Talk Tough 10/14/04

"Trinidad Is Back In Full Effect!"
Tito Trinidad (42-1) looked incredible stopping (8th rd. TKO) former welterweight champ, Ricardo Mayorga (27-5-1) October 2 in Madison Square Garden. After shaking off the rust and losing the third round 10-8 for his glove touching the ground, (which was a correct call from referee Steve Smoger) Tito took control knocking Mayorga down three times in the eighth round. Fortunately for Mayorga, Smoger waved it off after the third trip to the canvas. With the win, Tito picked up the lightly regarded WBA North American and NABC middleweight belts. But more importantly he re-established himself as one of the top pound for pound boxers in the world. At the press conference, Tito called out Bernard Hopkins and Cory Spinks, stating he only wanted big fights. I thought Tito looked great, but I think Hopkins is just too much for the naturally smaller Trinidad. After being released from Bellevue Hospital in New York City, Mayorga said that he is done with boxing and is officially retired. He is now scheduled to return to his native Nicaragua to face rape allegations.

''Russian Bear defeats Italian Gladiator''
On October 9 in Erfurt, Germany the 6'11 323lb, "Russian Bear'', Nicolay Valuev (38-0) stopped the 6'3 235lb, "Italian Gladiator", Paolo Vidoz (17-2) in the ninth round for the vacant WBA International heavyweight belt. Vidoz was the 2000 Olympic super heavyweight bronze medalist and most credible opponent Valuev has faced to date. With the win, Valuev is looking at a possible November match up with former world champion Michael Moorer. Vidoz reported afterwards that his jaw was broken in the third round.

''Clay-Bey Stays Busy''
Former US Olympian heavyweight, Lawrence Clay- Bey (20-2) will face journeyman, Otis Tisdale (21-16-1) October 15. The bout will be held at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, Texas. Clay-Bey's manager James Gogue informed me that Clay is looking good and took this fight to stay busy. He also said they are looking for one more fight in December then will continue to pursue Dominick Guinn and Calvin Brock.

''Showtime Bout''
25 year old, ''Mighty'' Mike Arnaoutis (10-0-2) will face 22-year old Jessie Feliciano (12-2-2) October 22 at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez California. The two junior welterweights will be battling for the vacant WBO/NABO title. Arnaoutis was an outstanding amateur going 103-7 before turning professional. He is originally from Greece and now trains at the Atlantic City P.A.L. Arnaoutis’ trainer, Bill Johnson informed me that he’s looking great and has been sparring with up and coming Lorenzo Bethea and Shamone Alvarez. Johnson said he’s also got some rounds in with 2x world champion contender John “The Eastern Beast” Brown. Arnaoutis and Feliciano’s bout will be televised on Showtime 11:00pm EST.

''Heavy Card At MSG''
Future Hall of Famer, Evander Holyfield (38-7-2) has been added to the Don King promoted heavyweight card November 13 at Madison Square Garden. He will face Larry Donald (41-3-2) in a ten round bout. In the main event, IBF champ Chris Byrd (37-2-1) will defend his belt against his friend Jameel McCline (31-3-1) in an interesting match up of size versus speed. In the co-feature, WBA champ John Ruiz (40-5-1) will face the new improved Andrew Golota (38-4-1) for his belt. Also on the card, former world champ Hasim Rahman (39-5-1) will take on Kali Meehan (29-2) in another competitive ten rounder. Meehan is coming off a disputed decision loss to WBO champ, Lamon Brewster. This should prove to be a great night of action packed fights.

''IBF Eliminator''
USBA lightweight champ, Levander Johnson (33-4-2) informed me that negotiations for a rematch with Javier Jauregui and Mike Clark have fallen through. He informed me that his management is now talking to former WBO champ, Artur Grigorian's (37-1) manager Klaus-Peter Kohl about an IBF elimination bout in Europe. Johnson said he is still trained by his father Bill and managed by his brother Craig but is now being promoted by Lou DiBella. (Note: Grigorian's only loss was a decision to Acelino Freitas)

''ESPN2 To Feature Baby Bull''
Here's more good news for fight fans. ESPN2 will be dedicate more time to the ''sweet science'' November 4. WBA lightweight champ, Juan ''Baby Bull'' Diaz (25-0) will defend his title against 2x WBA lightweight champ, Julien Lorcy (56-3-2) on the Main Events promoted card. It will be held in Diaz' hometown of San Antonio Texas. (Note: Lorcy's two title reigns lasted 7 months combined.)

''Gatti vs Leija''
New Jersey residents lucked out again. Arturo "Thunder" Gatti (38-6) will defend his jr. welterweight title against former world champ, "Jesse" James Leija (47-6-2) January 29 in Atlantic City. The two were featured on the same card July 24 when Leija got off the deck in the second to win a tough split decision over the up and coming Francisco Bojado. Then Gatti stopped Leonard Dorin with a body shot in the second for the knock out win. This could easily be a 2005 ''fight of the year'' candidate.

Contact: fightingsdirish@aol.com for questions or comments