It's Monday. Welcome back for another edition of Observe and Fight, The Boxing Observer's compilation of observations and random thoughts from the week that was in boxing. Get caught up on some of the most recent events you may have missed out on, including Floyd Mayweather's confidence level, the return of Kelly Pavlik, the re-emergence of Arthur Abraham, another Freddie Roach fighter going down, and much more. Without further ado, check out the latest observations from The Boxing Observer.
- Floyd Mayweather's confidence level is at an all-time high heading into his May 5th clash with Miguel Cotto. For the first time since his encounter with Paul Spadafora over 10 years ago, "Money" Mayweather allowed the world to witness one of his sparring sessions as he broadcast it live on UStream Monday. The session, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, took place against rising prospect Omar Henry, whom has been compared to Miguel Cotto. Mayweather has not allowed cameras to be present during sparring sessions since he went toe-to-toe with Spadafora. Some felt that Mayweather didn't want anyone to have access to a session in which he wasn't at his best. Well, something must have changed. Mayweather's confidence level has never been in question, but his willingness to allow the world to witness a sparring session shows he is not worried in the least about Miguel Cotto and expects to dominate the fight. Mayweather looked very good in the session, but Henry got some good work done as well. It wasn't until the final 10 minutes or so when Mayweather's superb conditioning took over and he began to dominate. Nonetheless, the fact that Mayweather allowed the world to witness a live sparring session proves that he believes it will be an easy night's work against Cotto. If past history is any indication, my money is on "Money."
- Kelly Pavlik has one last shot to make good on his potential. The former middleweight champion of the world came back strong against an overmatched Aaron Jaco, Saturday night in San Antonio, Texas. The fight, which was fought at a 170-pound catchweight, was Pavlik's first fight in almost 11 months, and the first under new trainer Robert Garcia. With a renewed focus, a better trainer, and a new atmosphere away from Youngstown, Ohio in Oxnard, California, Pavlik has all the ingredients in place to make one last run at another world title. Whether that takes place at middleweight or super middleweight is still to be determined, but Pavlik certainly has the skills and toughness to make it happen. Remember, it may not seem like it, but he is only 29 years old. The only question that remains is whether or not he can fight his internal demons. For Pavlik's sake, and for the sake of boxing, I know most everyone is rooting for him to succeed.
- Arthur Abraham is another fighter currently on his 9th life. After an unsuccessful campaign at super middleweight, the former middleweight king is giving it one last go at 168-lbs. Word was that he would try to move back down in weight to 160-lbs, but it just isn't happening. After a unanimous decision victory Saturday night, he now hopes to get a WBO title shot. Make no mistake about it though, this is King Arthur's last chance. At 32, he has a lot of miles on those tires and his passion for the sport hasn't exactly resonated in the ring these past couple of years. Whether or not Abraham successfully captures the championship, expect his last fight to take place at a catchweight with fellow German and middleweight champion Felix Sturm some time in late 2012 or early 2013. The fight would certainly sellout a soccer stadium in Germany, and would be one final big payout for Abraham.
- In case you missed it, Freddie Roach trained Jorge Linares was knocked out in the 2nd round Saturday night. A few weeks back I wrote an article about Freddie Roach's busy schedule taking away from the development of his fighters training at the Wild Card Gym. Linares was knocked out Saturday night by Sergio Thompson in a fight which was supposed to setup a rematch between Linares and Antonio Demarco. I guess, much like Amir Khan against Lamont Peterson, Linares was looking past his opponent and ahead to the future. Freddie Roach has too much on his plate because he is currently training more than 6 world-class fighters. I've said it once and I'll say it again, there is not enough time in the day for anyone to develop that many fighters, and some of these guys are better off with a lesser-known trainer who can devote 100% attention to their development.
- So much for James Kirkland getting a title shot in the near future. According to reports, Kirkland suffered two tears in his right shoulder in his disqualification win against Carlos Molina on March 24th. Kirkland, who is currently in talks for a title opportunity against IBF jr. middleweight champion Cornelius "K9" Bundrage, will be out at least two months before he can resume training. A verbal agreement has been reached (though no contracts have been signed) between Bundrage and mandatory challenger Cory Spinks for June 23rd. However, the IBF would have honored a Kirkland fight for Bundrage without stripping him of the championship. Now that Kirkland cannot compete for at least 4 months (training included), expect Bundrage to fight Spinks for the title in June and, assuming he wins, give Kirkland a title opportunity some time in late 2012. That is if Kirkland doesn't stumble along the way.
- Dannie Williams proved Friday night why prospects need to be brought along slowly. Williams was thoroughly dominated on Friday night against contender Hank Lundy. Some thought Williams' power and speed would be too much for Hammerin' Hank. What most didn't realize is that Williams has not been brought along at a proper progression. Before the start of 2011, Williams had only faced one legitimate opponent, Eloy Perez. Williams lost. Since the Perez loss in 2009, and before he had stepped in the ring with Lundy, the combined record of Williams' opponents was 127 wins, 85 losses, and 11 draws. That's not exactly strong competition before stepping into the ring with a legitimate contender. It's no surprise that Williams was dominated the way he was. It should make fans appreciate promoters who build their fighters the correct way, by moving them along slowly instead of throwing them to the wolves. This is the same reason Canelo Alvarez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. have been moved along as they have been. When a fighter isn't ready, he simply isn't ready. Why throw away all the money invested in a fighter because the fans think it's a B.S. fight?
- Jose Luis Castillo has got to hang 'em up. This past week, the former world champion signed a promotional agreement with Blue Wave Boxing (the same promotional company that represents Guillermo Rigondeaux and Erislandy Lara). Castillo, who failed to make weight yet again for the one millionth time on March 24th, is most remembered for his fight of the century war with Diego Corrales and his two tough fights with Floyd Mayweather. It's clear that Castillo has nothing left, nor does he have the desire to train at the highest level anymore. He needs to retire ASAP or else fight fans could be looking at another casualty of the Sweet Science, a fighter who takes one too many blows to the head and dies far too young.
- Dereck Chisora may be the biggest idiot in boxing, but you won't see me telling him that to his face. I'm no dummy. Chisora is off his rocker and would probably hit an old lady if she looked at him the wrong way. I'm man enough to admit that I sure as hell don't have the balls to say this to his face (50% of boxing fans would agree with my previous statement, the other half are liars). This guy is going to get himself banned from any boxing ring in the world if he doesn't shut his yapper. The guy is emotionally unstable and should be sent to an institution for psychiatric evaluation. He is seriously going to hurt someone and end up in prison if someone doesn't put an end to his behavior.
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