Now that fugitive from justice Jon Jones has been captured, lets talk Mayweather/Paquiao

[Deleted member 1]

FIRST OFF, you're not allowed in here if you don't vote!

NY Times ran this article...
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/29/s...-are-high-boxings-future-is-murkier.html?_r=0
Expectations for Mayweather-Pacquiao Are High; Boxing’s Future Is Murkier

Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter as well as Ali’s, had a front-row seat through some of boxing’s glory days and through its declining ones. He looks at his roster of 70 boxers, who are predominantly Hispanic and African-American, along with a smattering of Eastern European fighters, and he recognizes the sport’s fundamental problem: It is too brutal for all but a few.

“Boxing is for poor people who don’t have any other alternative to make their way in life,” Arum said. “We can’t get white middle-class kids into boxing. Let’s be honest: No parent in their right mind is going to let them come to a gym. I wouldn’t let my kid go into boxing.”

Too dangerous? Is boxing just for poor minorities and that's why its shifting to popularity in immigrant populations over middle class America? Will this violence be the decline of MMA without the entertainment mixed in?

The bout also comes at a time of stiffer competition within the niche of combat sports. Both scripted wrestling and mixed martial arts put on lucrative pay-per-view events. In addition, World Wrestling Entertainment, a staple of cable television, has its own online TV network with 1.3 million subscribers, and it drew more than 70,000 people in March to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., for WrestleMania 31, the latest edition of its marquee event. The Ultimate Fighting Championship has a $100-million-a-year network television deal with Fox.

“They’ve done a better job building excitement and personalities,” Dorfman said. “You don’t see any Alis or Fraziers or Mayweathers coming up out there.”

I JUST posted the other day about the ratings for cable boxing and that it was doing as well as cable UFC. There is some interest still! Maybe not the heyday, but still plenty compared to MMA. Is this just the decline of the PPV model and no one is willing to say it?

The most recent Saturday night P.B.C. on NBC telecast, on April 11, averaged 2.9 million viewers. That made it the second-most-watched professional boxing broadcast since “Oscar De La Hoya’s Fight Night,” a Fox broadcast on March 23, 1998, that drew 5.9 million viewers. Still, the audience figure was down from NBC’s first P.B.C. event, in March, which drew 3.4 million.

Pretty good numbers.



So outside of the existential crisis that boxing is undergoing, lets talk the fight itself:

De la hoya is taking Mayweather
Tyson picks pacman
Ali is picking pacman in the midst of telling Mayweather to remember that Ali is the best




Get your vote. How's the fight going? Is this the last hurrah without a significant change in boxing?
I want to argue against it, but no one knew a Klitschko was fighting last weekend. And GGG is in a tough weight class to really get a legacy going. He clears it out and then what?

 

[Morpheushasleftthebuilding]

but the rich still got all the seats with only 500 tickets available of the 17.000, and its a poor man's sport?, GTFO

 

[Deleted member 1]

but the rich still got all the seats with only 500 tickets available of the 17.000, and its a poor man's sport?, GTFO

In fairness he was talking about those in the ring getting punched.

Would you let your kid start boxing at 4,5,6 years old as most pros start? Sparring before teenage years?

 

[Morpheushasleftthebuilding]

In fairness he was talking about those in the ring getting punched.

Would you let your kid start boxing at 4,5,6 years old as most pros start? Sparring before teenage years?

nope, directly to krav mana

 

[El_Varaco]

Heart says Manny, Head says Floyd

given that

I'm still taking Manny, I always have.

Everytime Manny fights someone big, everybody said he'll get taken out, I still remember being the only guy on the UG who took Pacquiao in the Barrera fight, and it has been like that ever since, Pac's too small, not too bright, etc. etc., but he's only failed me once with the fourth JMM fight.

 

[Darqnezz]

$$ May. All day. He is undefeated.

 

[Greek777]

I am a massive admirer of Floyd's boxing skills. Watching him fight is a treat every time. I look up to the man as a pugilist, and he is one of the greatest ever (I don't think he is THE greatest, but yeah)

That being said. It's hard not to root for Manny. Can you guys just imagine what the fallout would be like if Manny KO'd him late in the fight?

