesitant to let his hands go, perhaps out of respect for Groves’ hand speed and timing. Much like the first fight, Froch began to open up more in the fifth round as he briefly stunned Groves and began to focus more on Groves’ body as a target for his offense. This turned the momentum in the champion’s favor by setting up his offense to the body and then the head of Groves.

Froch was able to follow up by applying pressure and periodically getting the challenger on the ropes and continuing to land to the body in round six. Groves however, was able to briefly stagger Froch with a left hook in round seven. Froch, who is known for having a solid chin was able to take the punch as he continued to press forward. Froch’s steady pressure and body/head attack from rounds five through seven put him in control of the fight in my eyes as it entered the eighth round.

The champion would bring the fight to a sudden and dramatic conclusion in the final minute of round eight when a flush overhand right landed on the chin of the challenger knocking him down to the canvas. Referee Charlie Fitch immediately stopped the fight. Unlike the first encounter however, where Referee Howard Foster stopped the fight prematurely in the eyes of many by stepping in while Groves appeared staggered, but did not go down, the rematch had a more conclusive ending. Although like the first fight, the rematch was stopped immediately, it was not a controversial stoppage.

The right hand that dropped Groves sent him down in a position where his left knee was bent at an awkward angle that could have led to a serious injury. With much of the discussion preceding the rematch concerning the referee and with this observer calling it arguably the most important assignment of his career prior to the fight, Referee Charlie Fitch did a fine job and made the appropriate call in stopping the fight.

A victory for Froch that is both a vindication for the controversial circumstances, which resulted in his being victorious in the first fight and a validation that he is still one of the two best Super-Middleweights in the world behind only Andre Ward who defeated him in December 2011. As I said following the first fight between Froch and Groves, in the years since losing to Ward, Froch has made a very good argument as being the number two or 1-A fighter in the division.

Both Ward and Froch hold a claim to the WBA world title in the division with Ward being designated as a “Super” champion by the WBA due to previously holding status as a unified champion, and by Froch also holding the IBF world title and defeating former three-time Super-Middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler in their rematch in May of last year, who held interim/regular status by the WBA to be recognized as a unified world champion. If nothing else to settle confusion as to who holds the WBA Super-Middleweight world championship, it appears logical that a rematch between the two should happen. It is however, debatable as to whether a rematch between Ward and Froch will take place in the near future as Ward has been sidelined due to a legal dispute between himself and his promoter Dan Goossen.

There are however, other lucrative options on the table for Froch. One name that has popped up more than once as a possible opponent for Froch is former WBC Middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. who would certainly draw significant attention if a fight between the two were made.

Chavez, in addition to being a former world champion certainly brings a sizable fan following and name recognition value to any potential opponent. From a business standpoint, a fight between Froch and Chavez could be a sizable pay-per-view draw here in the United States as well as in Mexico, and the United Kingdom.

If a fight with Chavez is not made, other options include current WBC Super-Middleweight champion Sakio Bika and current WBO champion Arthur Abraham, who Froch defeated in November 2010. There is also the possibility of current unified WBA/IBO Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin potentially moving up in weight to the Super-Middleweight division to challenge Froch or, top Super-Middleweight contender James DeGale, who defeated Brandon Gonzalez on the undercard of the Froch-Groves rematch to earn a number one ranking in the IBF’s Super-Middleweight ratings. Even though DeGale is now a mandatory challenger for Froch, Froch is allowed to make a voluntary defense before facing him.

Although potential fights with all the above each have appeal, I believe from a business standpoint that a fight between the thirty-six year old Froch against either Chavez or Golovkin has the most lucrative potential if a rematch with Andre Ward is not in the cards. All Boxing fans would welcome any scenario concerning these three fighters.

As for George Groves, I believe he will only benefit from his two setbacks against Froch. Groves did after all give the champion all they could handle in two fights. Groves has nothing to be ashamed of and should be looked at as a key player in the division going forward.

Along with vindication and validation, Carl Froch can also make a legitimate claim as being the marquee attraction in the division going forward. With much anticipation leading up to the rematch, drawing 80,000 people to the legendary Wembley Stadium, and bringing closure to a disputed controversy, it is hard to argue against such a claim. The rematch between Carl Froch and George Groves will indeed go down as a memorable night in Boxing history for the right reasons. 

Carl Froch has always given everything he has when he enters the ring and has been willing to take on all comers. He certainly deserves the most lucrative fights available to him at this stage of his career. 

“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 

The Super 8 Heavyweight Tournament

There is no doubt that the sport of Boxing can be and often is a subject of much debate. Whether it be a subject of two top fighters in the same weight class potentially facing off or various subjects concerning the “Business” of the sport, there is always something to talk about. From time to time one subject that comes up with regard to Professional Boxing is the concept of tournaments.

Many Boxing fans are probably familiar with various tournament concepts that have taken place in the sport over the years. Tournament concepts such as the Heavyweight unification series in the 1980s, which determined an undisputed champion in the Heavyweight division at the time, or the similarly structured Middleweight unification series in 2001, which saw Bernard Hopkins emerge as the unified champion.

A unique concept that took place a couple years ago was known as the Super-Six World Boxing Classic, which showcased some of the elite fighters of the 168lb. Super-Middleweight division. There are however, other tournament concepts that have taken place over the years. Tournaments that are not staged over a period of time, but instead take place in a single day.

The first one-night tournament in Professional Boxing to the best of my recollection, in my lifetime took place on December 3, 1993 in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The tournament, which was billed “The People’s Choice One-Night Heavyweight Tournament” was broadcast as a pay-per-view event in the United States. A tournament format that staged fights scheduled for only 3, three minute rounds featured two former world Heavyweight champions in Tony Tubbs and James “Bonecrusher” Smith as well as world-rated contenders Tyrell Biggs and Jose Ribalta.

