All I want for Christmas: A Holiday Boxing Wish List
Plus: a Antonio Tarver-Glen Johnson Preview...Yes, I am 10-2 this year
by
Jason Herron
12/16 - With Christmas just around the corner, I thought it would be a
great idea to make a list for Santa Claus. But this would be no ordinary toy
list. No, this would be a boxing wish list. So Santa, can you please
deliver the following this Christmas:
1. Make HBO and SHOWTIME come to their senses and make the most exciting
fight in all of boxing a reality. That's right St. Nick, I'm talking
about Kostya Tszyu and Arturo Gatti. If you make this fight happen, I will
be doubly nice and only a little bit naughty. Except when I think about
Nicolette Sheridan as a ring card girl. WHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
2. Force every boxing writer and announcer to recognize the Ring Magazine
belt as the only legitimate championship. One champion for every division.
You think this one would be easy. Let's hope that it is!!!!!!
3. Bring Lennox Lewis back. A Vitali Klitschko-Lewis rematch would put
boxing back on the front pages again. Plus, there's a little unfinished
business between these two. Speaking of unfinished business, remember
the time you forgot the Playboy Playmate I asked for when I was 12. I'm
still waiting for THAT present.
4. Make John Ruiz step-up and battle Vitali Klitschko, retire or force him to watch 1,000,000 times the ninth round of Gatti-Micky Ward I. Only then will people quit calling him
John Ruizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
5. And by far the most important wish, all fighters to be honored for
the incredible bravery they put forth every time they set foot in the ring.
They are true warriors.
Thanks Santa. I'm looking forward to my Playmate.
Tarver-Johnson Preview
Everything will be on the line this Saturday night, when Antonio
Tarver meets Glen Johnson for Tarver's Ring Magazine light heavyweight
championship. The winner will not only be the world champion at 175
pounds, but will also likely be named the fighter of the year. [Side note: TalkingBoxing's own Money McMahon will be covering the fights LIVE from Ringside!]
Both fighters stunned the sports world this year when they knocked
out the seemingly invincible Roy Jones, Jr. Tarver did the unthinkable first
in April, then Johnson repeated the upset by dropping Jones in September.
If there wasn't enough drama and excitement for this fight, Jones will be
ringside announcing the bout for HBO.
Prediction: Tarver is brash and wants to make a statement. Look for
him to come out firing. Johnson has a good chin and should withstand most of
Tarver's power shots. But the punches will take their toll and Johnson
will eventually drop. Tarver wins by a late round knockout and will be
named the fighter of the year.
Jason's Prediction Record in 2004: 10-2.
The Tarver-Johnson fight can be seen on HBO's World Championship
Boxing Saturday night at 9pm.
Jason Herron can be reached at: jasondfd@hotmail.com.
Jason Herron has an extensive background in boxing and is an excellent writer that is showcased on TalkingBoxing.com. Make sure to check back for his articles, pre-fight analysis on big fights and top-notch interviews!!
