Dougie’s MASSIVE Monday Mail Bag

Dougie’s MASSIVE Monday Mail Bag
By Doug Fischer (June 30, 2008) Photo © German Villasenor

Read on for all the fan feedback you can handle on Manny-Pacquiao’s dominating stoppage of David Diaz, the Soto-Lorenzo DQ fiasco, and much more in this week’s MMMB. Enjoy!

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING

Dougie I realize that David Diaz is no world beater but I really thought his size would wear down Pacman for a late round tko. Looking at Pacquiao's last two fights against Barrera and Marquez I thought he was slowing down. What I didn't consider was the skill level of those two compared to what Diaz brought into the ring Saturday night. Anyone who has watched boxing as long as I have has seen excellent small guys move up and lose to average and even below average larger guys. It's happens a lot and I thought it would happen again. I was so wrong and Pacquiao has proven to me that he is an all time great fighter. It's not that he beat Diaz it's how flawlessly he did it that impressed me.

What's next... Is Campbell/Guzman already a done deal or could the Galaxy Warrior be next? It figures he would make a hell of a lot more losing to Pac Man than losing to Guzman. Yes, I think he loses both. – J in FLA

Campbell-Guzman is not done yet, but it’s close (in fact, it could be done by the time you read this response).

I have a lot of respect for Guzman, who I consider to be a top 15 pound-for-pound player, but I’d rather see Campbell take on Pacquiao for two reasons: first and foremost, because it would be a hell of a fight, but also because it would unify all of the major 135-pound world titles. And then the winner of Campbell-Pacquiao could take on the winner of Casamayor-Marquez for the really-REAL-no-kidding-honest-to-gosh lightweight championship of the world. Ya never know, Pacquaio-Marquez III could wind up being for all the marbles at 135 pounds.

However, it doesn’t seem like PacMan’s promoter, Bob Arum, is all that interested in his lightweight star immediately taking on the top contenders, title holders or recognized champs of the 135-pound division. The name he constantly threw out in post-fight interviews and during the post-fight press conference Saturday night was Edwin Valero. That’s right, Arum wants the PacMonster to take on “Dougie’s son” in Texas sometime in October.

Because it appears that most of the top lightweights have committed to fighting each other in the month of September, I don’t really have a problem with Pacquiao defending his new belt against ‘the V-nom’ in October (unless the fight is broadcast live on another accursed Pay-Per-View show), but I’d rather Pacquiao wait to fight until November or even December so he could take on a more notable 135 pounder while Valero makes his return to the States (a U.S.-televised showcase in Texas, September or October) against a top 130- or 135-pound contender like Guzman, Rocky Juarez, or Julio Diaz.

If “my son” can prove himself to the casual fans and boxing media by besting a tough, well-known contender or former titlist an eventual Pacquiao-Valero showdown could be made into a real attraction.

As for Pacquiao’s performance, I thought it was breathtaking. The little guy exceeded my expectations. I didn’t think Diaz could win the fight but I thought he could go the distance. If there was a stoppage, I thought it would be of the technical variety, but Pacquiao produced a stone-cold one-punch KO that had me worried about the health of Diaz. I thought Diaz could even be competitive depending on the gameplan Pacquiao chose to employ, but the PacMan fought the perfect fight – which was a beautiful blend of offense and defense, boxing and punching – and absolutely dominated the fight.

Pacquiao’s been my no. 1 pound-for-pound king a couple of times prior to Saturday night and prior to Floyd Mayweather’s recent departure from the sport, but his performance vs. Diaz solidifies his place on top of pro boxing’s elite fighters.

THOUGHTS ON 'LETHAL COMBINATION'

Doug,
I hope all is well.

This is short and sweet...

Regarding the decision to DQ Humberto Soto, how the hell can a doctor or referee make the decision that one specific punch caused a concussion when the man's face show clearly portrayed that of a fighter who'd taken consistent punishment for rounds? That is disgraceful.

