Forbes gets Golden
By Moncayo Blackbull Photo: Eric Van Dyke/InsideBoxing.com View more photos
Carson, CA (IB-February 27, 2008) - On May 3rd former world champion Steve Forbes will step into the ring in what can be called the biggest opportunity of his boxing career.
Forbes, 33-5 became world champion on December 3, 2000 when
he stopped John Brown in the final round of the championship bout for the IBF
super featherweight title. The two would rematch nine months later with Forbes
successfully defending his crown with a unanimous
decision. In a scheduled
title defense, Forbes defeats a game David Santos but loses the title due to not
being able to make the required weight.
Since his days as a champion, Forbes has demanded fights with champions and top ten contenders only to have the door shut in front of him, until recently.
In 2006 Forbes entered the ESPN Contender series and fought his way to the championship coming up short in the contest. Since the Contender series, 2 prospects or so called contenders challenged Forbes thinking they would use him as a stepping stone to glory. In both cases, they failed.
In Forbes’ last contest he defeated a once promising fighter Francisco “Panchito” Bojado in a ten round bout. And prior to that fight, he soundly schooled Demetrius Hopkins in a contest where Forbes was the victim of this sport’s bias judging. As a result of these fights, Forbes now finds himself in the fight of his career.
Oscar DeLaHoya looking forward to a rematch against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in September has elected to take a “tune up” fight before hand. You know, to keep him sharp and on queue for Mayweather. Not a bad strategy at all, in looking for an opponent, DeLaHoya settled his sights on Forbes.
Why Forbes? Well Forbes has the credentials, a former world champion, an active fighter and a decent current fighter, but I have a sneaky suspicion there is a little more to the selection of Forbes.
You see, both Bojado and Hopkins are Golden Boy protégés, the careers of both fighters were severely damaged by Forbes and Golden Boy Promotion will not be able to immediately capitalize on Bojado and Hopkins. Instead Golden Boy will have to further invest in building up the future contenders and hope they pass the test next time they are tested.
I think DeLaHoya might have a little vengeance on his mind, I think DeLaHoya might want to open up a can of “Whip - @$$” on Forbes. After all if his fighters could not do it, then he’ll have to administer the beating himself.
You have read the stories and opinions of many pencil pushers on how DeLaHoya is done and should retire etc. When the truth of the matter is DeLaHoya continues to sell and fill arenas. DeLaHoya continues to provide opponents with large paydays. In today’s day of mismatches and fighters afraid to fight any opponent with a strong pulse, DeLaHoya will continue to be a breath of fresh air to the boxing fans.
Forbes now steps up to the plate, will he continue to be a thorn in DeLaHoya’s side by defeating or making DeLaHoya’s performance look sub-standard. How Forbes fairs in this contest surely will have a significant impact on the upcoming rematch between DeLaHoya and Mayweather Jr. The key is will the value be good or bad, beneficial or detrimental.
The contest against Forbes was officially announced yesterday and will be held at the Home Depot Stadium in California, with tickets going on sale next Tuesday, March 4.
DeLaHoya said this fight is not about money but about giving back to the boxing fans. 20,000 out of the 32,000 tickets will sell under $75.
Home About Us-Boxing Directories Boxing Schedule Columnists Feedback Inside Coverage Local Scene Links Welcome Search InsideBoxing Join eGroup Submit News/Articles Tell Friends Copyright Notice