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Diaz - Pacquiao Prediction

By JE Grant

Saturday in Las Vegas boxing megastar Manny Pacquiao attempts to gain a belt in a fourth weight division when he meets David Diaz at lightweight. 

Pacquiao?s most recent outing, a tough split decision over Juan Manuel Marquez. The bout gained revenge for a previous draw but did little to indicate Manny?s prospective success at lightweight.

When Pacquiao, 29, gained his first belt, in 1999 against Gabriel Mira, he weighed-in at a sharp and ready 111 3/4 pounds.  In his 51 bout career ?Pac Man,? 46-3-2 (35 KOs), has in fact never exceeded the junior lightweight limit of 130 pounds and as recently as 2005 had not weighed-in above the featherweight limit of 126 pounds.

No one can question why he wants to climb yet another mountain. His victories over Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera (twice), Erik Morales (twice), Oscar Larios, represents a virtual sweep of every south of 135. 

Yet in his recent victories over Barrera and Marquez went limit, perhaps suggesting his punching power may have peaked at the lower weight classes.

His bona fides as a fighter are not in question. His ability to handle a career-long lightweight may prove another matter.

In Diaz, 34-1 (17 KOs), he faces a fighter who has never fought below the lightweight limit. His only loss, a stoppage at the hands of junior welterweight Kendall Holt, has been followed by a 9-fight unbeaten streak. A fellow southpaw, Diaz, 32, is not an especially hard hitter (perhaps the reason Pacquiao is targeting him). He is a well-rounded tactician with a proven ability to fight well late into a fight.

Diaz? record isn?t populated by names as recognizable as the stars on Pacquiao?s, and his 12-round decision win over Morales came on the heels of a Morales? 3-fight losing streak.  After the bout Morales retired.

PREDICTION

Undoubtedly Pacquiao?s trainer Freddy Roach is fully aware of the pitfalls that may haunt his fighter. Pacquiao will start fast and seek to outwork Diaz from angles. Despite their careers being at different weight classes, both are about the same height (about 5?6?) and have similar reach. Diaz will press the attack and will try to establish that he is the physically stronger fighter. Manny is sometimes given to reckless attacks but is often able to avoid trouble because of his overwhelming speed and high-volume attack. In this bout Pacquiao will jump in often and Diaz will be there with an answer more often than not. Diaz will learn early that he can take whatever Pac Man brings and he will stay close to take advantage of Manny?s mistakes. It won?t be easy, but Diaz will counter-punch his way to a lop-sided decision win.

Diaz by 12-round decision.

Abraham - Miranda Prediction

By JE Grant

Highly ranked middleweight Arthur Abraham revisits his toughest challenge to date in an over-the-limit bout with power-punching Edison Miranda June 21st in Florida. 

In amassing a 26-0 (21 KOs) record, Abraham proved his worth in the middleweight division in his 2006 meeting with Miranda, 30-2 (26 KOs), regardless of the controversial nature of the outcome. While outworking Miranda for much of the bout, he also suffered a broken jaw and was fouled on multiple occasions. 

The five points deducted from Miranda (headbutts, low blows), made the scoring appear one-sided when the bout was anything but.  Abraham controlled the early action but as the fight progressed Miranda gained momentum and landed hard with both hands. 

If Abraham-Miranda I proved anything it was that Abraham has as much determination and grit as anyone in the division and his work-rate is brutal. ?King? Arthur?s big knockout total is, however, somewhat misleading in determining his power. In fights with Ian Gardner, Howard Eastman, and Miranda --- the only recognizable names on his record --- he was unable to put away the competition. 

Miranda also proved his mettle in his losing effort. No one, perhaps especially Abraham, will question ?Pantera?s? considerable power. His lapses in technical skill are more than overshadowed by a knockout reel that excites crowds and makes prospective opponents wince.

Both fighters seem to bring out the best and worst in each other. Miranda landed on Abraham to some effect but did not sustain a mixed attack. Abraham turned up the heat on Miranda with a high-volume effort but received the slugger?s big shots while standing directly in front of him on too many occasions.

Much has transpired since their first meeting. Abraham is 4-0 (4 KOs) all in defense of a meaningless belt. He seems to have recovered from broken jaw and appears as determined as ever.

Miranda is 4-1 (3 KOs) following the Abraham bout. That one loss, a devastating knockout at the hands of Kelly Pavlik, caused Miranda to abandon the middleweight division and move up to super-middleweight.  

PREDICTION

Abraham has likely learned more from the first meeting. While not a defensive master, he does slip punches and finds angles to land his numerous punches. He knows that simply trading with Miranda does not give him his best opportunity to win. Miranda is a pure two-fisted puncher. He expects to win by knockout not only in every bout but with every punch. Unlike many big hitters, Miranda can go deep into a bout and remain dangerous. If he selected a jab more often he could breakup the game plan of Abraham but that is not indicated by his record to date. Abraham will punch in flurries and move his head to consistently frustrate Miranda. Round after round will go to Abraham as Miranda?s desperation increases. Although this bout represents Abraham?s first venture outside Europe, he is a proven veteran who won?t be rankled.

Abraham by a lopsided 12 round decision.

Pavlik - Lockett Prediction

By JE Grant

Budding superstar, Ohio?s Kelly Pavlik, is putting more than his Ring Magazine World Middleweight Championship on the line when he faces number one alphabet contender "Rocket" Gary Lockett Saturday in Atlantic City?s Boardwalk Hall. He knows that ultra-lucrative dates with boxing?s elite abound with a victory over the untested and likely overrated Lockett.

Despite having beaten no middleweight fighter resembling top-ten status, Lockett has "rocketed" to the top of one of the organizations whose belt Pavlik owns. 

Thus, another in the latest series of ?mandatories? in boxing that have to be taken care of while a champion awaits bouts with fighters actually deserving of a title opportunity. Interestingly, while one of the alphabet sanctioning bodies sees Lockett as "number one" the other organization that recognizes Pavlik as champion lists Lockett at number fifteen.   Fortunately, the Ring is not hindered by the influences of any of the numerous (and clearly illegitimate) so-called "world" sanctioning organizations.

That?s not to say that Lockett is without some talent. He sports record of 31-1 with 21 knockouts which suggests he possesses some power. 

The operative word is ?suggests? because many of Lockett?s knockouts have come against the likes of his most recent opponent, Kai Kauramaki.  The 40-year old traveler left his 4th round knockout loss to Lockett with a record of 13-14 including 8 knockout losses.

Conversely, in his most recent outings, Pavlik knocked out and decisioned Jermain Taylor, and stopped big punching Edison Miranda. The collective upshot of those wins, in addition to the Ring world title, has been to push Pavlik to the front for American boxing fans looking for an exciting hitter with genuine skills.

Pavlik proved in his rematch with Taylor that he is not wed to blasting out opponents early. He showed a disciplined attack working behind a sharp jab that did not allow Taylor to threaten a repeat of his early knockdown of Pavlik in their first meeting. It?s apparent the 26-year old champion continues to improve.

The confidence gained in those bouts spells trouble for Lockett at every turn. Pavlik, 33-0 with 29 knockouts has seen power greater than Lockett?s (see Miranda and Taylor) and not only survived but thrived.

The 31-year old Lockett has moved his career along slowly to this point, moving between 154 and 160 pounds and never fighting outside of Europe. 

He will find some solace in the recent major win by fellow Welshman Joe Calzaghe who for years was dogged by criticism for being matched with questionable competition and never fighting in America. Calzaghe answered critics by smacking around Jeff Lacy and Mikkel Kessler before storming to the U.S. and defeating the legendary Bernard Hopkins.

Of course the major difference is that Calzaghe had more than 20 title defenses against a distinctly higher grade of opponent than has Lockett. Their shared Welsh heritage, and common trainer Enzo Calzaghe, notwithstanding, the comparison is not fitting.

