Battle of Legends, or Battle of Have-Been's?

riz · Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 5371

Battle of Legends, or Battle of Have-Been's?
Rizwaan Zahid

An upcoming fight between former greats Roy Jones and Felix Trinidad has been dubbed the ôBattle of Legendsö; however one has to wonder the validity behind this title. Roy Jones has not had a good win against a named opponent since his fight against John Ruiz which was over four years ago, while the former champion Felix Trinidad last win was against a powerful but very limited Ricardo Mayorga.

This was the first fight in TrinidadÆs comeback, and in his next fight he was embarrassed by Winky Wright for 36 minutes while only managing to land a total of 58 punches. He has taken two years off since his loss to Wright, and this come-back would be his second two year layoff, his first coming four years ago. He has only had two fights in the past five years, and age is probably catching up to him.

Roy has had his share of embarrassment to. After being recognized as the pound for pound best in the sport for the greater part of his career, Roy ran into a brick wall, which was actually TarverÆs left hand that completely changed his career. Roy was counted out and in the following outing he was dominated for nine-rounds by Glen Johnson before being knocked out with a single right hand. After taking some time off Roy came back again only to lose to Tarver for a second time by decision. After yet another lay-off Roy returned to the ring and his put in two wins since his come-back, however none of them were named opponents or ranked in the top 10 of any major governing body or by Ring Magazine.

Another question has to be asked is the contract weight for this fight. The fight is slated to be at 170. This is a weight which neither fighter would be able to adjust too comfortably. Roy has not had a fight lower than 175 since 1996, and Felix has never fought higher than a middleweight, which is ten pounds lower than the contract weight.

It has to be asked, is this simply a last chance effort for the two fighters to make cash off of their names?

Both fighters are popular for their past accomplishments, however neither fighter have done anything worth mentioning in the past four years, and worst of all this fight is probably going to be put on pay-per-view.

Although the two may surprise everyone including myself by putting on an excellent fight, it is not likely. This is a classic example of a fight that does not deserve to be put on pay-per-view and receive this much publicity, however is and will as the fights draws nearer. You really have to wonder, how many fans would choose to pay for this fight rather than watching a cable broadcast of Rafael Marquez and Israel Vasquez.

Boxing is getting back to the good old days when the best were fighting the best. However, this is the best from six years ago fighting the best from five years ago.

Martin

riz wrote: Another question has to be asked is the contract weight for this fight. The fight is slated to be at 170. This is a weight which neither fighter would be able to adjust too comfortably. Roy has not had a fight lower than 175 since 1996, and Felix has never fought higher than a middleweight, which is ten pounds lower than the contract weight.
Good article Riz,...

I think this paragraph ^ is the most significant part on why this fight is a bit meaningless.

I don't want to come across as being ultra negative where this fight is concerned so I won't go on too much about it, but as far as I am concerned - it proves nothing.

riz · Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 5371

Martin wrote: riz wrote: Another question has to be asked is the contract weight for this fight. The fight is slated to be at 170. This is a weight which neither fighter would be able to adjust too comfortably. Roy has not had a fight lower than 175 since 1996, and Felix has never fought higher than a middleweight, which is ten pounds lower than the contract weight.
Good article Riz,...

I think this paragraph ^ is the most significant part on why this fight is a bit meaningless.

I don't want to come across as being ultra negative where this fight is concerned so I won't go on too much about it, but as far as I am concerned - it proves nothing.

I agree, I think the weight is an even bigger factor. I mean I understand if they were both campaigning at somewhere near the same weight, but this weight indicates that both are simply in it for the money.

WelshDevilRob · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 13405 Location: Cardiff, Wales

I think it's a good fight interms of watching but the result will have no bearing on history as these two fighters are way past there best though their names will guarantee a big audience.

Still it's an intriguing fight.

poet682006 · Joined: 14 Apr 2007 Posts: 584 Location: Virginia, USA

Well Rob, all I can say is they both need to be retired!

Poet

WelshDevilRob · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 13405 Location: Cardiff, Wales

poet682006 wrote: Well Rob, all I can say is they both need to be retired!

Poet

Very true Poet.
I know that I shouldn't watch it but curiosity will get the better of me. :oops:

riz · Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 5371

WelshDevilRob wrote: poet682006 wrote: Well Rob, all I can say is they both need to be retired!

Poet

Very true Poet.
I know that I shouldn't watch it but curiosity will get the better of me. :oops:
same here.

But see, Welsh, we wouldn't pay for it, we would either download it or watch it online.

poet682006 · Joined: 14 Apr 2007 Posts: 584 Location: Virginia, USA

I MIGHT download and watch it if turns out not to be a complete CF.

Poet