Finally got around to watching the Moore v Piccirillo fight and I have to say, great performance. I suspect Michele was on the slide but even so, Moore looked very good in dispatching of his opponent. So the question is, can he pick up a major alphabet strap? The title picture is a little muddled at 154 and hasn't really recovered since Winky's exit from the division. Forrest has to face interim titlist Martinez if he wants to keep his WBC strap. Santos holds the WBA. The IBF is vacant and the WBO has Dzinziruk holding their belt who I know nothing about. Williams is interim holder here for some reason although whether that'll remain the case with him campaigning at 160 remains to be seen. So what's realistic for Jamie? He should get a top 10 ranking with the WBC now that he's won the EBU. Maloney seems to have good ties with the WBC but is this the route to go?
WBC Rankings Vernon Forrest (Regular Champ) Sergio Martinez (Interim Champ) Floyd Mayweather Jr (Emeritus Champ) 1. Alfredo Angulo 2. Ricardo Mayorga 3. John Duddy 4. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr 5. Yuri Foreman 6. Sergio Mora 7. Ronald Hearns 8. James Kirkland 9. Jamie Moore 10. Ryan Rhodes (WBC Int Champ) These are the WBC rankings, Interestingly they still have Mayweather listed as Champion Emeritus. Lot's of potentially great fights in this division, What about Moore fighting Mayorga or Chavez Jr in an Eliminator.
Hard to rate the light-middle division. The top guys hardly ever fight each other. Out of the 10 contenders 7 are undefeated. They need to start fighting each other soon.
I think I read the other day that they were looking for Jamie to fight on a card with Sutherland in Dublin.
Duddy's probably the most realistic option in terms of the fight happening and the chances of Jamie winning. Mora would also be a good fight given he's ranked and recent world champion, but he has a history of turning down fights. JCC Jr would aswell but he's over protected and I'm sure the fight won't happen. I don't think Team Hearns would take it aswell, he's not ready. He wouldn't look good against Foreman, Rhodes is pointless and he'd be in for very, very tough fights against any of Angulo, Mayorga or Kirkland.
Pretty tough situation. He's in the best position with the WBC, and he's said on here thats the one he wants. He'll probably ending up twiddling his thumbs as some water has to pass under the bridge before that will be a realistic option. Forrest will have to fight Martinez, and even then there is no guarantee he gets a shot unless his promoter pulls a rabbit out the hat. I think Forrest is the best chance he is. He's old and lacking motivation, I doubt if he'd get up for a fight like that. Dzinziruk is a very good fighter. I hear he earns good cash in Germany, so it would have to be a serious offer to tempt him away, otherwise he has to take the risk of Germany. Either way it could potentially happen, Dzinziruk is willing to take fights if he is offered something good.
Vernon Forrest (Regular Champ) Sergio Martinez (Interim Champ) Floyd Mayweather Jr (Emeritus Champ) The above has to make a joke of the WBC rankings. How many more type of champs will they find. They have now found THREE! **** me.
I actually would tip Moore to beat Forrest right now. Forrest is definitely a faded force and seemingly lacking in interest as TFFP pointed out, and Moore proved on the weekend that he can rise to the occasion. OK, Piccirillo is slightly faded himself and was never exactly elite, but to still take him apart in that fashion with that temperament was very impressive. I have always been a big fan of Jamie Moore, but you can never be 100% certain how far a boxer can go until he steps up a level and you see how he fares. Jamie passed with flying colours last week, and if not win a world title, he can certainly compete and give a very good account of himself in challenging for one.
Vernon Forrest (Regular Champ) Sergio Martinez (Interim Champ) 1. Alfredo Angulo 2. Ricardo Mayorga 3. John Duddy 4. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr 5. Yuri Foreman 6. Sergio Mora 7. Ronald Hearns 8. James Kirkland 9. Jamie Moore 10. Ryan Rhodes (WBC Int Champ) thats a good top 10 and to be fair to Jamie the 9 guys ranked above him are all decent name fighters with US TV exposure. Moore is to good to be seen as an easy voluntary defence, brings less money than the 10 above him so wont be able to persuade Forrest to come to the UK. Also i think he would struggle against many of them and that Angulo, Kirkland, Forrest, Martinez are way way to strong for him.
What about Mayorga? That would be a hell of a war! Actually, with Mayorga's crude swinging style Jamie would have a very good chance of winning that one. Chavez Jr I just don't get at all, I can't see what's so spectacular about him and assume all the hype is because of his name. I think Moore rips him apart.
On the list on 10 there is 4 that moore should try avoid Kirkland Angulo Mayorga Foreman and 3 or 4 that will see him as too much of a risk or get priced out Duddy JCC jr Hearnes and maybe Mora
Jeez anyone accusing Moore of avoiding people must be ******ed. After the great display and finally getting the Euro belt it would be nice to see Moore in another couple of big fights. Pretty sure he could cash in on his Irish fanbase by fighting Lee or Duddy. Both really beatable opponents and the win would make him huge in America plus the all action style and KO's are a promoters dream. If the injuries hold off we could see some great nights of boxing.
The main difference I saw in Moore was his size and speed. He really seemed to be hugely improved physically. He looked much bigger than Picirillo, and big for the weight in general...and cut the ring off with ease. Kerry Kayes is definitely working.