I guess Arum got what he deserved. Karma is a bit#H aint it? Nothing against Tye Fields who seems to be a nice guy, but a first round kayo is all too poetic after Arum forced him down our throats and wasted the 'Versus' contract with the crude heavyweight.

Did Pacquiao's dominance remind you exactly of Calzaghe vs. Lacy? – Sean

Pacquiao-Diaz reminded me of Calzaghe-Lacy in two ways:
1)the more naturally gifted and experienced fighters out-boxed their opponents in a manner than not only out-classed the stronger but one-dimensional foes but also gave them frightful beatings; and
2)I began to worry about the health of both Lacy and Diaz around the fifth round of both beatdowns, and about the seventh round of both fights, I had to wonder why the corners of the beat-up fighters kept sending them out for another round of punishment.

I said this on Top Rank’s international broadcast and it bears repeating: the Tye Fields Experiment is officially over.

I don’t blame Arum from trying to make something out of the affable southpaw giant, but I do fault him for putting the college basketball player on so many Versus broadcasts when those valuable spots could have gone to more talented and promising fighters in his vast stable.

I’m happy for Monte Barrett and I hope he gets a high-profile fight out of Saturday’s victory. I think Two Gunz (who has an impressive backflip for a 37-year-old man) would make a reasonable opponent for David Haye’s U.S. heavyweight debut.

In regard to the Soto DQ, I simply don’t believe that a fighter, particularly one who is a second or two away from a KO victory, should be disqualified for committing a foul that is not blatantly malicious. Soto was just trying to finish off a guy who was on his way out amid the confusion that Joe Cortez created by breaking them up (as though he were about to stop the fight) and then waving them back together. Lorenzo is a short guy who often weaves into a crouching position to avoid punches. In the heat of battle I think it’s reasonable to assume that Soto thought Lorenzo was either trying to duck away or crouching down and not on the canvas.

Wally Mathews, who was also on Top Rank’s international broadcast, said Cortez’s interference with the fighters as Soto was closing in for the finish and subsequent powwow with WBC and NSAC officials while Lorenzo nearly bled himself to death on the canvas was as confusing and chaotic as the infamous Fan-Man incident during Bowe-Holyfield II.

I agree.

PACMAN IS GOOD 'N FULL NOW

Hey Hey Dougie. I apologize ahead of time for this long email. What an outstanding performance by PacMan and a brave effort by Diaz. I truly believed Diaz had the style to defeat PacMan. However, it all changed when PacMan entered the ring. Dougie, PacMan looked as close to a Bruce Lee physique as I've ever seen. PacMan came into fight night comfortably in the mid-one forties and looked completely satisfied with the extra meals he was able to consume since he moved up to 135. PacMan was simply "yoked out" old school Bolo style Dougie. I knew Diaz lost the physical advantage after seeing PacMan in the first round. Diaz was unable to physically back up PacMan because PacMan was just as strong (if not stronger) on the inside than a very stout Diaz at 135. When Diaz was on the inside, PacMan displayed some additional punches in his arsenal by throwing multiple hooks and by using the uppercut; I believe PacMan has attained a complete arsenal of punches now. Let's not forget about the wonderful use of PacMan's jab as well because his stinging jabs (and at times thudding) kept Diaz at bay on the outside; thereby, setting up PacMan's lethal right hooks and straight left hands. PacMan's defensive skills - despite Diaz's lack of speed and punching power - has improved as well. PacMan displayed defensive rhythm by using more upper body movement side to side and by twisting to roll or deflect punches coming at him. Surprisingly, I saw PacMan use some of PBF's defensive techniques on the inside as well, so look for the PacMan to perfect his inside defense soon.

