Contender IV semi-final brackets are set...

I think Troy Ross is the goods and has a future chance at a world title.

 

Ross and Cora Jr. are class acts. It was refreshing to see those guys showing so much respect before and after the fight. Cora Jr. just doesn't seem to have the chin to compete against the disivion's elite, but his skill set is solid and he's a winner in and out of the ring. I wish him and his family the best in coping with the hurricane that struck Galveston.

I agree, Ross appears to be the real deal... I think we are all predicting he will take the crown now. Good episode last night, I really enjoyed it. Nice seeing Singapore in HD and Tony's story was very intriguing at dinner, followed by a great fight between the 2 most respected fighters remaining. It was sad seeing the kind of eerie silence in the gym after Cora Jr. was stopped. I think everyone was pulling for him because of all the **** his hometown has just gone through. I've got mad respect for both of those fighters last night. I think Ross can go far in his career, he is humble with a level head on his shoulders, and has a nice mix of power and skill.

 

Great win for Ross, it would be awesome to see a Ross vs Hino final. One can only hope...

 

With his pedigree, Ross should be able to move along quickly. If he wins the Contender, I'd expect to see him in a title match with in a year or so.

Here is how I see him matching up with the above mentioned names:

Flores: a boxer/runner, I say he survives to end of the fight only to lose a close decision to Ross.

Arslan: an iron chinned work horse, he also survives to the end of the fight and makes a very tough night of it for Ross. If Ross can handle the pressure and stay on the out side I think he wins by UD.

Cunningham: a slick boxer who knows how to survive. This one is tough to call, I'd say 50/50 unless Ross can land some heat. Close SD for one or the other.

Adamek: a better version of Arslan but with a weaker beard. Adamek is the best of the four listed here and I don't think Ross is ready for him yet. In a year or two with some more experience against the top of the division Ross should get even better and have a chance to KO Adamek or possibly win a close SD.

 

Well, since I'm Canadian and he fought in the Olympics twice for us I've know about him since the 1996 games. But honestly, I kinda lost track of him until he was in the movie Cinderella Man when he played John Henry Lewis. The truth is, I'm basing my opinion on what I've read over the years, his armature experience and what I've seen of him on the Contender. I think I remember seeing him fight on TV, possibly Friday Night Fights but I don't recall for sure.

I like what I see so far, but admittedly after the Contender when he steps up is what will tell the tale. I know he was TKO-ed in the 2000 games, so we'll see what his beard is like in the future.

Keep in mind, I'm terrible at picking them... mostly when Vcash was involved.

 

Oh my god, I just realized that Ross fought Tony Booth back in 2007 (won by TKO2). Ever see that documentary on Tony Booth? Its was interesting, the guy don't train... he just sits in the pub waiting for last minute calls to fight. His record is won 52 (KO 12) + lost 105 (KO 38) + drawn 9 = 166

 

Chances probably aren't great. He needs to learn how to fight for 12 rounds. From what I've seen of him before, he tends to gas out after 6 or 7, and he takes rounds off. If he can go a full 12, he stands a decent chance. He reminds me a lot of Cunningham.

 

Interesting... if thats the case, gassing out will be the end for him. He's to young to start taking rounds off...

Did you see him on TV?

 

Coyne never got to fight again. The doctors wouldn't let him.

 

Well ****!!! There goes my boy! This is the first year that I picked the wrong guy. Well, last year I said either Soliman or Bika.