NOTHING TO LOSE – MAYORGA UPSETS FORREST

By Ron Brashear
Inside Boxing Writer/Columnist

(IB – January 25. 2003) – Can you say upset? Well that’s exactly what the boxing world witnessed on this Saturday night. Ricardo Mayorga (25-3-1, 23 KOs) showed what a nothing to lose attitude, along with an intense desire to win, can do for you. Despite knowing that his was going up against 2002’s most celebrated fighter, Mayorga brought his A game to the ring and shook up the boxing world by handing Vernon "the viper" Forrest (35-1, 26 KOs) his first loss as a professional fighter. What is even more amazing is that Mayorga TKOed Forrest at 2:06 of the third round and became the unified Welterweight Champion of the world.

The fight took on a fast pace very early in the first round with Mayorga pressing the attack and Forrest in a counter-punching mode. This round was appearing to be pretty evenly matched until late in the round, Mayorga lands a left hook that catches Forrest off-balance and is ruled a knockdown. The round is scored 10-8 in favor of Mayorga automatically.

As a result of this unexpected first round, Forrest decided that he would need to establish some respect so he took to the offense and started going toe-to-toe to back Mayorga up from his aggressive approach. I thought Forrest did establish the edge in this round and I gave the round to Forrest. Mayorga is now ahead by a score of 19-18.

The third round was merely a continuation of the second round with neither fighter backing down as both fighters exchanged punches to each other’s head and body. This style of fight definitely favored Mayorga. It turned out to be the style of fight and ended the night for Vernon Forrest. Mayorga landed a solid overhand right to the temple of Forrest that sent him reeling into the ropes and down. Forrest did make it back to his feet yet was not in condition to continue fighting according the referee.

So here we are only twenty-five days into the year, and we may have just witnessed the biggest upset of the year. You would have to wonder, what happens to Forrest now? Good question. If Forrest can accept this loss, realize that he clearly deviated from what got him to the peak level of the sport, he has the potential to avenge this defeat and bounce back.

As for Mayorga, he told everyone that would listen that he would take Forrest out and light up a cigarette and that’s exactly what he did. The way he dominated Forrest on this night, will surely enrich his immediate future and now he will have the spotlight to build upon.

This is what makes boxing so exciting! You just never know what can happen in that ring. I personally didn’t expect this outcome. Mayorga has earned much respect in the boxing world now based on his performance. Perhaps its Mayorga that decides to move up to 154 and cash in on the De La Hoya sweepstakes. What an interesting sport…
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PS. As for the other Atlanta Fighters that were on the undercard, they all three improved their winning records by TKO. Robert Allen (34-4, 25 KOs) TKOed Kevin Hall in round one. Cedric Boswell (21-0, 16 KOs) TKOed Jim Strohl in round five. Xavier Toliver (11-2, 8 KOs) TKOed Jerry Saribay in round five as well.

Ron Brashear can be contacted at brashear@insideboxing.com, ron@brasheargear.com