Bleacher Report - Articles by MCM Traynor

MCM's Super Six Preview and Prediction: Carl Froch vs. Andre Dirrell

MCM Traynor — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:23:46 -0400

Saturday, Oct. 17, sees the opening of the Super Six World Boxing Classic, an event which the BBC's Ben Dirs is hailing as "that rare thing, a triumph of common sense and concord in boxing." The tournament will see six of the wolrd's best super middleweight fighters battle it out in a round-robin contest over two years, with only one man remaining victorious.

As part of this momentous event, MCM will be previewing and predicting the upcoming fights, beginning with Saturday's opening bouts: Carl Froch vs. Andre Dirrell in Nottingham, England, and Jermain Taylor vs. Arthur Abraham in Berlin, Germany.

Bout 1: Froch vs Dirrell

One of the alluring features of the Super Six World Boxing Classic is that in pitching six of the world's top ten middleweights against one another, the tournament is providing boxing enthusiasts with so many intriguing style matchups that involuntary salivation has become the order of the day.

Case in point: Carl Froch, the seemingly impervious pressure fighter, and Andre Dirrell, the quick and slick switcher-boxer.

Let's look at the attributes of both before settling on the possible outcome.

Carl "The Cobra" Froch

Since attaining the WBC super middleweight belt in 2008, Britain's Carl Froch (25-0, 20 KO) has become, with the possible exception of Mikkel Kessler, the man to beat in the division. Tall and rangy, Froch possess an iron chin with fists to match.

Starting out as a pro at the mature age of 25, Froch mowed down his domestic competition before capturing the world's attention a year ago by defeating a determined Jean Pascal for the vacant WBC title—a contender for fight of that year.

This he followed up with the now infamous KO of Jermain Taylor on U.S. soil in April, driving himself back from a near-points loss by stopping Taylor with a minute to go in the 12th.

Froch is, in the very best sense of the word, a pressure fighter. Slow to start, he mounts increasingly devastating assaults on his opponents until they inevitable tire or crumble in the later rounds. But what adds to the danger of his considerable power is the fact he rarely rushes a stoppage; Froch is a ruthlessly accurate puncher unafraid to cede to patience before his opponent falls.

That said, Froch is not without his weaknesses, the most fundamental of which is his defense.

Fighting hands down, Froch attempts to evade punches with a Mayweather-esque shoulder role, a style he himself has admitted he has yet to master. Although an extremely solid chin means this chink has never been fully exploited, faster movers like Pascal and Taylor have been able to build upconvincing point leads against him.

The above defect is further exasperated by the fact that Froch isn't a particularly speedy mover himself. Relentless though he may be, he applies his pressure gradually—more boa constrictor than cobra. Again, faster punchers can easily—and frequently do—bag the earlier rounds.

If Dirrell can bend these faults to his will and evade Froch's gradual pressure, the Nottingham man could be looking down the barrel of his own demise on Saturday.

Andre "The Matrix" Dirrell

Although Olympic bronze-medal winner Andre Dirrrell (18-0, 13 KO) is certainly the least experienced fighter in the tournament, a strong case can be made for his being the most talented.

He is, many feel, an unknown quantity who will only become known once he gets into the square with Froch. His three biggest victories—a snoozer against Curtis Stevens and KO wins over prospects Anthony Hanshaw and Victor Oganov—will hardly be seen to have prepared him for the step up in class represented by facing off against Froch.

Nonetheless, the Olympian is seen to have the attributes to trouble his opponent.

Firstly, his speed is close to venturing into the stratosphere of Michigan peer, Floyd Mayweather Jr. And given that he utilises it on equally fast feet, Dirrell is more than capable of administering potshots all night as he fights on his bike.

His style, too, has the potential to upset Froch's incremental assaults.

Dirrell comfortably vacillates between orthodox and southpaw, disrupting the successes of his opponents just as they appear to have the matrix figured out. The early advances made by an aggressive Hanshaw, for instance, were quickly nullified by these switches. Whether or not Froch has been able to fully prepare for this in sparring, we'll have to wait and see on the night.

But aside from his lack of ring experience as a pro, there are several factors in Dirrell's game that his opponent can be satisfied about.

The first is his stamina. Although he is an extremely athletic fighter, in his more challenging encounters Dirrell has appeared to tire in the later rounds. This, I think, is the result of the energy he has needed to exert while fighting on the back foot, a feature which should play into the hands of Froch's gradual aggression.

Another major problem appears to be circumstantial: weight. After Froch's proclamation that he looked "as gaunt and drawn as a boiled chicken," Dirrell's followers cannot but be concerned by the fact that their man only made the weight on the second time of asking earlier today.

Coupled with his visible nervousness during the final press conference and the fact that he will be fighting before a partisan Nottingham crowd, this news would not appear to bode well for the American.

Prediction: Froch KOs Dirrell in Round 10

For many commentators, Dirrell and Froch are the "sleepers" of this tournament. One is young, talented and hungry; the other is determined, powerful and patient.

But for me, particularly based on Dirrell's weight issue, the sleeper that will emerge victorious tomorrow is Froch. I think that despite his awkward style and raw talent, we will see Dirrell succumb to Froch by KO in 10.

My reasoning is threefold:

1. Froch will try to pressure the younger fighter from the outset in an effort to test his chin and stamina. Given the "misjudgment" over his weight (in arguably the biggest fight of his career to date), I do not see Dirrell passing this test. Nor can I see him holding Froch back with either speed or switching for very long: Inevitably, I believe Froch will catch up with him.

2. Dirrell is not known as a strong puncher and, putting aside the possibility of cuts, I don't believe he will be able to rattle Froch the way he has previous opponents. Expending his energy running, the American will eventually be forced into fighting the fight Froch "loves" to fight: slugging it out in the centre of the ring until one man goes down.

3. I think Froch’s critics draw too one-dimensional a portrait of him. In my opinion, he is one of the most intelligent boxers out there. He has a terrific instinct for the tone and pace of a fight, and he benefits from recognising his weaknesses and using this awareness to his advantage during bouts.

Simply listen to his "discussions" with trainer Robert McCracken between rounds during the Taylor fight, in which they objectively break down what is happening inside the ring, often preempting the television commentators. This tells me there is little Dirrell can throw at Froch that he can't figure out.

My prediction is the result of insight, instinct, and research. But whether or not I'm correct, the beauty of the Super Six World Boxing Classic is both Froch and Dirrell will live to fight again. I encourage you all to tune and enjoy what is certain to be an important, thrilling night of boxing.

One Weighty Issue Aside, Pacquiao-Cotto Appears To Be Full Steam Ahead

MCM Traynor — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:59:17 -0400

A fight between pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao and WBO Welterweight Champion Miguel Cotto has come one step closer to reality, if reports by Primera Hora are to be believed.

The Puerto Rican newspaper has quoted Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, as saying that he would agree to allow his fighter to meet Cotto at 145 pounds. Until very recently, Roach insisted that Cotto would have to drop to 143 pounds, or drop the idea of fighting Pacquiao entirely.

"Arum called me and I told him I don't have a problem with the fight being at 145 pounds," Roach is reported to have said. "In fact, I don't care if Cotto wants to weigh 200 pounds. I trust my fighter, so I care very little about the weight issues."

