Oscar De La Hoya (38-4 & 30 KOs)         Floyd Mayweather Jr. (37-0 & 24 KOs)

In just a little over a week fight fans around the world will reach deep into their pockets and gladly fork over cash towards a hefty pay per view bill. On May 5th we'll finally get to witness the Battle of the Boys, as "The Golden Boy" Oscar De La Hoya battles "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather Jr.   What was once just speculation nears fruition, as the most eagerly anticipated match-up since Sugar Ray Leonard fought Marvelous Marvin Hagler way back in 1987 takes place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas next Saturday.

For loyal boxing fans everywhere, this is the bout we've all been anticipating. For former followers of the fight game who have lost interest in the "sweet science", this is the type of contest that makes folks wax nostalgic about the good old days.  Even those most cynical about the perceptions of corruption that hover over the sport like a dark cloud, and others who hold contempt for rip-off artist promoters such as Don King, can't help but feel their passion rekindled. This is something special.

 

De La Hoya-Mayweather is one of those rare scenarios that go beyond your typical sporting event.  In this instance the participants actually have a polarizing effect throughout society. Of course there will be some among us who do not have the least bit of interest. For those of us who are intrigued however, the vast majorities have already picked their "dog" in this fight.  There is no middle ground, for although these two men have come from surprisingly similar backgrounds, they could not possibly be any more different.   

 

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is the IT fighter right now. He may be a former 3 time National Golden Gloves Champion, an Olympic bronze medallist (scandalously robbed at the 1996 Atlanta games) and possess multiple title belts, but he currently holds the greatest distinction of all. Floyd is almost universally regarded as the "best pound for pound fighter" in the world, and thus lays claim to the one "crown" all boxers covet. Most everybody thinks he's the best, including himself.  Some would say it's in his lineage. His father Floyd Sr., as well as his uncle/trainer Roger Mayweather, were both top-level professionals. The elder Floyd was exceptionally talented until a gunshot wound to his leg ended a promising career. He then later served significant jail time for drug trafficking, leaving a young Floyd Jr. to be trained and looked after by Uncle Roger.

 

Not since Muhammad Ali was circling the globe shouting, "I'm the greatest!" has the sport seen another man with the same bravado, confidence and seeming ability to back it up. Others have tried. Take the extremely talented Roy Jones Jr. for example. No offense to Roy the self-proclaimed G.O.A.T (greatest of all time), but as history later showed he wasn't even close. Roy built his reputation in a weight class devoid of talent (Lt. Heavyweight) and when he finally found some competition late in his career, he was knocked all the way back to reality. Floyd on the other hand has made his living fighting in the weight classes where the best of the best reside. He has won titles at Super Featherweight (130 lbs), Lightweight (135 lbs), Super Lightweight (140 lbs), and Welterweight (147 lbs).  He has beaten every man he has fought. Some of his most notable victories have come over the likes of Zab Judah, Carlos Baldomir, Arturo Gatti, Jose Luis Castillo and Diego Corrales to name just a few.

 

Those who dislike Floyd typically do so for two reasons. First and foremost he has become a marked man. Everybody guns for the guy at the top. This is his spot and everyone wants it. Unfortunately for them he's not looking to move over easily. He is an egomaniac and obsessed with forging a legacy beyond compare. This ties into the second reason why many despise him. Floyd just may have the biggest mouth the sport has ever seen. Sure Ali was blessed with the gift of gab, but Ali was far more showman than provocative antagonist. Floyd on the other hand is what folks on the street refer to as the ultimate shmack-talker (yeah that's me being polite... you know what I meant to say). He knows how to get under people's skin and relishes this role. He may have made it out of the "hood" in Michigan, but the skills from the "hood" still live strong in him. As we know, some people just don't like it when folks want to "keep it real". Speaking of guys who preach that philosophy, I hear Floyd rolls hard with rapper 50 Cent. Is it an act or is it real? Only they know.

 

Then there is Oscar De La Hoya. Oscar comes from his own harsh environment. This Mexican-American from east L.A. wasn't exactly born with a silver spoon in his mouth either.  The mean streets he grew up on are as tough as they come and he did so under meager conditions. His parents were Mexican immigrants who struggled to make ends meet. His father Joel worked as a warehouse clerk and his mother Cecilia as a seamstress. Whereas growing up Mayweather must have been filled with action to burn, growing up De La Hoya was a prime example of the stereotypical close knit Latino family values that we often hear about.

