Talk Tough 10-30-04

INSIDE BOXING (October 30, 2004) - I normally don’t like to make predictions but I figured I would switch things up this time out. First we have the Kosta Tszyu vs Sharmba Mitchell rematch November 6. I’ve been a Tszyu (30-1) fan for a long time but I think his inactivity might hurt him. Mitchell    (55-3) has been busy ( 7 fights in the last two and half years) and is hungry to regain the number one status in the most talent filled division out there. Between only fighting twice in the last two and half years and the injuries that kept delaying this rematch, Tszyu will have a tough fight on his hands. You have to remember Mitchell was giving him a good fight before he injured his knee in their first bout February 3, 2001. I have always given Tszyu credit for being one of the greatest amateur boxers ever and a great jr. welterweight champ (13 title defenses in two championship reigns). But this time I’m going with Mitchell for a close decision.

The following week I should be in press row in Madison Square Garden for Don King’s “Rendezvous With Destiny” card. The main event features two friends in IBF champ, Chris Byrd (37-2-1) and Jameel McCline (31-3-3) battling for Byrd’s belt. It will be a showcase of speed vs strength. I’m going with Byrd’s speed, skill, and elusiveness for a unanimous decision victory. The next bout between WBA champ, John Ruiz (40-5-1) and Andrew Golota (38-4-1) is a tough one to call. I think Golota knows this might be his last chance and he should step it up. Some people forgot he was one of the best heavyweights in the world when he lost the two bouts to Riddick Bowe because of disqualifications back in 1996. I know he fell apart in most of his big fights (Bowe 1&2, Mike Tyson, Michael Grant, and Lennox Lewis), but he looked great in his last fight in a draw against Byrd April 17. Myself along with a lot of ringside observers had Golota ahead. I’m going with Golota with a close decision. I also think Evander Holyfield (38-7-2) like Golota knows this should be his last chance. Holyfield could surprise everyone with a classic Holyfield battle. It seems like he always comes back with a terrific performance after a dismal one (Ray Mercer after Michael Moorer 1, Mike Tyson after Bobby Czyz, Hasim Rahman after John Ruiz 1, 2, & 3). Larry Donald (41-3-2) is a solid opponent but no one has the experience and heart that Holyfield has. I’m going with a decision for Holyfield. If he gets the win he should be next in line for a shot at WBO champ Lamon Brewster. I think former world champ, Hasim Rahman (39-5-1) is going to have his hands full with Kali Meehan (29-2). If Meehan performs the way he did against Lamon Brewster he should win a decision or get a TKO. I think Rahman doesn’t put enough effort into his preparation and has showed a lackadaisical attitude since knocking out Lennox Lewis back in 2001.

I’m going to finish off with the Winky Wright (47-3) vs Shane Mosley (39-3) rematch. Unfortunately for Mosley I think the outcome will be the same. Wright is just as skilled and fast as Mosley but naturally bigger and stronger. I’ll be rooting for Mosley but I’m predicting that Wright wins by decision.

Mitchell dec. Tszyu       Holyfield dec. Donald        Meehan TKO Rahman