Cotto's nutritionist, Phil Landman, made it clear to Top Rank's Bob Arum, who promotes both fighters, that his fighter could not drop below 144-145 pounds in a "safe" manner.

Cotto, regarded as a large welterweight, has not fought below the 147 welterweight limit since 2006.

Roach, who now appears to have backed down from his 143 catch weight demand, believes there are more important details still to be hammered out in the negotiations.

"Obviously we want to see Manny get paid more than his last fight," he said. "There's no reason to take a step back on the money, so we still have to discuss those details."

It is believed Pacquiao netted over $12 million in his last fight, a two-round demolition of former Junior Welterweight Champion Ricky Hatton in May.

It is difficult to see a Pacquiao-Cotto bout generating a greater revenue than Pacquiao-Hatton, which is believed to have made about to 850,00 PPV buys in the U.S. alone, but Team Pacquiao appear to be trying to make up the numbers by demanding a bigger split.

On Monday night, Pacquiao's lawyer, Franklin Gacal, told journalists that they are entering negotiations with a view to a 65-35 split in favor of their fighter.

“We’ll not accept the fight if it is not going to be a 65-35 split in our favor," Gacal told GMA News. “We can go no lower than that.”

In a sign that Cotto's team will accept the demand, Bob Arum told radio presenter Dennis Principe of DZSR's Sports Chat that one of the reasons Cotto has been favored over prospective opponent Shane Mosley, who publicly agreed to a 40-60 split, is that he "has a smaller split."

Arum met with Team Cotto last week to draw up terms, followed by a meeting with Pacquiao's business adviser Mike Koncz over the weekend.

It is believed Koncz will present Pacquiao with a draft of the contract in the coming week.

"We're pretty well there," Arum told USA Today this morning. "I'll get it done next week. That's my goal."

MCM Live at Miguel Cotto-Joshua Clottey, MSG, New York

MCM Traynor — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:24:30 -0400

At Madison Square Garden, NYC, this sign notifies passersby that two gentlemen, Mr Miguel Cotto and Sir Joshua Clottey, will be punching each other in the face for the entertainment of spectators later in the evening. Many have gathered to view the spectacle and most are under the influence of intoxicating substances. There is a stench of sex in the air, though most of the participants are (presumably straight) men. But they are happy to satiate their impulses with controlled violence. It is a happy occasion and many came away satisfied. On June 13, I counted myself amongst them.

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Mayweather-Marquez: What Are the Consequences of the Postponement?

MCM Traynor — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:01:04 -0400

Details are still emerging about the postponement of the July 18 meeting between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez, but chat rooms and rumour columns are already alight with speculation over the outcome of a rescheduled bout.

Mayweather's camp announced that the fight, to be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, was being rescheduled owing to a rib injury that the fighter sustained during training.

Both Mayweather and Marquez expressed their disappointment over the postponement, with the latter vowing to remain fit and focused for the rescheduled bout.

Following the announcement, some fight fans and commentators speculated about the motivations behind the postponement, specifically about the possibility of Mayweather pulling out of the fight in favour of a meeting with Manny Pacquiao later in the year.

But Golden Boy CEO and promoter of Marquez, Richard Schaefer, quelled those rumours by confirming that the injury is legitimate and that the fight was being rescheduled, most likely for the fall.

"It's a legitimate injury," Schaefer told SportsIllustrated.com today. "We have talked to a doctor. My understanding is that it is muscle related. It's a tough injury for Floyd because he was looking to fight twice this year. Now he is probably only going to get to fight once."

Most fight fans were hoping that the "second fight" would be a bout with current pound-for-pound champion, Manny Pacquaio.

Pacquiao's camp had signalled that they would choose his next opponent after viewing the Mayweather-Marquez fight in July, with many perceiving a super-fight with Mayweather, should he defeat Marquez, as the most likely outcome.

Indeed Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, had openly stated that his preference would be a fight with Mayweather, as opposed to the possibility of the larger welterweights Miguel Cotto or Shane Mosley.

But the postponement of Mayweather-Marquez effectively rules out any possibility of such a fight happening until 2010.

It also increases the likelihood of a fight with Cotto, a matchup Top Rank president, Bob Arum, who also promotes Cotto, has been pressing for since Pacquiao's two-round demolition of Ricky Hatton in May.

Pacquiao was ringside for Cotto's split-decision win over Joshua Clottey at Madison Square Garden this Saturday, June 13, and has said he is open to a fight with the Puerto Rican.

Ring Magazine's number one welterweight, Shane Mosley, is also a serious contender for the contest, publicly stating that he would accept a 40-60 split and a catch weight in the region of 142-143 pounds.

But sources within Top Rank have stated that Arum is keen to keep Pacquiao's next fight as an in-house bout with Cotto in the fall.

What is certain is that the fight most boxing fans want to see, Pacquiao-Mayweather, will not even become a possibility until some time next year.

Roughing Up a Tough Division: Miguel Cotto vs. Joshua Clottey

MCM Traynor — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 22:49:48 -0400

On Saturday, June 13, boxing fans are being given what has become something of a rarity in the sport: an evenly matched, competitive bout between two of a division's best—in this case, Ring Magazine's No. 2- and 4-rated welterweights, Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey.

The matchup is exciting not only because of the calibre of the fighters, but because of the formidable weight class in which they make their living. Shane Mosley, Andre Berto, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Antonio Margarito, and Zab Judah are just some of the sharks swimming in the higher waters of the welterweight pool.

A win for either Cotto (33-1, 27 KOs) or Clottey (35-2, 20 KOs) would mean taking centre stage in that division, as well as paving the way toward possible super fights with the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr.

Puerto Rico's current favorite son, Cotto will be stepping into the ring (his sixth occasion at Madison Square Garden) as the heavy favorite.

That the fight coincides with the annual Puerto Rico Day parade means Clottey is in the unenviable position of fighting in front of 20,000 largely pro-Cotto supporters, as well as being the betting underdog.

But make no mistake: Clottey is a real live opponent and he will be Cotto's first serious test since his now-controversial loss to Antonio Margarito in July of last year.

Clottey also dropped a loss to Margarito, who was disgraced earlier this year when the California State Athletic Commission found evidence that he had attempted to "load" his gloves against Shane Mosley, back in 2006.

In this regard, the spectre of Margarito hangs over the fight, allowing us some insight into the strengths and weaknesses of both Cotto and Clottey.

Here are a few of them:

- The affects of the Margarito loss over Cotto, as well as the fall out from his uncle/trainer being recently fired under acrimonious circumstances, are not fully known. He looked confident and strong against an underwhelming Michael Jennings in February, but Clottey is in a higher league than the Englishman. If the Ghanaian effectively mimics Margarito's pressure-boiler approach, could he produce the same result?

- Expect pace and work rate to be central to this fight. Both Cotto and Clottey have shown signs that they tend to tire in the championship rounds; therefore expect the fighter with the smarter work rate to dominate the contest.

Clottey will do this in one of two ways: by closing off the ring should Cotto choose to box, or by breaking down the latter with uppercuts should he choose to make excursions on the inside. As Margarito demonstrated, Cotto can be made to regret standing his ground and pushed onto the back foot with consistent pressure.

