Though It's Close To Christmas, Boxing Is Still Exciting

Usually by the time Christmas is around the corner, the boxing enthusiasm wanes down and pugilists are getting ready for their presents and eggnog.

This year was an exception.

Let’s take a look back at past events that have been buzzing around the boxing community.

Kessler vs. Ward

I figured Pacquiao’s destruction of Cotto would steal thunder from the last fight of the World Classic Tournament, however, its results shook things up in the tournament.

The last match of Group Stage one featured Mikkel Kessler vs. Andre Ward. Kessler was not only the favorite to beat Ward, but the favorite to win the tournament as well.

Furthermore, many expected a clean sweep from the European fighters. However, Andre Ward balked at the idea and opened up his present early by dominating and beating Kessler in a huge upset.

Not only did Ward establish himself as an elite fighter, but shook the tournament in the process.

Stage one featured a knockout, a controversy, and an upset.

Stage two can’t come soon enough.

Lucian Bute vs. Librado Andrade

The rematch between Librado Andrade and Lucian Bute was up next, coincidentally in the Super Middleweight division.

Let us now take a look at a small recap of their first match.

Bute thoroughly outboxed Andrade until he faded in the final seconds of the fight and was knocked down. What followed was boxing’s “modern long count.”  Whether or not Bute was assisted by a long count was irrelevant because of his amazing victory in the rematch.

Many expected two scenarios in the rematch between Bute and Andrade. Either Bute would prepare himself better and have enough stamina to outbox Andrade for twelve rounds or Bute would wilt under Andrade’s pressure.

However, few expected the granite-chin Andrade to be knocked out by Bute. As a result, Bute not only erased the ghost of his first fight, but can arguably be one of the best super middleweights of the world.

Like I mentioned before, I figured Pacquiao vs. Cotto would steal some of the tournament’s spotlight. Yet, it was Bute’s dominating victory that stole some of the tournament’s spotlight.

Maybe Bute should replace Jermain Taylor?

Jones vs. Danny Green

Speaking of incredible knockouts, Danny Green did exactly that. He scored an improbable TKO against Roy Jones in round one.

Maybe it was time for Jones to let go, but I, unlike many, was looking forward to Hopkins vs. Jones II.

Paul Williams vs. Sergio Martinez

Two upsets and two unlikely knockouts, it can’t get any better than this right?

Wrong.

To increase the drama towards the end of the year, Paul Williams and Sergio Martinez faced off and created a fight of the year candidate in the process.

Round one opened up with Williams knocking down Martinez, who amazingly rallied back and knocked down “The Punisher.”

Is anyone thinking round of the year?

What followed was toe-to-toe action, blood, and more punishing blows. In the end, Williams was given the decision. However, the fight could have gone either way and their matched proved why they are some of the most avoided fighters in the world.

Both earned themselves into Santa’s good list, except for that one judge who scored it 119-110 in favor of Williams. I know for a fact he’s going on the bad list!

More to Come: Early presents are coming this year through great matchups featuring Timothy Bradley vs. Lamont Peterson, Vitali Klitschko vs. Kevin Johnson, Victor Ortiz vs. Antonio Diaz, Vic Darchinyan vs. Thomas Rojas, Kelly Pavlik vs. Miguel Espino, and the rematch between Juan Diaz and Paulie Malignaggi .

 I am still befuddled on why people say “boxing is dead.”

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