However, I am still concerned as to whether PacMan can withstand the head/body shots from a 135 pound puncher - only time may tell. When PacMan attains full defensive rhythm, it will take a fighter with an excellent defense and offense (i.e. definitely Joan Guzman or maybe Humberto Soto and JMM) to defeat the PacMan. I personally would love to see PacMan vs. Nate Campbell, but I do not believe Campbell will defeat Guzman; and I doubt if PacMan would want to deal with a massive migraine/coronary of a fighter named Joan Guzman. Unfortunately, I suspect PacMan will fight JMM late 2008 or early 2009. I hope PacMan makes JMM wait until 2010 because JMM really "showed his a*s" in bad/classless sportsmanship after his "second" defeat against PacMan. To finish up Dougie, PacMan is always humble in victory and during his interviews - a classy sportsman. Thanks for your patience Dougie, and I apologize again for the long email about PacMan's historical victory. – Emory

Your email was long, Emory, but your analysis of Pacquiao’s improved strength, skill and savvy was right on the money.

The bottom line is that Pacquiao answered all the questions about how he would carry 135 pounds. He’s damn effective at lightweight, and with his improved defense I would make him no less than even-money against any 135-pound fighter in the world.

If JM Marquez beats “the real” lightweight champ, Joel Casamayor, in September, I don’t think Pacquiao should make him wait at all. Marquez is more than deserving of a third fight with the PacMonster – and so are fight fans! On my very unofficial scorecard the two first-ballot hall of famers are even on points after 24 classic rounds. I think PacMan-JMM III should take place in late November or early December of this year or next March (unless Casamayor beats the master Mexican counterpuncher in Spetember, then I’d like to see Pacquiao take on the Cuban vet or the Galaxy Warrior).

GOOD LUCK WITH THE NEW WEBSITE

Thanks for all the great times we shared at MAXBOXING.COM. I wish you the best at MATCHBOXING.COM. LOL. – BOXINGRICK

Hey, I’m not trying to skip out on MaxBoxing and I’m not trying to set-up a dating service for boxers, either; you gotta ask Top Rank’s Rick Seara, the ace producer behind the “Lethal Combination” preshow, about Matchboxing.com.

THE FACTS OF THE PPV

THE DQ – Cortez made one mistake, he stepped into stop the fight, but then took it back... acting like he didn't stop it... Fact is, is that Lorenzo was on his knees... Soto had enough time to see that Lorenzo was on his knees, in fact, you can see in the replay that Soto sees him on his knees and then... he throws a punch that hits Lorenzo, glancing, punishing, whatever, last time I heard, when you hit a guy when he's down you get DQ'd, which is what happened, Soto meant for that punch to have MORE impact than it did so take that into consideration… I’m sick of HBO’s “OPINIONS” being given out like fact. Emmanuel Stewart did not act like a professional.

TYE FIELDS – I predicted that Barrett would KO him in ONE round. Barrett is a C level fighter, BUT a professional, Field’s ain’t – now John Poore is fighting Brian Minto but at least they both have fought no one.

PACQUIAO –Brilliant, I think he’d have more problems with Casamayor and Campbell than Hitman Fatton – but now it’s time to put Pac Man in with one of those three, forget Marquez.

STEWARD – This guy is starting to annoy me. After Field’s got KO’d they brought up big heavies that bomb (Lampley named Rahman, did he forget that that guy KO’d his broadcast partner’s work of art?) and Lampley almost added Wladimir but, I mean it’s true, he not only lost, but got stopped by Ross Purrity, Corrie Sanders, and Lamon Brewster. And I’m really looking forward to his fight with Tony the Tiger. BRING ON Arreolla, Kevin Johnson, and David Haye and we’ll keep Peter and Klitschko around for fun. Peace. – Bob E.

The DQ: watching the replay of a glancing blow to the back of a fighter’s head while he’s down in super slo-mo is not the same thing as BEING the actual fighter delivering the blow in REAL time. You might think Soto had enough time to see that Lorenzo was on his knees but you have NO IDEA what it’s like to be in that ring in pursuit of a knockout. Do you really know Soto well enough to make a judgment on his character by suggesting that he deliberately hit Lorenzo when he was down? The rule in boxing is not to automatically DQ a fighter who hits a fighter who is down, the rule is to take a point OR to DQ that fighter depending on the severity of the blow or whether or not the punch was a blatant foul. From where I was sitting (pretty darn close to the ring with a monitor right in front of me to view replays), it was not clear whether or not the foul punch was accidental or not.

