Off the beaten track

Filed under: , by: Stankoniforous 0ne

Stank-0 has been watching a PBS special on Jack Johnson, the first world champion black boxer.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/images/2008/10/29/51917017_470x320.jpg

This man was massive even for now.  At the turn of the 20th century, he flouted all convention.  He had a love for white women and kept many of them in his stable.  Stank-0 will not get into the social ills of the early 20th century but his physical prowess was impressive.  His boxing record: 73 (40KOs)-13-10-5 no contests.  His biggest win was the "fight of the century" against former undefeated heavyweight champion James J. Jeffries.  In the clips that Stank-0 saw it wasn't even close.  Johnson toyed with Jeffries and then finally put him down. 



This is where the term "great white hope" came to be because after Johnson became the first black heavyweight champion many big brawlers were presented to take Johnson's title.  He held the title from 1910 until 1915. 

Ali and Frazier considered Johnson and Joe Louis the greatest boxers of all time. 






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Triple Play

Filed under: , , , by: Anonymous

There's alot going on in sports so instead of writing three separate articles, I'll cover each in this one.  I hope this can become an enduring part of this blog.  Without further ado.

The superfight

The biggest fight of our lifetimes according to Stank-0 is one giant step closer.  Mayweather agreed to terms and the only thing left is the date.  Right now that is March 13, 2010.  People, calm down.  This is gonna happen.  Too much money on the table for it not to.  I won't front, I'll be watching.  So will you. 

I have to disagree with Stank-0 (Surprise, surprise).  I'm rolling with Pacquiao in this bout. 

Reunited and it feels so good

AI is once again wearing a Sixers uni.  This was coming soon after we heard that Eddie Jordan met with AI and called him an "interesting individual."  Whatever that's supposed to mean.
It kinda needed to end this way, with AI back where he started.  The Sixers were Allen Iverson for such a long time.  The new problem is who do we call AI on this team, Iverson or Iguodala?

Another new problem, does AI start or come off the bench?  Will he agree to reserve status? 

UPDATE!: Iverson accepted the offer and is going to PHI.  The contract is for a pro-rated veteran's minimum of $1.3 million.  It makes sense with Lou Williams gone for 8 weeks.  The new problem will be working Lou back in once he returns. 


Pushed out

Bobby Bowden has retired after he was giving one of two options.  Elevate Fisher to coach and become ambassador for FSU football or walk.  He chose to walk.

Please don't let his career be judged by the slow decline into Bolivia.  There was a stretch where FSU finished the season ranked at least #10 in the country.  I want to say that was for at least 10 years if not longer. 

It was the USC of its day, with All-Americans lining up to play for Coach Bowden.  FSU had a stranglehold on the ACC Championship in that stretch as well.  It owned the ACC for that matter.

That's the problem with greatness, you never know when to walk away.  It's also very sad that FSU and Bobby Bowden peaked in 1999 with their coronation victory over a young Michael Vick-led Virginia Tech team. 

As always, comments and/or disagreements are welcome.

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The biggest fight of my lifetime

Filed under: by: Stankoniforous 0ne

vs.

Pacquiao took Cotto apart less than 3 day ago and already the buzz for Pacquiao vs. Mayweather is at epic levels.  Stank-0 will quote from Ed right here. 

What Ali-Frazier was, what Ali-Foreman was, what Leonard-Hearns was, what Joe Louis-Rocky Marciano was...I'm so serious right now. Mark your calendars.
Church. Tabernacle. Synagogue. Mosque. 

Stank-0 cannot see a way this fight doesn't happen.  It will happen there's too much money on the table for Mayweather to let this go by.  It's not just for belts (alot between the two of them), money (PPV buy-ins will break records, trust!) it's for the pound for pound title.  Both have been acknowledged as P4P but this one decides who is the undisputed king of boxing. 

We finally get to see if there is anyone quick enough to disrupt Mayweather's defenses.  People are sleeping on Floyd.  The boy trains hard, and for this fight he will take it up a notch.  He already beat down a fighter who was quick (Zab Judah), what makes Pacquiao that much quicker than Judah?

Pacquiao will take his up a notch as well. 

This fight will go down in history. 

Stank-0 will put this out there right now.  We don't have any kind of confirmation for this bout no one has even mentioned there are negotiations, but this will be the Fight of the Year maybe even the Decade. 