PREDICTION

Lockett is out to prove two things: 1. His power is real, and 2. He can absorb the power of Pavlik. While his power is likely real, it is not nearly at the Miranda or Taylor level. He is also unlikely to comprehend the volume and pacing Pavlik has so ruthlessly used against the best his division has to offer. Lockett will land early and for his trouble he will find wicked shots in return. He has no history of hotly contested bouts and that fact will not serve him well when Pavlik comes pounding away. 

Pavlik will lead patiently with his jab and allow the one-trick Lockett to blow off some steam before scoring big shots. The pace will increase steadily and Lockett will find himself left behind as Pavlik turns on the jets.

The right hands will rain on Lockett after round 5 and he won?t have a sufficient answer to keep Pavlik away.

Pavlik by KO in 7.

Hatton - Lazcano Prediction

By JE Grant

Juan Lazcano knows his part of the script calls for his early departure Saturday night in Manchester against the monster hometown hero Ricky Hatton. Of course there is no script and Lazcano would just as soon change the ending considerably.

Hatton, coming off his resounding knockout loss to the superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr., is expected to get back on track as he moves down from welterweight to what is considered his junior welterweight division. 

He holds the Ring belt (the only one that really matters) and another trinket belt --- but more importantly he holds the attention of legions of British boxing fans and a growing international following.

At 140 pounds Hatton has crushed all comers including his brutal body attack that left Jose Luis Castillo in a heap from a single left-hook to the liver.

It has proved somewhat treacherous for the 5?6? Hatton when he ventured to 147 as evidenced by his narrow 12-round win over Luis Collazo and of course his stoppage at the hands of ?Money? Mayweather.

Whether Lazcano can avoid Hatton?s dominance at 140 probably depends on the after-effects of the Mayweather bout. Will the high octane attack be replaced with caution? 

Lazcano meanwhile has his own baggage.  He lost his last fight too.  He was edged out   by Vivian Harris over 12 rounds in February 2007. Will the 15 months of inactivity, at age 33, reduce whatever edge he could have had if he was finely tuned? 

Lazcano has been on fringes of the division's elite, but his attempts at the top (Harris and Castillo) have not been successful. Lazcano has proven himself sturdy (only one stoppage loss in a 42-fight career) and has gone more than 10 rounds six times (compiling a 3-2-1 record).

Chances are that promoters (Golden Boy among them) and local fans are interested only in their Ricky?s successful return to his winning ways.  Lazcano's reliability and ruggedness will allow Hatton to show his considerable arsenal on a willing opponent.

PREDICTION

Hatton will attack quickly in an effort to establish (or reestablish) his image as the unstoppable force. Lazcano will not step back or attempt a survival-first strategy. Look for the ?Hispanic Causing Panic? to fire back hard early and often. Hatton may show some ill effects of the early punches --- even a flash knockdown is not out of the question.

The telling effect of what makes Hatton extraordinary at 140 pounds will come after round 5 as the pressure and the power accumulate on Lazcano. He will fight back as long as he can but the energy differential will tilt in Hatton?s favor.

The bout will prove competitive in spots but one-sided down the stretch as Hatton powers his way to a clear-cut ?Homecoming? victory.

Hatton by a clear 12 round decision. 

'Young Guns' Sling It

By JE Grant

Requiem for a Light-Heavyweight

By JE Grant

Former heavyweight belt-wearer Chris Byrd found that at 37-years of age he couldn?t go home again --- home that is to the light-heavyweight division were he began his career in 1993.

Shaun George, 17-2-2 (8 KOs), Brooklyn, 175, found an early home for his right hand to the chin of Byrd, 40-5-1 (21 KOs), Las Vegas, 174, dropping him early in round one and pummeling him throughout their contest enroute to a 9th round stoppage win.

Byrd was flat from the opening bell. Fighting at his lightest weight since his second bout as a pro, none of his infrequent punches slowed George at any point. 

George hurt Byrd in the opener with a straight right and put him down with a quick follow-up. Despite rising quickly, it was clear Byrd was off balance and in trouble throughout the round.

Each succeeding round was merely a repeat of the first minus the knockdown. As George circled, landing sharp right hand counters, Byrd simply followed in almost a plodding way.

In the ninth, Byrd sported markings to his face --- something that was rare in his long heavyweight tenure. George sensed the opportunity to end the night and did so with strong combinations. 

A George right hand to the head caused Byrd to lose control of his back foot. He landed in an awkward manner on his left side as his left leg shot oddly to the right. It was apparent after the bout that he also injured his left shoulder in the fall.

Byrd made the count but was in no shape to continue. George pounced, raining blows as Byrd crumpled in a corner ending what is likely final moment in an otherwise remarkable boxing career. Time of the knockout was 2:45.

JEBoxing scored the bout 80-71for George through the eight rounds completed.

De La Hoya - Forbes Prediction

By JE Grant

Calzaghe reigns supreme over Hopkins

By JE Grant

Klitschko - Ibragimov Prediction

Both heavyweights are part of a club of fighters from former eastern bloc countries who remain overlooked and underrated because of the ongoing bias against their non-American origin. Make no mistake, both can fight and have amateur and professional credentials that rival their American title-holding predecessors from almost any generation. 

Of course that is an argument for another day. This fight comes down to physical differences that are too vast to ignore. Klitschko's long jab and thunderous right hand provide a combination that the southpaw Ibragimov will not be able to overcome. There is almost no difference in speed or skill. Power tilts considerably to Klitschko.

This will be evidence of the age-old adage of a good big man always beating a good little man. Klitschko is clearly the good big man. 

Klitschko by 10th round KO.

Mayweather vs. Hatton -- "Undefeated" Prediction

On its face this matchup should thrill boxing fans everywhere. Two talented, undefeated fighters who've won real world championships (as well as a few bogus belts) and two men who have convincingly defeated top fighters in doing so.

The central difference is that one of the men, Floyd Mayweather, is a mega-talent in almost every facet of the game, while his opponent, Ricky Hatton, is a clear notch below him on the ability scale. Mayweather has a proven chin, radar-like defense, and adequate power as a welterweight. Hatton is a killer at 140 but at 147 his vaunted body punching is simply above-average.

Mayweather will likely outspeed, out-maneuver, and generally out-perform Hatton in every department. No one will walk-over Hatton and he will pressure Mayweather throughout. He is willing to go all out with complete abandon and that gives him a slight chance. Very slight. Expect Mayweather to contently dominate round after round as Hatton is frustrated in his attempted bull rushes.

A truly great fighter beats a truly good fighter.

Mayweather by 12-round decision.

Calzaghe: The man at the top

By JE Grant

If a boxing scribe has been harder on Joe Calzaghe than me, I?m not sure who it is. I?ve criticized his opponent selection and the fact that he never leaves home, blah, blah, blah.

But, whatever happens in his career from now on, it is clear that he is and likely always has been the real thing. Powerful, convincing wins over hard-hitting and undefeated titlists Jeff Lacy and Mikkel Kessler provide ample evidence that the promotional deficits in getting him into the ring with the likes of Bernard Hopkins, did not and do not tell his story.

Calzaghe?s chin is now proven without doubt. Although not a big hitter, he is fast enough and hits with enough authority to keep opponents honest. His consistent level of fitness demonstrates extraordinary dedication --- the kind found only in top champions.

I don?t know if he will get to face Hopkins, but at last I believe he really wants to. The truth is I have doubts as to whether Hopkins wants the match. Surely money is not the issue because it would generate a monster gate and huge pay-per-view results.

At age 35, he does not have a great deal of time. But, at 44-0, he probably doesn?t want much more of the sport.

Still out there

Although I hope to be on the scene again soon, my work out of the country continues to prove time-consuming.

