Molina Shines
By William Trillo
John Molina Jrs. victory over Ruslan Provodnikov was an unexpected upset. His game plan over “The Siberian Rocky” was impressive. Molina, who has been through more than his share of trainers hooked up with Shadeed Suluki for this one and the teamwork was magic. In my opinion Suluki is one of the most underappreciated and underrated trainers in boxing. The work to transform Molina from a brawler to a pretty crafty boxer/puncher worked perfectly. Look for Molina to put himself back into another title run with his new style and trainer.
What can I say about Vasyl Lomachenko? Dude may have very well shot himself to the top of most experts Pound4Pound ranking with his demolition of Rocky Martinez. This belt is just the tip of the iceberg. I expect Lomachenko to win titles in at least two more divisions. Onward and upward.
I dunno, but I think Felix Verdejo is fighting down to his competition. If he wants to be Puerto Rico’s next “Tito” he is going to have to regain the focus that he had when he entered the pro ranks.
Is it just me or is Demetrius Yawndrade the cure for insomnia? He was quick to call out the Charlo brothers on Saturday night but after his Sominez like victory over Willie Nelson I am looking for his next test to come against Waylon Jennings. Zzzzz.
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I agree with Felix Verdejo. I think if they met right now, Robert Easter Jr would give him a beating that would have Puerto Rico file assault charge on Easter Jr. Just nothing that screams “next PR Star” and I think he is regressing.
I love Provodnikov but you have to wonder if all the boxing battles have taken their toll. He was great in spurts and other times looked a bit lost. I hope he either retires or gets things fixed as he is a great guy to root for.
I loved Andrade and he was much more aggressive and entertaining. Blame Nelson who refused to fight and more likely tried to survive. I don’t get the hate Bill.
Vasyl did what he did against a guy who had a terrible game plan. Vasyl looked great but would love to see Vasyl-Salido 2 and see if he can do that against a pitbull who just is on him like white on Rice.
Hey Mark:
Thanks for the reply…we are on the same page for most of the fighters….Ruslan has been in a lot of wars, it may be time to step away from the game for him.
Andrade just doesn’t do it for me. I find him overhyped. I guess we shall soon see.
Vasyl is the real deal….look for him to keep on rollin’
Provodnikov is a slow brawler, well past his peak. It’s not much of an upset for a more skilled boxer to beat him, even if that opponent has also seen better days.
It’s hard for me to get excited about a boxer who’s 6-1 with 3 KOs to his credit. Did he move up a division because he was struggling to make weight or he didn’t fancy his chances against the winner of Santa Cruz v Frampton?
You’re probably right about those other guys. They need to find better opponents.
On the subject of needing to find better opponents, Wilder v Arreola is an insult to boxing. A very predictable insult, but that doesn’t make it any better.
McGarry,
Ruslan is past it. For his sake I hope he hangs ’em up.
Molina will get his shots, I hope he does well.
Wilder vs. Arreola may not be the fight you were hoping for. That said I will be rooting for Arreola to upset Wilder that night.
As I’m sure you know, just about every boxer who becomes world champion looks for an easy first defence, and then hopes to follow up with some opponents that are beatable while they make as money as possible.
If Tinkerbell somehow gets over his losing streak and beats Wilder, who could he find for that easy money first defence? How low would the promoters be prepared to go?
It actually gets worse. If Wilder wins, he will have to make a mandatory defence. Assuming Povetkin loses his top spot, the next rated heavyweight in the WBC rankings is Bermaine Stiverne. This is what you get when the administration of the sport becomes a dictatorship for life. Your uncle Mauriccio has a lot to answer for.
Arreola-Wilder is terrible but the options came down to Washington (Networks refused him from what I heard) Pulev (Wilder wanted him, but Money and Timing didn’t work) and Arreola (who the promoters and network wanted). The feeling is that at the least, Arreola will make it an exciting fight and whatever the network wants, they get.
Thank you Povetkin.
MARK,
The Povetkin situation killed us…this is true.
Say what you will about Arreola, if Henry can keep him on the straight and narrow this next few weeks and Chris can somehow focus…….bye bye Bum Squad.
Mark…again you seem to have some pretty good sources…..we need to talk
McGarry, there is no way Wilder took this fight without a rematch clause. If he loses look for an immediate rematch. Hopefully in Arreolas back yard.
And if Wilder wins…then yea….we are all in for horse manure.
Once again, the reason there were so few “suitable” challengers available is the decision to fix the date of the fight before choosing the opponent. None of the top heavyweights want just five or six weeks notice to prepare for the biggest fight of their lives. The only boxers who will take the opportunity are the no hopers. The 2016 version of Arreola is as close to a no hoper as it gets.