 

The De La Hoyas, like the Mayweathers, were also what people would consider a boxing family. At a young age Oscar's father recognized the natural fighting ability his son possessed. Oscar went into the ring and thus began one of the most impressive amateur careers ever, as he went 223-5 with 163 KOs. Some time prior to the 1988 Olympics in Barcelona, his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Oscar promised Cecilia on her deathbed that he would win Olympic Gold, which he did.  To this day, her memory fuels his passion and is one of the reasons that he continues fighting when he no longer has to. It is also likely why he fights his best when his opponents are at their rudest. It's an insult to the values his mother tried to instill in him.

 

After turning professional, Oscar became the first man to hold titles in 6 different weight classes (Super Featherweight, Lightweight, Light Welterweight, Welterweight, Light Middleweight and Middleweight). He has been involved in more than his fair share of fights. He has had several controversial losses to go along with an equal amount of controversial wins. Some would say that these tough decisions have balanced out over the course of his career and that his record is approximately what it should be. One thing nobody can claim is that Oscar has ever ducked another fighter. His boxing career has filled an A-list of top ranked competition.  This list of past opponents is beyond impressive. It includes names such as Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosley, Felix Trinidad, Ricardo Mayorga, Fernando Vargas Arturo Gatti, Pernell Whitaker, Julio Cesar Chavez, Ike Quartey, Hector Camacho... and the list goes on and on. He has been a very busy man throughout his 14-year career to say the least.   

 

As you can see, Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are as close to modern day boxing royalty as we can get. Their paths were also remarkably alike. They both grew up in harsh conditions, were born into families with boxing histories, had distinguished amateur careers, won Olympic medals for the USA, have held multiple professional titles, all while fighting the best fighters in the business time and time again. That however is where the similarities end. Oscar conducts himself as a "caballero", which when translated from spanish to english means a noble gentleman. He speaks properly and respectfully. He considers himself a true professional and attempts to carry himself as such. Outlandish antics and insulting his foes as Mayweather does is not his shtick. He prefers to let his fists do the talking, and as I have mentioned before, he finds foes such as Floyd particularly motivating. 

 

So tell us Rivjo, tell us. Who will win? As I've said, if you are already interested in this contest then you already have a "dog" in the fight.  I'm no different. In case you haven't figured it (or me) out, my loyalty lies with the Golden Boy. My rooting interest leaves me incapable of making an unbiased selection. Instead I'll have to leave you with:

 

The Keys To The Fight

 

Speed: Floyd Mayweather may have the fastest hands in the business. If he were a gunslinger from the Wild West, he'd be Doc Holliday. There is no way that De La Hoya can match his speed, and Oscar has pretty fast hands himself.  In cases where a distinct advantage in hand speed exists, it is vital that the slower fighter "time' the punches of his opponent as he is coming forward. Well placed jabs, even if they land on the arms, can effectively throw off the rhythm of the quicker fighter. To win Oscar must be able to accomplish this. (Advantage: Mayweather)

 

Power:  Make no mistake; De La Hoya is easily the bigger hitter. That's not to say that Mayweather does not hit hard. Oscar would be wise not to underestimate Floyd's ability to take him out. Oscar had better not try and walk through punches while tracking Floyd around the ring.  However, Oscar does have a battle tested chin and Floyd has never tasted anything close to the power that he will see on May 5th.  It could be a rude surprise for the Pretty Boy. (Advantage: De La Hoya)

 

Stamina: The biggest knock historically on De La Hoya is that he tires during the later rounds. If he falls behind on points, which is very possible, he might not have the energy to stage a rally. Mayweather on the other hand is a certifiable gym rat. Actually more like boxing's version of the Energizer Bunny. I have seen footage of Oscar's training camp and he looks as ripped as I have ever seen him. He needs to be in the best shape of his life because this could ultimately prove to be his downfall if he isn't. (Advantage: Mayweather)

 

Cornermen: In a close fight, it pays to have the right voices in your corner. One of the side stories that will be mentioned in great detail during the telecast is that up until the time this bout was finalized, Floyd Mayweather Sr. was De La Hoya's trainer. Once the contracts were signed, he asked Oscar for 2-million dollars to prepare him to fight his son. Oscar refused claiming he doubted the ability of Floyd Sr. to give his best effort. Considering who the competition is, Oscar was probably right. Now Freddie Roach, who is one of the best in the business, trains Oscar. Freddie will have him prepared for this fight. Floyd Sr. on the other hand has made his way over to his son's camp. One might think this could provide a tactical advantage for the Mayweather corner, but that may not be the case. Brother Roger is the trainer and he does not see eye-to-eye with Floyd Sr. In fact they aren't on good terms at all. This may prove to be more of a distraction than an asset. (Advantage: De La Hoya)

