One More Round With Mark Lyons: Mayweather-Marquez, Chavez Jr, Montiel/Valdez, etc...

With his Top 40 at 40 countdown complete, The Boxing Bulletin's Mark Lyons turns his attention to the current boxing scene with a new weekly column.

Photos © Ray Kasprowicz

Welcome to the first edition of my new weekly recap/preview blog style column. Please feel free to email me with any disagreements regarding my recaps, predictions, etc. I’m all about slicing up a topic with a fellow boxing fan.

My take on this past weekend's action...

A lot of fights last weekend and here are some brief notes on the ones that I saw. I can’t say I bothered to flip on Showtime, but the results were far from surprising.

The ref in the Montiel/Valdez fight was despicable. I don’t even know where to begin... a do over on the knockdown in the second and then a TD on a cut that was never ruled the result of a butt. Weight is over dramatized in the sport today, but Montiel may just be too diminutive for bantamweight. Mijares is another that just doesn’t seem like he can cut it at 118, though I’ve yet to see his fight.

Chavez, Jr (pictured) has picked up a lot of disdain up to this point in his career. I will say this, the kid comes to fight and has engaged in some exciting scraps. This latest effort is a sign that they need to step it up a level. That complaint has been issued for some time, but when he was going to war with the guys in front of him, he was being matched up appropriately. He does put his punches together well. I’m not saying the kid is a future champion, but he is fun to watch.

Calderon/Mayol was almost intolerable to sit through. I like Ivan and have never expected him to be the type of fighter that is in wars. However, he seems to be having difficulty pulling the trigger on counters now. While his defense is still top notch, the signs of age are showing on what was an already limited offense. That being said, I didn’t see the controversial decision I am reading from a lot of people. I’m still waiting for him to get hit.

Tyson Fury is the weakest heavyweight prospect I’ve ever seen. Tye Fields, minus the power. That’s all I’ve got to say about that.

Looking Ahead to Mayweather vs Marquez...

I’ve been anticipating this fight for months now. First off, props to Golden Boy for giving us two undercard fights to look forward to. I know it should be the rule, not the exception, but they have delivered a great card here. Forgive me for not caring that the Judah fight is canceled.

There is no doubt in my mind that Katsidis/Escobedo will be explosive. I’m going to take the Aussie by tight decision, but with all kinds of trepidation. In fact, all predictions on this card are difficult to formulate. That’s what makes it such a special event in my opinion. I have to figure that Rocky Juarez will do just enough not to win. He is one of the coolest guys in the sport and I’ll be pulling for him, but I expect Chris John to box better this time and secure a decision.

On to the main course, I can’t tell you how interested I am in this fight. First off, the weight means nothing to me. Five to seven lbs vs a two year layoff is an even trade. I have to admit to not watching 24/7, so you wont hear anything about that here. I think Mayweather’s timing has to be affected by the layoff, at least early on. This will enable Marquez to get off to a faster start than he usually does.

That’s where the drama begins. While critics of Floyd run wild, I don’t think anyone can question how much that “0” means to him. If he gets overly aggressive, Juan will counter him to death. These guys are both facing a fighter with gifts that they have never faced before. Money’s defense is spectacular, but can he fend off a 4 punch combination thrown with anger, speed and absolute precision? I can’t wait to find out. The 3rd and 4th shots of the combo are where I expect JMM to do his damage and it’s hard to shoulder roll shots coming from every conceivable angle. On the flip side, Floyd is as accurate as they come and his lead right hand can off set what Marquez is trying to accomplish.

The fight will be tactical, but in a fascinating way. Marquez will ensure enough action to keep everyone interested. I imagine several swings in momentum and by the stretch both guys will be on about plan D. You’re talking about two of the smartest fighters to ever lace them up and the adjustments they both make will be subtle and brilliant. I’m expecting a very tight distance fight between two all time greats. That being the case, give me Marquez at +300 all day long.

A fight I’d love to see...

Each week I'll throw a different mythical match-up out there with my opinion of how the it might have played out. I'll start this week with Jersey Joe Walcott vs Archie Moore.

No idea why this never took place, but it should have, 4 or 5 times. 2 of the smartest fighters ever to lace 'em up, but neither shied away from a war. I have a sneaking suspicion that this fight would have a few tactical rounds and then would turn into a war. Both had power, guts and a chin that could be found. I think the ebb and flow would be fantastic, both guys see the deck and in the end Walcott escapes by the narrowest of decisions. Either guy taking it by any possible result wouldn’t surprise me in the least.

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Live Round by Round Blog: Ivan Calderon vs Rodel Mayol

Welcome to The Boxing Bulletin's live round by round blog coverage of Ivan Calderon vs Rodel Mayol. If you're not in the US, Puerto Rico or the Philippines, you can watch the fight via online PPV at GoFightLive.tv.