If Cotto is smart he will attempt to reproduce the first eight rounds of his 2007 victory over Shane Mosley, switching effectively between move-back boxing and aggressive assaults throughout the rounds. In the later rounds, should he tire, he'll need to engage in the tactical clinching he's until now been unwilling to practice. It may not be well regarded in the more machismo of Puerto Rican circles, but Cotto is likable precisely because he is willing to adapt as a fighter and I'm hoping this is something his team have worked on.

- Defense, defense, defense. Much has been made, rightly, of Clottey's excellent defensive capabilities. Using his long arms, he can comfortably shield his face and torso from attack with great effectiveness. This will require the ultra-accurate Cotto to take extra risks in teasing Clottey's defense open—most likely by launching the excursions on the inside I suggested above. Also look for the latter to feint frequently in an effort to get around Clottey's high hands with his devastating left hooks.

Cotto is not as water-tight defensively as his opponent, but I think some commentators have made a bigger deal of his chin than is necessary. In fact if they were to re-examine the Mosley match, they would see that Cotto can take a solid punch from top contenders. What really gets him in trouble are his oft-times poor balance and an unwillingness to hold when in trouble. Furthermore, Clottey has pointed out that Cotto is a sucker for one of the strongest weapons in his own arsenal...

- The bodyshot. This is where we'll see the real magic in this fight. Cotto and Clottey are equally famed for their body work, brutalising their opponents with well placed kidney, liver and rib shots. As Clottey recently said: "The body shots are going to affect both of us because I am going to hit the body a lot. If he is going to feel the body shots then he’s got a problem. If I feel the body shots, then I’ve got a problem.’’ Enough said.

The outcome: Both fighters are big, strong, pliable welterweights, but I see Cotto carrying this by a close points decision. Jim Lampley once commented, "Cotto is a killer of spirit," and while I don't think he'll knock the larger Clottey out, I think he'll be able to use his superior speed and aggression to frustrate the Ghanaian and gradually outpoint him.

And what for the future?

A win for either Cotto or Clottey, as I see it, would mean a date with Shane Mosley later in the year. See it as an eliminator fight for the winner of Pacquiao-Mayweather (should Mayweather get by Marquez and agree to an equal or lower purse).

But it's best not to get ahead of ourselves. Saturday is, after all, going to be that rare occasion when fight fans can savour seeing two of the world's top welterweights face one another in a good, honest battle.

Hand Injury Forces David Haye To Cancel Wladimir Klitschko Bout

MCM Traynor — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:39:44 -0400

The upcoming heavyweight fight between David Haye and Wladimir Klitschko—the IBF, IBO, and WBO champion—has been cancelled due to a hand injury sustained by Haye during training.

Haye (22-1, 21 KOs) and Klitschko (52-3, 46 KOs) were set to do battle on June 20 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, in what was considered to be one of the most anticipated heavyweight title fights in recent years.

Haye's injury was confirmed by Setanta Sports earlier today, but details of the severity of the injury have yet to emerge from Haye's camp.

Klitschko's co-manager, Shelley Finkel, has told BoxingScene.com that their camp received an e-mail from Haye's attorney notifying them of the injury early this morning.

Haye will have to undergo a medical examination to assess the injury, but initial reports suggest the fight may simply be postponed until September later this year.

"I am not hearing that the injury is anything serious," boxing commentator Steve Bunce told Setanta Sports News.

Currently, the Klitschko team is considering possibly replacing Haye on June 20 with WBA champion Nikolai Valuev, whose fight against Ruslan Chagaev on Saturday was also cancelled.

“I’m speechless," Klitschko told a press conference at his training camp in Austria this afternoon. "We will have to get someone else in. I will take whoever it is. I’ve been waiting for Haye for half of the year now, so I have to fight."

Over 60,000 tickets have been sold for the fight at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen.

Haye did much to promote the fight in Britain, Germany, and the U.S. by visibly infuriating Klitschko with his taunts. They included publicly calling him "Bitchko" and donning a t-shirt representing Haye holding the severed heads of both Wladimir and his brother Vitali, the WBC heavyweight champion.

Nevertheless, Klitschko refused to use Haye's pull-out as an opportunity to retaliate.

"I will not throw garbage at the person who is down on the floor, which is David Haye right now," he said. "I won't kick a man when he is down, even if he would to me."

It is believed Haye will hold a press conference to address the cancellation in London next week.

B/R Writer's Tip: The Importance of Research and Referencing

MCM Traynor — Sat, 09 May 2009 00:01:33 -0400

Among the cornerstones of strong journalistic practice are the disciplines of researching and referencing.

Whether writing an opinion piece or a straight-forward news reportage article, Bleacher Report writers should ensure that they have thoroughly researched their topic and, upon presenting their findings, provide sufficient references where necessary.

In recent years, the emergence of the Internet as a research tool has allowed writers to source large amounts of information in a relatively fast and easy way.

However, given that the World Wide Web remains largely uncensored, this places a greater onus on the author to ensure that all sources are authentic (i.e. they can be traced to a reliable primary source such as a newspaper article, academic essay, sound or video recording, etc.).

This is, of course, an easier rule to follow in principle than in practice, even for the weathered professional journalist.

A recent example: Following the death of Academy Award-winning French composer Maurice Jarre on March 28, The Guardian newspaper ran a March 31 obituary which used a quotation that the composer had never uttered.

The fake quote in question ("One could say my life itself has been one long soundtrack. Music was my life, music brought me to life, and music is how I will be remembered long after I leave this life. When I die, there will be a final waltz playing in my head and that only I can hear.”) was placed on Jarre's Wikipedia page by an Irish sociology undergraduate, Shane Fitzgerald, on the eve of the composer's death.

The quote subsequently found its way into The Independent, The Canberra Times, and numerous online media outlets and blogs, despite the fact that it had remained on Wikipedia for a mere 24 hours before being removed.

Fitzgerald later stated that he had conducted the "experiment" as a means of showing "just how reliant reporters are on the World Wide Web."

Regardless of the ethical implications of his "experiment," the student successfully illustrated the importance of authenticating one's sources.

This is not to suggest that B/R writers should outright avoid Web sites such as Wikipedia. However, if you do rely on information provided by such sites, you should certify that it can be backed up with reliable primary sources.

If you find information which arouses your suspicion or does not provide sourcing, there are three simple steps you can take:

1. When in doubt, leave it out

If a secondary online source such as Wikipedia provides quotes, statistics or other information that does not make reference to a primary source, it simply should not be used.

Fortunately,Wikipedia will often remove or highlight questionable information; most quotes etc are referenced with links to their original sources.

2. Quote your source

If you do trust your source but a primary reference is not given, you can avoid complications by simply quoting the source, e.g. "Wikipedia reported that Maurice Jarre said..."

3. Conduct your own research

If you come across information which arouses your suspicion or does not provide a primary source, contact the author. The draw back with Wikipedia, of course, is that "authors" (or, more correctly, "contributors") are anonymous.

Although it can be time-consuming, there is much to be said for the third rule. Often, "doing your own research" requires little more than making a phone call or sending an email. And frequently it can lead to new or fresh information; this is certain to strengthen the quality of your piece.