Needless to say, I find the comeback of Vitali Klitschko intriguing. I suspect his extended absence from the ring combined with his age are going to show against Jameel McCline win or lose. Nonethless he has a good chance of recapturing some piece of the title and holding it simultaneously with his brother Wladimir holding one of the other straps.

Kudos to Sultan Ibragimov and Ruslan Chagaev for moving immediately to unify their titles. I still suspect Wladimir Klitschko is too steep a hill to climb for either of them, at least they are not wasting time with silly mandatories.

Sam Peter looms large in his upcoming quest for the title possessed by Oleg Maskeav. The only thing separating him from the crown is the calendar. As much as I admire the resurrection of Maskaev, the power of young Sam will prove overwhelming.

Valuev - McCline Prediction

In the boxing land of giants nothing will touch this fight. Nicolay Valuev, the tallest, 7'0", and heaviest, 320-plus, man ever to wear a crown will square off with fellow big man Jameel McCline, himself a 6'6", 270-ish, battler. Depending on the actual weigh-in results there could be as much as 600 pounds of man-flesh in the ring for Valuev's January defense of his alphabet version of the heavyweight title.

Valuev depends heavily (pun intended) on a better-than-expect left jab, a seemingly granite chin, and the overall ability to fight steadily over the distance. He's not all that hard to hit but doing so normally requires a running start to climb up the giant Russian to land squarely. While not an especially big hitter, suprising given his normal weight advantage, he wears on opponents and makes consistent attacks almost impossible using his jab and smothering ability.

The more athletic McCline is a late comer to the game. While he often fights in the vicinity of 270, he always appears in good condition. He's certainly had his difficulties along the way, being stopped by Wladimir Klitschko, controversially outpointed by Chris Byrd, edged out by Calvin Brock (despite a solid knockdown) and being outhustled by non-puncher Zuri Lawrence. Yet through it all, he has remained competitive and resilient. It can't go without being said, however, of late it has also appeared that at 36 he may be starting to succumb to the effects of father time.

PREDICTION: Although Valuev at 45-0 seems on his way to surpassing Rocky Marciano's fabled record of 49-0 by skirting the major names, he may have miscalculated. McCline knows this is his last shot both a title and meaningful money. There are no tomorrows in boxing for "Big Time." Look for Valuev to attempt the jab early and often and attempt to tie up McCline on the inside just as he's done against everyone he's met. McCline may in fact be the biggest man Valuev has met in his career and he will be surprised at the strength McCline brings (despite his lack of the big KO punch). McCline also has the element of speed that may prove the clincher. Valuev won't go easily and it won't be an easy night and we've seen McCline give in to the pressure of big bouts before. On this night, however, McCline will be up to the task. He won't allow himself to be tied up and he will land early and often enough to gain a wide points margin. His biggest foe may not be Valuev but the judges at ringside. "Big Time" should prevail despite it all by making it obvious that he's the "bigger" man. McCline by a big 12 round decision.

Top 25 Heavyweights (As of December, 2006)

By JE Grant

November gave us some clear answers and some fuzzy questions about where the division will go next year.

Wladimir Klitschko separated himself from the rest of the division with a blow out of the talented Calvin Brock. His combination of power, speed, and boxing skills is unmatched in the division. While his chin will always be questioned, it will take a big hitter to even have a chance. No one will outbox him.

Shannon Briggs made the most of his long-awaited shot but just in the nick of time. Far behind in the fight, Briggs stopped Serguei Liakhovich in the waning seconds of the final round. Let?s be honest, neither man looked like a world beater. Lots of posing and not a lot of punching.

Oleg Maskaev will hopefully end his defense against Peter Okhello early enough that it allows him to return to action soon --- against a qualified challenger. It seems that the sanctioning bodies are doing everything in their power to out-stupid each other and the sanctioning of this title bout is this month?s WBC contribution.

In the 25th spot on this list you?ll see the name Alexander Povetkin. Go ahead and throw your stones --- I know it?s risky putting a 9-0 fighter in the top 25. The former Olympic gold medal winner has the ability, if the not the track record, to contend for a top spot soon.

Many thanks to Brian Bizzack and Troy Ondrizek for their early warning systems that alert us all to what?s happening in the division.

* * *

1. Wladimir Klitschko, Ukraine ? IBF Champion (Last month #1) The big man left no doubts about who rules the division. The alphabet titles are meaningless in the equation. Knocking out Calvin Brock is a significant milestone in the Manny Steward-induced reclamation of Klitschko?s career. He has power in both hands, speed to burn, and a jab that only a top fighter can work himself through. Look for the other alphabet boys to hide behind their alphabet ?mandatories? for some time to come.

2. Samuel Peter, Nigeria (Last month #4) Peter will face James Toney in January following the disgusting WBC?s rematch edict. He should be fighting Maskaev instead. Nonethless, getting past Toney won?t be easy unless he learned from their first meeting. I would urge him to end matters by pressing his power and not trying to figure out the boxing master.

3. James Toney, USA (Last month #5) Sam Peter represents his only obstacle to yet another attempt at heavyweight belt. Will he be a well-conditioned version or the tubby guy who showed up last time? We are hesitant to say this is his last chance should he lose because the WBC is involved but it will prove difficult to advance again given his age. So, it?s now or never??maybe.

4. Oleg Maskaev, Uzbekistan / USA ? WBC Champion (Last month #6) The clock is ticking for his showdown with the Peter Okhello. Don?t you feel the tingle? Let?s get this joke over with in a hurry.

5. Nicolay Valuev, Russia ? WBA Champion (Last month #9) Scheduled to go against an as yet to be named opponent in January, possibly in Sweden. It looks like his people want to keep him under wraps as long as possible. Don?t expect to see him to show up at a Klitschko press conference ? or any press conference ? to call out anyone. We?ll just wait and see if he really faces the rugged Ruslan Chagaev, the supposed ?mandatory? challenger.

6. Shannon Briggs, USA ? WBO Champion (Last month #13) Briggs came into his match with a lot of baggage --- and a lot of extra weight --- and it nearly cost him. But, give him credit, he powered home a knockout and he left the arena with a belt. Many will be skeptical about the length of his title reign, but for now he can celebrate a big win.

7. Serguei Liakhovich, Belarus ? (Last month #2) Last month we said that a loss against Shannon Briggs would make his title-winning effort against Brewster seem illusionary. It?s not quite that bad ? he was winning going into the last round ? but he is now way back in the line for the big dollar matches.

8. Hasim Rahman, USA ? (Last Month #7) He figures to gain some big paydays as the former champion. Still rated in everyone?s top ten, he?ll make a substantial amount as a stepping stone. We don?t see him wearing a world title belt again.

9. Sultan Ibragimov, Russia (Last month #10) He?s supposedly now the mandatory for the new titlist Briggs. But, don?t count on it happening just yet. If there?s bigger money to be made look for Briggs to go elsewhere. Oh, and by the way, Briggs is promoted by Don King and Ibragimov is not.

10. Calvin Brock, USA (Last month #3) A loss to Klitschko is no great shame. In fact, Brock may still be the second best heavyweight ? we can?t be sure until we see him in action again. He had his moments but he was just a bit short in power, speed, and size.

11. Ray Austin, USA (Last month #11) His July draw with Ibragimov has led to a possible ?mandatory? shot for Ibragimov in the WBO. But, presto Austin has suddenly emerged as a ?mandatory? in the IBF. Neither fighter really rates a mandatory challenge. Isn?t it just plain silly that two fighters who scored a draw with each other in their last bout are mandatory challengers anywhere?

12. Lamon Brewster, USA (Last month #8) No word on the former titlist. Of course his former title has now changed hands again. Soon, the memory of the exciting Brewster will fade.

13. Ruslan Chagaev, Uzbekistan (Last month #14) Welcome to the big leagues. The November decision win over Der Huggmeister John Ruiz in Germany means the Uzbeki is supposed to be next in line for Valuev. Don?t believe it until you see them climbing through the ropes.

