End of Year Awards...

[ipswich express]

I thought I'd get the ball rolling with a few of my tips... Definitely open for debate, looking forward to reading other points of view.

Fighter of the Year: Manny Pacquaio.

Hard to go past the Pac-Man. A close, hard fought split decision win over Juan Manuel Marquez for the WBC Super Feather title, before blasting out David Diaz for the WBC 135lbs title. He then steps up and bashes a weight drained Oscar De La Hoya at Welterweight, despite being a heavy underdog. Looks like 2009 will be a big year as well, with the Hatton fight all be sealed, Floyd Mayweather Jnr floating about and perhaps a trilogy with Marquez.

Honorable mention: Vic Darchinyan, Antonio Margarito, Joe Calzaghe.

Fight of the Year: Israel Vazquez v Raphael Marquez III

One of the legendary trilogies in boxing just kept getting better. Vazquez with a monumental final round to edge the fight by a razor thin Split Decision. Here's hoping the 4th installment is just around the corner.

Honorable mention: Margarito v Cotto, Adamek v Cunningham, Casamayor v Katsidis.

Round of the Year: Vazquez v Marquez III, Round 12.

Vazquez trailing on the cards gets a knockdown that he needed to edge it in a battle for the ages.

Honorable mention: Holt v Torres II, Round I.

Daylight Robbery of the Year: Valuev v Holyfield.
The title should've been going back to Atlanta with the Real Deal for a record 5th time. Yes the fight was dull, but Evander boxed the Yeti's ears off only to be robbed in one of the worst decisions in recent history. An appeal has been launched, so expect his Holyness to face the Wookie in 09.

Honorable mention: Toney v Oquendo.

Upset of the Year: Carlos Quintana W12 Paul Williams
Quintana decisions a listless Williams at 147lbs for the WBO strap in an upset very few saw coming.

Honorable mention: Prescott v Khan, Mora v Forrest, Holyfield v Valuev.

Knockout of the Year: Joel Casamayor KO10 Michael Katsidis
Katsidis had gained control of the fight at this stage after being dropped twice in the opening stanza. Casamayor looked to be on his last legs when a crushing left hook caught Rocky flush and knocked him silly.

Honorable Mention: Holt KO1 Torres, Mosley KO12 Mayorga, Juan Manuel Lopez KO1 Daniel Ponce de Leon

Hottest Prospect: Beibut Shumenov
He looks somewhat flawed, but it's hard to go against a guy with 7 fights, with 7 wins against the likes of Lavell Finger, Epifanio Mendoza and Montell Griffen.

Honorable mention: Yuriorkis Gamboa, Daniel Jacobs, James Kirkland, Alfredo Angulo.

[Kegsy]

I thought I'd get the ball rolling with a few of my tips... Definitely open for debate, looking forward to reading other points of view.

Fighter of the Year: Manny Pacquaio.

Hard to go past the Pac-Man. A close, hard fought split decision win over Juan Manuel Marquez for the WBC Super Feather title, before blasting out David Diaz for the WBC 135lbs title. He then steps up and bashes a weight drained Oscar De La Hoya at Welterweight, despite being a heavy underdog. Looks like 2009 will be a big year as well, with the Hatton fight all be sealed, Floyd Mayweather Jnr floating about and perhaps a trilogy with Marquez.

Honorable mention: Vic Darchinyan, Antonio Margarito, Joe Calzaghe.

Fight of the Year: Israel Vazquez v Raphael Marquez III

One of the legendary trilogies in boxing just kept getting better. Vazquez with a monumental final round to edge the fight by a razor thin Split Decision. Here's hoping the 4th installment is just around the corner.

Honorable mention: Margarito v Cotto, Adamek v Cunningham, Casamayor v Katsidis.

Round of the Year: Vazquez v Marquez III, Round 12.

Vazquez trailing on the cards gets a knockdown that he needed to edge it in a battle for the ages.

Honorable mention: Holt v Torres II, Round I.

Daylight Robbery of the Year: Valuev v Holyfield.
The title should've been going back to Atlanta with the Real Deal for a record 5th time. Yes the fight was dull, but Evander boxed the Yeti's ears off only to be robbed in one of the worst decisions in recent history. An appeal has been launched, so expect his Holyness to face the Wookie in 09.

Honorable mention: Toney v Oquendo.

Upset of the Year: Carlos Quintana W12 Paul Williams
Quintana decisions a listless Williams at 147lbs for the WBO strap in an upset very few saw coming.

Honorable mention: Prescott v Khan, Mora v Forrest, Holyfield v Valuev.

Knockout of the Year: Joel Casamayor KO10 Michael Katsidis
Katsidis had gained control of the fight at this stage after being dropped twice in the opening stanza. Casamayor looked to be on his last legs when a crushing left hook caught Rocky flush and knocked him silly.

