Boxing: Champs corner

Hello fight fans!!!!! An interesting fight this weekend, but the "Byrd" will be grounded.....why????

A few years ago, I would have agreed that Chris Byrd would probably have defeated David Tua. He was younger, quicker and had a good chin. But, the way to beat Byrd has been exposed. Play with him, get him into the later rounds, then knock him out cold. Byrd should not be fighting heavyweight. He should get in shape and move down in weight. His wins over Vitali Klitschko, were just that, a fluke. He got caught by Ike Ibeabuchi. He lost to Wlad Klitschko. Sure he reminds me a lot of Sweat Pea, but let's be realistic. No one is Pernell Whitaker. Chris has no pop. Look for a Tua stoppage, possibly early. David really needs to make a statement here. He could be at a crossroads.

Speaking of Pernell, I hope all works out for him. He was a great fighter. I have a soft spot in my heart for him. After I saw him at the Norfolk Scope (in Virginia, where I went to high school), I saw a fighter who was head and shoulders above all others. You just couldn't hit him. He took the term "sweet science" to another level. I like boxing, hit, and don't be hit, slip and move. He was Roy Jones Jr., before Roy Jones Jr. A top pound-for-pound fighter, if there ever was.

As far as Tony Ayala goes, I hope like Tyson, he goes away. I am tired of these old fogies thinking they can compete today, hoping to turn back the clock. He quit against Yori Boy Campas. What would Roberto Duran, Ray Leonard or Tommy Hearns done to him??? Woulda, coulda, shoulda doesn't pay the bills. A senior circuit in boxing is ridiculous. This is not golf. People can get killed here. Ayala, like Tyson, is nothing but a common criminal.

Nice HBO show featuring the Olympians. I will be following their careers. As far as Ben Tackie goes, a nice win over Ray Oliveira. No home town decision here. It was, to say the least, refreshing.

As far as the -- who punked out who department goes, I could care less. I don't think Oscar Delahoya is afraid of Fernando Vargas. Seems to me, the money was not right. Who knows? Hopefully the fight will be made soon, although I still think Delahoya crushes the no-chin Fernandomania. Perhaps Oscar is still playing mind games with the kid.

Well that's it fight fans. Keep your hands up, and keep punching for the stars!!!!