Monday, January 7, 2008

JUDGEMENT DAY POSTPONED

The much expected fight between Oleg Maskaev and Samuel Peter of Nigeria has been postponed. The fight was originally scheduled for February 2, 2008 at Madison Square Garden. The WBC heavyweight contest will now take place in Cancun Mexico on March 8th 2008.

This will be the first time such fight is taking place in that part of the world. The president of the WBC, Jose Sulaiman, said the choice of the venue is to spread the sport round the world. He however, acknowledged that Las Vegas Nevada is an important center for boxing.

Given this situation, the question that must be answered is who do the odds favour?
My response will follow this order;

Oleg Maskaev: The Russian just came out of injury. It’s obvious he requires some time to really put himself together, that time he now has. Having watched the Samuel Peter and Jameel McCline encounter, he came out to declare his readiness to fight. A move that, apparently proves that he may have noticed some weakness in Samuel Peter. But it also appears that, the call came a bit early and as such the February date may not favour Maskaev.

The last time I watched Maskaev, the Russian showed great calmness a posture that will scare any opponent. Another aspect that must be considered is the choice of the venue. Frantically, the venue seems neutral and does provide a level playing field for both boxers.

However, Maskaev stands a huge chance of retaining his title. He will be doing every thing possible to ensure the fight goes beyond the fifth round. He usually hit harder when opponent play along with his tactics; he is a master of late round surprise.

Samuel Peter: Before his fight against Jameel McCline, he was a clear favourite for the title. But it is clear that Samuel Peter has a questionable chin. However, the jabbing tactics of the Nigerian Nightmare is near perfect. It is the best, I have seen in recent times. Another major plus for Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter is his resolute determination to win. That passion to win was the driving force in his fight with the “Big Time” McCline.

Furthermore, another fact that must be put in focus is that Samuel Peter will be looking to score an early Knock out. He should strive to avoid been pushed into late rounds because that is where Maskaev becomes massive and reckless with punches.

Cognizance must be taken on the age difference. Maskaev is aging and his ring rusty but has got lots of experience. Peter on the other side of the coin, is inform, with great strength. The Nigerian punches harder, is younger and looked too dangerous for the ageing Maskaev. Unshaken determination, focus and relying on his skills are three key abilities that should floor Oleg Maskaev.

Having said that, recall also that peter has more time to stay in shape. He showed class against James “Light out” Toney, after six weeks of training. Now he has twelve weeks to prepare and it is my firm belief that he will be in tip top shape. The fight can actually go either way but on judgment day, the nightmare will scare the title out of Maskaev.

UNFORGETABLE ICONS IN BOXING (PART II)

Last week we began a series on the first half of George Foreman career. This week we shall be looking at the second phase of the unforgettable icons of boxing and the man in focus is none other than George Edward Foreman.

Life presents us with lots of opportunities on daily basis, recognizing these opportunities and tuning them into success is another thing altogether. Belief in one’s self, focus, right mental attitude and physical fitness combines to help us achieve our objective in life.
As, I researched for this article, I got a lot motivated and perhaps indoctrinated into the philosophies of the only man that has won the heavyweight title two times after a 20years gap. This story challenged me and threw me into the island of fantasy: where I wished that maybe Joe Lasisi, Bash Ali or Jerry Okorodudu can just dust their bags, come back to boxing and become champions. What a feat that will be.

However, not many boxing follower’s gave Foreman a chance when he announce his second comeback at the age of 38, in 1987, precisely 10years after he left boxing. His first comeback fight was against Journeyman Steve Zouski and it look place in Sacramento California, a remarkable feature of that bout was the size of Foreman, he was heavily out of shape weighing 270-lb for the fight though he won the fight scoring a fourth round knock out. Many thought his decision to return to the ring was a huge mistake, Foreman countered that, he had returned to prove that age was not a barrier to people achieving their goals (as he would say later, he wanted to show that age 40 is not a “death sentence”) He won four bouts that year, gradually sliming down and improving his fitness. The following year (1988) he won nine fights a feat that made boxing followers began to re-think on the prospect of his comeback. It was obvious that Foreman was ruggedly focused and showed great deal of consistency, a notable win that year was a seventh round knock out of former light weight and cruiser weight champion Dwight Mohammed Qawi. He showed great improvement, though a slow fighter he had not lost much mobility in the ring since his first “retirement” although he found it harder to keep his balance after throwing big punches and could no longer throw rapid combinations. He was still capable of landing heavy, single blows. Another remarkable improvement was his ability to go the distance unlike when he was much younger and does not tire-out when he goes the distance. Foreman attributed this to his new relaxed fighting style; he said (During his early days of boxing) “my lack of stamina came from an enormous amount of nervous tension”.

Foreman’s major contest to the world title came in 1990, when he fought against Gerry Cooney in Atlantic City. Cooney was coming off a long period of inactivity and was known to have a weak chin, but his devastating punching power was enough to make any opponent see stars. Sure enough he wobbled Foreman in the first round but when Foreman landed several powerful shots in the second round Cooney froze on his feet, seconds later he was knocked down twice, that night Foreman scored one of the most devastating knock out in heavy weight history. This particular victory was central and very fundamental, suddenly boxing fans began to take Foreman’s come back serious.