B-Hop, start getting your vocab game up, they are gonna need you ringside to give some analysis.

Stank-0 will ride with Money Mayweather to prevail in this bout.  LOCK IT UP!

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Inching closer to another superfight

Filed under: by: Anonymous

























Floyd "Pretty Boy," "Money" Mayweather still has it according to ESPN Punch by Punch analysis.

Some excerpts:

Round 6: Mayweather is in another class in terms of speed, size, and
power.

Round 6: Mayweather slams home a right as Marquez is caught in a
corner. Marquez's face is a mess. Mayweather hardly looks blemished.


The Twitterverse is talkin as well. A few of those thoughts: Floyd is a surgeon in the ring. This s**t is a clinic. And on and on (no Badu). Barring an unforseen breakdown, Mayweather will win his first fight in two years. Should we be surprised?

This man was born to box. His training methods are ridiculous and his father and uncle are in his corner. That's alot of boxing knowledge to tap into. I remember reading that Floyd's sparring is with 5 minute rounds and 30 second rests in between.

All eyes will look for a Pacquiao-Mayweather superbout and frankly it's about time. Money still got it and Pacman is supposed to be the new P4P (pound for pound) king. Clash of the titans, son!

There is no other fight boxing fans want to see besides Pacman vs. Pretty Boy. Make it happen.

More on Gatti

Filed under: by: Stankoniforous 0ne

The police are increasingly focusing on his wife, and for good reason.

Lead investigator Moises Teixeira told The Associated Press on Monday nothing is being ruled out but he is certain the woman acted by herself.

"It was technically impossible for a third person to have been in the flat," where Gatti was found dead early Saturday, Teixeira said. "The investigation isn't finished, but we continue to think she did this alone."

Stank-0 has watched enough Law & Order to know the police always look at the spouse or significant other.  She said she awoke at 6a to find him, but the investigators said the body had been dead for 4 hours.  Something don't fit. 

Now they did have a disagreement and Gatti in a drunken state did push her down, causing some bruises.  Spousal abuse ain't cute, however, if you are so mad you are contemplating ending someone's life....WALK AWAY!!!

Another thing, you professional athletes need to put these women through a vetting process more extensive than "You got a man?"  Just cause she cute, don't mean she ain't crazy.  You got money do a background check, for real!  What's $50?!  If she got more than 3 arrests or the police have shown up at the cut more than 6 times, pass on by playa. 

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More sad news

Filed under: by: Anonymous

I know I been gone for a second, and unfortunately this is what my first post back is.

Arturo Gatti was found dead in a Brazilian hotel room. Gatti was in some of the most exciting fights in recent boxing.

Gatti was a true warrior. His face often looked like mince meat after the bout, but the fans loved him for it. Gatti was like the KG of boxing, he was either all-go or no-go.

Obviously, his bouts with Ward are what he is known for.

Last week was difficult in sports and I imagine this week will be equally so. Two thousand nine will go down as the year some truly legendary figures left this plane for a higher existence.

RIP Arturo "Thunder" Gatti, may your soul have eternal sleep.

Superfight fall!

Filed under: by: Anonymous

The Mayweather-Marquez bout has been pushed back because Money injured his ribs training, so that bout will be rescheduled most likely in the early to late fall. I think Floyd is training too hard in anticipation of gettin Pacquiao next. Mayweather is defensive and needs to be all the way hunnid for this fight.

The other fight is Pacquiao-Cotto. This will be the better of the two superfights. Pacman and Cotto are very offensive fighters. Cotto doesn't clutch and he's like the 2nd coming of Gatti with more skill. I'll let Sportaphile, another good site, lay out the strategy. Chuck is more up on his boxing grizzy than I am.

This fight is gonna be one of the most exciting things we see all year
because their styles are very suited for each other. Manny is a fast
offensive fighter, Miguel is all-heart and never clenches his opponent.
Team Pacquiao made a VERY smart move by targeting Cotto because:

1. His defense is mediocre. Cotto has been put on his @ss and rocked
PLENTY of times, this plays into Manny's hands.
2. Cotto is relatively slow, he doesn't wow anyone with his hand
speed.

That's some expert analysis right there. Go read the rest, here. I might have to find a TV or bar to watch one or both fights.

[Shout out to Sportaphile]

Is there a better sports related reality show than 24/7?

