NOT A GOOD MONTH FOR THE BRITISH
(INSIDE BOXING) Just two short weeks ago the country of Great Britain boasted world champions in the heavyweight and featherweight divisions who were allegedly unbeatable. Those two divisions now confirm the thoughts of a few that taking your “show on the road” defines a true champion.
Lennox
Lewis and Prince Naseem Hamed are still respected fighters in the heavyweight
and featherweight class. Just remove the title “champion” from the name of
either. Substitute overrated and arrogant in that space.
Prince
Naseem Hamed had never fought one of the Mexican champions all wanted to see.
Boxing analysts were all prepared for the demise of Hamed once he made that
move.
Lennox
Lewis has been very selective in choosing opponents who were afraid of the right
hand possessed by him. Boxing analysts were all prepared for the demise of Lewis
when confronted by an opponent who did not show that fear.
Only
when the cheers of the crowd are in their favor does the performance of either
resemble that of a true champion. Only when the deck is stacked, in their favor,
do they maintain star status.
Mexican
champion Marco Antonio Barrera took apart the once seemingly invincible Prince
Naseem Hamed in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 7th. Hamed had predicted a
“devastating knockout” for his fans. Instead, he was the one in danger of
suffering his own prediction.
The
cheers were in the name of Barrera. The fans were supportive of the Mexican
champion. Hamed was on unfamiliar turf. For the first time he would see what
true boxing champions already know.
The
first time Hamed ventured into hostile territory he was soundly defeated. (He
had entered the United States previously, but in the comfort
zone
of New England. There he defeated the tough but never really dangerous Augie
Sanchez).
The
once thought of as invincible WBC and IBF heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis was
knocked out by American Hasim Rahman (35-2) at 2:32 of the fifth round of a
scheduled 12 round contest last night in Brakpan, South Africa. A thunderous
right hand from the challenger would again be the Achilles heel of the former
champion Lewis.
Lewis
had predicted the fight would end within 4 rounds with Rahman being a knockout
victim. Lewis’ prediction would come true with one major twist. He would be
the victim, not Rahman.
The
vocal African early morning (5 a.m. here in America) crowd was clearly in
support of challenger Rahman who had endeared himself to the South African
people by arriving early and mingling with them his entire visit.
The
arrogance of the former champion Lewis was seen not only by the African people
but the world-wide media as well. Lewis arrived some 90 minutes late for his
first press conference. He offered no apologies and showed absolutely no respect
for his opponent or South Africa.
Arriving
some two weeks before the bout and after shooting scenes for an upcoming movie
here in the states, Lewis was prepared for only one thing. A early round
demolition of Rahman…who would not comply.
The
altitude, the conditioning and the arrogance of the 35 years old Lewis (38-2-1)
would all factor in his first defeat in 6 years. That last defeat came at the
hands of American Oliver McCall in London in September of 1994. A McCall
thunderous right hand was also the culprit in that Lewis loss.
It
was no secret amongst boxing observers that Lennox Lewis is: (1) susceptible to
the overhand right and: (2) has a “glass jaw”.
The
problem for opponents has been the size of Lewis. At 6’5” and some 240
pounds he is an imposing figure and does have a powerful right hand of his own.
He is talented and a devastating puncher. But most in the heavyweight division
boast the same talents.
The
heavyweight division has numerous fighters in the 5’11” to 6’3” range
that are formidable opponents but most are afraid to give an all out attack
against Lewis. The ones that have, i.e. Oliver McCall, Evander Holyfield and
Hasim Rahman have had huge success.
Had
that fact not been apparent to most, there should now be a onslaught of
heavyweight contenders who realize all the boxing public wishes is to see two
combatants give their all. Nothing more and most definitely nothing less.
Lennox
Lewis immediately called upon the rematch clause in the Rahman contract. He most
likely would like that rematch as soon as possible. If Rahman is smart he will
take full advantage of this pending big payday and make Lewis wait as long as
possible.
Let
him put on a few more pounds. Let him shoot scenes for a few more movies. Let
his arrogance again be his demise. Let the overhand right he so despises again
put him on his back.
It
may even be a better move to make him wait until next April. The month that
apparently is not so good to British fighters.
04/21/01