If it was a definite rule that a fighter is to be DQ’d anytime he lands a blow while his opponent is down do you realize that your boy Mike Tyson would have been disqualified half a dozen times during his prime? Do remember Tyson’s first fight with Frank Bruno? Do you recall Nigel Benn’s WBO middleweight title winning first-round TKO of Iran Barkley? If you don’t then I suggest you find a tape or DVD of those fights because if you want to know what a blatant punch to a fallen fighter looks like you’ll get prime examples with those two fights. (And for the young fight fans out there who have never seen or heard of those bouts I can tell you that Bruno and Benn did not win the fights by DQ.)

Tye Fields: Thank God the farce is over. Why do you have to bring up John Poore’s name whenever you email me about heavyweights? Hopefully Minto takes care of biz Wednesday night and another farce will come to an end.

Pacquiao: Why should he (or we) forget about Marquez? A lot of fans and members of the media thought JMM beat the PacMan in their rematch this past March. I’d love to see Pacquiao take on Marquez, Campbell, Casamayor and/or Hatton. All would be interesting and/or action fights IMO.

Steward: Bob, don’t take what I’m about to tell you the wrong way… ah the hell with it, you know what? DO take this the wrong way… Emanuel Steward, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as both a trainer and manager in 1996, has forgotten more about boxing than you will ever learn.

PACMAN CHERRYPICKING

Nothing like a night in boxing where a fighter makes people pay 50 dollars for doing what everyone knew he was going to do. Good job Pacman, beating up a guy who the faded Erik Morales nearly beat a couple of years ago. I'm so impressed I don't know what to do with myself. I hope you sensed the sarcasm in my last statement and I am going to say it right here right now that Manny beat the seventh best lightweight in the world last night and will get undue credit for doing so. Give me a call when he faces Campbell or the relevant Diaz's or even Katsidis and I will start paying attention. Unfortunately he faced the Arturro Gatti of the lightweight division and he was the irrelevant titlist, who else for Manny to pad his record against and make us all pay 50 dollars in this economy to see it? Luckily for me I thought better of wasting money to see what I already knew was going to happen, and Campbell will not get the fight that he deserves. I will put money on the line right now that Nate never sees the inside of a ring with Manny on the other side of it. Heck I bet that Juan Diaz doesn't even get a chance either because they are both to good for their own good! They will eye the old man Joel hoping they can take advantage of his ring title and hopefully outwork the old man when they fight, leaving all the dangerous young challengers behind without a chance to prove their greatness. Manny is now doing what all of you writers accused Floyd of doing and no one is saying anything about it and it pisses me off. If Miguel Cotto beats Margarito he should take the number one spot away from Manny without hesitation or leniency, and to disagree with me on that shows bias and inconsistency of values expressed on this very site and by every writer on it. I hope you and Kim do the right thing and hold true to the values you have insisted upon the very fighters you write about day in and day out, and I wish you a good day. – Trevor Rotan, San Jose, ca

Slow your roll, Trevor. If you watch this week’s TNR you’ll hear both Kim and I state that we believe Pacquiao should take on the likes of Casamayor and Campbell as soon as possible. Kim does not want to see Pacquiao fight Edwin Valero in October of this year, and as much as I love “my son”, I don’t think Valero is a known or proven-enough entity to jump right into a lightweight title match with the PacMan. That’s a matchup that can wait in my opinion.

However, all of this talk of Pacquiao avoiding tough fights and the top lightweights is both premature and grossly inaccurate. Pacquiao’s last fight – which took place just three months ago – was against Juan Manuel Marquez, a seasoned two-division champ who was (and still is) in everybody’s pound-for-pound top five.

