What a weekend for boxing. There were upsets, knockouts, and even a significant fight in Tokyo, Japan that ended in a draw (Daisuke Naito retained his title against the fading Thai prodigy Ponsaklek Wonjongkam). Three major shows took place on three separate continents; two of them were televised in the U.S., even though none took place on domestic soil. This weekend represents yet another example of how global the sport truly is.

Imagine: A Nigerian native who lives in the U.S. wins a heavyweight title from a U.S.-based Eastern European in Cancun, Mexico. Only in America, right? Well, Central America anyway. Don King may appear to be losing promotional ground to Top Rank and GBP, but he still maintains not only the audacity but also the ability to conjure attention in ways no other promoter would even attempt. No matter what your opinion is of the old slickster, the fact is he continues to generate revolutionary promotions at age 66. This is commendable.  

·                    David Haye, 21-1 (20) demolished worthy challenger Enzo Maccarinelli, 28-2 (21) in London, England in a second-round stoppage. The fight was not the two-way slugfest many had predicted, but it was good exposure for the Hayemaker, who has intentions of becoming the next Heavyweight Champion. His impressive victory took place in front of 20,000 screaming British fans and, more importantly, a U.S. Showtime audience. It was the first time the South London native was on a major American network. He is no longer a secret.

Haye is an exciting fighter and, though brash, has a likeable personality. It’s understandable that he would want to move up to heavyweight; where, if successful, he could make more money in the sport’s premiere division. At the same time, if Haye is able to make the 200-pound weight limit safely, I think it would be better for him to remain a cruiser for another year or two. At 27, Haye does not need to rush into a less than compelling weight class just as the cruiserweight division is heating up.

Bell vs. Adamek is set to air in the U.S. in April. Meanwhile, worthy American title-holder Steve Cunningham remains in the mix, as does contender B.J. Flores. Chris Byrd says he’s heading to 175, but if the elite 200-pound fighters continue to willingly fight one another, I’d be surprised if Byrd didn’t find his way into the division. And don’t discount the idea that Fast Eddie Chambers could shed some pounds, further increasing the intrinsic value of the group.

If Haye were to remain a cruiser and decisively clean house, his international popularity would increase significantly, and the demand to see him fight over 200 lbs. would grow.

Why not let the heavies settle their unification mess, while remaining the man at cruiser until popular demand across the globe becomes so palpable that the move to heavyweight would earn Haye an immediate shot at the title – and a handsome financial reward?

·                     Congratulations to the newly crowned Nigerian heavyweight Samuel Peter, 30-1 (23). He definitively won an alphabet title stopping Oleg Maskaev, 34-6 (28), in round six. Peter is the type of boxer who, in my opinion, is best served by remaining active. Partly due to extenuating circumstances, Peter fought just twice in ’06 and twice in’07; that is not enough for a man still learning his craft. Unfortunate for Sam, the insane alphabet organization politics have put Peter in the position of having to face Vitali Klitschko – a man who is essentially composed of glass and dry-rotted rubber bands. It seems inevitable that the proposed showdown will be delayed and rescheduled because of Dr. Klitschko’s inability to remain physically intact for an entire camp.

·                     Perhaps the most impressive performance this weekend came from 36-year-old Nate Campbell, 32-5-1 (25) who defeated the young star, and generally regarded best lightweight in the world, Juan Diaz. What’s more, Campbell beat Diaz, 33-1 (17) at his own game; outworking him on the inside. And to his credit, leading up to the fight, Campbell told anyone within earshot that he would out-will the young titlist in a grueling fight. He did exactly what he had predicted. How refreshing to hear a fighter say he would fight, and then step into the ring and lay it all on the line. That’s what sport is all about.

With the win, Campbell realized his long-awaited dream of becoming a world titleholder. He is a class act and a fighter for whom you feel compelled to be happy. By obtaining a world title, The Galaxy Warrior is certain to command a hefty payday in his next fight, which, in my opinion, should be against the winner of the Championship showdown between Joel Casamayor and Anthony Katsidis. Campbell would likely be favored against either of the two. At 36, Nate is no spring chicken and he competes in a sport that is not kind to the elderly. It’s not uncommon for a fighter, essentially, to get old overnight. With that in mind, Team Campbell will look to concoct a plan through which his financial earnings are maximized over the next 18 months. If Campbell were to obtain the Ring Belt to go along with his other titles, a rematch with Diaz in late ’08 or early ’09 would be quite an anticipated event.

On the other hand, it’s sad to see Diaz, a classy, intelligent, fan-friendly young man lose. With all of the positive aforementioned qualities The Baby Bull is a prime ambassador for the sport, so it’s with all sincerity that I wish him the best as he looks to bounce back from a tough loss. Hopefully, the Houstonite will learn from his defeat and be prepared to react more effectively the next time he gets cut, or faces adversity in the ring.

In my opinion, there are two prevailing litmus tests in boxing: 1) How does a fighter react when he first tastes the canvas? And 2) how well does he bounce back from a tough loss?

Time will tell how Diaz will fare. I am fully confident; however, that The Baby Bull will prevail and retake his place on top of the 135-pound division.