14. John Ruiz, USA (Last month #12) Another split decision, another loss. Ruslan Chagaev squeeks past the ?Quiet Man? to quietly proceed to a match with Valuev. Always keep in mind that weird things have happened in the past when Ruiz has lost ? let?s not count him out of the picture until he announces his retirement and then wait for six months.

15. DaVarryl Williamson, USA (Last month #15) Nothing scheduled. He last fought in May, beating previously undefeated Mike Mollo, but hasn?t capitalized on the win.

16. Matt Skelton, England (Last month #17) Though not highly rated by the alphabets, if he can defeat Audley Harrison in December do not be surprised to see him in some kind of title fight. British audiences are big.

17. Jameel McCline, USA (Last month #18) The consistent campaigner has to be disappointed that Superfighter fell by the wayside. He had a real chance at the big money. Time to regroup and make a final push in the twilight of his career.

18 Danny Williams, England (Last month #19) Last we heard he was looking for a British title shot against Scott Gammer.

19. David Tua, New Zealand (Last month #22) ? A rusty version of the Tuaman took seven rounds to dispose of last ditch sub Maurice Wheeler (now 10-9-1). Tua fought only twice in 2006. He?ll have to step up the pace and competition if he really wants another go at the top.

20. Luan Krasniqi, Germany (Last month #20) A knee injury forced a cancellation of his December return.

21. Tony Thompson, USA (Last month #21) Yet another big American who scored a substantial victory ? for him it was a June win over Dominick Guinn ? and then had a period of inactivity. I don?t get it.

22. Vladimir Virchis, Ukraine (Last month #23) Scheduled to defend his EBU title in January against journeyman Russian Dennis Bakhtov. At age 33, he needs to pick up the competition level soon.

23 Alexander Dimitrenko, Ukraine (Last month #24) ? Oddly, he blew out Gonzalo Omar Basile in one round in October but was extended 12 full rounds against journeyman Billy Zumbrun in a stay-busy fight in November. While the scores were thoroughly lopsided, decision victories over fighters at the club level make us wonder about his power.

24. Eddie Chambers, USA (Last month #25) Recent sparring with the best heavyweight in the world, Wladimir Klitshcko, will surely help in his rise to top ten status.

25. Alexander Povetkin, Russia (Last month unranked) ? We?re obviously going out on a limb by putting in a 9-0 fighter in the top 25. Povetkin may just be that good. Of course in facing journeyman Imanu Mayfield he?s not going to thoroughly inspire the boxing world. What should inspire us about this former Olympic gold medal winner is an abundance of talent in all facets of the game. He?ll emerge soon enough as a top ten performer.

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Prospects, fringe contenders, and others who need mentioning listed in no particular order. Don?t read the fact that they are listed here as an indication a ranking is imminent. Regular readers should also note that I?ve taken off some names that were here in months past who still rate attention. We're highlighting activity and when potentially top fighters have bouts scheduled you?ll likely see them reappear.
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Fres Oquendo, USA (Last month #16) Oquendo gave away his last opportunity by standing around and doing soooooooooooo little against Holyfield. Some ringside observers thought Oquendo did enough to eke out the decision but no one left convinced that he did so with emphasis. You can?t lose to a 44 year-old shell of a former champion and expect to go anywhere. Fres is out.

Evander Holyfield, USA ? Okay, some will say that since he beat a rated fighter that he deserves to be rated once again. All the fight with Oquendo proved is that neither man belongs in the ring with the top fighters of the division. The qualities of slow and easy to hit are a potentially lethal combination. Please don?t let him near Klitschko.

Chris Byrd, USA ? I?ve received many emails wondering why Chris is out of the top 25. Had he elected to continue campaigning in the division he would certainly rate a slot in the top 25 ? but he has stated his intention to go to the cruiserweight division. He?ll also participate in the so-called ?Superfighter? tournament if and when it ever occurs.

Travis Walker, USA ? ?Freight Train? Walker, 22-0-1, captured a majority decision over fellow unbeaten former Olympian Jason Estrada in November. The unusual meeting of two young heavyweights served as a significant venue for both. Walker is now primed to face a rated fighter, though he still has much to prove. Solid win.

Roman Greenberg, England (via Israel) ? A knockout win over Alexei Varakin in November precedes his move to America. He?s already scheduled for a December date in Florida.

Chris Arreola, USA ? Arreola scored a big win by stopping fellow unbeaten Damian Wills on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather ? Carlos Baldomir. Now 18-0 (16 KOs), you can expect to see him in a significant bout soon.

Albert Sosnowski, Poland ? The Pole moved to 39-1 (23 KOs) beating Lawrence Tauasa in South Africa to win an obscure alphabet belt.

Oleg Platov, Ukraine ? The Belgium-based 23 year-old pounded out a 12-round split vote over the former WBO titlist, 41 year-old Henry Akinwande in Germany. It?s hard to know how much this win tells us given the advanced age of Akinwande, but it represents clearing a hurdle that is a requirement of an up-and-coming potential contender. Platov moves to 23-1 (19 KOs).

The IBF pushing Calzaghe to fight unproven ?number one? contender

Ruling the latest in a series of outlandish actions by the organization

By JE Grant

In a weight division with top fighters such as Joe Calzaghe and Mikkel Kessler, Robert Stieglitz is now the number one contender according to the IBF.

So firm is the organization in this belief that it is poised to strip the 42-0 champion Calzaghe of its belt if he chooses to defends against anyone else.

Stieglitz, a Russian based in Germany, though 25-0, has never beaten a consensus top 10 fighter.

Fighters such as former titlists Jeff Lacy, Anthony Mundine, and Markus Beyer, have been leap-frogged by the 25 year-old for reasons apparent only to the IBF.

Other top division dwellers such as Allan Green, Librado Andrade, and Lucien Bute are also relegated to a lower status.

The BBC quoted IBF championship committed chairman Lindsey Tucker as saying "I don't think it's fair that Stieglitz should wait any longer."

As unbelievable as it is that anyone from the IBF is talking about something being ?fair,? nevertheless the organization is pushing for Stieglitz to get a shot now.

This is of course just a small part of the lunacy that pervades the IBF (and the other alphabets) and is just the reason why the organizations, through their intense greed, will eventually drive themselves from existence.

Hopefully Calzaghe thumbs his nose at the IBF and carries on with plans to fight an actual, proven top fighter next time out. His previous slavish resolve to keep his other belt, the WBO version, kept him from fighting several big names along the way.

Nearing age 35 he simply does not have the time to continue the alphabet game any longer.

We cannot be surprised by virtually any action by the IBF. The organization stripped the undisputed (and undisputable) middleweight champion Jermain Taylor so that Arthur Abraham could fight Kingsley Ikeke for the belt.

So out of touch is the IBF that it lists Abraham, a native of Armenia but now a German citizen, as being from ?Australia? on its website. His current number one contender is hard-punching Edison Miranda. We can only guess that they haven?t seen Winky Wright.

At heavyweight the organization lists that fine young fighter ?Not Rated? as the number one contender. How can the organization not settle on a top-rated contender? You have to wonder what exactly they are waiting for.

Want more? How about the stripping of O?Neil Bell who the entire world saw win the undisputed (and undisputable) cruiserweight championship. The IBF still can?t put together two fighters to compete for the bogus belt.

More still? The one-time undisputed welterweight champion Zab Judah was stunned and upset by the tough Carlos Baldomir in a world title fight. Baldomir, who chose not to pay the exorbitant fee for the precious right to wear the organization?s belt, was denied the IBF version.

Much worse, however, was the fact that Judah was allowed to keep the belt and subsequently lost his next fight and the fake title to the great Floyd Mayweather.

So impressed by the title was Mayweather, that he almost instantly dumped it and instead chose to face the real champion Baldomir.

Who knows who will be paired for the ?vacant? title now.