Pacquiao JUST won a 135-pound title. You can’t accuse the man of ducking the other top lightweights yet! Geez! I didn’t start calling Floyd a fraud until late 2005/early ’06. I gave him all of 2003 and 2004, and most of ’05, to fight an elite 135, 140 or 147 pounder and he didn’t do it. In those same years that Mayweather was fighting the likes of Victoriano Sosa, Philip Ndou, Chop Chop Corley, Henry Bruseles, and the very faded Arturo Gatti and Sharmba Mitchell, the fighter you accuse of “cherry picking” took on Marco Antonio Barrera (considered a top three pound-for-pound player by every credible media source at the time), Juan Manuel Marquez (arguably the most avoided fighter in boxing at the time and considered a top 15 P4P player), and Erik Morales (considered to be a top 10 P4P fighter at the time of their first fight). The PacMan went 1-1-1 vs. those future hall of famers, but he fought ‘em and again and again until he got the ‘W’s, and in doing so he won world titles or recognition as the top dog in two divisions.

In his first fight at 135 pounds he took on a guy you say is the seventh best lightweight in the world (The Ring rated Diaz no. 2 behind Campbell and champion Casamayor) and “the Arturo Gatti of lightweight division”. Well, s__t, is that so bad for one’s FIRST fight at lightweight? Mayweather beat up the real Gatti in his THIRD bout at 140 and everyone crapped their pants in amazment. So why shouldn’t we do the same for Pacquiao, who began his career below flyweight?

Hey, you’re going to hear MaxBoxing writers praise Pacquiao, because whether you’re willing to admit it or not, he’s a very special fighter, but if he doesn’t fight the lightweights you mentioned by mid-’09, I can almost guarantee you that every columnist on this website will call the Filipino Icon and Bob Arum out for playing “keep away”.

But please don’t bitch about Pacquiao not fighting guys like Campbell, Katsidis, and Juan Diaz in his very next bout when you know damn well they already have fights scheduled in September. You can’t expect those lightweights to fight Manny one month after doing battle and you can’t expect PacMan to wait around for them (this sport has enough inactive elite fighters). Since Katisidis and the Baby Bull are scheduled to fight on Sept. 6th and Campbell and Casamayor are slated to go Sept. 13th (vs. Joan Guzman and JMM respectively), what top-10 lightweight does that leave for Pacquiao to fight in October?

The Ring’s no. 4 contender Jose Armando Santa Cruz? He’d be a tough outing, but oh yeah, he was KTFO by the guy you think is the seventh best lightweight, the guy who just got KTFO by the PacMan (so you wouldn’t give Pacquiao any credit for beating him, would you?). There’s Julio Diaz (The Ring’s no. 5), Amir Khan (no. 7) and Anthony Peterson (no. 10). Would you give Pacquiao credit for beating a former titlist who’s been KO’d in one round before and was recently stopped by the Baby Bull? Would you give him credit for popping the cherries of two tall and talented but obviously still developing lightweights in their early 20s?

When you take a look at who’s available for Pacquaio to fight this fall, Valero is not that bad a choice of opponent. He might be raw and perceived as untested but he’s still a very dangerous puncher.

DIAZ WAS NOT A REAL TEST

Hi Dougie,
So David Diaz put up a very gallant stand against Pacman but to no avail. The Pacmonster proved to be too much for Diaz. My conclusion is that DD is not yet a real lightweight test for Manny, I think Baby Bull or Katsidis are the real test. But I'm really impressed with Manny's performance tonight, the Pacman of old has shown up again. This fight established him once again as the no. 1 p4p and the most exciting fighter of this time. Now it's really sky is the limit for Manny, hats off to the Pacman!! – Ermin Antipolo, Philippines

Indeed. I would not count him out vs. any lightweight in the world and I think he has the talent and experience to beat Ricky Hatton.

