2007 has been a good year for boxing. Often left for dead, the sweet science always manages to re-animate just before rigor mortis sets in. Now that boxing promoters are willing to pit their best fighters against one another--realizing that a loss on a good fighters record doesn't ruin a career--fight fans are getting exciting fights.
They can't all be covered in one article, but here is a few of the standout match ups of 2007, with more to come:
Vazquez/Marquez I: 2007 didn't really heat up until March, but when Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez did battle, they thawed out half the planet. A tremendous back and forth tussle that eventually ended with Vazquez bowing out with a nose injury in the seventh round. Marquez wins WBC Bantamweight title. Fight fans needn't feel cheated by the early exit. A rematch was virtually guaranteed.
Mayweather/De La Hoya: Once thought of as a "too dangerous" mission for Floyd Mayweather because of De La Hoya's size advantage, Mayweather won this 154 pound match up going away and had some folks complaining that it was a dull fight. Which really just underscores Mayweather's brilliance. He doesn't always give thrills and chills if bruises and blood are your thing, but if you like masterful boxing, Mayweather's worth every Pay-Per-View dollar.
Cotto/Judah: This was a bigger fight than the under-achieving Judah probably deserved to be in, but his natural abilities made it an entertaining scrap anyway. Cotto got busted up good, but eventually wore Judah down and earned a TKO victory in the 11th.
Williams/Margarito: At nearly 5'11" Antonio Margarito is a big welterweight, but he was the "little man" against the 6'2" Paul Williams. A slow star by Margarito ended up being the difference in the fight. Williams, a southpaw, averages 100 punches a round, which is mind -boggling for a man his size. Williams won the first half of the fight, Margarito the second half, but not by as much. Williams wins Margarito's WBO Welterweight belt.
Vazquez/Marquez II: Some boxing experts thought Vazquez was returning to soon after having surgery to repair his injured nose. Not to worry as Vazquez took a big shot on the snoot in the first round and smiled, understanding the implications of the punch, then proceeded to knock Marquez around the ring. An excellent performance by both men and an easy fight-of-the-year candidate. Vazquez wins back his WBC Super Bantamweight title by 6th round TKO.
Darchinyan/Donaire: Vic Darchinyan was 28-0 and had knocked out just about everyone who stood in front of him, but one couldn't help but wonder when his lack of technique would catch up with him. The answer came on July 7 in the form of a Nonito Donaire counter left hook. Darchinyan didn't see it coming, even if some boxing writers say they did. Donaire wins IBF Flyweight title by 5th round TKO.
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