Perhaps the most blatant action by the organization was its 2005 ruling that DaVarryl Williamson should jet past Wladimir Klitschko to get a title shot at then-titlist Chris Byrd despite having lost to Klitschko.

The consequence? The boxing world was made to watch Byrd easily dismantle Williamson for a paltry (by heavyweight title standards) purse.

The waste of time and energy for the titlist and the sport resulted in yet one more reason the general sporting public bemoans the state of the sport.

The collection of inane actions by the IBF and the companion alphabet organizations makes them deserving of ignoring.

Hopefully Calzaghe takes the path of Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson as they eschewed title belts to give us the best match-up at the time in the light-heavyweight division.

By facing Taylor or fellow belt-wearer Kessler, he will make more money and gain even wider recognition as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.

Heavyweights in weekend action

By JE Grant

Saturday, 18 November

DÜSSELDORF, Germany ? Ruslan Chagaev, 229, separated himself from the pack with a split 12-round decision nod over the former titlist John Ruiz. The win ostensibly gains him a mandatory chance at Nicolay Valuev. For Ruiz it may be the end of the road near the top. He has not won a bout since defeating Andrew Golota in November 2004. Chagaev improves to 22-0-1 (17 KOs) and at age 28 is practically a kid in the division.

On the same card, Alexander Dimitrenko, 249, fresh off an October one-round blowout of Gonzalo Omar Basile, quickly returned to action with a lop-sided 12-round over journeyman Billy Zumbrun. Now 24-0 (14 KOs), Dimitrenko?s power is something of a question mark given the club status of Zumbrun.

TROIS RIVIERES, Canada ? David Cadieux, a 6?6?, 230-pound campaigner, won the Canadian heavyweight title with a unanimous 12-round decision over Patrice L?Heureux. Cadieux climbs to 14-1 (1 NC). The no-contest and one loss came in his first two bouts. He recently served as a sparring partner for title challenger Calvin Brock

Friday, 17 November

GOLD COAST, Australia ? One time title challenger Kali Meehan, 231 ½, scored a three-round stoppage of Anton Nel, to score his third successive win since his knockout loss to Hasim Rahman in November 2006.

SAN JACINTO, Calif. ? Fighting on the nationally televised ShoBox on Showtime, Travis Walker, 235, scored the biggest win of his career with an eight-round majority decision over former Olympian Jason Estrada in a bout of young unbeatens. Walker, now 22-0-1 (17 KOs), used a consistent attack against the mauling, holding tactics of the very hefty 257-pound Estrada.

Published TODAY ? The Ropes Held Him Up --- Boxing Essays and Articles

JE Grant?s The Ropes Held Him Up -- Boxing Essays and Articles was published today and is now available. Click on the title above to place your order.

The collection of boxing pieces covering a wide variety of fights and issues facing the sport today provide the reader insights into the professional scene.

Grant, who currently writes for the highly-acclaimed Boxing Scene.com, continues to highlight the action of fighters worldwide and jabs at those that he sees as pounding at the sport.

ABOUT AUTHOR
JE Grant is a pen name used exclusively by the author for writing about boxing. This is his first compilation.

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The Mind of the WBC: Understanding the Meaning of ?Eliminator?

By JE Grant

In its quest to achieve ever-increasing idiocy, the WBC issued another of its infamous semi-English news releases that give us insights to the dysfunctional organization.

This time it concerns the upcoming Manny Pacquiao ? Erik Morales III bout for something called the WBC International Super-Featherweight title.

Setting aside for a moment the ludicrous and virtually meaningless ?title,? the WBC also want to call this a ?final eliminator? for the right to face the ?world? champion Marco Antonio Barrera.

In plain English that means that in order to have the bout sanctioned for the purpose of calling it an ?eliminator? that both fighters will have to fork over a sum of cash for what the WBC calls ?a high distinction and honor for both fighters.?

Pacquaio is rated number one and Morales number two as they prepare to meet Saturday.

Why, then, is there any need at all to call this bout anything? If either fighter wins should it not follow very simply that the winner would be dubbed a ?mandatory? challenger?

Obviously at the bottom of all of it is the matter of sanctioning fees ? the true lifeblood of any of the sanctioning bodies.

But what does it mean to fight an eliminator and win?

Ask Oleg Maskaev. In Nov. 2005 he defeated Sinan Samil Sam in an elimination bout that pitted the top two rated fighters in the division (yes, it is somewhat laughable that Sam was in the top two, but stay with me).

The two men entered the ring with the assurance that the winner was entitled to a world title shot.

Maskaev handily captured a decision and guess what, he was passed over by James Toney who was suddenly, and inexplicably, dubbed ?mandatory? for the then-champion Hasim Rahman all the way from his then-number five rating.

Of course Rahman and Toney fought to a draw and Maskaev finally did get his title shot.

As the nutty alphabet sanctioning bodies continue to be guided by raw disregard for the very men who line the pockets of their staffs, there will be more and more disregard for their edicts and their belts.

Perhaps one or more state commissions will curtail the percentage of purses a sanctioning body can extract from fighters and promoters for the right to operate in their state.

Imagine if the Nevada, New Jersey, California, or New York commissions took the lead in denying the sanctioning bodies from creating ?International? or regional titles for the sole purpose of confiscating sanctioning fees.

In all likelihood most of the organizations would simply fade away.......if only we could be so fortunate.

Manny Pacquiao - Erik Morales Prediction

When Manny Pacquiao met Erik Morales in March 2005 it was a giant fight despite the fact that Morales lost his previous bout to Marco Antonio Barrera. So good were Morales, Barrera and Pacquiao that fans knew going in that any of the three had a solid chance of winning on a given night. Unfortunately for Morales, while Barrera and Pacquiao have continued a blistering pace, he has clearly fallen behind. Although only 30 years old, his 52-fight career has taken its toll on his body and fighting spirit. He has now lost three of his last four fights but the recent drubbing by Pacquiao was the most telling of all. Despite his level best effort, the wheels weren't turning as fast or furiously as was the case just a couple of years ago. This fight will merely provide the exclamation point on what we really all know to be true: Morales is at the end of a Hall of Fame career and there's no going back. Pacquiao by KO in 5.

Organizers ?postpone? Australia ?Superfighter? event

By JE Grant

The Superfighter tournament scheduled for Dec. 2 in Melbourne, Australia was cancelled according to the event organizer Wednesday.

?It is with great regret that I announce the postponement of the Superfighter Pay-Per-View event scheduled for December 2nd in Melbourne and December 1st in the USA,? said Stephen Duval in a news release.

The originally scheduled cast of heavyweight participants was to include O?Neil Bell, Calvin Brock, Chris Byrd, Tye Fields, Juan Carlos Gomez, Oliver McCall, Jameel McCline and Samuel Peter.

Both Brock, who recently challenged Wladimir Klitschko for a share of the world title and Peter, who is scheduled to duel James Toney in a January 2007 rematch, pulled out as well. Further, unspecified visa problems made the tournament unsustainable according to Duval.

?Due to the withdrawal of Calvin Brock and Samuel Peter, and the visa/entry issues, the investors and management of Superfighter made what we believe to be the appropriate decision to postpone the event regardless of the significant monetary losses we are incurring,? said Duval.

As for the fighters, the loss of a possible $5 million payday is a significant setback.

Although the organizers hope to hold an event in ?in the United States in early 2007? it has not been announced specifically when and where the tournament will take place.

Locations are still being contemplated.

?We are currently looking at a number of sites,? said Duval in an email response Thursday. ?Ideally, Las Vegas would be the preferred location.?

Duval said a future tournament may include the contestants originally scheduled.

?All fighters currently contracted will be invited to participate, as it will be based in the US, the field is likely to be equal or better than the current line up scheduled in Melbourne,? he said.

The large purse will likely remain central to the organizers? design.