DIAZ HAS SEEN HIS DIAZ

It appears as David Diaz was waiting for Pacman to punch himself out, but you can't expect a Pacquiao, a Mayweather, a Calzaghe or anyone in the top 10 pound for pound to punch themselves out. These are top athletes who live, eat and sleep boxing. David Diaz did nothing but go in there and absorb an arse whooping. Diaz had his run in the Olympics, the elite level of boxing and the shot at fortune and fame. Unfortunately, he came up short and I think he should be thankful and peace out... Have Pacman fight a Casamayor, a Juan Diaz or Nate Campbell and than give him the official title of "four weight champion." There's a reason why El Terrible and Pacquiao targeted David Diaz. I met Pacman at Pacquiao v. Marquez I and he's truly a nice guy, but I can't imagine him beating a Roberto Duran, a De la Hoya, a Mayweather or even a Corrales at 135... What do you think Doug Man? – Keymo

The lightweight version of Pacquiao vs. Duran, De La Hoya or Mayweather at 135 pounds? Come on! Pacquiao’s first world title was at 112 pounds! Of course he would lose those fights. Duran and De La Hoya would definitely take him out – they were just too big and skilled. Duran had crazy savvy and immense physical strength to back it up. De La Hoya’s speed and technique at 135 was scary.

Mayweather’s had the same superlative skillset in all of the weight classes he’s campaigned at but I think would have had to stink it out and win a decision vs. the version of Pac we saw this past Saturday. Pacquiao at 135 pounds is much better than the likes of Victor Sosa (who took Floyd the distance) and the ridiculously raw Philip Ndou (who walked into punches until he fell in the seventh). He’s not as big or strong as Jose Luis Castillo, but he’s much faster and slicker. I think PFB would simply beat Pac to the jab, play keep away and be happy with that.

The late Diego Corrales vs. Pacquiao would be very interesting at 135 pounds. Corrales had the power to hurt or even take out the Filipino Icon with a single punch but his slow feet and lack of upper-body movement or a consistent jab would have given the ultra-quick (both hands and feet) PacMan an opportunity to get in and out and score points. I wouldn’t be shocked if Pac scored a knockdown or two (the way Casamayor did in his first two fights with Chico) en route to edging Corrales out on points.

GOOD JOB ON THE INTERNATIONAL FEED

Doug, I'm enjoying your international TV feed call of the Pacquiao-Diaz card with Wally and Alan. Well done! Regards. – Paul Upham

Thanks Paul. As always it means a lot to receive praise from a respected peer. I had a lot of fun calling the action with Mr. Massengale and Mr. Matthews and I also learned a lot by working with the two broadcast veterans.

PACMAN, VALERO AND THE TJ TORNADO

What's going on Dougie?
I see that Pacman put a whoopin on Diaz. Well I was upset but only a little bit, I knew Diaz did not have the speed or even the experience Pacmonster has, fighting some of the great Mexican fighters in the last few years. How do you see your son Valero do against Pacman? I think Pacman is too seasoned for the Venezuelan KO artist but it would be a great matchup.

I had a question Dougie have you been to any training sessions or know how the T.J Tornado Margarito's camp is doing? I been hearing a lot about Cotto and how he is getting beefed for this fight. Who do you like in this fight? I like both fighters I think it's going to be a great fight and I am hoping Margarito wins not only because I am Mexican but because I feel he deserves it. But at the same time Miguel has worked too hard to get where he is at to not wish him the best. I guess we have to let the best man win. But I would love to hear what you think and how Tony's camp is going. – Carlos619.

Valero is painfully raw, inexperienced and unproven in comparison to Pacquiao, but as you know I’m very familiar with the Venezuelan and I’m a big believer in the intangibles of this sport. I’ll just put it this way – and then I welcome all the armchair Eddie Futches and PacFans to bring it – I believe that Valero is destined for greatness and the quickest route to proving that prophecy is by fighting Pacquiao.

