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 the bad blood between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz, Yuriorkis Gamboa's future, Vitali Klitschko's dominance of the heavyweight division, and much more. Without further ado, check out the latest observations from The Boxing Observer.
- I guess there truly is some bad blood between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz. When this fight was announced, it seemed as if Mayweather genuinely liked Ortiz, and Ortiz had much respect for Mayweather, but over the last few weeks, the level of respect has gone from high to non-existent based on recent comments by both fighters. Mayweather truly doesn't see any way he can lose to Ortiz, and Ortiz has put it in his mind that Mayweather is overrated. I guess we'll find out in 5 days.
- Victor Ortiz has NO CHANCE this Saturday night against Floyd Mayweather. It's just not going to happen for "Vicious" Victor. Not trying to downplay his talent, but Ortiz isn't on the same galaxy as Mayweather. Floyd is just that good and there isn't anybody, other than Manny Pacquiao, who can make that claim. HBO can doll this fight up any way they want, but Mayweather will defeat Ortiz and make it look very easy.
- Yuriorkis Gamboa will only be successful as high as lightweight. As great as Gamboa looks, just remember that he is only 5'5". That is one inch shorter than Manny Pacquiao. While Gamboa may be a fight for Pacquiao before he retires, it won't be until at least the year 2013. Gamboa has to prove that he can take punishment at a higher weight class before he can step up to the likes of Manny Pacquiao. I think Gamboa is awesome, but an enigma like Pacquiao only comes around once in a lifetime, and to think Gamboa can move up like Manny has is unrealistic. Let's put it this way, I don't think Gamboa could stand up to punches from lightweight titlist Brandon Rios.
- Vitali Klitschko is better than Wladimir. A few weeks ago, I stated that Chris Arreola would be the next man to beat one of the Klitschkos. Even in better shape, Arreola can't beat Vitali. He can beat Wladimir however. Tomasz Adamek found out just how good Vitali is Saturday night as Adamek was battered from pillar to post. The only man who may be able to beat Vitali is 6'9" U.K. native Tyson Fury. Fury is still a good 2 fights away before he is ready for the likes of the Klitschkos. Vitali said he only has 2 or 3 fights left, so a fight with Tyson Fury could be the final chapter in Vitali's hall-of-fame career.
- The next two major heavyweight fights being discussed are bigger punchlines than Antonio Margarito's hand wraps. Wladimir Klitschko is in talks with former cruiserweight champio Jean Marc Mormeck, and Alexander Povetkin's next opponent could potentially be Evander Holyfield. For those saying the heavyweight division is killing boxing, at least give the Klitschkos credit for trying to stir some interest. Truth is, there are no fighters left out there and the Klitschkos have to generate interest somehow. Whether they are jokes or not, I would watch Mormeck and Holyfield knowing full well they have no chance. Ask yourself this question, who else is out there?
- It's a damn shame Lucas Matthysse had to withdraw from his fight Saturday night with Erik Morales. For those of you questioning the legitimacy of Matthysse's illness, just remember, this guy is a road warrior who was about to make his biggest payday to date. There is no way he would've pulled out of this fight unless he truly couldn't fight. It's just unfortunate this didn't happen earlier. Had the Matthysse withdrawal happened two weeks ago, I think we may have seen Marcos Maidana step in as a replacement.
- Alfredo Angulo needs to get his visa issues straightened out, and fast. I'm tired of hearing that "El Perro" can't come into the United States. What's the problem exactly? If Cubans can defect and fight in the United States, what is wrong with Angulo? Now we're hearing Vanes Martirosyan rejected an offer to fight Angulo because it's not for a title. This is what is wrong with boxing. YOU HAVE TO BEAT SOMEONE OF RELEVANCE BEFORE YOU CAN GET A TITLE SHOT. WHO HAS VANES BEAT? ANGULO WOULD FIT THAT CATEGORY. That being said, we are talking about the WBC, who will probably make a new belt and award it to the least active fighter. Erislandy Lara versus Alfredo Angulo would be a great matchup! Let's get it on gentleman. The winner would be in position for a showdown with "Canelo" Alvarez, and could be in line to face Pacquiao in late 2012. Plus, it would be entertaining as hell.
- All great trainers may not be great for every fighter. Chad Dawson decided not to use the great Emanuel Steward for his fight with Bernard Hopkins. Zab Judah clearly did not benefit from working with Pernell Whitaker. Guillermo Rigondeaux didn't feel comfortable with Freddie Roach. Sometimes it's personality. Sometimes it's work ethic. Sometimes it's something else entirely. But there are many great trainers out there who can take a fighter to the top. At the end of the day, it's about the fighter...not the trainer. I don't think anyone looks at Roger Mayweather as a great trainer, but he trains the best fighter in the world, Floyd Mayweather.
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