?We were only interested in making certain that the best, most elite and exciting boxers were confirmed for Superfighter,? said Duval. ?To do this, we offered a great incentive to attract the best fighters.?

According to Duval, in the longer term ?the ultimate goal of Superfighter is to bring great boxing action to the fans, a great platform for the best boxers in the world to participate, innovative scoring and technology for the viewer and most of all, a great Superfighter World Series where fans see the eight original weight divisions of boxing annually under the Superfighter format.?

There are no plans to enter into the fray of world championship boxing promotions.

?Superfighter will not promote 12 round bouts apart from the Superfighter format where the winner fights a maximum of 12 rounds against three separate opponents,? said Duval.

Klitschko: Standing tall above the division

By JE Grant

The speed and power of Wladimir Klitschko, exhibited on the head and shoulders of a previously undefeated American Calvin Brock, put an emphatic end to any talk of a muddled heavyweight picture.

Klitschko provided the convincing performance in the latest series of heavyweight title encounters that featured his fellow belt holders. He is now in a class above the field.

Despite the notion that the division is withering, there has been plenty of knockout action of late.

Starting in August Oleg Maskaev?s delivered a crushing final round knockout of Hasim Rahman, the man seen by some as the top campaigner in the division.

In October, the giant Nicolay Valuev stopped Monte Barrett in 11 rounds in a fight that was not exactly exciting but did end with the Russian pounding Barrett into a heap.

Shannon Briggs added his own bit of drama with a last second knockout of the talented Serguei Liakhovich in Phoenix to win an alphabet belt in November.

It was, however, the talent of Wladimir Klitschko that was the most obvious. He made it clear that whatever his history he has come into his own. The combination of speed, power, and athletic ability ? something long recognized ? is now combined by something missing in key fights --- resolve.

Calvin Brock presented an odd look and better power than almost all the other top 10 heavyweights. He also entered the ring with the confidence of an undefeated heavyweight. He expected to win.

Klitschko had to use his complete arsenal to put together the punctuating right hand that left Brock on his face and the audience in Madison Square Garden fully aware that they had just witnessed the work of the world?s best heavyweight fighter.

He also proved ? though cynics will disagree ? that the changing of the guard is now complete. We can say goodbye to the skilled fists of Lennox Lewis with the assurance that the division is now firmly in new and equally skilled hands in the form of Wladimir Klitschko.

There is talk of a tournament to unify the titles but the real question is this: Why worry about it?

Klitschko is clearly at the top and the others should at least go through the motions of forming a line to his throne.

Briggs seems to recognize this reality and to his credit there he was in the Klitschko post-fight presser insisting on a shot. Real heavyweight champions do not have to press for fights because the world is supposed to come to them. Briggs knows who the champion is and he wants a chance.

Yes, it?s true that the alphabet title that Klitschko holds is by itself nothing better than the titles held by Maskaev, Valuev and Briggs.

It is his talent along with the clear willingness to take on only the best available opponent that separates him from the crowd.

It is not all that obvious that any of the other three belt holders really represent the best in the division. Maskaev and Briggs certainly have above average power, but both have been dominated by competition that is, generously, less than world class.

Maskaev has elected to take on the unknown and far below world-class Peter Okhello in the first defense of his belt. The fact that many in the sport will not be surprised by an upset tells us all everything we need to know.

Valuev, though undefeated at 45-0, has handlers that do not believe their charge is the best of the bunch. Defending his title against Owen Beck and Monte Barrett, both fighters with recent and clear losses, does nothing to suggest otherwise.

Of course Shannon Briggs has long been seen as a fighter with plenty of talent but not the drive to be a champion. Before the Liakhovich bout, he could point only to his highly controversial win over a 48 year old George Foreman as a victory over a rated fighter.

Assuming Briggs? talent level was what many thought it was, he did not capitalize on it until his 53rd fight.

Klitschko has his own baggage but his resume is now replete with rated fighters: Chris Byrd (twice); Jameel McCline; Samuel Peter; Monte Barrett; Axel Schulz; DaVarryl Williamson; Frans Botha; and of course Brock.

None of us will likely forget his blowout loss to Corrie Sanders or his puzzling collapse against Lamon Brewster, but in the full context of a 50-fight career, it is he who stands at the head of the class.

Of course discussions of that class today often begin with a lament for the mythical good old days of heavyweight boxing lore.

At the bottom of this myth, however, is something that is just a bit more sinister.

There is a belief --- spoken but never written --- that because there is no great American heavyweight that no further proof is needed to indicate the sorry state of the division.

After all, American?s have dominated the heavyweights since the dawning of the gloved era. Precious few fighters --- regardless of race or ethnicity --- from countries other than the United States have laid claim to dominance.

The list is short: Tommy Burns; Max Schmeling, Primo Carnera, Ingemar Johannson, and Lennox Lewis have held universal recognition. If we?re generous we could add alphabet title-holders such as Gerrie Coetzee, Vitali Klitschko, and of course one-time Wladimir conqueror Corrie Sanders.

In fact some sports talking heads have resorted to a secondary argument that suggests that America?s best athletes end up in the NBA, NFL or Major League Baseball hence the lack of current American boxing talent.

Such talking heads no doubt see history as having started yesterday. The NBA, NFL, etc? were in full-scale existence in the 1960s right through today.

No one suggested that Muhammad Ali held the heavyweight championship only because Jim Brown was a running back for the Cleveland Browns.

No one even thought that Lyle Alzado would have dominated Larry Holmes had it not been for his selection to play for the Denver Broncos.

The difference, of course, is that with the opening of the east following the fall of the Berlin Wall, athletes from eastern European countries who were culturally guided to sports and desperate to partake in the spoils available in the capitalist world have finally made the transition from amateur to professional status.

Klitschko, Maskaev, Valuev and the recently deposed Liakhovich quite possibly represent only the tip of what is to come.

Young fighters toiling in current obscurity will likely become well-known worldwide with names such as Dennis Boytsov; Alexander Dimitrenko; Alexander Povetkin; Albert Sosnowski; Ruslan Chagaev; and Vladimir Virchis to name just a few are on the march.

For now, suffice it to say that Wladimir Klitschko is king, whatever his country of origin.

The dispute is over.

Mayweather - Baldomir Prediction

By JE Grant

Of course there is not supposed to be a real contest that occurs when Floyd Mayweather meets the champion Carlos Baldomir. There's little doubt that Floyd's consumate skills, almost impenetrable defense, and uber confidence born of a training regime second to none make him the runaway favorite. Just as clearly Baldomir was to have no chance at Zab Judah. He was also supposed to be a victim to Arturo Gatti who many thought would get the last laugh in capturing the true world championship ahead of Mayweather. Neither of his wins in those bouts was expected. However, don't expect the unexpected on this night. The sterling brilliance of Mayweather is the real thing. He will out-speed, out-punch, out-everything Baldomir. The champion Baldomir is not a phony and is not to be trifled with --- and despite his cocky flair, the most complete professional in the game today, Mayweather, won't take anything for granted. Baldomir is gritty and comes to win. His efforts will lead to a rapid-fire pounding and a brutal finish.

Mayweather by KO in 9.

Top 25 Heavyweights (As of November, 2006)

By JE Grant

In the month of November we will learn a lot about the future of the division. Wladimir Klitschko faces America?s top heavyweight Calvin Brock. Early in the month Serguei Liakhovich takes on one-time lineal champ Shannon Briggs.

Perhaps of greater long-term importance are the bouts that won?t be on television and will gain little notice in the sports media.

A bevy of unbeaten hot prospects will meet in November. Damian Wills will meet Chris Arreola. Former Olympian Jason Estrada will face Travis Walker. How rare is it that young heavyweights with fat unblemished records square off? Such matchmaking is to be commended. The winners of these bouts will exit the ring with far more credentials than they could gain by fighting a dozen palookas.