 

Game Plan: Mayweather should look to utilize his speed all night long against De La Hoya. Floyd believes he is the smartest man in boxing and that his fight plans are flawless. He also claims that once he makes a plan he never deviates from it. If this is true then there just may be no way for Oscar to win. Oscar on the other hand will look to engage Floyd and entice him into exchanging power punches on a regular basis. The question is, will Floyd take the bait? From what I have seen from him thus far he just might. There has been an awful lot of talk from Mayweather about how he wants to knock Oscar out. This is after all the biggest fight of both their lives and Floyd likely wants to make an emphatic statement by perhaps ending Oscar's career. If Oscar can get him to gamble big, Floyd just might be walking into a trap. Something the self-proclaimed "smartest boxer in the world" should never do. (Advantage: To Be Determined)

 

No one knows for sure what will happen. All I know is that if you get the opportunity to watch what could be the fight of the era, you have to take it. It might turn out to be yet another lopsided contest, but I'm not taking the chance. Even if pay-per view isn't your thing, just hide under a rock to keep from hearing about the outcome and catch it a week later when it airs on regular HBO.

 

Ding-Ding-Ding... I personally can't wait that long...Let's Get Ready To Rummmmble!

 

 

It's a timeless debate in sports. When a team struggles do you blame the players or the coach? More often than not, it's the coach that is held accountable. Although some might be reluctant to lower the axe when problems are related to injuries, how one responds to that unexpected adversity is fair game for analysis.

The struggles of the Yankees pitching staff, just 18 games into the season, is already well chronicled. Injuries to starting pitchers Chien-Ming Wang (Cy Young honorable mention), Mike Mussina (battle tested vet) and Carl Pavano (stop collecting free lunch) have left their rotation in tatters. Manger Joe Torre has responded by doing what he has always done. That would be butchering the pitching staff, and specifically his bullpen.

Believe me when I say that this is by no means unprecedented for him. When the Yankees won their first World Series under Torre in 1996, he did basically the same thing. Mariano Rivera wasn't a household name yet, but fans remember Joe's formula. The starters could hopefully give the team 5-6 innings, Rivera would next pitch the 7th and 8th innings of every close game that the team played, and closer John Wetteland would then shut the door. By the time the season was nearing an end, Mo was grimacing in pain from the exertion of pitching so much. No doubt from the pins and needles he was feeling in his arm after the 108 innings he logged as the set-up man.  Win a World Series and all is forgotten, ill advised as the strategy may have been.

 

As the team continued their impressive run of 4 World Series titles in 5 years, Torre continued to mangle his manipulation of Yankees relievers. To this day we still hear "know-it-all" announcers Joe Morgan and Tim McCarver reference those "great" Yankees bullpens of the championship years. It's a good thing that baseball players don't get paid over time, because Yankees relievers Mike Stanton and Jeff Nelson might have over-taxed George Steinbrenner's wallet even further. From 1997-2002 Stanton averaged 71 appearances. Nelson played 5 years in New York but was only fully healthy for 3 of them. In his healthy seasons he averaged 74 appearances.  Once again, more often than not, they got the job done. Once again, Joe Torre was fortunate that this lack of foresight didn't blow up in his face.

 

During the last few years the bullpen hasn't had the type of pitchers that Joe Torre consistently felt comfortable using. Therefore he regularly turned Mariano into the only remaining version of the now extinct 2-inning closer. At the beginning of this season Joe stated that he would no longer use Mo in such a manner. That solid strategy (for a change) didn't even make it out of April, as Rivera's highly publicized collapse against Boston last weekend transpired in the 8th inning.  Once more the standard; "Is Mariano washed up?" questions have surfaced. Maybe if Torre would give him adequate work in non-save situations, of which there have been plenty, Rivera would have the command and velocity we've become accustomed to seeing.

 

Let's backtrack one season to take a look at Joe's latest "workhorse", Scott Proctor.  Scott had a solid and VERY busy year. Quite honestly I'm surprised his arm didn't fall off. He was overused and seemed to run out of gas down the stretch. His 83 appearances and 102 innings for a reliever ranked at or near the top of the Major Leagues. How did Torre respond this April? By "rewarding" him with a record (I believe) 12 appearances in the team's first 17 games. I guess A-Rod isn't the only Yankee setting new standards. Proctor's latest outing on Sunday against Boston saw him give up a 3-run homerun to Mike Lowell that in effect lost the game for New York. To make matters worse, Joe brought him in to face Manny Ramirez of all players to start the inning. All Manny had done was hit 3 bombs off of Scott in 8 career at-bats against him. Although Manny didn't go yard in his 9th at bat, he did lead off with a hit and later scored on the Lowell blast.