Honorable Mention: Holt KO1 Torres, Mosley KO12 Mayorga, Juan Manuel Lopez KO1 Daniel Ponce de Leon

Hottest Prospect: Beibut Shumenov
He looks somewhat flawed, but it's hard to go against a guy with 7 fights, with 7 wins against the likes of Lavell Finger, Epifanio Mendoza and Montell Griffen.

Honorable mention: Yuriorkis Gamboa, Daniel Jacobs, James Kirkland, Alfredo Angulo.





Awesome list Ipswich.:good
I will release my thoughts of the Aussie & Overseas boxing scenes in the coming day when i have a few moments to reflect.:deal

[ipswich express]

Look forward to it mate!

[Texan Joe]

Good one Ippy!

Also I would like to add-
Worst Beard in Australian Boxing-
1) The Big Eagle
2) Billy Hussein
3) Equal third Ahmed Elomar/Lenny Zap

Who knows , if none of the boys get a razor for Christmas this could be very interesting come this time next year.

[Jambo]

I agree with most of it...

Not the biggest upset though. Pac v Oscar was bigger IMOm as was Forrest v MOra. There were a LOT of big upsets this year though, which makes things tough.

Also best prospect would go to Yuriorkis Gamboa.

[Robot16]

good list ippy

[Rise Above]

Good one Ippy!

Also I would like to add-
Worst Beard in Australian Boxing-
1) The Big Eagle
2) Billy Hussein
3) Equal third Ahmed Elomar/Lenny Zap

Who knows , if none of the boys get a razor for Christmas this could be very interesting come this time next year.

:lol::lol:

[Jambo]

Honestly IpExpress, i have no idea how you could compare Beibut Shumenov to Yuriorkis Gamboa. Gamboa is SOOO far ahead in terms of ability it isn't funny. Not even close.

Fighting an ANCIENT Griffin does little to impress me. Infact, Gamboa's opposition for me has been far better, as he is taking prime, dangerous and even undefeated fighters on, and is most times dominating them completely.

Shumenov is a knockout waiting to happen, technically woeful. Unlike Gamboa but, he doesn't possess the natural ability to be able to pull it off.

[mundinechamp]

Good post! Hopkins over Pavlik could get a look in with upset of the year, such a comprehensive win with a 17 year age diff, incredible stuff.

[Dantes]

Good one Ippy!

Also I would like to add-
Worst Beard in Australian Boxing-
1) The Big Eagle
2) Billy Hussein
3) Equal third Ahmed Elomar/Lenny Zap

Who knows , if none of the boys get a razor for Christmas this could be very interesting come this time next year.


:lol:

[ipswich express]

Honestly IpExpress, i have no idea how you could compare Beibut Shumenov to Yuriorkis Gamboa. Gamboa is SOOO far ahead in terms of ability it isn't funny. Not even close.

Fighting an ANCIENT Griffin does little to impress me. Infact, Gamboa's opposition for me has been far better, as he is taking prime, dangerous and even undefeated fighters on, and is most times dominating them completely.

Shumenov is a knockout waiting to happen, technically woeful. Unlike Gamboa but, he doesn't possess the natural ability to be able to pull it off.

While he might by old, Shumanov still had only 5 fights under his belt. Plus Griffen was coming off a win over Corey Cummings. Gamboa is basically beyond being a prospect and I probably shouldn't have even listed him. Shumanov's opponents after 7 fights is impressive, he's a prospect in the truest sense of the word. I wouldn't be rushing in judging Shumanov just yet. His career is in it's infancy and with a bit more polish he'll get an opportunity. The fact he's fighting out of Vegas will help him no end.

[Hmmm]

I nominate Billy Dibb vs Zolani Marali as the roberry of the year. I dont think the valuev fight was that much of a robbery (watch the fight again and you'll find valuev does catch holy with his jab a bit, albeit soft but still hits).

In the Dibb fight Marali soooo clearly won!

[Barge FTA]

Wash your mouth out Joe.

Nobody, and i mean "nobody" disrespects the big eagle. you are now public enemy number 1.


Good one Ippy!

Also I would like to add-
Worst Beard in Australian Boxing-
1) The Big Eagle
2) Billy Hussein
3) Equal third Ahmed Elomar/Lenny Zap

Who knows , if none of the boys get a razor for Christmas this could be very interesting come this time next year.

[Jambo]

While he might by old, Shumanov still had only 5 fights under his belt. Plus Griffen was coming off a win over Corey Cummings. Gamboa is basically beyond being a prospect and I probably shouldn't have even listed him. Shumanov's opponents after 7 fights is impressive, he's a prospect in the truest sense of the word. I wouldn't be rushing in judging Shumanov just yet. His career is in it's infancy and with a bit more polish he'll get an opportunity. The fact he's fighting out of Vegas will help him no end.