Floyd IS getting older and has been fighting for over 2 decades including his ammy career. Pacquiao has lost a step himself, but yesterday I went back and watched the 2 Maidana fights. Floyd handled the pressure pretty well.. and the thing about Floyd's style and defense, is that a lot of people think his opponents are connecting/hurting him when in reality they are not. Their punches catch his shoulders, gloves, elbows, etc. Manny WILL pressure him, possibly unlike anyone Floyd has faced before.

However, this isn't the Manny of 2009. He has not looked like a world beater in the last 2 years, although his last fight did show improvements... Floyd is just on another level than anyone Manny has fought since his KO loss. He cannot be timid against Floyd if he wants to win. He needs to go into all out berserker mode like he used to, throwing 100+ punches in rounds where it really matters, and NEVER let Floyd rest. I just don't think he will, though, as much as I want to. I think it'll be in spurts, and the only chance he has is if he does it nonstop from the opening bell. But that Pacquiao is gone, I really believe.

Floyd is a defensive master. I could literally watch tapes of him and James Toney for hours on end for days in a row - and I have. To me, that is some of the highest level of skill ever displayed in combat sport in any one area. It's just crazy to watch how damn good Floyd is.

BUT. I really want Manny to win the fight. It will shake up the world (shout out to the real greatest). There would be a huge rematch, and it would just be good for boxing. Plus, Manny has a story you can't help but relate too. Obviously Floyd struggled a lot as well and earned every single thing he has today, nothing was handed to him.

I'd just really love to see Manny take it. It'd be an amazing comeback story after everyone dismissed him post Marquez KO. If Manny can bring incredible pressure for 12 rounds, and stay absolutely relentless, it may very well turn into an interesting fight.

In the last few years fights, Mayweather has had a big more of an offensive style. He throws a lot of straight right hands down the pipe that no one ever sees coming. His performance against Canelo made Canaelo look like he had no business in there.

Let's not forget, though, the screwy judging in Vegas - one judge scored the Canelo fight a DRAW (in what fucking world does that make sense?).. If Manny does put the pressure on Floyd endlessly, even if his shots are not connecting to Floyd's face/body.. The judges may very well buy into the illusion and think Manny is getting at PBF if he backs him against the ropes into his shell.

There's ym detailed thoughts on the fight I have been waiting to see for years. Hope you guys don't mind reading it. I have thought about this fight endlessly since 2007-8. Back then I think Pacquiao had a better chance, but bother guys are a little older now.

My actual prediction.. Floyd by decision.

What I want to see happen? Manny by KO. But I think that's unlikely. Floyd will fight his smartest, most defensive fight ever. People will whine that they paid $100 to "watch Floyd run around for 12 rounds". Floyd will probably retire and in his mind solidify his claim as the GOAT, saying "I beat everyone, I even beat Pacquiao who none of you said I'd fight, I'm TBE"...

Either way, can't wait. You never know what can happen. Nothing is for certain.

 

[Darqnezz]

Everyone knows that Pak-Yow is the better guy. I just feel that $$May is the the better technician of the two. Plus Manny was on the unconscious end of one of the scariest K.O's I've ever seen. Better put your cash on the champ.

 

[Punch]

 

[Greek777]

I hope PBF walks out with Triple H, Bieber, and Lil Wayne (who will be shirtless the entire time even when sitting in the stands)

Otherwise it just wouldn't feel right.

Pacquiao should come out with Sting (the wrestler, obviously), Selena Gomez and Birdman to counter.

 

[Punch]

@Galanis lol, the fuck?

 

[Greek777]

It's a Money May tradition

Like I said. If Pacquiao wants to win the mental warfare. He needs to recruit the above names. ESPECIALLY Sting. Triple H thinks that it was over after Wrestlemania, HE'S WRONG

 

[Greek777]

Fuck it. They really might as well make it an 8 man tag team match.

 

[Priziesthorse]

Mayweather didn't walk out with any celebrities his last fight. That was upsetting.

 

[sgotwalks]

Going all out here and saying Manny wins this early! First 3 rounds!! Floyd gets settled into too much of a groove as the fight goes on and he always seems far stronger in the final six rounds.............it is those first six rounds when he is still figuring out his opponents that he would be most susceptible to getting rocked, and it's also when Manny's speed can catch people off guard the most, hence I am going to go out on a limb here and say Manny catches him early, we see some spaghetti legs.............and the follow up will be fierce! Floyd will not have the same heart that Juan Manual had following the first round of the first fight against Manny. When all is said and done we will get to hear Floyd whining about the referee stopping the fight too soon, and he will assure us he was fine. Everyone who is not blindly swallowing his nuts, or on his payroll will disagree. CAN'T WAIT!!!