For instance, this author recently published a B/R article based on comments made by boxing trainer John David Jackson. Jackson had accused Manny Pacquiao of avoiding black fighters.

The story was first broken by Brent Matteo Alderson at www.boxingscene.com, and while I felt the piece was topical (Pacquiao was fighting Ricky Hatton a week later), I did not want to run such strong statements without first authenticating them.

I emailed Alderson (contact information for authors or editors is always provided by reliable sources) and he confirmed that Jackson had made the comments to him during a telephone interview.

Being extra cautious because of the nature of the comments (and to give credit where it was due), I referenced Alderson as the source of the quotations at the beginning of my article.

As Bleacher Report grows, and as the demand for high quality fan journalism by large online media outlets increases, it is important that members strive to maintain the highest journalistic practices.

While it can appear easy to gather and rearticulate seemingly up-to-date information from the Internet, it is always worth taking the time to comprehensively research and reference your articles.

This can mean the difference between perpetuating falsities and contributing to productive online debate.

Manny Pacquiao Demolishes Ricky Hatton in Two Rounds

MCM Traynor — Sun, 03 May 2009 04:05:07 -0400

World pound-for-pound champion Manny Pacquiao has defeated IBO and Ring Magazine light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton in a sensational second-round knockout at the MGM Casino in Las Vegas Saturday night.

The fight was stopped at 2:59 by Kenny Bayless after Hatton was knocked down for the third time. He had been knocked down twice within the first round.

"I didn't need to count him out," Bayless said.

Pacquiao dominated the fight from the opening bell, opening Hatton up with a jab that quickly developed into a punishing right hook. He ended the fight in the second round with a left hook.

Doctors rushed out to attend upon the dazed Hatton.

"I’m surprised the fight was so easy,” Pacquiao said afterwards. “He was wide open for the right hook. I knew he would be looking for my left.”

Hatton appeared to be seriously hurt after the knockout but rose to his feet several minutes after the fight had ended.

“It was a hard loss but I’m OK,” Hatton said. “I really didn’t see the punch coming but it was a great shot. I know I’ll be OK.”

Hatton quickly made his way to hospital moments after making the comments.

The fight cements Pacquiao's position at top of the pound-for-pound table, appearing to undermine Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s 10-round TKO over Hatton in 2007.

Mayweather will face Pacquiao's Mexican foe Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18 at 143 pounds.

Floyd Mayweather Sr., Hatton's trainer, believes his fighter should retire after this fight. It was rumoured the two had fallen out on the eve of the bout.

"I would suggest he retire," Mayweather said. "He tried twice. He failed twice. He lost to my son and to lose to someone below that, it's time to leave the ring."

In contrast, Pacquiao's coach, Freddie Roach, seemed unfazed by his fighter's performance.

"The fight was no surprise to me," he said. “We know he [Hatton] always pumps his hands before he throws a punch. He’s a sucker for the right hook.”

My Two Cents: Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton

MCM Traynor — Fri, 01 May 2009 20:40:22 -0400

Since this Saturday's "Superfight" between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton was announced earlier in January, much has been written about the possible outcome of the meeting.

Currently, Manny Pacquiao is the tout's favourite, although Hatton is not as much of an underdog as he'd have us believe. Most, however, are in agreement that the fight will not go the distance.

But bouts such as this create the kind of excitement they do precisely because the outcome is never a given. Here, the possibilities outnumber the probabilities in what is likely to be a fascinating meeting of styles.

As the eloquent Amir Khan recently put it: "It's going to be a 50-50 fight."

Word of this bout had emerged before Hatton trounced Paulie Malignaggi on Nov. 22, 2008, a full two weeks before Pacquiao comprehensively launched Oscar De La Hoya into retirement.

This has given the boxing voyeur ample time to study old footage, digest rumours, discuss and digress upon bounteous blogs, and, in the spirit of that peculiar attribute of the aficionado, calculate the various tactical permutations of "The Fight."

The result of my own months of work?

Manny Pacquiao will beat Ricky Hatton by TKO in Rounds 8-9.

My instincts tell me otherwise: both could go the distance in a bloody, bruising battle (in which, I believe, Pacquiao will still emerge victorious), or Hatton could simply deliver on his word and pressurize the smaller man into submission.

In fact, when I let my imagination ramble the latter is frequently the outcome. Hatton's style does, if nothing else, bestir the imagination.

That said, a thorough scrutiny of Hatton's arsenal unearths more questions than it does answers. The fact is, when I place Pacquiao and Hatton "on paper," Pacquiao emerges the victor 90 percent of the time.

This is because I feel I know what to expect from Pacquiao. He will use his speed and footwork to disrupt Hatton's rhythm, frustrating and gradually dismantling the Englishman in a stoppage due either to exhaustion or cuts.

Of course, the central question hanging over Pacquiao is whether or not he can face a "naturally" larger opponent in Hatton.

And I believe he can precisely because the answers to the questions surrounding Hatton are all the more uncertain.

Are Weight and Size Really the Big Issues?

Although Pacquiao began his career at 106 pounds, his speed and power have remained incremental with his natural rise in weight. More significantly, even if he was never really tested against De La Hoya, he appeared readily comfortable at the welterweight limit.

In April, Roach insisted, "By fight time, Ricky's going to be heavier than Manny, but that doesn't make you stronger. Manny's really developed into this weight and I feel 140 is now the best weight for him."

It is also important to note that while Hatton commands a 2 cm height advantage over Pacquiao, he is outreached by the Filipino in arm length by 5 cm.

Therefore, the so-called size advantage Hatton holds is less to do with his bulk and more to do with his style. If he can draw Pacquiao into his type of fight (attack, grip, attack) he can dominate the match. But I do not see a controlled Pacquiao being lured into a brawl that easily.

Can Hatton Handle a Southpaw?

Hatton's record against southpaws is poor: although he has beaten all four of his southpaw opponents, he has never done so in a convincing way.

The prime example of this is Luis Collazo. Regardless of Hatton's early knockdown, most scored the bout in favour of Collazo.

Indeed, despite his strong-arm tactics, Hatton visibly struggled as the fight unfolded, as the southpaw quickly adjusted to the Briton and upset his rhythm with well placed jabs and hooks.

Under the tutelage of Freddie Roach, Pacquiao will use this to his advantage and will be seeking to set the pace from the opening bell.

To call again on the kid Khan: "I think it's going to be all about who settles down into the fight the quickest."

Has Floyd Mayweather Sr. Enhanced Hatton?

Much has been made of the trainers standing behind Pacquiao and Hatton in this bout.

But while few can successfully argue contra Roach's influence over Pacquiao, to my mind the Mayweather influence has yet to see real fruition in Hatton.

More mobile head movement and greater control aside, the lauded jab used by Hatton against Paulie Malignaggi last year was less than convincing.

Watch this fight carefully and you will note that Hatton leaps forward with his jab and hook, a manoeuvre the unresponsive Malignaggi failed to capitalise upon but which should play right into the sharper hands of Pacquiao (expect a right uppercut to set the tone early on).