Potential future star Roman Greenberg meets journeyman Alexei Varakin in Monaco. Greenberg is a likely easy winner there, but what?s important is that after this bout he moves to the U.S. to fight under the promotional banner of Warrior Boxing. Americans will be buzzing about him within a year.

Unfortunately the saga of the formerly great Evander Holyfield continues in November. He is scheduled to take on Fres Oquendo in a bout that will likely spell an embarrassing end for the ?Real Deal.? Oquendo is far from being a great fighter but all he has to be is good to beat the 43 year-old version of Evander.

Finally, there?s much buzz about the Australian ?Superfighter? tournament that may include many of the top heavyweights and cruiserweight champion O?Neil Bell. The multi-fight format, all to be held in one day, appears to be taking a page from the mixed-martial arts world --- one of the few fighting sports that is exploding with fan recognition. The multi-million dollar payout is almost shocking if it pans out. Let?s hold off making any judgments about its effect on boxing until it unfolds.

Once again, my thanks to Brian Bizzack and Troy Ondrizek heavyweight trackers extraordinaire.

* * *

1. Wladimir Klitschko, Ukraine ? IBF Champion (Last month #1) Klitschko is not wasting his time with also-rans. In Calvin Brock he?ll find a tough, undefeated, and smart fighter who can punch. Brock will force Klitschko to be sharp in all departments, power, speed, and boxing ability.

2. Serguei Liakhovich, Belarus ? WBO Champion (Last month #2) If he cannot get past Shannon Briggs, his title-winning effort against Brewster will be seen as a mere illusion. Should he win, as expected, he should clamor for a shot at the winner of Klitschko-Brock.

3. Calvin Brock, USA (Last month #3) Brock?s golden opportunity awaits as he meets arguably the best heavyweight in the world in Wladimir Klitschko. Beating Klitschko would mean vast riches. It?s a giant leap for Brock.

4. Samuel Peter, Nigeria (Last month #5 Tie) The WBC never ceases to embarrass the sport. Peter who received a controversial, but fair, decision over Toney with the promise of a mandatory shot at Oleg Maskaev, was presented with a shot to the groin by the WBC which ordered a rematch. Look, Toney already leap-frogged the then-number 1 Maskaev to get a ?mandatory? against Hasim Rahman. What gives? Why the special treatment?

5. James Toney, USA (Last month #5 Tie) Yes, we thought he deserved the nod against Peter but no, we do not think the WBC was right to essentially nullify the judgment of the ringside officials for the purpose of giving him another chance at Peter. Sam Peter won the fight in the eyes of the officials at ringside and thus should have received an unhindered shot at Maskaev. (By the way --- we won?t have any more ties in the ratings).

6. Oleg Maskaev, Uzbekistan / USA ? WBC Champion (Last month #7) Once he gets past Peter Okhello in a December embarrassment, maybe we can talk about a serious fight. We can?t be surprised that the WBC is allowing this debacle to take place --- and we?ll say that even if Okhello lands a haymaker that ends it all. While Klitschko takes on a proven and undefeated Brock, and Liakhovich battles veteran Briggs, Maskeav chooses to go a very different way. Too bad.

7. Hasim Rahman, USA ? (Last Month #8) The ?Rock? still retains a number three rating in the WBC which could mean another title shot down the road is not out of the question. Nothing is scheduled.

8. Lamon Brewster, USA (Last month #4) Time continues to work against the injured former titlist.

9. Nicolay Valuev, Russia ? WBA Champion (Last month #9) He came and he conquered ? sort of. There is no doubt that beating the big guy will prove difficult for anyone. His size, awkwardness and sturdy chin require a solid all-round fighter to beat him. Barrett was a decent heavyweight, but Valuev is just a cut above his level. Look for Valuev to defend against the winner of the Ruiz-Chagaev match in Germany.

10. Sultan Ibragimov, Russia (Last month #10) The tough Russian has big opportunities, most likely is a shot at the winner of Liakhovich-Briggs.

11. Ray Austin, USA (Last month #11) A solid draw with Ibragimov in July and nothing since. What is the 35 year-old ?Rainman? waiting for?

12. John Ruiz, USA (Last month #12) He signed with all the right folks to ensure that he has a chance at another title shot. All that stands in his way is Ruslan Chagaev. Ruiz and his handlers may very well have outsmarted themselves. Don?t be surprised to see Ruiz quietly lose and fade away. Always keep in mind, however, that John Ruiz has had more lives than any heavyweight in the game. He may have the last laugh.

13. Shannon Briggs, USA (Last month #13) The ?Cannon?s? last best shot comes early in November against Liakhovich. His best shot in the bout will be in the early rounds with explosive punches. If Liakhovich is still there in the middle rounds it could be curtains for Briggs.

14. Ruslan Chagaev, Uzbekistan (Last month #14) Expect the tough Uzbeki to power his way to victory over a hugging John Ruiz in November.

15. DaVarryl Williamson, USA (Last month #15) Rumors have dissipated for possible bout withPrzemyslaw Saleta. It?s wait and see.

16. Fres Oquendo, USA (Last month #16) Fres will likely end the career of former great Evander Holyfield when they meet in November. A win in the bout proves little ? and a loss is a total disaster. At this stage Fres is probably a little too quick for the 43 year-old. It won?t be pretty.

17. Matt Skelton, England (Last month #17) A December date with the formerly highly-touted Audley Harrison is likely all that is between him and a world title shot. It?s too close to call.

18. Jameel McCline, USA (Last month #18) Another fighter lured by the prospect of a mega payday in the Superfighter tournament scheduled for December. If this tourney happens McCline has as good a chance as anyone to take it.

19. Danny Williams, England (Last month #19) We fully expect that Danny will next face British champ Scott Gammer. It?s make or break.

20. Luan Krasniqi, Germany (Last month #20) After nearly an eight-month layoff, he?s scheduled to return to action in December against an as yet named opponent (read: palooka).

21. Tony Thompson, USA (Last month #21) A big win on televison against Dominick Guinn in June and nothing since. You?re blowing it kid.

22. David Tua, New Zealand (Last month #22) ? Scheduled to return to action against shopworn vet Ross Purritty in November. A win proves little but at least it?s activity.

23. Vladimir Virchis, Ukraine (Last month #23) The EBU titlist will likely have to defend against Sinan Samil Sam early next year. For reasons we can?t figure out, Sam gets shot after shot at big matches.

24. Alexander Dimitrenko, Ukraine (Last month unranked) ? The youngster earned his first signficant victory by blasting out fellow giant Gonzalo Omar Basile in Stuttgart in October. The win allows him to crack the top 25. Of course we must be cautious in ascribing great significance to the win. Basile had never ventured out of South America before and had never met anyone remotely close to the class of Dimitrenko. His fat record could have been an illusion --- time will tell.

25. Eddie Chambers, USA (Last month #25) The young Philly star is in the right place to continue his development. At 27-0, the 24 year-old has plenty of time to continue the climb if he has the real stuff within him.

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Prospects, fringe contenders, and others who need mentioning listed in no particular order. Don?t read the fact that they are listed here as an indication a ranking is imminent. Regular readers should also note that I?ve taken off some names that were here in months past who still rate attention. We're highlighting activity and when potentially top fighters have bouts scheduled you?ll likely see them reappear.
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Alexander Povetkin, Russia ? The 9-0 former Olympic gold medal winner is set for a December match in Moscow. Soon, you can expect to see American TV outlets such as HBO and Showtime clamoring for the broadcast rights to this ? perhaps the most talented of young heavyweights.

Chris Byrd, USA ? Scheduled to participate in the so-called ?Superfighter? tournament in Australia in December. We don?t think Chris is thinking about recapturing any titles anytime soon. Of course if he wins the tourney he?ll gain a payday bigger than he ever saw as the heavyweight titlist.