 

[lookoutawhale]

I hope for Manny to KO Mayweather, but i think it will be a 12 round jab fest leading to a easy decision win for Mayweather.

 

[Robbie Hart]

Everyone knows that Pak-Yow is the better guy. I just feel that $$May is the the better technician of the two. Plus Manny was on the unconscious end of one of the scariest K.O's I've ever seen. Better put your cash on the champ.

this is correct, does anyone think Floyd will take even one punch from "pak-yow"? he fought a grinder in Rick Hatton (no allegiance, just point of reference) and that grinder had no luck.........Floyd will run the entire fight and win an absolute borefest of a fight.........ud to Floyd

 

[Zeph]

Voted with my heart, come on pacman!

 

[Greek777]

Sherdog and a few boxing sites had an interesting article today

In a room of 39 boxing writers - when polled on who they THINK will win, 38 said Floyd, with 1 lone reporter saying Manny

But when asked who the writers WANT to win. Every single one of them said Manny, unanimously, all 39 (under anonymity of course)

This seems to be the train of thought most people have. They know Floyd probably wins, but they want Manny to pull it off.

Secretly Pulling for Pacquiao, Boxing Community Thinks Mayweather Jr. Will Win

"Of close to 40 boxing people speaking their opinion on who will win the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, an overwhelming 38 said Mayweather. There was only one dissenter. When asked, under the cloak of anonymity who they wanted to win, if given a choice, the group responded overwhelmingly in favor of Pacquiao -- with no dissenters. That is a spotless 39-0 for Pacquiao.

“Floyd just has a habit of rubbing a lot of people the wrong way, and his well-documented criminal past doesn’t help his cause, either,” said one boxing writer. “You can ask anyone in this [media room], and at one time or another, Mayweather or someone from Mayweather’s team, was rude or obnoxious to them. They’re ignorant. It seems they get off on being [expletive] to people. There’s no denying Floyd’s skill and ability. If I didn’t have to cover it, I might not watch it. I wouldn’t want to put one red cent in Floyd Mayweather’s fat pockets.”"

 

[sgotwalks]

this is correct, does anyone think Floyd will take even one punch from "pak-yow"? he fought a grinder in Rick Hatton (no allegiance, just point of reference) and that grinder had no luck.........Floyd will run the entire fight and win an absolute borefest of a fight.........ud to Floyd

I too thought a grinder like Hatton might have had a little more success taking the fight to Floyd, but then again, I had also hoped a warrior like Gatti was going to find a way to drag Floyd into a battle but that fight turned out to be the most boring Gatti fight you could ever imagine (Floyd is good at bringing out the best in people). However, lets not for one second hold the same candle to guys like that as is held to Manny Pacquiao who can easily go for a full 12 rounds on his toes, in and out and side to side, coming in at different angles with perpetual motion all night long........like lightening being released from a bottle.

My biggest concern at this point might be Kenny Bayless as the referee. He is a superb boxing referee, no doubt, however, I find he allows Floyd the ability to grab and hold far too often. I would really like to see some fucking point deductions from time to time for these antics by Mayweather, and my biggest concern is that he will be allowed to grab hold of Manny's arms and lock him up every time they get close, and for far too long when he does. That to me is the most frustrating aspect of any Mayweather fight, even more so than his refusal to throw multi-punch combinations.

Pac is going to get in and out so fast it may make it more difficult for Floyd to pull this shit. Also, now that the money fight has arrived against boxing's other largest draw, perhaps there will not be any added pressure there to protect the cash cow that is Floyd Mayweather by allowing him to grab and hold all night. There ought to be a lot of pressure on the referee to do what is necessary to make this fight as exciting as possible, for this is the grandest of stages and an amazing opportunity to build on the fan base all over the world.