I’ve only watched one Margarito training session early in his camp. Starting this week I’m going to start dropping by every week right up to the fight and I’ll let you know what I think in my SCN column. My early pick is Cotto by close decision but if Margarito is looking especially sharp, I could change that prediction.

JOE CORTEZ AND GRAHAM HOUSTON

Doug and Steve,
The ramifications of Joe Cortez's blunder really affected gamblers big time:
1. I knew a guy who bet $6000 on Soto. Even if the decision is reversed, the casinos always stick with the decision made on the date. Anyone who bet Soto, unbelievably, lost!
2. You know I always read Graham Houston. Houston is so disgusted with the Soto fight that he is shutting his website down for a bit. This is a huge blow to people like me who DEEPLY respect his picking prowess and his timely updates. The guy covers ALL the fights and is an incredibly detailed boxing writer. For me this is like losing maxboxing. I personally believe fightwriter.com is (behind you guys) the second best site on the web. I'm pissed and very disappointed.

From Graham today:

"I thought I’d seen it all until Saturday night, when a beaten-up fighter on the edge of extinction somehow ended up as the winner. Yes, I’m talking about the madness in Las Vegas when Mexico’s Humberto Soto was disqualified for hitting Francisco Lorenzo with a glancing punch to the top of the head as his opponent was on the floor. I don’t know where to begin. I feel about as outraged as Emanuel Steward looked when, almost trembling with emotion, he told Jim Lampley in the HBO summing-up of the travesty: “That was bad!

"Things like this make one despair of boxing. I know I’m not alone in feeling despondent over what happened, so much so that I’m thinking of giving myself a rest from the website for a while. I will review the Pacquiao-Diaz fight tomorrow and after that I think I might take a hiatus."

-- JP

I don’t know what to tell you, JP. Just like the fighters, gamblers know the risk involved in what they do.

Graham will be back. He IS boxing.

If he doesn’t bring back Fightwriter.com, we’ll give him a gig here on MaxBoxing. And if that doesn’t appeal to the future hall of famer, I’ll talk to Rick Seara about offering him the editor-in-chief position over at MatchBoxing.com.

PACMAN &, ER... YOU!

Hey dude did you enjoy the fight Saturday? You must have done, what a performance from pacmeister. Albeit against not the best champ in history but an absolute destruction in any case.

One other thing, have you ever been described as "that other guy who sounds like he's wearing something that belongs to someone who's which is about 5 inches smaller" - you have now!!! Not exactly the best use of English and he was fired up about the Soto scrap but nevertheless that’s a classic from Steve Bunce in last night's UK Setanta coverage. Adios – Max

I was in awe of Pacquiao’s performance but I didn’t enjoy watching Diaz, a blue collar tough guy who is impossible not to like, absorbing the punishment he took from the pound-for-pound best in the sport. However, I enjoyed doing the international broadcast with Massengale (who did the internet broadcast of Saturday’s non-televised undercard that can still be seen on Yahoo! Sports and ESPN360 with me) and Matthews.

I hadn’t been in Las Vegas for a big fight since Pacquiao’s last fight (vs. JM Marquez in March) and I missed Sin City. I had a lot of fun Friday night, drinking with Jon Anik, the host of MMA Live on ESPN.com’s Mixed Martial Arts page, and Anthony Pepe, host of The Mouthpiece Boxing Show (with Anik) on 1510 “The Zone” in Boston, at the Mandalay Bay’s Sports Book; and then grabbing a bite to eat at Raffles Café with 15rounds.com columnist Michael Swan and cruiserweight contender BJ Flores. Needless to say, the conversation in both spots was loud and sometimes vulgar.

Have I ever been described as “that other guy who sounds like he's wearing something that belongs to someone who's which is about 5 inches smaller”?

Dude, all the time, usually by my wife.

For Questions or Comments
E-Mail Doug Fischer at dougie@maxboxing.com

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