Boxing: HBO put on a show tonight (Spoilers)

[dr.zoidberg]

In the first match, things went as expected as Manny Pacquiao disposed of Hector Valasquez in the 5th round by TKO. Valasquez was trouble early, but Manny reeled him in and cut him down.

In the main event, Erik Morales took on Zahir Raheem. Raheem shocked everybody by defeating Morales by UD. I scored the fight 10 rounds for Raheem and 2 rounds for Morales. Morales was off-balance all night and Raheem didn't help matters by being elusive and picking his spots when to throw punches. This fight was completely dominated by Raheem. Morales only had a right spot in the 11th, when he almost knocked Raheem down. The way Raheem fought brought a tear to my eye because at times, Raheem reminded me of Pernell Whitaker. Seriously, I was that impressed with Raheem.

[countmyvote4real]

1. So, I guess we're not going to see a Pacquiao vs Morales fight.

Shit. Now I have to screen for Raheem footage.

[Sean138666]

2. Pacquiao will likely fight Juan Manuel Marquez again

That seems the only option for him.

Erik Morales came in way too heavy for the fight. Maybe coming in lighter wouldn't have made much of a difference, but had Morales come in closer (meaning under) to 140, he wouldn't have been so lethargic and looked weighed-down.

I think a Whitaker comparison isn't so accurate. Whitaker was a much busier fighter; Raheem seemed to concentrate on counterpunching and defense. Not to say that it didn't work of course.

Stupid Merchant Line Of The Night: "Sometimes, the slab of beef jumps off the counter and attacks the butcher".

[dr.zoidberg]

3. Marquez will never fight Pacquiao.

Marquez has ducked Paquiao before and he will again. Besides, Marquez has been forgotten about because of the lackluster fights he has had since the Pacquiao fight. Therefore, Marquez means nothing right now. Right now, Marquez is probably wishing that he took the $1.5 million to fight Morales instead of demanding $3 million. besides, Pacquiao could still get a big money rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera.

Morales is not a lightweight. He should stay at 130 pounds, where he is more comfortable. Raheem made Morales look slow and old.

Larry was in rare form tonight. That line about the beef attacking the butcher was so bizarre that I couldn't believe what I had just heard. I personally believe that if Harold Lederman didn't have such an annoying voice that he would be in the announcer's booth. Lederman actually seem to know what he is talking about.

[H2O Man]

4. The downside to HBO boxing

is Larry's quest to sound intelligent. I remember years ago when he started crying after a fight, because it was his in-laws anniversary, and he had to be at a fight. Give me a break.

Lederman seems to know more about boxing, though I often disagree with his scoring.

I didn't see the fights. I will say, however, that Whitaker was a master of defensive fighting. His style was unpopular with many because he was so defensive. The average fan found him "boring." I loved watching him.

[Sean138666]

5. ??

"I remember years ago when he started crying after a fight, because it was his in-laws anniversary"

Which fight was that? I have to find a tape of that!

[H2O Man]

6. Years and years ago .....

Probably the 1980s. I can't recall the fight off hand. I think it was one of Larry Holmes' defenses. I am sure I have it on tape. Though you think you want to see it, really you don't. It was a shameful display that beat out Kevin Rooney's being bombed on air for the "bad taste award." There used to be a guy on USA or Fox, and I will not get his last name right -- something like Dave Bontemple -- who was the absolute stupidest announcer ever. But Larry set the bar high with his weeping routine. What man would rather be at his in-laws anniversary, rather than a heavyweight title fight?