Our round by round coverage is the next best thing to watching. Check us out tonight, and next week when we'll be covering Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Juan Manuel Marquez.

Ivan Calderon 30-0-1 (107.4) vs Rodel Mayol 25-3-1 (107.3)

If you are here early, check out some our recent stories about upcoming fights: The Case for Juan Manuel Marquez Beating Floyd Mayweather Part One & Part Two by Lee Payton Chris Arreola Has The Tools To Rise Above Expectations by Michael Nelson Has Arreola Sacrificed Enough To Beat Klitschko by Lee Payton

Refresh this page often as updates will be frequent 10:15 PM... Coverage will start shortly. 10:22... We just saw a clip of Calderon having his hands wrapped. The Martinez/Viloria fight is in the 6th round, and I'd guess the main event is at least 30 mins away. 10:34... Martinez in control through 8 (up 7-1 on the commentators cards). Viloria hanging tough, but he's getting much the worst of it. 10:41... Martinez finished Viloria at 2:59 of round 9. 10:43... My attention is a little diverted, as I'm watching the Ward/Pudwill fight on Showtime now. I'm sure that will be over long before Calderon and Mayol are ready to go. 10:50... We just saw Calderon warming up in his dressing room. Now we're going to get a few words from Calderon. He says he's ready for the fight, and he plans on moving a lot, and using his southpaw stance to box Mayol. "It doesn't matter if it's Madison Square Garden or where it is, I'm ready to fight." 10:54... Mayol has made his entrance, and now Calderon is heading towards the ring. 10:56... I jumped the gun a bit. Mayol had left his dressing room, but was still waiting to enter. Now he's on his way in. 10:58... Now Calderon is on his way in. 11:00... We're set to go. Lupe Contreras with the introductions. 11:01... The ref is Luis Pabon. 11:02... A mild reception for the visiting fighter Mayol when his name was called. 11:04... A bit more noise for Calderon, although the crowd is quiet for the most part. 11:08... We're underway. Mayol the more aggressive of the two to start. He's trying to fire off the right hand, coming in behind the jab. he's edging forward, with Calderon circling away. Calderon sticks a right hand in, and flurries quickly in close before slipping away. Mayol mising with a 1-2. he'd edging forward, with Calderon moving from side to side. Calderon gets in and out quickly, while Mayol tries to respond with a 1-2, but misses. Calderon slips a right hand and ties Mayol up. 45 seconds left in the opening round. Calderon jumps in with a left and then holds. Mayol comes forward, and gets tied up after missing a right. Mayol again misses with a right. There's the bell. Not too much of note landed, although Calderon got in a few shots. 11:09... By the way, the commentators are Bob Sheridan and Benny Ricardo. 11:12... Mayol keeps edging forward, but Calderon sticks a jab in and ties him up. Mayol is now warned for hitting Calderon in the thigh. Mayol moving forward, Calderon side to side looking to counter. Calderon jumps in,b ut is short with a left. We just had a head clash. The second of the round, and always a worry with southpaws/orthodox match-up. Mayol misses with a hook. Mayol again short. He misses with another combo. Calderon not really making him pay thoguh when he misses. Mayol keeps coming forward, but Calderon on the move, circling away. There's the bell. Other than the low blow warning and the head clashes, not much of anything happened in the round. 11:16... Calderon standing his ground more this round to start. He comes in with a 1-2, but neither land and they clinch. Mayol with a right hand that I think landed. Mayol edging forward now, with Calderon sliding off to his right. Now they clinch. 1:30 to go. Mayol is short with a 1-2, and they tie up. Mayol comes in behind the jab, with a right hand, but Calderon slips under it. Calderon with a hook that his short. He now fires a left that goes low, and there's a split second break in the action. Mayol comes forward, Calderon moving right, then left. Mayol with a jab. Sheridan has it 3-0, but stresses the rounds have been close. 11:20... Ricardo points out the battle between the two fighters for foot position, to get on the outside of the opponents lead foot. Calderon jumps in with a left that is short. Mayol edging forward, and throws a right, but misses. Mayol misses with a left uppercut. Action in the center of the ring here. Mayol throws a hook, and gets tied up. Calderon making Mayol miss, but not landing anything in return. Neither man doing much offensively here. "Very technical fight." - Sheridan. Mayol misses with a right. Calderon now ties him up. Mayol again misses with a right. Mayol tries to flurry and is tied up. Sheridan comments that Mayol may have won the round, but Ricardo disagrees. 11:21.. Calderon did nothing last round, and at least Mayol was coming forward trying to make the fight. I'm with The Colonel I think with that round. 11:24... My apologies, but my connection cut out during the round and I couldn't load blogger. Nothing much landed though for either man. Sheridan gave the round to Calderon. 11:28... "Calderon slightly out in front of the fight as he's slightly winning each round." - Sheridan. Mayol coming forward, firing a 1-2, that's short. Now he appears to have got through with a right hand. Calderon jumps in with a left, and ties Mayol up. Both fighters try and throw at the same time, and there's a clash of heads. Appears to be no damage thankfully. Mayol loads up with a right, and misses and gets tied up. Action (or lack of) in the center of the ring. Calderon misses with a left. Calderon short with a jab. Mayol misses with a right. Mayol wildly misses with a left hook. Calderon with a left, and then clinches. Mayol misses with a hook. Now they clinch again. Calderon with a straight left. Mayol tries to flurry, but misses, and then both fighters exchange shots at the bell. We are now through 6. 11:32... Round 7 underway. "We're enjoying the fight... and I hope you can appreciate the technical fight that we're watching." - Sheridan. Bob's enjoying it more than I am. I don't mind watching Calderon play keep away, as long as he lands his share counters, but he hasn't landed much himself. Mayol manages to get a right hand through. Calderon misses with a straight left, and they tie up. Calderon fires a looping left that is short. They clinch. Mayol with a 1-2, but is short. Now there's a bad looking clash of heads. Time is called. Calderon appears to have been cut. It's up high near the hair line and it's a bad one. The doctors are taking a long look. This one is over. We'll be going to the cards. 11:34... The left side of Calderon's head clattered into Mayol's head. 11:36... Lupe Contreras with the decision... 68-65 Calderon, 68-65 for Mayol, and 68-65 for the winner by split (technical) decision is Ivan Calderon. 11:37... An unfortunate ending to a bout short of thrills. 11:40... That's it for our Live Round by Round Blog coverage of tonight's show. We'll be back next week for Mayweather vs Marquez, with coverage of the entire show including the under-card bouts.