 

Point blank, Torre is burning up his bullpen. The truth is he has been doing this since he got to New York. Unfortunately for the Yankees, this is his absolute worst job of it yet. The team has a ton of relievers, but none with clearly defined roles. He's done a deplorable job of mixing and matching the right man to the right situation, as well as making sure that each player gets adequate game repetitions or adequate rest. The bullpen is a mess and not from a lack of solid arms. The bullpen is a mess because of how Torre manages it. 

 

Those who know me best know that I called for George Steinbrenner to replace Torre after last season. I'm no Tory for Torre. In the history books, Tories were American colonists who remained loyal to King George and the British Empire during the Revolutionary War.  My apologies to Joe but it's nothing personal. I actually like and respect him a ton. However, my loyalty is done, finished, kaput. I have my eye on another Joe. Joltin' Joe Girardio as a matter of fact. Girardi played with Yankees mainstays, such as Jeter, Posada, Pettite and Rivera. He would instantly command the respect of the team in the clubhouse, for he is no outsider. His fiery personality would be a big boost to the team, as well as serve notice that their level of play must stay consistent. Torre's philosophy on the other hand, is akin to a gym teacher who rolls a ball onto the field and tells the kids to go out and play. Professionals or not the team needs more than that. Knowing how to play, and being inspired to do so, are totally different things. And besides, Girardi certainly couldn't manage a bullpen any worse.

 

If this keeps up Torre's time will come, as in time to go (and maybe sooner than later).  This "King George" hasn't had a blow-up in awhile and he's way overdue for an eruption. My baseball seismograph is starting to twitch as I'm already sensing future tremors in the Bronx. Not panic... just rumblings...look out.

 

He's your idol, the highest title, numero uno.

He's not a Puerto Rican but he's speaking so that you know.

Alex "Am I Dominican or am I American?" Rodriguez is serving notice (I never understood why that mattered so much to so many). Back off all you punks who jump up to get beat down, cause he's back, way back, hitting home runs into the black back. Playing with silent inspiration.  Keeping an eye on the Holy Land.  A hypothetical destination.  Say, who is this walk-off man?  If you hadn't heard A-Rod hit another one out, as the Yankees completed a three game sweep of Cleveland. This time, a 3-run jack, to cap a bottom of the 9th comeback, after being down 6-2 to start the inning in fact.    

 

I don't know which shrink or sports psychologist Alex finally settled on, but whoever it is deserves double pay. The man is scowling at foes, cutting it up with teammates and openly enjoying life for the first time since he got to New York.  All you depressed souls out there might want to do some research and figure out who this good doctor is. Rather than asking for A-Rod's autograph, you might want to ask for Professor Cure All's business card instead.

 

I didn't want to come out bragging earlier on but enough is enough. As Popeye once said, I've had all I can stands and I can't stands no more. "Arrogant" Yankees fans like myself get blamed for everything from east coast bias to global warming. Apparently because we blow so much hot air. I figure if I'm going to get accused of it, I might as well live it every once in awhile.  You can take this slice of not so humble pie and stick it down your throat. Are all you A-Rod bashers liking how this tastes? (and this goes for  POSER Yankees fans that boo MVPs too) Revenge is a dish best served cold, but red-hot baseball style isn't bad either.

 

This just could go down as the best April of all-time. Alex already has 10 homeruns and 26 RBIs to go along with a most robust .351 batting average.  This in a month where the weather has made it seem more like February.  Wait until New York turns into Hot Town. What a summer in the city it could be. It's still so early that it might as well be 5AM on Monday, but this is how seasons for the ages begin. This is how records get broken. It would be poetic irony if in the year that Barry Bonds passes Hank Aaron's career homerun run record, A-Rod blows up like Chernobyl and claims the single season mark. Wouldn't that drink go down nice and smooth at your local Player Haters Club?

 

Over hill, over dale, we have hit the dusty trail

And those Yankees go rolling along

In and out, hear them shout, on to Boston there's no doubt

And those Yankees go rolling along

 

Forget the Red Coats you stinking Bean Eaters. The Yanks are coming, the Yanks are coming. If you live in Nebraska or somewhere else that isn't "east", and you just can't stand anymore of the best rivalry in sports, then press the button to change the channel. Either that or avoid the Fox Network on Saturday and ESPN on Friday/Sunday altogether. To be honest, I can't figure out what's wrong with you. What do you have against a little playoff quality baseball in April?