 

[Robbie Hart]

^^^^^you are way more knowledgeable than i am regarding boxing, me friend...........bottom line is, i'll agree with your opinion........i watched boxing back when floyd fought some white guy who pressured him the whole time and floyd could have lost that decision, i'll try to find the video......i am happy to say i watched an era where you had fights on hbo with hurtado vs. sweet pea whitaker before he fought de la hoya, you had roy jones fighting montell griffin and if i remember correctly you had lennox lewis fighting rahman and before that, oliver mccall.........sheeeeeeit, i'm old

 

[Greek777]

Good old 90s boxing ^ what I was raised on. Miss those days. can't imagine how great the 60s, 70s, 8os were as they happened.. well, every decade before NOW, lol

Boxing sucks today in comparison but it still has great stars if you know where to look. Still, doesn't compare to the 90s at all. Not just nostalgia thing either, just truth

My fave guys to watch right now aside from Floyd are GGG and Kovalev. Huge heavy hitters with a mean streak. I don't know if there's anyone out there who actually possesses the technique and skill to beat them without getting knocked on their ass. In a different era there would be, now, not so sure

Kovalev in particular is practically a sociopath. I like that, nice change from nice guys. Dude is nuts

 

[Greek777]

Also yeah, Kenny Bayless sucks,

But hey. At least it's not Joe Cortez

 

[sgotwalks]

I started boxing when I was 14 and even though I grew up watching Ali and Leonard with my folks in the 70's, it was that US Olympic team of 84 (same year I turned 14 and started boxing) that I really grew into the sport. I watched those 84 Olympics religiously because I we had Shawn O'Sullivan and Willie DeWitt as gold medal hopefuls for Canada (both of which lost decisions I thought they should have won to Americans on their home turf in LA), and I still remember the Holyfield disqualification to the Swiss dude for hitting after the break like it was yesterday. From those games onward I enjoyed the careers of Evander, Pernell, Meldrick Taylor, Mark Breland, Tyrell Biggs, Frank Tate and Henry Tillman from start to finish.

My best bud and I would grab a 24 of beer and sit in his parents basement as teens watching live fights on Wide World of Sports on ABC every Saturday afternoon it would seem. We would buy 2 or 3 of the boxing magazines every month, The Ring, KO Mag and World Boxing Magazine and read them from front to back. Outside of all of those Olympians you had the amazing era of the fabulous four in Leonard, Hagler, Hearns and Duran, and then you had Tyson blow onto the scene in around 86. Fucking good times man........not to mention those English welterweights that brought so much to the game, Nigel Benn, Michael Watson and Chris Eubank!

Holy fuck, I'm ready for some time travel now, somebody take me back to when I could sit my ass down and watch a brilliant fight between Michael Carbajal and Humberto Gonzalez for fuck sake! Jezus, and @Robbie Hart thought he was aging himself.

 

[Robbie Hart]

I started boxing when I was 14 and even though I grew up watching Ali and Leonard with my folks in the 70's, it was that US Olympic team of 84 (same year I turned 14 and started boxing) that I really grew into the sport. I watched those 84 Olympics religiously because I we had Shawn O'Sullivan and Willie DeWitt as gold medal hopefuls for Canada (both of which lost decisions I thought they should have won to Americans on their home turf in LA), and I still remember the Holyfield disqualification to the Swiss dude for hitting after the break like it was yesterday. From those games onward I enjoyed the careers of Evander, Pernell, Meldrick Taylor, Mark Breland, Tyrell Biggs, Frank Tate and Henry Tillman from start to finish.

My best bud and I would grab a 24 of beer and sit in his parents basement as teens watching live fights on Wide World of Sports on ABC every Saturday afternoon it would seem. We would buy 2 or 3 of the boxing magazines every month, The Ring, KO Mag and World Boxing Magazine and read them from front to back. Outside of all of those Olympians you had the amazing era of the fabulous four in Leonard, Hagler, Hearns and Duran, and then you had Tyson blow onto the scene in around 86. Fucking good times man........not to mention those English welterweights that brought so much to the game, Nigel Benn, Michael Watson and Chris Eubank!

Holy fuck, I'm ready for some time travel now, somebody take me back to when I could sit my ass down and watch a brilliant fight between Michael Carbajal and Humberto Gonzalez for fuck sake! Jezus, and @Robbie Hart thought he was aging himself.

Fuc-, good point, forgot about Wild World of Sports!........remember watching Evander Holyfield fight.....fuc-k let me look this up......dwight muhammed qawi........was fuc-ing watching this one afternoon thinking this is a fuc-ing fight and thinking sh-t qawi was in jail for a spell (at least announcers said that) and he's tough as nails.........good luck getting a fight like that on free tv on afternoon.......at least how i remember......you be a cool dude @sgotwalks .......