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The Boxing Bulletin Pick'em Game - Week 2

The Boxing Bulletin's Pick'em game is back for week 2. There's a lot more activity around the boxing world this weekend, and that's reflected in the fights on this week's game sheet.

If you played week 1, scroll down to the bottom for standings. If you missed the opening week, that's not a problem, as you can join right in this week.

Our game is a little different than most of the variations we've seen online, as it's a combination of picking the winners straight-up and beating the odds. If you're ready to match your prognostication skills against other boxing fans, then let's get started...

How to play:

The game is strictly for fun, and entry is free. The deadline to enter this week is Thursday night at 11 PM EST. We'll post the pick breakdown on Friday, and have the results tabulated and posted with Monday's Week 3 game sheet (please check this post's comments for early results, as we'll try getting them up there by Sunday).

Pick The Winners

This part's easy - 2 points for each correct answer.

Beat The Odds

This is where it gets a little more involved, as you will have the option of choosing 2 fights to risk multiple (double or triple, but only one can be a triple) points on. Points gained (and lost) will be multiplied by two and three times respectively for these fights.

You do not need to risk points on every fight. If you wish to skip a fight, just check "pass" for both fighters.

Standings

We will keep standings for the full year, although each game will only last for 1 month. At the end of the month standings will be reset and a new game will begin.

We've got a few details below on the fights in play this week, but if you're ready to get started, here's the Week 2 game sheet.

This Week's Line-up - clicking on the fighter's name will open up their boxrec page September 11 John McDermott (25-5) vs Tyson Fury (7-0) - 10 rounds - English heavyweight title - Brentwood, Essex, United Kingdom (Television: Sky, UK) Having finished off his first 7 opponents inside the distance, Fury will be facing his toughest test to date in McDermott. For a short preview of McDermott vs Fury, check out The Boxing Bulletin's British Scene Season Preview Part One by Dave Oakes. September 12 Mikkel Kessler (41-1) vs Gusmyr Perdomo (16-2) - 12 rounds - WBA super-middleweight title - Herning, Denmark & Andre Ward (19-0) vs Shelby Pudwill (22-3-1) - 10 rounds - Temecula, California, USA (Television, Showtime) With all due respect to Shelby Pudwill, he doesn't belong in the same ring as Andre Ward. Granted Ward needed a stay busy fight while Kessler fulfills his mandatory obligations against Perdomo, but Showtime might as well flash "Super Six Informerical" on the screen for as long as this extremely poor excuse for a main-event lasts. We're only offering it as an over/under, the the total has been set very low. Ivan Calderon (32-0-1) vs Rodel Mayol (25-3-1) - 12 rounds - WBO light-flyweight title Calderon has been one of the best in the sport for many years, but has has shown signs of slipping and was given a tough go by Mayol in their abbreviated draw back in June. On home soil, the masterful southpaw is the definitive favorite to take the rematch, but considering the odds, Mayol might be worth a pick. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (39-0-1) vs Jason LeHoullier (29-1-1) - 10 rounds - Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico (Television, Top Rank PPV) Is LeHoullier good enough to pull the upset? Probably not, but we're also offering this one as an over/under which should make it a little more interesting fight to play. If you're ready to play, click here for the week 2 game sheet.

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