Allow me to extend my apologies for the lack of content on Pugilism 101. My account was apparently phished, disallowing me to publish my posts up to this point. It's great to be back on here, sharing my thoughts on the sweet science with you.
I'd like to thank those who frequently checked in for new posts, those who asked when the blog will be updated and those who kindly hassled me to find a remedy for the problem.
To Andrew, Lee and everybody at The Boxing Bulletin: Thanks for maintaining interest in my writing and allowing me to contribute. I look forward to working with you in the future.
There were so many riveting stories in the boxing world during my sabbatical. I had commented on many of them, and I'm sorry my opinions weren't available to be shared on here. I'm not going to play catch up, though. I'm just going to jump in as if I never left you.
Again, thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Joseph R. Holzer
R.I.P. Jennifer Carolina Vieira: It's a shame the mainstream media have covered Edwin Valero's horrifying act of violence and subsequent suicide in such volume. I don't think it's fair to Vieira and her family, and I don't think it's fair to boxing.
Where is the coverage (outside of boxing-specific Web sites and pages) of the humanitarian efforts of Andre Berto and Tomasz Adamek? How is the charity of Valero's fellow Venezuelan and newly crowned middleweight champion, Sergio Martinez, being overlooked by sports news outlets?
The sport shouldn't be condemned for one boxer's evils. The sport should be celebrated for the affiliated people who stand for what is right. The media should know better. Vilifying Valero without praising the aforementioned only puts a stigma on boxing.
Awareness is only benefit of the coverage of Vieira's murder. Maybe abused women will be enlightened and learn to leave once the first fist strikes their faces. Unfortunately, there are men in the world like Valero. Proportionately, there are less men like Valero in the sweet science.
Predictions: There are some decent televised bouts this weekend. Cristobal Arreola will face former cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek in a heavyweight main event on an HBO Boxing After Dark card beginning at 11:15 p.m. ET.
This is a no-win situation for Arreola. If he wins, he will have beaten a much smaller man. If he loses, his status as a contender takes a severe hit. Adamek, in my opinion, is the most underrated fighter in the sport. That said, I don't think he'll be able to absorb the power of the bigger Arreola. Adamek is tough as nails, but I see him on the canvas by the sixth. I'm not saying he won't beat a 10-count; he's too durable. I envision a ninth-round stoppage in favor of The Nightmare, Arreola.
On the undercard, Alfredo Angulo takes on Joel Julio in a junior middleweight showdown between power punchers. This will be a firefight through five. Then Julio will go down.
The Super Six World Boxing Classic continues with a Group Stage Two battle between Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler on Showtime at 9 p.m. ET.
In the super middleweight tournament, Froch is currently tied for second (Andre Ward, Andre Dirrell) with 2 points after defeating Dirrell in Group Stage 1. Kessler is coming off his second career defeat at the hands of Ward in the first stage.
I picked Froch to win the Super Six from the get-go. He wasn't entirely impressive in his first bout, but he's still a force. Kessler is the more polished boxer, but I think Froch's will more than makes up for the difference in skill. Froch can brawl and has a speed advantage. Kessler isn't mentally tough enough to deal with Froch's onslaught. Froch wins a majority decision on enemy territory.
Jose Aldo puts his featherweight championship on the line against Urijah Faber in WEC 48 on pay-per-view at 10 p.m. ET. This should be a mixed martial arts war of epic proportions.
Both unorthodox and explosive, don't expect a cat-and-mouse game. It's Aldo's superior striking against Faber's extreme conditioning. Faber will recapture the title by decision in a 5-round classic.
On the undercard, Donald Cerrone will attempt to avenge his loss to Ben Henderson. He'll achieve his goal by submission, forcing a rubber match. These two are made for each other.
It's great to be back.