After defeating three opponents including both Biggs and Ribalta in the quarter and semifinals, Tony Tubbs defeated Daniel Dancuta of Romania via three round unanimous decision in the finals to win the tournament. Although it was a unique concept, it would be several years before similar concepts in the sport would emerge. Some may remember a tournament concept known as “Thunderbox”, which took place in November 2002. Much like the tournament nine years earlier, “Thunderbox” was a one-night Heavyweight tournament. Eight Heavyweight contenders including former Heavyweight world champion Tim Witherspoon competed for $100,000. At the end of the evening contender Maurice Harris emerged victorious.

A more recent and arguably more successful adaptation of those concepts have been one-night tournaments held under the “Prizefighter” banner in the United Kingdom. As the tournaments that preceded PrizeFighter’s inception in April 2008, PrizeFighter features a single elimination format with fights scheduled for 3, three minute rounds. The success of the inaugural Heavyweight tournament has allowed the PrizeFighter concept to grow over the years, with tournaments taking place in various weight classes.

The  PrizeFighter series has also allowed winners opportunities to get into world title contention. The concept of PrizeFighter has been able to take the previous concepts of one-night tournaments in Professional Boxing to a higher level. The success of this series however, will soon be joined by a similar one-night tournament concept known as “The Super 8 Heavyweight Tournament” that will take place on June 4th at The Trust Arena in Auckland, New Zealand.

The tournament will feature eight Heavyweights competing for a $500,000 purse. All fights in this tournament will be scheduled for 3, three minute rounds. The participants for this tournament are former two-time Heavyweight world champion Hasim Rahman, former world title challenger Kali Meehan, former WKBF world Heavyweight Kickboxing champion Anthony Nansen, Alonso Buter, Brice Ritani-Coe, Hunter Sam, and features two previous winners of PrizeFighter Heavyweight tournaments Michal Sprott and Martin Rogan.

The opening round bouts are as follows:

 Hasim Rahman vs. Anthony Nansen:  Nansen, enters into this tournament as a replacement for former WBC Heavyweight world champion Sam Peter who had to withdraw from the tournament due to suffering a calf injury. Rahman (50-8-2, With 41 Knockouts) who has not fought in almost two years was stopped by top Heavyweight contender Alexander Povetkin in his last fight.

Although the three round format of this tournament does seem to ensure a quick pace and potentially has the ingredients for knockouts, one does have to wonder what the forty-one year old Rahman has to offer in this fight. Rahman appeared to have shown the signs of a fighter who’s best days were behind him when he fought Alexander Povetkin in September 2012 in a fight where he was stopped in two rounds. It will be interesting to see whether nearly two years out of the ring has recharged Rahman.

Nansen is the younger man by ten years. Nansen however, has only fought five fights as a professional boxer registering a record of (3-2, with 1 Knockout). Nansen’s record as a former world champion Kick Boxer of 26-3, with 11 Knockouts should be an indicator that he is a fighter who has experience and should be taken seriously. This is a fight where I believe it all depends on what Hasim Rahman shows up.

Alonso Butler vs. Brice Ritani-Coe:

Butler (30-2-1, 1 No Contest, with 22 Knockouts), a veteran of thirty-four professional fights would seem to have an experience edge over Ritani-Coe, (3-2-1, with 3 Knockouts) who has had only six professional fights. Under this type of tournament format however, it’s really a toss up and a lot of these fights may come down to who simply can land the first significant punch.

Martin Rogan vs. Michael Sprott: 

Martin Rogan (16-5, with 8 Knockouts) and Michael Sprott (40-21, with 11 Knockouts) arguably have the most experience fighting under this type of tournament format having both previously won separate PrizeFighter tournaments. Sprott however, may have more momentum coming in this tournament as he last fought in November 2013,  becoming a two-time PrizeFighter tournament winner. Rogan meanwhile, was knocked out in one round in his last fight by undefeated German contender Erkan Teper last November in Germany.

Kali Meehan vs. Hunter Sam: 

Meehan (38-5, 31 Knockouts), probably best known to American Boxing fans for his “Game” performance in losing a hard fought twelve round split decision to former WBO Heavyweight world champion Lamon Brewster in 2004 and then suffering a knockout loss at the hands of Hasim Rahman later that year, has an opportunity to potentially have a rematch in this tournament if both he and Rahman are able to advance in this tournament. Much like Rahman, Meehan enters this tournament having not fought in nearly two years.

Much like Rahman, Meehan comes into the tournament looking to rebound from a knockout loss in his last fight. It will also be interesting as will be the case Rahman to see what the forty-four-year-old Meehan has to offer. Meehan faces Hunter Sam (10-2-2, with 4 Knockouts) who has had fourteen professional fights and comes into the tournament riding a four fight winning streak.

Although some may have differing opinions as to what may be in store for whomever should emerge as the winner of this tournament, tournament concepts like this, the unification tournaments over the years, and even Professional Boxing tournaments that been showcased on reality TV shows all accomplish one important goal. All of the above create interest and have potential to be good for the sport.

With eight fighters, some looking for notoriety, and others looking for what perhaps might be their last chance to revitalize their careers and with $500,000 going to the winner, the Super 8 Heavyweight tournament does have some intrigue. No matter what happens on June 4^th, I believe that the concept of the Super 8 should be looked at as a positive for the sport. 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

For more information about the Super 8 Heavyweight Tournament please visit: www.supereight.co.nz 

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

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