Talk Tough 9-24-04

INSIDE BOXING (September 24, 2004) - First off I have to give Oscar De La Hoya (37-4) a lot of credit. He boxed a competitive 8 1/2 rounds against Bernard Hopkins (46-2) before being stopped by a viscous left hook to the body. Honestly I didn't think Oscar would last five rounds with a beast like Hopkins. Anyway, it's like Bert Sugar told me "They're both winners. Making $50 million between them is a win-win situation."

Yesterday, James Toney (68-4-2) coasted to an easy unanimous decision victory over his hand picked opponent, Rydell Booker (22-1). The judges had it 117-110, 118-108 and 120-107 all for Toney. He picked up the WBC Continental Americas and IBA heavyweight titles with the effortless payday. But more importantly he secured his number one ranked spot for the WBC title and should fight the winner of this December's Vitali Klitschko vs Danny Williams bout. After the fight Toney said he injured his left arm in the first round but still would like to fight again in December.

Roy Jones Jr. (49-2) should be picking up his umpteenth belt Saturday night when he faces IBF light heavyweight champ, Glen Johnson (40-9-2) at the Fed-Ex Forum in Memphis Tennessee. The two share many similarities in age, reach, height, ring experience, and both were only stopped once, Jones by Antonio Tarver and Johnson by Bernard Hopkins. The share many common opponents in: Bernard Hopkins, Derrick Harmon, Julio Caesar Gonzalez, and Merqui Sosa (Roy beating them all and Johnson losing to them.) However, they share victories over the durable duo of Clinton Woods and Eric Harding. Johnson won the vacant IBF belt against Woods last February with an unanimous decision. All in all, Johnson doesn't have the skill to compete with a focused RJ and should be lucky to go the distance. HBO will be televising the bout live after the replay of the Hopkins vs De La Hoya bout which starts at 10:15pm EST.

"Big Daddy" Riddick Bowe (40-1) returns Saturday night against journeyman, Marcus Rhodes (29-25) after a 7 1/2 year absence from the ring. Bowe's last bout was against Andrew Golota (9th round DQ) December 14, 1996. Rhode, who has been in with some solid opposition, should prove to be a tough test for Bowe. Some of his more notable conquerors were: Vitali Klitschko, Lamon Brewster, Lance Whitaker, and Jeremy Williams. The bout is being held at the Fire Lake Casino in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Veteran referee, Frank Cappuccino is putting on a boxing extravaganza this Sunday, September 26 at 1:00pm to help raise money for his son, Frank Jr., who has been afflicted with Parkinson's Disease for some time. Frank Sr., has been taking care of his 52 year old son, who is a Vietnam Veteran, for the last ten years since the disease took a toll for the worse. Frank Sr., said the medical bills have become overwhelming and he needs the public's help. It is being held at the Pennsylvania National Guard Armory in Northeast Philadelphia. The card will be made up of amateur bouts and celebrity boxing exhibitions. The following champs have agreed to come and help: Bernard Hopkins, Joe Frazier, Matthew Saad Muhammad, Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, Joey Giardello, Buster Drayton and Randall "Tex" Cobb. There will be a silent auction and an opportunity to meet and greet the champs. Admission is only $20, but if you can not make it and would like to donate you can send the donation to:

Frank Cappuccino Sr
2106 Waterford Rd.
Yardley, Pennsylvania 19067

You can also call 215-757-3947 for more information or directions.