Boxing scribe Gabriel Montoya noted that they keep putting Sergey Kovalev in with fighters who are not big punchers. While certainly Ismail Sillakh, Roman Simkalov, and even Darnell Boone could punch at the lower levels, it is a bit of a concern. I personally feel this is from lack of opposition available to him politically. They are trying to keep him at the HBO level, and seem to be doing so by offering up unbeaten fighters.
The only unbeaten contenders he can face are largely light-hitting, unproven commodities like Blake Capparello and Agnew. Perhaps more belts would be the answer (never thought I'd type that!). If Brahmer would ever be brave or stupid enough, that may be a good fight. The IBF seems dead set on stripping Hopkins or Stevenson, when they finally try to unify. Maybe that belt will help. Either way, it's hard to see any Achilles heel for Kovalev yet... so we'll need to see that chin tested soon.
Speaking of tested soon, Fres Oquendo actually has the perfect opponent liked up... for him to finally get a belt. After so many close/bad calls have robbed him, Ruslan Chagaev is the perfect opponent to show us once and for all if Fast Fres just doesn't do enough, or if he will take it when given the chance. Chagaev has slowed from his early days, and seems less than motivated. He may oddly enough be more shot that Oquendo, too, just watching recent performances. Unfortunately, it's not the perfect political climate for the Puerto Rican, so don't expect a decision to go his way unless it's dominant, which we have never seen out of Fres before. He has his chance. No excuses this time.
Speaking of perfect climate, outdoor boxing never seems to happen in the places it would fit best. Other than the Stub Hub Center in Carson, most big stadium fights have taken place in humid, potentially rainy venues like Africa, New York, Texas, etc. Vegas outdoors is a good idea, but hasn't been seen much in this century... as long as it's not in summer, and not during the day, I think it's a fun thing to bring back.
Speaking of bringing things back... where are the 15 round fights? We keep hearing about this making a return, yet it never does. At the very least, odd numbered rounds should be used. 4 and 12 rounders seem silly. How about a compromise? 5 and 7 for budding fighters, then 9 rounders for regular contender fights, 11 for regional belts, and 13 for world championships. Don't tell me some stupid superstition is going to stop this. You have odd numbers for judges, so why not the rounds? It would be for the same reason... to make draws less likely.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
