by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 05/02/2005
James Toney vs. John Ruiz was not highly anticipated -- people felt it would be another boring wrestling match as snuggler Ruiz usually holds 30 times a round. The fight was actually pretty entertaining and the holding was kept to a minimum.
James Toney took control of the fight with stinging right hand counters and vicious body work that left Johnny's rib cage bruised and red. Ruiz had his moments but as usual he was content to throw one or two shots a round and spend the rest of the time jerking back and forth.
This weekend was both good and bad for boxing. First the good news is that grappler John Ruiz decided to retire after he was beat by another ex-Middleweight champion James Toney. More good news is that Toney is an action fighter with lots of great quotes for the media.
The bad news is James Toney was so chubby that after the sixth round his trunks dropped so low you could sadly see his butt crack. I am not sure that I want the Heavyweight champion of the world to carry a tire around his belly and showing off private parts while huffing and puffing slowly forward. I won't dispute that James Toney is truly one of the most blessed fighters of all time and that he has a huge heart. The problem is that I don't think he can stay on top if he gets heavier every time he fights. Despite his girth, Doc's once again was literally right on the money as they picked James Toney to win and also picked the over on rounds.
This coming weekend has the boxing world salivating over the coming lightweight fight between champs Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo. This fight is very equal on paper and both fighters have advantages so this fight is a tough one to call. Doc's was able to capitalize on some great values so don't miss their 100 percent guaranteed pick on this fight. Diego and Castillo are both warriors who aren't afraid to mix it up.
I am coming to Vegas to watch this fight and I doubt anyone will be disappointed. The undercard features 126 pound champion Juan Manuel Marquez in against gritty contender Victor Polo. Showtime will broadcast both fights on Saturday night. Showtime regular Joe Calzaghe also boringly defends his 168-pound WBO title against Mario Veit, a fighter he previously blew out. Showtime intelligently passed on airing this fight.
As excited as I am about the Lightweight fight I am even more ecstatic about the May 14 Felix Trinidad vs. Winky Wright showdown. Winky is the undisputed champ at 154 but this fight will take place at the more comfortable for Tito weight of 160. This fight is going to be classic boxer vs. puncher. Winky is a little different than most boxers because he actually stalks forward and uses a turtle defense rather than footwork or head movement. Tito has the best left hook I have ever seen and an incredible determination that already has a hall of fame plaque waiting for him. This fight is going to bring an electric atmosphere and will hopefully gain more mainstream fans for boxing. Mouthy Undisputed 147 king Zab Judah will also defend against tough Mexican Cosme Rivera as the main undercard attraction.
On NBC show The Contender Peter Manfredo jr. won a technical decision over Joey Gilbert after an obscene cut was opened over his right eye when the two collided heads. Manfredo seemed to dominate the action as he used his experience and power to take the win. Next week will by Jesse Brinkley against Anthony Bonsante, with whom I share the same hometown. Bonsante tore a muscle in his leg so he is not going to be at 100 percent. Either way The Contender is starting to heat up as it gets down to the final four fighters.
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