Do you know what his amatuer experience is like?

He doesn't look very polished thats all...

[Robot16]

While he might by old, Shumanov still had only 5 fights under his belt. Plus Griffen was coming off a win over Corey Cummings. Gamboa is basically beyond being a prospect and I probably shouldn't have even listed him. Shumanov's opponents after 7 fights is impressive, he's a prospect in the truest sense of the word. I wouldn't be rushing in judging Shumanov just yet. His career is in it's infancy and with a bit more polish he'll get an opportunity. The fact he's fighting out of Vegas will help him no end.

I agree with your pick.
IMO he has faced already proven fighters unlike Gamboa, imo Gamboa has alot of potential, but makes mistakes.
But on comp faced this kid takes it imo.

[Anenigma]

While he might by old, Shumanov still had only 5 fights under his belt. Plus Griffen was coming off a win over Corey Cummings. Gamboa is basically beyond being a prospect and I probably shouldn't have even listed him. Shumanov's opponents after 7 fights is impressive, he's a prospect in the truest sense of the word. I wouldn't be rushing in judging Shumanov just yet. His career is in it's infancy and with a bit more polish he'll get an opportunity. The fact he's fighting out of Vegas will help him no end.

I agree 100% Shumanov has had a handfull of fights and his opposition shits Gamboas at the same stage, how many times has Gamboa hit the canvas? I know its because he takes risks but untill Shumanovs diffiiciencies are shown up, I am excited to watch his rise.
And that's what a great prospect should do for the fan.

[ipswich express]

Interesting interview on Shumanov that paints a bigger picture...

[Only registered and activated users can see links]-317

[Jambo]

I've got faggots in the general forum telling me that this guy will beat Chad Dawson... NOW.

Give me a fukin break.

[Jambo]

Its good to know he has a solid amatuer pedigree, it means that he should have the technical skills to back up his aggressive style when he eventually needs to.

He definitely isn't ready for the top guys in the division but. Still, quite impressive, i was probably being a bit harsh in my initial assesment. I personally think Gamboa is much more exciting, but then again, prospects like Gamboa don't come around very often.

Judging this guy on his own merits, he seems to have potential.

The thing that casts doubt is that i dont' see genuine punching power, i don't see unreal stamina, handspeed, technical ability, or anything there that will really trouble the top guys in the division. Then again its early days, maybe he will progress in time, its a bit early to just write him off.

[Anenigma]

Its good to know he has a solid amatuer pedigree, it means that he should have the technical skills to back up his aggressive style when he eventually needs to.

He definitely isn't ready for the top guys in the division but. Still, quite impressive, i was probably being a bit harsh in my initial assesment. I personally think Gamboa is much more exciting, but then again, prospects like Gamboa don't come around very often.

Judging this guy on his own merits, he seems to have potential.

The thing that casts doubt is that i dont' see genuine punching power, i don't see unreal stamina, handspeed, technical ability, or anything there that will really trouble the top guys in the division. Then again its early days, maybe he will progress in time, its a bit early to just write him off.

I think he will definately progress he has a very mature outlook on the world boxing scene hence him promoting himself and he is very honest in his critique of his ability at this stage of his career.
I am excited to watch his rise:thumbsup

[JOSEY WALES]

Interesting interview on Shumanov that paints a bigger picture...

[Only registered and activated users can see links]-317
Thanks for the link Ippy , ive been hearing wispers about this kid for a while now but this is the first chance ive had to view him , :goodYea he looks ok but @ the moment he is just another Eastern Euro prospect (Plenty of them about ) . Jambo hearing he could take out Dawson on the GF is well ? Just people talking ridiculous talk , i say he would struggle v Gamboa p4p that is at this stage in their respective careers but would get torn a new one by the likes of Chad . He does however sound a mature level headed prospect that ain't prepared to allow guys to take their Cut of his purse ( On Him ):good Fair go but remember how Fraudley done when he went down that road , lol Good luck to the kid anyway i hope 09 -10 are his break out years .

[ipswich express]

You can view his fight with Griffen on youtube mate. As for him beating Dawson now, I wouldn't even dignify that talk with an answer.

[JOSEY WALES]

You can view his fight with Griffen on youtube mate. As for him beating Dawson now, I wouldn't even dignify that talk with an answer.

:good He looks far from the finished product as he rghtly admits but has a decent future if he can iron out the crude mistakes , round one for a start any banger would have had him on his arse with that left he got caught with , he was off balance and wide open , griff took a spec dig at him and he wobbled for a spilt .

[ipswich express]

Definitely. He's a prospect in the truest sense of the word. Look forward to seeing how it pans out, one way or another.

[teke]

I will do the Awards thread in the next few days boys.

Im not drinking this NYE so shall bring in the new year healthy and sober :yep