As we move into another year of boxing, we are not hurting for young, exciting prospects. We have so many, that some are even beginning to fight each other... a rarity in leaner years. This means we have to make room for them in our minds, rankings, and TV dates. There are a few fighters each month that pop into my mind when it comes to overstaying one's welcome. They have given us great performances, but it is time, for their own health, to clear the damned lane. Here are 3 more to add to the list:
Mike Alvarado - Yes, he can say he was distracted, or that he never got a chance to get into a rhythm. He can also say he did not train as hard as he could have. He can also say he is jinxed in his own hometown. He can even say Rios looked better than we've ever seen him. What the truth is, however, is Alvarado is finished. He has lost 4 out of his last 5, and 3 straight. He has been stopped in 3 of those 4 losses, and twice quit on his stool at home. Even if he was not 34, that would be a recipe for retirement. Add to that his impending marriage, and litigation, he has better things to focus on than increasing his risk of brain damage. Men with his style should not have long careers anyway, and Alvarado is already in his mid-thirties. He also looked as if he could not make his legs work, which is always a sign that a fighter is done.
Rocky Juarez - Juarez never got an easy gimme for a title shot. He had to face men like Marquez and Barrera, etc. for title shots. The former 2000 Olympic silver medalist has now been a pro for over 14 years, and by only fighting at the top, he has quite an unimpressive record. Castellanos is much better than his own record, too, but Juarez is no longer even a contender. He keeps winning one whenever he seems close to quitting, and that convinces him to keep coming back for more. Juarez deserves to call himself a former world champ, even if it was just some random vacant IBF 130lb-er or something, because he was so much better than many fighters who do have that distinction. It's sad that it never happened for him, but it would be sadder if something happened TO him.
Jermain Taylor - One cannot do better than being a former undisputed champion with multiple title defenses behind you. Taylor has beaten future hall of famers in Hopkins and Wright, and strong perennial contenders in Lacy, Ouma, and Spinks.