Monte Barrett, USA (Last month #24) ?Two Gunz? gave it his best but it just wasn?t close to good enough to take Valuev. He won a couple of rounds but he went wobbly often. The stoppage loss will likely mean no more shots ? although in the eyes of the WBA his loss against Rahman was enough to propel him to a title shot with Valuev. Nonetheless, at 35 Barrett?s days as a serious contender are done.

Oliver McCall, USA ? Yet another possible participant in the Superfighter tournament. His classic jab will give someone fits. However, at 41 the multiple bout format may prove a stretch.

Joe Mesi, USA ? Last fought in September in a four-rounder. Despite being 33-0, and holding some key victories years ago, ?Baby Joe? still doesn?t seem on track yet. Eventually he?ll meet a top ten fighter and we?ll find out what he has left.

Chazz Witherspoon, USA ? ?The Gentleman? stayed busy in October with a three-round stoppage of Earl Ladson (now 12-12-1) to advance his record to 15-0 (9 KOs). The fight was held under the promotional auspices of ?Terrible? Tim Witherspoon.

Gonzalo Omar Basile, Argentina ? Were all those wins worthy of our notice? His one-round blowout loss to Dimitrenko in a mere 54 seconds obviously makes us wonder. He has a lot of explaining to do ? preferably with his fists.

J.D. Chapman, USA ? At 25-0, the 23 year-old has a bevy of low-level belts including the Arkansas, NABC, WBC Latino, and IBF/USBA regional titles. Of course none of those belts have much intrinsic meaning, but needless to say that if he keeps winning he?ll get shots at belts that do mean something.

Scott Gammer, England ? Successfully defended his British belt against Michael Steeds in October. Don?t be surprised to see a match made with Danny Williams next. A win there and Gammer will be a player.

Denis Boytsov, Russia ? The talented 20 year-old is now 16-0 (15 KOs). He has faced modest opposition to date but he seems to have a spark.

Travis Walker, USA ? With his November date set with Jason Estrada, Walker has the opportunity to break away from the pack of young American up-and-comers.

Jason Estrada, USA ? He meets Travis Walker in November in a rare meeting of two undefeated young talents. The fight will tell us a lot about both men.

Roman Greenberg, England (via Israel) ? The talented 24 year-old takes on Russian journeyman Alexei Varakin in November before moving on the United States to fight for Warrior Boxing. He?s already scheduled for a December match. We have a feeling that American fans are going to embrace him soon.

Damian Wills, USA ? November will already include a Jason Estrada-Travis Walker matchup of unbeaten and talented American heavyweights. The other big match will be the Damian Wills-Chris Arreola in a battle of unbeatens. Wills is 21-0-1 and coming in off a win over tough guy Cisse Salif while Arreola is 17-0.

Albert Sosnowski, Poland ? The 38-1 (23 KOs) Sosnowski is set for a November shot at the most obscure of alphabet titles. It?s hard to gauge his talent given that his best victory is a 2005 six-round decision over a 40 year-old Orlin Norris. His single loss was to Canadian Arthur Cook in 2001.

Dimitrenko blasts Basile, earns world ranking

STUTTGART, Germany --- Heavyweight phenom Alexander Dimitrenko, 23-0 (14 KOs), Ukraine, 249, scored the biggest win of his budding career with a first-round knockout of surging Argentine Gonzalo Omar Basile, 25-2 (12 KOs), 242, according to the German website Hamburg 1, Saturday.

Basile entered the contest riding a 25-fight win streak including 11 victories in 2006. At 6'6" he is just one-inch shorter than fellow big man Dimitrenko.

Not known for exceptional power, many figured Basile would test Dimitrenko's skill because the young Ukrainian could not rely on his usual physical advantages.

Uncharacteristically, Dimitrenko caught his opponent early, forcing a stoppage at 54 seconds of the opener, according to Hamburg 1.

The win will likely lift the 24 year-old into the legitimate top 25 of the heavyweight division.

Basile, 32, who had never fought outside South America before this bout will likely be seen either as an unworthy heavyweight with a padded record or as the latest victim of an ever-improving young superstar.

Only future bouts can determine the significance of this bout.

Briggs gets one more chance to shoot his big guns

By JE Grant

When Shannon ?The Cannon? Briggs enters the ring November 4th to vie for a version of the heavyweight title against Serguei Liakhovich, he will carry with him the baggage not only of his 34 years or his 52 fights, but just as importantly lots of thoughts of what might have been.

Briggs, 47-4-1 (41 KOs), started his career as a trim 20 year-old with lightning fast hands and a end-it-right-away style that made him an appealing draw. Combined with obvious physical attributed, Briggs was (an is) a colorful and interesting speaker.

As he rose through the inevitable club fights many took notice of his talents on many levels. His athleticism had many talking of much bigger and better things.

Unfortunately, his rise through the club circuit was not a progressive one. Today we can browse his early record and find many opponents he faced who possessed not mediocre records but losing records. According to Boxrec.com it wasn?t until his 16th fight that he met an opponent with a winning slate.

While almost every rising star has a record sprinkled with such opposition, it was apparent when Briggs faced the then-15-0-2 Darroll Wilson that he had not developed skills sufficient to extract himself from trouble. The three-round stoppage loss to Wilson served as a notification that to achieve truly world-class status, something had to change.

Briggs? style to that point was one of front-running. Using his overwhelming speed and power early, most of his opponents simply could not cope. Wilson proved that the way to Briggs? heart was withstanding the early onslaught and then pounding away on what was left of the depleted ?Cannon.?

Four club fights after Wilson, Briggs was matched with George Foreman. Though Big George had been stripped of his WBA and IBF belts, he was still considered the lineal champion.

Briggs against started quickly and put some lumps on Foreman. The much older Foreman proved sturdy and not only weathered the storm but by most accounts did enough to deserve the win. Briggs, however, seemed as surprised as anyone when the decision was announced that he was the winner of a majority 12-round decision.

As controversial as the decision was, Briggs was nevertheless considered the lineal champion and he was quickly signed for a match in 1998 with the Lennox Lewis, then-WBC titlist and by far the best heavyweight in the world.

Once again, Briggs started fast, clipping Lewis early and appearing to wobble him. The early success turned out to be a mere flash as the bigger and better Lewis chopped-up Briggs throughout. And, once again, when Briggs was hurt ? and down ? he did not have the experience to draw on that his 31 fights to that point should have afforded him. Too many palookas, not enough stiff opposition.

Lewis dropped Briggs three times enroute to a brutal fifth-round stoppage.

Since that time, Briggs lost tough decisions to journeyman Sedreck Fields and the rated Jameel McCline. He also fought to a draw with Frans Botha.

Briggs has not lost since the McCline decision in 2002. His record since that time is 11-0 with 11 KOs. Charitably, it can be said that all of the 11 wins were against journeyman. The only recognizable name is Ray Mercer ? though it was a 44 year-old version.

Another significant problem for Briggs is a skyrocketing weight gain. He started his career at 205. He fought Foreman at 227. He fought his last fight, against Chris Koval, at a whopping 273.

Nonetheless Briggs is a solid hitter and thus has a chance to pull something out, particularly if he does it early.

PREDICTION: Briggs will pull out all the stops for an early knockout. Despite the claims of many that he will arrive at the 250 pound range, it is unlikely that he has developed a sufficient gas tank to go the distance and pull out a victory. Even while winning of late, his overall speed is noticeably far less than what it was just a few years ago. He?s never been all that difficult to hit and Liakhovich will exploit that shortcoming. Liakhovich possesses solid skills and an educated jab. Look for him to land it early and take Briggs out of his bull rushing tactics. As the early rounds go past with Liakhovich still on his feet, Briggs will fade noticeably. Liakhovich will begin landing combinations to the head of Briggs. The older, slower, heavier Briggs, like his younger version, will not have enough answers to pass the test.

Liakhovich by KO in 9.