There is also the broader question of acquired skills: Has Mayweather really revived the inert boxer in Hatton?

Hatton is certainly a smarter boxer than most give him credit for, and his pressure-fighting style more multifarious, but he has never displayed the breadth of skills Pacquiao possesses even in his most impressive victories.

Ultimately, while I believe the skills Hatton has acquired under Mayweather may suffice before a middling opponent such as Malignaggi, the presence of a prepared and peak Pacquiao will quickly unravel this new-found confidence.

How Can Hatton Defeat Pacquiao?

Pacquiao is not without his flaws.

Hatton will be looking to exploit his defensively high hands by working the body, a tactic he has executed with particular success in the past.

He will also seek to disrupt Pacquiao's oblique footwork and sometimes precarious balance by pushing the fight on the inside.

Nevertheless, I do believe Pacquiao can and will offset Hatton's offensives by applying pressure early on using angles, hand speed and lateral movement.

I think this will cause Hatton to revert to form by the fourth or fifth round, allowing Pacquiao to unload with greater accuracy, particularly around the eyes.

To be sure, Hatton will be Pacquiao's toughest challenge to date, unbeaten as he is at 140 pounds. But as Mohammed Ali once remarked, "Keep punching at a man's head, and it mixes his mind."

On Saturday night, expect Pacquiao to mix Hatton's mind, muddle his game plan and walk away with a new title in a new weight limit.

Please note: I am not Ricky Hatton's “countryman.” I am Irish; he is English/British. The Republic of Ireland is an independent country. Hatton and I are, however, citizens of the European community.

Is Manny Pacquiao Avoiding Black Fighters? John David Jackson Thinks So

MCM Traynor — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 01:26:45 -0400

Former WBO light-middleweight and WBA middleweight champion John David Johnson has accused Manny Pacquiao of avoiding African-American fighters. The comments were first reported by Brent Matteo Alderson at boxingscene.com.

"Pacquiao never fights black fighters," he said. "Name one good black fighter he's fought in the last five years. He's avoided them like the plague."

Jackson is now a top trainer, training such names as Shane Mosley, Bernard Hopkins, Nate Campbell, and, most recently, up-and-coming knockout artist Randall Bailey.

"If you're pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world, fight everybody. You can't be selective; you have to fight the best.

"I don't know if it's been his management or promoters, but he avoids fighting African-American fighters. I'm not trying to be racist; it's just a fact. He doesn't fight them."

When pressed as to the kind of African-American fighters Pacquiao has avoided, Johnson said: "Nate Campbell and Floyd Mayweather. At 140 and 147, there are a lot of guys he can fight."

Pacquiao is due to to fight current IBO and The Ring light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton, who is British, in Las Vegas on May 2.

Pacquiao's camp have not commented on Johnson's remarks.

Edwin Valero vs. Breidis Prescott: A Match Made in Mexico

MCM Traynor — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:27:43 -0400

In a weight class frothing with talent, the lightweight division may this year see one of its biggest fights unfold on July 25, with a battle between Edwin "El Dinamita" Valero and Breidis "Bone Cruncher" Prescott close to being signed.

Bob Arum of Top Rank recently told The Ring Online that a fight between the two fighters is on the cards for the Latin Fury 9 contest, taking place in Mexico in July of this year. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is believed to be headlining the event.

The bout would see Valero (25-0) defend his recently acquired WBC lightweight title against unbeaten rival Prescott (21-0) in a fascinating encounter between two of the division's heaviest punchers.

Valero, maintaining his 100 percent KO rate, recently defeated Antonio Pitalua in Texas within two rounds for the WBC belt. This was his first time fighting in the United States since suffering serious head injuries sustained during a motorcycle accident in 2001.

Despite this early setback, Valero has been drawing attention from boxing audiences worldwide with his devil-may-care style and speedy, heavy punching. Following his defeat of Pitalua, the Venezuelan knock-out artist has called out Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez.

Breidis Prescott, carrying an impressive 85 percent KO rate, is best known for his 54-second demolition of rising British star Amir Khan in 2008. Prescott, a durable and hard hitting Colombian, is, like Valero, still introducing himself to American audiences.

Yet for many boxing enthusiasts this will rank as a possible Fight of the Year. Both fighters are known for their aggressive, hard hitting styles.

The bout may also answer the many questions that have begun to surround the boxers: Are they too "raw" to face world class opposition? Have they been "protected" within domestic pools? How will they react when faced with equally offensive opponents?

Of the two fighters, only the 25-year-old Prescott has gone the distance, but this only twice. Yet, of the two, he would appear to have the more refined, adaptable style.

He can, as his record articulates, dispose of opponents early; however, he is also capable of out-boxing competitors, as he did with Richard Abril in 2007 and Humberto Toledo earlier this year (on both occasions in Fort Lauderdale, Florida).

Valero has only stretched himself as late as the 10th round (against Vincente Mosquera in Panama City, 2006), also scoring a KO as late as the eighth in Tokyo against Nobuhito Honmo in 2007. But what has impressed is his ability to maintain a consistent work rate, as well as his ability to deliver a KO late in a fight.

If this match does go ahead, it will certainly unravel two of the biggest puzzles in the lightweight division. For both fighters, eager to prove themselves to a US audience, it is a significant step up. For the victor, it may prove to be a step towards possible domination of the 135-pound limit.

Respect: Giving Ricky Hatton His Due Against Manny Pacquiao

MCM Traynor — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:01:00 -0400

With the so-called "Battle of East and West" between Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao fast approaching, many fans and critics are throwing in their two cents on the outcome of the contest for Hatton's IBO and Ring Magazine light welterweight titles on May 2.

Currently copper deficient (dole application pending), I have reserved judgement for a later date. But I do feel compelled to put down a few words—if not in favour of Hatton as victor, certainly in defence of the man as a fighter.

In deference to common opinion, more often than not guided by what can only be described as patriotic fervour, many are touting Pacquiao to win as vehemently as one would the sun to rise in the morning. And while there is every chance the Son of General Santos City will raise his fist in victory on May 2, I feel that Ricky Hatton is not being given his fair due for this fight.

Chief among the denunciations of Hatton is that he is a "one-dimensional" fighter. This argument unfolds thus: Attempting to bully the elusive Pacquiao by clinching and wrestling, Hatton's armour will be dismantled as he blindly rushes into an onslaught of lissome jabs and whipping rights.

While Hatton's defensive flaws are well documented, I feel the above argument neglects the potency of the Englishman's pressure fighting style, specifically at his natural weight of 140 pounds.

Pacquiao may have slain a catalogue of worthy Mexican brawlers, but he has not fought within Hatton's 10-stone domain. Capable of unleashing eruptive combinations and purposeful body shots, Hatton will prove a far more tenacious and authoritative "bigger man" than did Oscar De La Hoya. With each additional pound, the pressure upon Pacquiao is magnified.

And unlike the laborious De La Hoya, who rooted himself almost static before Pacquiao last year, Hatton will be attempting to unsettle the Filipino's style by remaining rangy and persistent. He cannot, admittedly, match the speed of Pacquiao, but that does not equate to sluggishness. Hatton has also proven he possesses fast hands, frequently unleashing flurries laden with uppercuts and body shots upon equally quick opponents.