Then in1991 an opportunity was presented to Foreman, against the then undisputed world heavyweight champion: Evander Holyfield. Both boxers were in tremendous shape but very few boxing experts gave Foreman a chance. When the fight got underway Foreman bravely came forward taking in most of Holyfield’s best combinations and occasionally landing some life threatening punches. Holyfield proved hard to be knocked down but in the seventh round, Foreman knocked Holyfield off balance, he immediately replied with powerful combinations to ward off Forman. That round was chosen by RING MAGAZINE as round of the year. After the fight, Foreman told reporters that half of his dream has been completed by showing the world that people can still go the distance in any pursuit, even in their 40’s. He lost the fight but gained respect for a valiant effort.

In 1992, Foreman fought against journeyman Alex Stewart, he floored him twice in the second round but lost lots of energy in doing so. He subsequently tired and Stewart gained confidence, unleashing a ferociously fearsome beating on Foreman, the worst he has ever received in his two-phased career. By the tenth and final round he was bloodied and had swollen face, but judges awarded him majority decision. He won that fight but many urged him to retire but he refused.

In 1993, Foreman received another title shot this time it was against Tommy Morrison, a young fighter, known for his ferocious punching power. The fight is most memorable for the awkward style that was displayed by Morrison; he retreated through out the fight, refusing to trade toe-to-toe and at some point turned his back on Foreman. The technique paid off anyway as he won a unanimous decision. At this point, no one thought that Foreman would land another title short.

REGAINING THE TITLE

However in 1994, Foreman sought to challenge for the world championship after Michael Moorer had dethroned Evander Holyfield for the IBF and WBA titles. He was initially refused a shot at the title became of his lose to Morrison. Foreman, understanding the politics of the game took the matter to court, pleading age discrimination. He won the case and got one last chance to fight for what is seen as the real heavyweight belt.

The battle took place on November 5, 1994 in Las Vegas Nevada with the Big George wearing the same red trunks he wore when he lost the title to Mohammed Ali, twenty years ago. He came into that fight as the clear under dog. As the fight went underway, Moorer adopted the same tactics other opponent had used in the past, hitting Foreman from long range and kept moving away yet the Big Man charged forward. By the tenth round Foreman was trailing on the entire judges score sheet. Then, suddenly, a short right hand caught Moorer on the tip of his chin, gashing open his bottom lip and he collapsed to the canvas (not forgetting that Foreman punching power was still lethal). He lay flat on his back as the referee counted him out, like a fairy tale foreman had regained the title he had lost to Mohammed Ali two decades before. He went back to his corner and knelt down in prayers as the arena erupted in cheers. With this victory, Foreman broke two records he became the oldest man at age 45 to win a world heavyweight title, 20 years after loosing his title for the first time; he broke the record for the fighter with the longest interval win between one world championship and the next.

He later retired finally after loosing to Shannon Briggs. But put up another top class performance. In 2003 he was elected into the international boxing hall of fame, where he was inducted in June. That same year, he was named boxing’s ninth greatest puncher of all time by RINA MAGAZINE. He is noted for being one man too many selling grill, mufflers etc. and made over 150 million dollars. The grill sold over 100 million units.

When asked what his final thought was, he said “The first step you take is the one you decide to take for yourself. If I could become heavyweight Champ of the world after been retired for ten years, then the general public can do anything they want. Just do what you are going to do and do not just talk about it. Anyone, even Mike Tyson can do it better the second time round. I write a fitness column for U.S.A week end edition. In researching for that column I learned you have to be flexible in your thinking and not be head strong. There is nothing wrong with been down, because you can only go up, it is never to late to start all over again”

UNFORGETABLE ICONS IN BOXING (PART II)

Last week we began a series on the first half of George Forman career. This week we shall be looking at the second phase of the unforgettable icons of boxing and the man in focus is none other than George Edward Forman.

Life presents us with lots of opportunities on daily basis, recognizing these opportunities and tuning them into success is another thing altogether. Belief in one’s self, focus, right mental attitude and physical fitness combines to help us achieve our objective in life.
As, I researched for this article, I got a lot motivated and perhaps indoctrinated into the philosophies of the only man that has won the heavyweight title two times after a 20years gap. This story challenged me and threw me into the island of fantasy: where I wished that maybe Joe Lasisi, Bash Ali or Jerry Okorodudu can just dust their bags, come back to boxing and become champions. What a feat that will be.

