Yeah everyone knows the first half kinda sux, there are more bad news than good news in the boxing world... We are some of it... (Kindly add if I still miss some) The Margarito Plaster Scandal, which really shocked the boxing world. Also questioning Margarito's previous fight specially the Cotto bout. If they have used illegal substances on their gloves which almost cost Cotto having a facial surgery. Pacquiao-Hatton didn't live up much to the hype, because Hatton went down to kiss the canvass too early. Fans was eager to see a war but it end up just a 6min beatdown. Well it's mostly Pacquiao's fault for being too powerful and dominant. Latin Fury didn't live to the expectation of our Latino fans, Their main event backed out, though it wasn't a really lackluster event. But there weren't many people who attended it. Nazareth died, Gatti got murdered and Forrest got shot in the head. These great boxers shouldn't have passed away like these kind of way. They never deserve what happened to them. Haye side stepping Klitscho... well he runs his mouth and along his feet... Yeah former P4P King is back, But only to fight a lightweight opponent. While there are tons of people calling him out. He had to pick the smallest of them. I wish Marquez gives him hell, though I still see Floyd winning. Some major upsets from the new prospect of boxing, Antillon and Ortiz lost. Calderun made a lackluster performance against a mediocre guy. Darchinyan lost... Well let's just hope the 2nd half of 2009 turns around into a good ending.
in terms of the match-ups it should pick up after august, but your right no blockbusters especially in the summer and the deaths in a short space of time make it a very bad year.
Add to this list... 1) the death of the great Alexis Arguello 2) the suspension from boxing of James Kirkland 3) the much anticipated Martinez vs. Cintron been a borefest 4) the loss of the much hyped Angulo at the hands of Cintron 5) the cancellation of Mayorga vs. Angulo 6) the humiliating loss of Barrera to Khan
it aint been that bad, the videos above show that. All the elite fighters have fought competitive matches so far this year except Floyd and B-Hop, so how could it be that bad a year???
In fairness, when you're in a despondant mood, things always look worse. Compare this time this year to last, though. In the UK it's been even worse for us with Setanta, our main boxing channel, going bust as well!
I wouldn't hasn't been that bad of year. **** does happen, but there have been positives as well. That's the way it is in all sports.
I hate to add this element into the mix, but I can't help but feel that the continued rise of MMA, and the UFC specifically, made the first half of 2009 a tough year for boxing. Every time I tell someone I'm a boxing fan, they immediately ask me why I don't watch the UFC instead. Even worse, the UFC has scheduled a press conference for Friday for some big announcement. Rumor is they've signed a deal with ESPN.
Wow, that is a big announcement. I wish boxing got its act together. Enough with the multiple belts and insignificant mandatory matches. Enough with it already. We need the ring belt to be the one and only that claims the championship title and that the best meet the best not for celebrity status or hype but for a true show down to see who is best!