To turn to another hackneyed point, there is the presence of Floyd Mayweather Sr., said by some to be simply perpetuating the myth of the Mancunian with punchy couplets. A professor of the defensive style, the Mayweather influence kept Hatton protected against gangly boxer Paulie Malignaggi last November.

While Malignaggi is not of the same mould as Pacquiao, a more defensively aware Hatton will level the playing field for the Briton. I think it's also apt to add that Pacquiao's defence is often split open by aggressive opponents who push hard to fight on the inside, precisely the dominion of the Hitman.

Finally, there is Hatton's record. Having fought 46 times, with only one loss, it is untenable to suggest that Hatton is “overhyped.” The charge that he was "protected" in Europe before crossing to America is one that can also be made of Pacquiao, who fought roughly as many fights in Asia before his crossing of the waters.

Frankly, I believe this argument to be little more than a nascent (and oddly rampant) attitude of American superiority: Fighters from “elsewhere” are unproven until they crack the New World as one would a rotten nut. Hatton and Pacquiao's achievements are testament to the vibrancy of their respective domestic boxing scenes and should not be diminished.

(Remember: Of the 68 world title belts gently suspended in our globe's atmosphere, only 10 are claimed by Americans.)

A.J. Liebling, the hairless flâneur of the New York Prizefighting Ring, often alluded to the Tunisian philosopher Ibh Khaldun. Among many other things, Khaldun was fond of declaring that events routinely contradict what is expected of them, analogies frequently prove themselves imprecise, and our experiences are often more illusory than we'd like to admit.

With an underdog like Hatton—a hearty breed of fighter—confronting Pacquiao on May 2, commentators would be wise to keep these principles in mind before throwing down their coins.

Israel Vasquez? Rafael Marquez? Bernard Dunne Plans His Next Move

MCM Traynor — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:12:38 -0400

Following his victory over Ricardo Cordoba for the WBA Super Bantamweight crown on March 21, Bernard Dunne is weighing up his options for his first defence.

A slew of names have already emerged in the weeks following his 11th-round stoppage of the Panamanian, including a unification bout with the former champion's countryman, Celestino Caballero.

The camps of Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez have also shown interest, as has Cordoba's former Thai rival, Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym.

“There are all kinds of avenues open to us now,” Dunne's promoter, Brian Peters, has said. “It’s a case of taking our time and working out what the best move is, but we certainly won’t rush into anything.”

It is unlikely that Dunne will step into the ring again within the next three months, having suffered severe cuts around his eyes during his latest battle. One of the cuts, an injury originally sustained in a 2008 clash with Uruguay's Cristian Faccio, required over 10 stitches.

With the Dubliner not planning a return until June or July, a matchup with WBC super bantamweight emeritus, Israel Vazquez, is a realistic prospect.

“I've had talks with Golden Boy [Vazquez's promoter],” Brian Peters told The Irish Times. “He’s currently sidelined with a few long term injuries, but is considered one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport.”

“And I’m sure we all wouldn’t mind taking a trip to main street Las Vegas,” the Meath man mused.

Vazquez is hoping to make a return to the ring around the same time as Dunne. He has been recovering from retina surgery since 2008 (following his last bout with Rafael Marquez) and has yet to secure a comeback opponent.

“I’m not sure whom I will be fighting at this moment,” he told fightnews.com in January, “but I’m going to make them pay for this long lay off. I’m hungrier than ever.”

Dunne will know Vazquez well, as the two are former Wild Card Gym sparring partners.

“This is a clash Bernard would relish, as he sparred with Vazquez day in, day out as a young pro when he was out in Los Angeles and I think those sparring sessions proved to a lot of people that Bernard has what it takes to reach the very top of the sport,” Peters said.

The fight would certainly attract the interest of the US networks, with Vazquez and Dunne being able to draw on large Hispanic and Irish audiences.

Also on the cards is a possible WBA-IBF unification bout with Celestino Caballero.

Caballero, who was knocked down and lost to Cordoba in 2004, has said he is willing to fight Dunne in Dublin later this year.

The Panamanian will be defending his belts against Jeffrey Mathebula in his country's capital at the end of the month.

Also a possibility is Dunne's mandatory challenger, Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym, the Thai who outpointed Ricardo Cordoba in Bangkok in 2005.

Poonsawat had attempted to stop last month's fight between Dunne and Cordoba, claiming that he had been the rightful challenger to the belt since last summer.

However, it is likely that the WBA will allow Dunne to make a voluntary defence with one of their top 15 fighters before taking his mandatory.

This is a route the Dubliner's camp is eager to pursue, for although the Thai would offer an easier challenge than Vazquez or Marquez, he cannot command the kind of interest Dunne is now hoping to capitalize upon.

“This mandatory Thai is a tricky guy so it will probably go to purse bids,” Peters signalled.

One solid bid came a week after Dunne's victory, with Frank Maloney, manager of European super bantamweight champion Rendall Munroe, making a public offer of £150,000 live on Steve Bunce's Boxing Hour.

Both Maloney and Munroe were ringside at the fight, held in Dublin's O2 Arena.

"I think it was the best atmosphere I've ever seen," Maloney told Bunce. "I was proud to be at ringside.”

Maloney added: “I still think my man would beat him. Rendall was sitting next to me (at the fight) and he said 'I could beat the two of them.'”

While such a bout would have considerable pull in the UK and Ireland, Maloney must be aware that he torched that proverbial bridge some months ago by repeatedly refusing Dunne a shot at Munroe's European belt.

Freddie Roach has also offered up two possible opponents for the Irishman in Filipino compatriots Gerry Penalosa and Bernabe Concepcion.

“I have Gerry Penalosa who fights at 122 (pounds), and guys like Concepcion, but I don’t want to fight with Bernard, he’s my friend,” Roach joked with The Irish Times.

“Concepcion’s a big puncher, Penalosa’s a good boxer and Ben’s a good boxer and puncher himself, so yeah, they would be good match-ups,” he added.

Through all of this, Dunne himself is remaining silent, appearing content to let his camp do the leg work for now.

If he can match the talk of his promoter in the ring, the future looks bright for the young Dubliner.

Fight of the Year? Bernard Dunne Defeats Ricardo Cordoba

MCM Traynor — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:38:49 -0400

Irishman Bernard Dunne became the WBA Super Bantamweight champion last Saturday by knocking out Panama's Ricardo Cordoba in one of the greatest fights ever held on Irish soil.

In what can only be described as an explosive battle of will and skill, Dunne (28-1) knocked down Cordoba (34-2-2) in the third round, with the Dubliner succumbing to the canvas himself twice in the fifth.

The contest was finally halted in Round 11 by referee Hubert Earle, when Dunne floored Cordoba three times, sending the 24-year-old out on a stretcher and handing Ireland its first world title belt in 13 years.

"This is a fight that will long be remembered," chimed commentator Jimmy Magee, each word uttered without an ounce of hyperbole.

Cordoba, who was favoured to win the fight, recovered in the hospital but was released two days later, suffering only from exhaustion and dehydration.