However, not many boxing follower’s gave Foreman a chance when he announce his second comeback at the age of 38, in 1987, precisely 10years after he left boxing. His first comeback fight was against Journeyman Steve Zouski and it look place in Sacramento California, a remarkable feature of that bout was the size of Foreman, he was heavily out of shape weighing 270-lb for the fight though he won the fight scoring a fourth round knock out. Many thought his decision to return to the ring was a huge mistake, Foreman countered that, he had returned to prove that age was not a barrier to people achieving their goals (as he would say later, he wanted to show that age 40 is not a “death sentence”) He won four bouts that year, gradually sliming down and improving his fitness. The following year (1988) he won nine fights a feat that made boxing followers began to re-think on the prospect of his comeback. It was obvious that Foreman was ruggedly focused and showed great deal of consistency, a notable win that year was a seventh round knock out of former light weight and cruiser weight champion Dwight Mohammed Qawi. He showed great improvement, though a slow fighter he had not lost much mobility in the ring since his first “retirement” although he found it harder to keep his balance after throwing big punches and could no longer throw rapid combinations. He was still capable of landing heavy, single blows. Another remarkable improvement was his ability to go the distance unlike when he was much younger and does not tire-out when he goes the distance. Foreman attributed this to his new relaxed fighting style; he said (During his early days of boxing) “my lack of stamina came from an enormous amount of nervous tension”.

Foreman’s major contest to the world title came in 1990, when he fought against Gerry Cooney in Atlantic City. Cooney was coming off a long period of inactivity and was known to have a weak chin, but his devastating punching power was enough to make any opponent see stars. Sure enough he wobbled Foreman in the first round but when Foreman landed several powerful shots in the second round Cooney froze on his feet, seconds later he was knocked down twice, that night Foreman scored one of the most devastating knock out in heavy weight history. This particular victory was central and very fundamental, suddenly boxing fans began to take Foreman’s come back serious.

Then in1991 an opportunity was presented to Foreman, against the then undisputed world heavyweight champion: Evander Holyfield. Both boxers were in tremendous shape but very few boxing experts gave Foreman a chance. When the fight got underway Foreman bravely came forward taking in most of Holyfield’s best combinations and occasionally landing some life threatening punches. Holyfield proved hard to be knocked down but in the seventh round, Foreman knocked Holyfield off balance, he immediately replied with powerful combinations to ward off Forman. That round was chosen by RING MAGAZINE as round of the year. After the fight, Foreman told reporters that half of his dream has been completed by showing the world that people can still go the distance in any pursuit, even in their 40’s. He lost the fight but gained respect for a valiant effort.

In 1992, Foreman fought against journeyman Alex Stewart, he floored him twice in the second round but lost lots of energy in doing so. He subsequently tired and Stewart gained confidence, unleashing a ferociously fearsome beating on Foreman, the worst he has ever received in his two-phased career. By the tenth and final round he was bloodied and had swollen face, but judges awarded him majority decision. He won that fight but many urged him to retire but he refused.

In 1993, Foreman received another title shot this time it was against Tommy Morrison, a young fighter, known for his ferocious punching power. The fight is most memorable for the awkward style that was displayed by Morrison; he retreated through out the fight, refusing to trade toe-to-toe and at some point turned his back on Foreman. The technique paid off anyway as he won a unanimous decision. At this point, no one thought that Foreman would land another title short.

REGAINING THE TITLE

However in 1994, Foreman sought to challenge for the world championship after Michael Moorer had dethroned Evander Holyfield for the IBF and WBA titles. He was initially refused a shot at the title became of his lose to Morrison. Foreman, understanding the politics of the game took the matter to court, pleading age discrimination. He won the case and got one last chance to fight for what is seen as the real heavyweight belt.

The battle took place on November 5, 1994 in Las Vegas Nevada with the Big George wearing the same red trunks he wore when he lost the title to Mohammed Ali, twenty years ago. He came into that fight as the clear under dog. As the fight went underway, Moorer adopted the same tactics other opponent had used in the past, hitting Foreman from long range and kept moving away yet the Big Man charged forward. By the tenth round Foreman was trailing on the entire judges score sheet. Then, suddenly, a short right hand caught Moorer on the tip of his chin, gashing open his bottom lip and he collapsed to the canvas (not forgetting that Foreman punching power was still lethal). He lay flat on his back as the referee counted him out, like a fairy tale foreman had regained the title he had lost to Mohammed Ali two decades before. He went back to his corner and knelt down in prayers as the arena erupted in cheers. With this victory, Foreman broke two records he became the oldest man at age 45 to win a world heavyweight title, 20 years after loosing his title for the first time; he broke the record for the fighter with the longest interval win between one world championship and the next.

He later retired finally after loosing to Shannon Briggs. But put up another top class performance. In 2003 he was elected into the international boxing hall of fame, where he was inducted in June. That same year, he was named boxing’s ninth greatest puncher of all time by RINA MAGAZINE. He is noted for being one man too many selling grill, mufflers etc. and made over 150 million dollars. The grill sold over 100 million units.

When asked what his final thought was, he said “The first step you take is the one you decide to take for yourself. If I could become heavyweight Champ of the world after been retired for ten years, then the general public can do anything they want. Just do what you are going to do and do not just talk about it. Anyone, even Mike Tyson can do it better the second time round. I write a fitness column for U.S.A week end edition. In researching for that column I learned you have to be flexible in your thinking and not be head strong. There is nothing wrong with been down, because you can only go up, it is never to late to start all over again”