[Previous entry: "Demetrius Hopkins and Ishe Smith Featured on ESPN2s Wednesday Night Fights 6/7"] [Main Index] [Next entry: "Euro-Beat Update: Kalnars Stops Schmidt, Valuev Stops Beck & More!"]
06/05/2006 Archived Entry: "Mike Indri: Predictions on Tarver-Hopkins & Cotto-Malignaggi"
Mike Indri: Predictions on Tarver-Hopkins & Cotto-Malignaggi
By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
Antonio Tarver vs. Bernard Hopkins:
In a fight which I see no interest or reason for taking place, the choice has to be Tarver. Hopkins, whose legacy is entrenched as one of the greatest middleweights ever, should have kept the promise he made to his late mother and retired last year.
Tarver's fortitude and resilience has enabled him to prevail against aging champions Montel Griffin, Glen Johnson and Roy Jones; and the timing has worked out well again for the fortunate Tarver, who will add a very past-his-prime Bernard Hopkins to his hit list in a lackluster bout not worthy of the boxing fan's pay-per- view dollars.
Antonio Tarver over Bernard Hopkins via 12 round Unanimous Decision. Miguel Cotto vs. Paulie Malignaggi: While many boxing fans will be missing this one, in lieu of Tarver vs. Hopkins, those who opt for the boxing future over the boxing past will be rewarded with the better fight.
With Paulie Malignaggi, you either like him for his flash, speed, and showmanship or you don't, for the same reasons; and want to see him get knocked out and his mouth shut (if that's possible) in the process.
I respect Malignaggi for all the sacrifices and hardships he has endured to get himself to this point in his career and for his heart in taking on one of the most destructive and punishing young fighters in Miguel Cotto. A potential shining star in boxing Cotto has all the tools for greatness.
Cotto has chinks in his armor as well: a suspect chin and a defense which allows him to get hit often. Malignaggi is not know for his punching power, but punches in bunches will get you the same result. As much as I'd like to go with my heart on this one, I can't. Even though I do give Malignaggi a much better chance now, than I did when this fight was first announced months ago, I feel Cotto is too big and strong, and has progressed well against better opposition.
A real intriging fight in boxing's hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden, and one well worth watching. Cotto's strength and montrous body attack will be the difference.
Miguel Cotto over Paulie Malignaggi via 10-12th round TKO.
See also http://www.retiredboxers.org