 

A-Rod... A-Rod... A-Rod is on fire. He don't need no water let your jealous envy burn. Burn jealous suckers...burn.

 

Damn that felt good.  I've been sticking up for him since day one.  And if you don't know, now you know.

You Can Hate Me Now...But I Won't Stop Now...

Can You Hear Me Now?

Baseball has a major league steroid problem

With so much attention afforded Barry Bonds' pursuit of Hank Aaron's all-time home run record, far too many people have developed a one-track mind. In my opinion it's the NFL that people should be most skeptical of.  In case you hadn't realized, the bigwigs running football appear very image conscious as they openly appeal to public opinion. The recent 1-year suspension of Pacman Jones is testament to that. However, don't be easily fooled into believing that the entire league is on a higher moral plane than the other major sports. If half the urban legends regarding NFL drug use are true, there are serious problems afoot. Allegations that players get warned prior to random drug tests are not only plausible, but also likely. Teams clearly have a conflict of interest when it comes to following league policy over protecting their investments. A "heads-up" to a known or suspected steroid user would allow plenty of time to ingest a viable masking agent. If Bonds' physical growth can be considered evidence in the court of public opinion, then just take a look at football players. The famed "Hogs" of the Washington Redskins offensive line would be little more than piglets today. We have modern defensive linemen running faster than the star wide receivers of the recent past.  Although baseball may indeed have a steroid problem, don't be shocked if news eventually surfaces in the not so distant future that exposes NFL scandals beyond your wildest imagination.  

 

 

There are too many hoodlums in the NBA

 

I guess that depends on your definition of a hoodlum.  If that means a handful of guys who listen to rap music, wear baggy clothes and get into altercations with regular civilians during a night out on the town, then yes there might be a problem.  Throw in a team "fight" about once a season and Chicken Little starts screaming that the sky is falling.  Watching the typical NBA brawl can never be truly classified as a fight though. As for hockey, that's a totally different matter.  Full-fledged assault on a consistent basis sounds more hoodlumatic to me (Call Webster's because I just invented a word).  The fact that it is condoned and justified is even worse. In Europe we see that type of behavior at soccer matches with their notorious bands of traveling Hooligans.  The difference is, those wannabe enforcers are fans. In hockey they're on the payroll. As for the NBA "hoods"? We all know the streets are a lot tougher than the ice. They're supposed to be though, as jealous people everywhere want to play big shot for a night by trying to punk a professional athlete.  Kind of like those hockey goons who are only there to punk a real player.

Parity exists in football and basketball. Baseball should take notice

Did you know that in the last 10 years, seven different teams have won the Super Bowl? (Colts, Steelers, Patriots (3) Buccaneers, Ravens, Rams and Broncos (2) ) Guess what folks. The exact same number of franchises has also won the World Series during that time span. (Cardinals, White Sox, Red Sox, Marlins (2), Angels, Diamondbacks, and Yankees (3) ). If we go back 20 years the information is even more surprising. Over that period we have witnessed 12 different teams hoist the Lombardi Trophy en route to Disneyland, whereas 14 various baseball clubs have brought home the pennant.  It would appear that the "parity principle" isn't nearly as lopsided as you might think. In fairness some of the poorer franchises in baseball do fight an uphill battle, but in a society that measures success only by championships, the numbers don't reflect the hopeless state of affairs that some would have you believe. As for the NBA? Don't even get me started. Only 6 franchises have cut down the nets in the last two decades of play (Heat, Spurs (3), Pistons (3), Lakers (5), Bulls (6) and Rockets (2) ).  How's that for debunking the myth that a salary cap would  "save" baseball. Although for the record I think baseball should put a financial standard in place that also includes a spending minimum, which would force certain cheapskate owners to invest in their teams rather than their pockets.

The best athletes in the world are in the NFL

Football is hands down my favorite sport, and although many of its athletes appear as if they were born on Mt. Olympus, it's not even close. As much as it may pain some of you to admit, soccer players are easily the best athletes in the world.  It's estimated that they typically cover 6-9 miles per match. For any math whizzes out there that translates to approximately 105-158 touchdown runs of 100 yards each game.  Next consider that players are in a state of near perpetual motion, as sprinting, jogging and walking combine to put a tremendous physical strain on the body.  Furthermore, these athletes are more coordinated with their feet than most of us are with our hands. They may not be the strongest, but they definitely are the best.

 

Hey America! Stop Athletic Profiling Now! Or just have a beer and watch the games.