I hope that Chocolatito Román González is the real thing when he steps up to US TV. He looks it, but remember, Iron Boy and Finito did not have many years left by the time we started looking. I wonder if he'll do the smart thing like Lopez, and retire when he feels it start to go... or will he pull a Chavez or Olivares and stay around too long, when he could have had a fairly perfect career? Only time, opportunities, and level of opposition will tell.
Speaking of level of opposition, I know GGG wants to stay busy, but one Geale, Macklin, or Murray per year is not enough anymore. I know the cowardice of the other top US Middleweights is disheartening (Cotto taking on Bundrage after a year off, and Quillin-Jacobs not facing each other), but Willie Monroe is not ready for this shot. I hope he loses in such a way that his career will be preserved, because all of the skills are there.
Speaking of losing well, Peterson is the exact wrong style to bother Danny Garcia. Sure, Garcia won't flatten Peterson like Matthysse did, but Swift is bothered by boxing skills from men who do not try to walk him down. Herrera and Khan. There's a reason why he is not facing Broner. Ironically Herrera has trouble with boxers, too, and/or other light hitters like himself: Dallas, Mayfield, Alvarado, and Pendarvis. Notice Herrera is not calling out Algieri or Vargas, as he would likely lose to them, legitimately. Many of these men have already faced each other, but the most exciting thing about 140lob division, is that styles make fights, and they could al beat each other in a big circle. I hope they stay, and don't muddy up the picture at 147 even more.
Speaking of that picture, it is time for a tournament in the 147lb division. The cold war is over, and there are just too many names. It is not getting much clearer with time, either. Whenever we think we are rid of someone, either to losses, or division changes, they come back: Berto, Maidana, Soto-Karass, Porter, etc. It is time for a single elimination tournament between Thurman, Maidana, Berto, Porter, the winner of Dan-Brook, Garcia, Khan, and Bradley.
The best part about this tourney, is that I have no idea who would win. Thurman looks like the best odds, but Bradley could beat anyone if he still has anything left. Khan could outpoint anyone, but will he get caught. Brook is still a question mark. How good is Dan? His only two losses were robberies. So many questions, and there is no need for it to take 4 years to find out. 3 massive fight cards in one year, and we will have our winner. Then, maybe they can catch Floyd and/or Manny before they retire.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
