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Winky’s Right – It’s Crazy | Paradise By The Squared Circle Lights
WED June 21, BUSTER PARIS - Judge Chuck Giampa had it 115-113 for the Champion - Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor. Judge Ray Hawkins had it 115-113 for the challenger Ronald “Winky” Wright - and Melvina Lathan scored it 114-114 … a draw.
So according to the judges that sat ringside Saturday night (June 17) at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, TN - the fight for the WBC, WBO and WBA Middleweight Championship between Jermain Taylor and Winky Wright is officially a draw.
But ask Winky and he’ll tell you that he got robbed.
“Another Vargas … you know what I mean? … I came to his hometown – I showed everybody that I’m the champ. I won that fight. Jermain threw some big shots – I’m picking them off – I’m catching him with the clear shots – his head’s bouncing back – it’s crazy”
Winky’s absolutely right about one thing – it’s crazy. This was one of the hardest bouts to score as every round was so close and so well fought.
Normally I give a round by round highlight description of the bout, but honestly – all the rounds were very similar and not in a bad way either as this was an incredibly exciting, thrilling and dramatic fight, but there was a definite theme and a distinct design so the highlights only vary in the order that they played out - or in other small areas –like the number of hooks thrown, the usage or non usage of the jab, or the number of body shots that landed – things to that nature.
The intensity and skill levels were exceptional and it almost seemed like there were two fights being fought – one in the center of the ring and the other against the ropes.
The fight itself reminded me a bit of the Meatloaf song “Paradise By The Dashboard Lights” – one song, but with two narratives and two completely different perspectives from the two people interacting with each other - and experiencing the same “happening”. Both participants are heading towards the same conclusion, but they are on totally opposite ends of ‘the dashboard’ and wanting their specific result and perception of the outcome to prevail.
So - if you like an aggressive offensive fighter who walks his opponent down, gets him against the ropes and goes to town – accurately landing precision pointed blasts and speedy stinging flurries - and - with an uncanny ability to catch and block most of the shots coming his way – then you gave this fight to Winky.
If you like a fighter who clearly throws the harder and more gigantic bombs, whose punches are obviously doing far more damage and dishing out much more punishment – for example - whenever his gloves land the other guy is deeply compelled to move. If you like a fighter who does his best work in the center of the ring and toe to toe – then you gave this fight to Jermain.
It’s crazy, but it really does come down to that. This is one of those rare instances where it could have gone either way. The fight was an absolute draw.
Throughout the evening Wright’s defense was as usual very impressive and extremely efficient – but -- at the end of the night his face looked like it took a pummeling.
Taylor was blatantly strong and punishingly powerful – and I imagine thanks to Emmanuel Steward he was much more professional than any of his other bouts. He has much improved from his rather amateurish performances both times out against Bernard Hopkins (July & December 2005) – but – at the end of 12 rounds his right eye was completely swollen shut – like a cartoonist’s caricature came to life.
What really solidifies this fight as the perfect draw is that one of the best in the business - HBO's unofficial ringside scorer Harold Ledderman had it 114 to 114 – a draw.
If ever a fight demanded a rematch this one is it, but let’s review a couple of comments Wright made:
“I don’t want no rematch”
Give Winky a couple days to get over being pissed – we all know that Winky will fight anyone, anywhere and at any time.
“… I came to his hometown – I showed everybody that I’m the champ. I won that fight…”
The hometown issue – that’s a reasonable apprehension - so let’s find neutral ground – but where? Vegas? New York? Gatti’s house in Atlantic City?
For me right now - regardless of where this would or should take place - what IS crazy is the idea of there not being a rematch.
Before you move on to the next article – let me blast out those words that Meatloaf himself made eternal: “Stop right there…I gotta know right now…”
Who do you think won the fight?
What do you think should happen next for Jermain and Winky?
Buster Paris can be reached at: bparis@talkingboxing.com - and always enjoys receiving your thoughts, comments and questions
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