An exultant Dunne announced afterwards, "This is for all of us," as crowds celebrated a doubly fine day for Irish sport—the Irish rugby team winning their first Six Nations Grand Slam in 61 years that very evening.

Few believed Dunne could overcome the champion, particularly after his devastating first round loss to Spaniard Kiko Martinez in 2007. But since his promoter Brian Peters—rumoured to have pumped millions of Euro into this bout—announced the world title challenge in the new year, the Dubliner insisted he would capture the belt.

"It was a lot of hard work, by me, my team and my family. A lot of sacrifices went into getting this title but they’ve all paid off,” the 29-year-old told the press afterwards.

Working with trainer Harry Hawkins and, perhaps most notably, conditioning expert Mike McGurn, Dunne looked to have transformed himself into a world class fighter on Saturday night. If the talent that Freddie Roach had discerned years earlier had always been there, it was now refined into something ferocious.

The pace was set well by the Panamanian champion from the opening bell, with Dunne taking his time to accustom himself to the awkward southpaw. But in what was to be a trademark of the fight, the Dubliner ended the round with a swift combination led by crisp left hooks.

The second opened in much the same way, with Cordoba whipping out a sharp defensive jab and weighty rights. But Dunne kept a tight defense, his left kept high, opening the champion up with accurate three- and four-punch combinations.

Three saw Cordoba mounting pressure on the Dubliner, pushing Dunne back onto the ropes. But in an impressive display of counter-punching, he used his deadly left hook to send the champion stumbling the width of the ring, before coming down hard on the canvas.

The Panamanian, however, displayed a tenacity that would serve him well throughout the 11 long rounds, weathering Dunne's assaults with his long jab.

Using his break effectively, Cordoba opened up a deep gash over Dunne's right eye with a clash of heads in the fourth.

In the fifth, the champion regained the upper hand by sending Dunne crashing down twice within short succession. Dunne's vision was clearly blurred and his legs shaken, but he exhibited his experience by holding on well.

Matching the great reserve displayed earlier by his opponent, Dunne recovered admirably between the rounds and gradually reasserted himself throughout the sixth and seventh.

Eight and nine saw Cordoba upping the pressure, but Dunne fought well on the back foot, both fighters openly warring as the intensity of the feud rose to boiling point.

Round 10 served merely to further mount the tension, the fighters trading power punches over every inch of the ring. Every time the Panamanian pinned Dunne to the ropes, body shots raining in, the Irishman would weave and unload with his ferocious left hooks.

Round 11 roared forward, both men now visibly exhausted but battling onwards, until, with a mere minute to go, a right sent the champion crashing to the canvas.

The stadium erupted, but Dunne, knowing the deed was not yet complete, calmly faced his rising opponent.

It would take a left hook to send him down the second time. Rising perhaps too quickly but with great bravery, Cordoba was backed onto the ropes and collapsed under a devastating left-right combination for the third and final time.

With only a second remaining in the round, the referee waved his arms and the crowd of 9,000 strong, all of them standing, were swept up into a sea of elation.

Bernard Dunne, new champion of the world, collapsed onto the canvas before being picked up into the arms of Brian Peters. The manager embraced his champion.

“It’s been an incredible ride to get here," Dunne explained afterwards.

"It’s been a long road, the eight years I’ve been pro, the ten years as an amateur. I’ve been in boxing since I was five years old!"

Fight of the year? For Bernard, his team, his family, and his country people, it certainly was.

Amir Khan Defeats Marco Antonio Barrera

MCM Traynor — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:37:33 -0400

British lightweight hope Amir Khan (20-1) has temporarily silenced his critics by defeating Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera (65-7) in Manchester tonight.

The fight was stopped by referee David Perris in Round Five when a cut above Barrera's forehead forced the veteran to retire. The cut occurred late in the first round with an unintentional clash of heads.

Khan won on a technical decision victory, being well ahead on points on all three judges' scorecards.

“I shut the critics up,” he said afterward. “It was a tough fight for me but I made it easy work.”

The Briton was under pressure to demonstrate that he could perform at world level following the sensational 54 second knock out inflicted on him by Breidis Prescott last year.

“He's at the age now that if he can do what we think he can do, he has to beat guys like this [Barrera],” Khan's promoter Frank Warren said before the fight.

Although the clash of heads forced the fight to an early close, Khan visibly dominated the Mexican throughout the five rounds. Using his height and reach advantage he moved swiftly in and out, frequently pushing Barrera back with speedy flurries.

Khan's trainer Freddie Roach seemed particularly pleased with his protégé's performance.

“He'll be my next world champion,” Roach announced after the fight. “I have no doubt about that.”

For Barrera, it will be a disappointing end to his Manchester journey. With blood blocking the vision in his left eye, he looked sluggish throughout and appeared unable to get into range of the taller Khan.

“We came ready to fight but I couldn't see Khan from the first round onwards,” he said. “I didn't even feel his punches—he has fast hands but he didn't hurt me.”

Where the Mexican warrior will go from here is unclear. He said he would speak to his promoter Don King and his family before making any decisions.

For Khan this victory is an important step in his rehabilitation. He will now find himself moving back into range of a world title shot. And if tonight's performance is anything to go by, he may well be a serious contender.

Amir Khan vs. Marco Antonio Barrera: The Unraveling

MCM Traynor — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:26:06 -0400

This Saturday in Manchester, the career of either Amir Khan (19-1) or Marco Antonio Barrera (65-6) will unravel before our very eyes.

What injects this unravelling with such great tension is that for the former, it would end a long and formidable career as a champion across multiple divisions, but for the latter, it delivers a lifetime sentence of what-ifs and what-could-have-beens.

Although only 22, Khan must be acutely aware that losing to Barrera on Saturday will terminate his competitive capital at world level. A hero in Britain, that capital was already heavily devalued with an intelligent left-hook by Colombian fighter Breidis Prescott in September of last year.

The former Olympic silver medallist crumbled on the 54-second mark, and with him fell Britain's vision of an implacable boxing wunderkind.

Since then he has convinced his country fellows, and many more besides, that what they witnessed that night was a hiccup and no more.

He easily eliminated Irishman Oisín Fagan in time for Christmas (though presumably the season went uncelebrated in Khan's camp) and from the spectator's perspective looked good doing so (but like Christmas, there was some fodder for the cynics: Fagan's left fibula was broken during the first knock-down).

Following that victory, an eruption of surprise met the announcement that Khan would be meeting Mexican legend Barrera in March.

It seemed to suggest that the new Khan, under the tutorship of trainer Freddie Roach, was once again willing to take on the world. Could the Bolton boy transform himself into a man before our very eyes?

His promoter Frank Warren would appear to believe so, if we are to go by the title of this spectacle: 'Coming of Age'. But boxers are not characters out of Collodi's Pinocchio. Habits and traits are formed early (Khan first donned gloves at age eight) and flaws are not easily ironed out of a fighter's technique.

There are also the inherent "natural" weaknesses that afflict even the greatest pugilists. Khan's combustible chin needs no introduction here.

I must admit to also feeling some surprise when I found Khan's name nestling next to that of Barrera's for a lightweight bout. Surely he should be nursed toward re-ascension via less challenging opponents?

