The Cyber Boxing Zone Newswire |
| GETTIN' REAL: JASON CHRISTIAN |
| RECIPE FOR GREATNESS While watching Reggie Johnson and Stevie Johnston as they worked their way toward decision victories this past weekend, I began to think about their likely future opponents, Roy Jones Jr. and "Sugar" Shane Mosley, respectively. These two marvelously talented pugilists, who have been HBO card-mates recently, seem to be headed in opposite directions. While both have skills that warrant fame and fortune, only Mosley seems to have the potential to secure a place as one of the all time greats. NUMERO UNO? How is it, you ask, that Roy Jones, perhaps the best pound for pound fighter in the world today, could not go down as one of the best ever, while "Sugar" Shane still has the chance to do just that? Simply put, it's all about competition. NOT A SUPER CLASH The prospect of a Jones/Reggie Johnson bout, on the heels of Johnson's lackluster win against Will Taylor, hardly leaves me with a feeling of great anticipation. Yet, the Johnson match-up is probably the best one out there for Jones today. RERUNS NOT MUCH BETTER Potential bouts with Dariusz Michalczewski, Lou Del Valle (again), Bernard Hopkins (again), or Frankie Liles would probably generate no more excitement. Jones is simply too talented for any one of these guys. As for Jones moving up to take on the big boys, I think his reluctance to take on a flabby Buster Douglas tells us that Roy as a heavyweight is just a pipe dream. NO PROM DATE In short, there is no one to challenge Mr. Jones. When a talented fighter is young and trying to make a name for himself, shining against inferior opposition is sufficient. However, at some point, he needs to find a foe (or foes) of equal or similar talent who forces him to prove his greatness. RAY HAD WORTHY FOES TO FIGHT Indeed, what would Leonard's legacy have been without Duran, Hagler, and Hearns to challenge him? Would Ali be "The Greatest" without Liston, Foreman, and Frazier? Certainly not, as it was the ability to beat other great fighters that made Leonard and Ali so great themselves. Jones, however, has lacked such quality opponents. HO HUM Wins against Bernard Hopkins, James Toney, Montell Griffin, and Virgil Hill were nice, but hardly the stuff of legend. Unless Jones finds someone down the road against whom he can fight that kind of definitive fight, someone who poses more of a threat than the embarrassingly overmatched New York City cop Rick Frazier, he will be remembered more for his potential than for any accomplishments. SUPER SUGAR VS. STEVIE Mosley, on the other hand, has a much greater opportunity to display his skills against top competition. Based on the performance Stevie Johnston gave against Cesar Bazan, one can assume that Mosley would, at the very least, have to be near the top of his game to assure a victory against "Little" Stevie. WORTHY Johnston displayed a toughness, both physical and mental, that would likely allow him to give Shane all he could handle. TOP CONTENDERS RUNNING Bouts against Ivan Robinson and Israel Cardona would also present legitimate tests to Mosley, although these two men seem happy to go on without having to step in against the man with the world's most vicious body attack. Even a potential match-up with Arturo Gatti would be interesting, if not the slight bit competitive. UP THE WEIGHT LADDER ONE NOTCH Outside the lightweight division, where Shane may soon find himself, there are talented pugs like Kostya Tszyu, Miguel Angel Gonzalez, and youngster Zab Judah who could give Mosley a run for his money. And who wouldn't love to see Shane eventually move up to take on one of those tough welterweights? SHANE VS. OSCAR IN REMATCH? I dare anyone to find an arena or stadium that wouldn't sell out for a De La Hoya/Mosley showdown. As for being a rematch, Shane beat Oscar in the amateurs. PRETTY BOY FLOYD TOO Oh, and don't forget that super-slick Floyd Mayweather Jr. is right behind Mosley in weight. Shane and Floyd in the same ring would remind us all why boxing is referred to as "the sweet science." DOES MONIKER PROUD Clearly, Shane Mosley will have ample opportunity to prove to the world that he is worthy of the nickname "Sugar" that he shares with two of the greatest of all time. JONES GETTING OLD WAITING Unfortunately, it appears that Roy Jones Jr., though 11 years as a pro, will have no such chance. As all boxing enthusiasts know, even the greatest talents are worth nothing without opposition against which to measure them. Jason Christian The writer is featured exclusively at www.fighters.com and can be reached with your comments at jason.christian@cwix.com |
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