Heavyweight Tony Thompson has finally stated the obvious that many people were thinking... just legalize it! Thompson said that PEDs should be legalized... and he said this just prior to his fight with David Price. This may not have been the best timing, as his test could now be tampered with by shady forces, but Thompson has a point. PEDs do not make anyone a better fighter. They simply allow for maximization of potential, and quicker healing. Therefore, they are no more cheating than new nutrition or workout methods. It seems we have this puritanical no pain no gain attitude that if we don't earn it with sweat, it's must be cheating. Statements like Thompsons should make us think.... not react.
Speaking of thinking by reaction, fans should not be so quick to think Robert Guerrero is a tough opponent for Floyd Mayweather. Guerrero is Victor Ortiz with a better chin, and cooler head. That just means he'll last the distance, and win a couple rounds, while ethnic fans pay good money to watch Floyd embarrass yet another Chicano.
Speaking of Mexican future Floyd opponents, bravo to Canelo Alvarez for taking the fight with Austin Trout. It is the biggest fight at 154lbs that doesn't involve Floyd, and should be for the 154lb legit title. Trout has all the tools to defeat Canelo, but if Alvarez pulls it off, he is officially the real deal. No more doubters (pun intended). He has not yet fought anyone in their prime at Trout's level, and the same can be said about Trout. Both hold decision wins over shot hall of famers. Maybe they will forge their own legacy by having a trilogy. Either way, pay attention to Bundrage vs. Smith this weekend. As meaningless as it sounds, the winner is being primed for a big money fight.
Speaking of being primed, Tomasz Adamek has been officially put out to pasture. He is the only heavyweight who makes money on his own, outside of the Klitschkos, and he clearly cannot beat them. That could be the only explanation for turning down an eliminator for the right to face Klitschko. Deep down, Kathy Duva knows Adamek has lost his last two fights, and cannot beat slick US boxers. He's going to be making money in Poland for now, until he can cash out with another big Klitschko loss. An eliminator is something he probably won't win.
Speaking of winning, I see no end in sight for Nonito Donaire. Guillermo Rigondeaux has fought much lower opposition than Donaire, and has not even looked as consistently dominant at that level. Rigo has tremendous natural skills, but has developed bad habits in his short career. Bad habits that Donaire will certainly exploit. I see this as much more of a mismatch than many others do. Top Rank tries a lot of shady things to avoid Golden Boy fighters, but the door swings both ways. That's why Abner Mares is being spared a Donaire beat-down, which is the guaranteed outcome if they fight.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