But from Frank Warren's perspective this bout is a stroke of brilliance. The last thing he needs is another top-name former-Olympian getting knocked out by an unknown (Audley Harrison's recent pounding at the hands of Martin Rogan springs to mind).

At least if Barrera makes mince meat of Khan, he exits with a bang against a champ; but if he wins, he's fast-tracked back to the top with a notable name on his record.

The gamble is also a good one for the spectator. It is, after all, the unknowns that make memorable prizefights: Can one fighter's speed overcome another's power?

How long can defensive trickery hold out when faced with relentless assaults? Will youth prevail over the experience and acumen of the hardened battler?

The 13 extra years Barrera carries into the ring this Saturday are central to that crux. They may allow him to weather an eager Khan, such as Juan Manuel Marquez recently demonstrated against the younger Juan Diaz.

Or they may indeed wear him down, as they did Oscar de la Hoya when he was trounced by a snappy Manny Pacquiao in December.

"If I know Barrera he'll be studying the Prescott tape, and he's going to be looking for the left hook,” Freddie Roach recently told Sky Sports News.

Well, yes. Every one of Khan's future opponents will study that tape. But, to be frank, there really isn't much tape to study. And so I think one of the fights Barrera will scrutinize is Khan's 2008 battle with Michael Gomez.

Gomez, an Irishman who took the Hispanic-sounding moniker in honour of the Mexican 'brawler' style, illustrated how poorly Khan might cope with a determined older opponent.

Although the referee called a halt to the match in Round 5, Gomez upset Khan on a number of occasions, capitalising on his stiff footwork and irresolute defence.

Barrera possesses a more adaptable style and fitter (certainly less beer-laden) physique than Gomez, as well as having fought at a much higher level.

He genuinely seems intent on eliminating his younger opponent from the lightweight rankings and is being driven by the desire to become the first Mexican to win a title in four different weight divisions.

“By the time I was Khan's age I had made six defences of my world title and defeated some great fighters,” he reminded Britain's The Mirror. “I heard all the same talk when I beat ['Prince' Naseem] Hamed, and taking care of Khan will be even easier.”

Such trite talk is the trade of boxers, especially at this level, and Khan's comments prove no different:

"My hand speed, power and don't forget my youth will be a big thing in this fight. It's all about taking him out of his comfort zone and just working and working him," he has said.

For Roach, this means Khan must remain calm and collected. Taking the fight on the back foot, protecting his chin and pocketing fast shots when the chances arise will be the name of the game.

“I told him just to take his time and break this guy down. I told him 'Don't knock him out until he's ready to go'," Roach explains.

The trainer also imparted this useful nugget to his protégé:

"I told him, 'This is your whole life, this one fight'. I said 'If you win this fight, you go on to greatness, if you lose this fight it's over'.”

Jesus of Nazareth could not have delivered it with greater clarity.

For Khan, a victory may well serve as a linchpin in a great career; for Barrera, the opportunity to carve his name ever deeper into the history of boxing.

But on Saturday, it is the loss that will really count. For one, it will mean the furtherance of a dream; for the other, that dream's unravelling.

Who in the World Is Bernard Dunne?

MCM Traynor — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:59:56 -0500

For many at the Bleacher Report the name Bernard Dunne (27-1) will mean very little. For some boxing enthusiasts it will sound vaguely familiar (Dunne launched his professional career out of Freddie Roach's Wild Card stable, winning his first 14 bouts in the US).

For the Irish, however, Bernard's name has become synonymous with the sweet science itself. And on March 21st he will put that public's aspirations on the line by challenging Ricardo Cordoba's (34-1-2) WBA Super Bantamweight title at the O2 Arena, Dublin.

Born in Neilstown, Dublin, Bernard Dunne followed in his father's footsteps and began boxing as a schoolboy. He built up a solid amateur record (119-11) but having failed to make Ireland's squad for the Sydney Olympics he relocated to California, turning pro in 2001.

Receiving praise from worthy sparring partners such as Shane Mosley and James Toney, Bernard showcased his talents on the likes of ESPN before returning to Ireland in 2005.

He quickly built up a strong following, winning Esham Pickering's EBU Super Bantamweight title in 2006. His likable persona and slick style allowed him to capitalise on a reemerging public interest in the sport.

However, in 2007, his dreams of bringing a world title home were crushed when he was brutally KO'd in the first-round by Spain's Kiko Martinez.

With his upcoming fight against Panama's Ricardo Cordoba that dream has been resurrected.

In his own words: “This is what I’ve dreamed about and I suppose what the Irish people have wanted since I came home from America. Now we are getting the chance to test ourselves against one of the best super-bantamweights in the world.”

It may also be worthwhile noting that prior to defeating Esham Pickering for the EBU title Dunne commented, "He [Pickering] is at the age, 30 years of age, that he needs this kind of fight to put himself back into the big picture. And I need it to launch myself into the big picture."

It is hardly necessary to point out that at 29 Dunne now finds himself in the latter's shoes against Cordoba.

Yet despite being the underdog there are two things going for the Dubliner in this fight.

The first are his speed, footwork and a pliable left hook. Even during his dullest bouts he has displayed these admirably (such as his recent performance against Argentina's Damian David Marchiano).

Were he to tighten up his defence and put some capacity into the right by sitting down more on his punches, it is not far-fetched to see Dunne pulling off a surprise.

The second thing standing for him is his opponent. Of all the routes to a world title, Cordoba perhaps offers himself up as the most manageable. His fighting record outside of Panama is poor (two draws in Germany, a loss in Thailand) and he inherited the WBA title by way of an interim bout after fellow countryman Celestino Cabellero won the IBF crown to unify the belts late last year.

Nevertheless Dunne will not underestimate his opponent. Cordoba will be determined to get by Dunne, for it would likely mean a shot at Caballero's unified titles (Ricardo defeated Caballero by unanimous decision in 2004).

Furthermore Bernard tends to carry his left hand low and the Panamanian's southpaw style will exploit this. He will also likely try to draw the Irishman into pushing forward early on, a trait Freddie Roach noted when he urged Dunne to “get it through his thick skull” that he should use his speed and move from side to side a la Manny Pacquiao.

In preparation for this fight Dunne has set up a nine-week training camp in Belfast. There he is tackling the southpaw style (“Everything will be southpaw orientated,” he recently told irish-boxing.com) and developing his strength through an intensive weight and dietary routine.

“The sessions are draining and intense but there hasn't been a day yet I don't look forward to going into the gym,” he said. “This is the fight my whole career has been building to so there'll definitely be an extra edge to me for this one.”

Dunne will need that extra edge at the O2 Arena as he fights before 10,000 expectant Irish fans.

The bill will be a historic one for Irish sport, showcasing the island's boxing talent from both the professional and amateur ranks. Thus we will find Ireland's Olympic medallists Kenny Egan and Paddy Barnes fighting alongside rising pro talents Andrew Murray and Michael Kelly.

With a legion of fans and the right training behind him, Dunne is more than capable of producing a world class performance. But as A. J. Liebling, that dandified sage of the New York Prize Ring, once remarked, "A boxer, like a writer, must stand alone."

Dunne's public and world boxing fans will have to wait until Mar. 21 to see if the Dubliner has what it takes to do so.