Filed under: by: Stankoniforous 0ne

With respect given to Pros vs. Joes, the king of sports reality programming is clearly 24/7, and a major reason is the Mayweather fam.  We've watched them consume the hood drink of choice (Kool-aid stand up!), we've been through the multitude of family feuds. 

His appearance on ESPN only cemented his 24/7 status.  Honestly, it should be 24/Mayweather b/c the other ones were kinda lame.  Now he comes back for his throne (on the latest installment and in the ring against Marquez).  We knew that Mayweather was comin back...only if the money was right.  Why waste time fightin scrubs without a payday to prove what everyone already knew? 

Assuming that he gets past Marquez, Mayweather-Pacquiao 24/7 will be bananas.  *Fingers crossed*

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Pleasant surprise!

Filed under: by: Stankoniforous 0ne

B-Hop is a commentator for ESPN Friday Night Fights.  B-Hop is a natural on TV, he got the knowledge, and the jokes.  Even the gap looks less bad on the TV.  Hopkins has found his new niche, should he stay retired this time.  Keep doin what you do son!

This studio is good, with Brian Kelly, Hopkins, and the color analyst ring-side, Teddy Atlas. 

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Now ready for Pretty Boy!

Filed under: , by: Stankoniforous 0ne

Manny Pacquiao Chris Farina/Top Rank

In case you haven't heard or were under a rock, or were cut off from the outside world, the Pacquiao-Hatton fight was yesterday.  It was quick.  Pacman Canibus'd Hatton. 

What more can Stank-0 say that what hasn't already been said.  This does set up the pound 4 pound crown match with Mayweather, regardless of the Mayweather-Marquez fight. 

The people want to see who is the true pound for pound king?  Stank-0 might come outta pocket for the P4P fight. 





STILL #1 POUND4POUND "KING PACMAN" WON BY TKO TO HATTON ROUND 2



Boxing needs PacMan vs. Pretty Boy.  There have been no fights that have that buzz.  Who you wit? 



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Pound 4 Pound

Filed under: , , , by: Stankoniforous 0ne



You all knew it was just a matter of time, right? After Pacquiao swept aside de la Hoya, the target for the next megafight was naturally Money Mayweather (since he was in the last megafight vs. de la Hoya). It seems machinations are startin to kick into high gear.

This fight needs to happen. Mayweather was the reigning Pound 4 Pound champ, Pacquiao is the current. This fight will be electric. Floyd will not touch a ring unless that paper and the opposition is right. He neglected to beat down de la Hoya again for $20M because he knew that Oscar couldn't hang.

If Floyd is smart, he will hem and haw about not wanting to fight him to let the fever pitch build and the money for the fight continue to skyrocket. Boxing fans and casual observers want to see this fight. It will happen. Bet on that. Who takes this fight, Pac or Mayweather?

[Shout out to Sportaphile]

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Everyone else is playin for 2nd

Filed under: , , by: Stankoniforous 0ne

This is the first post about video games in this blog's illustrious history. Stank-0 was put on right here. This video game is obviously about sports.

The game in question is Fight Night Round 4, due out in the spring/summer of 2009. What captured Stank-0 was the trailer....Ali vs. Tyson. Sickening! This will be hands down the best video to come out in 10 years on the strength of a selectable Tyson. Just having Tyson puts it in elite company but then throw in a selectable Ali. CURTAINS! EA got a hit on their hands. Guys, how exactly do you plan to top this for the next game?

The trailer can be found here as well.

Ali is undoubtedly the G.O.A.T., but wouldn't a young Kid Dynamite give him fits?

Dear readers, so what's the 2nd best game of 2009?

[Shout out to Sportaphile.com]

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B-HOP! B-HOP!

Filed under: , by: Stankoniforous 0ne

The ageless wonder, Bernard "the Executioner" Hopkins, prevailed over Kelly Pavlik.  This is Pavlik's first loss.  Need Stank-0 remind ya'll that B-Hop is 43!?

Hopkins landed a barrage of blows in the 12th round and started yelling at Pavlik in a move that was no more than a gleeful taunt.

When the final bell sounded, both fighters continued to throw punches, forcing referee Benji Esteves to dive between them.

Hopkins then walked over to the television cameras and glared, wondering how so many had predicted that Pavlik would knock him out for the first time in his career.


If B-Hop doesn't get a Hall of Fame spot on GP, someone done him wrong!




Hopkins vs Pavlik round 1of 12

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