When Showtime announced that it would put on great cards every first Saturday of the month, boxing fans were elated. Little did we know that HBO wouldn't acquiesce that day — rather it would accept it as a challenge to put on better cards that same day. Talk about a stupid idea.
Take this weekend for example, where Carlos "Tata " Baldomir takes on Floyd Mayweather Jr. on HBO PPV. Showtime is showing Shannon "The Cannon " Briggs vs. Sergei Liakhovich . Are you telling me HBO couldn't find any other date to put on Baldomir-Mayweather when Showtime already called out the first Saturday of every month over a year ago? I'd cancel my HBO subscription if my damn VOIP telephone serviced actually worked!
Any who. I wonder if the odds between Briggs and Liakhovich changed after their weigh-in Friday (WagerWeb.com has Liakhovich -$240).
Briggs came in at a whopping 268 pounds, 30 more than Liakhovich, who tipped the scales at 238. Liakhovich looks soft, but that's the way he looks normally.
It almost made me change my mind, but I'm still going with Liakhovich by unanimous decision. Personally, I'm pulling for Briggs; this guy looks like what the heavyweight champion of the world should be: menacing and the baddest man on the planet. But with Briggs being an expert at self-destructing, I just can't bet on him.
My Prediction For Baldomir-Mayweather ?
As much as I'd like to see Baldomir beat Mayweather, once the bell sounds "Cinderella Man" turns into a pumpkin. He has a great chin, and he can punch. That will allow him to go all 12. But what does he have to win? It will be better then most expect, but I see Floyd dazzling his way to a unanimous decision. But if Baldomir wins, drinks are on me! Mayweather is -$575 on WagerWeb.com .
The Greatest To Attend Daughter's MSG Debut
On Nov. 11, on the undercard of Wladimir Klitschko vs Calvin Brock, female boxing sensation Laila Ali takes on whomever. Truthfully, most boxing fans don't even care for women's boxing. But this will be a special night because Muhammad Ali will be in the house!
"He (Muhammad Ali) said what he always says. He loves me, misses me and he's — he's very excited and wants to come to the fight" said Laila Ali talking about a phone conversation with her dad. "I think for him it's extra special being able to watch me at the Garden, you know, because he did fight there. So I think he's going to — he's going to be very excited about that."
Speaking of female fights, here is another treat. Check out two of the finest women boxers around in this exclusive video: Myriam Lamare vs. Belinda Laracuente
It's France vs. the USA in a 10-rounder. I know that sort of contradicts my theory on nobody cares about women's boxing, but Laracuente might be the only exception.
Out of Ali's Shadow: The Larry Holmes Story Larry Holmes is undeniably one of the greatest champions in heavyweight history. Yet despite his accomplishments, Holmes never managed to escape the presence of the beloved Muhammad Ali. This documentary sheds light upon the man and brings the legacy of Holmes "Out From Ali's Shadow."
New York International Independent Film and Video Festival www.nyfilmvideo.com
When: Friday, Nov. 10, 6 p.m.
What: Documentary Film Screening (55 min)
Where: Village East Cinema (Screen 7), 12th St. and 2nd Ave
Contact: Valerie Nicholas 516-314-6411 or val308@aol.com
Tell your friends. Larry Holmes is one of the most disrespected heavyweight champions of all-time. Lennox Lewis couldn't carry his jock strap.
Also note that David Tua's original opponent for Friday night, Abraham Okine, failed an eye exam and didn't fight. Maurice Wheeler stepped in, and Tua stopped him easily in the 7th round. Afterward, Tua said he wanted two to three more tune-up fights before challenging for a heavyweight title.
