Robinson: Modern Times

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WBC Orders Bout




World Boxing Council president Jose Sulaiman has ordered a bout between former champions Oscar De La Hoya and Julio Cesar Chavez after Kostya Tszyu vacated the light-welterweight championship.

De La Hoya lost the title in his last fight to Kostya Tszyu and was successful in petitioning the organisation for a rematch.

Chavez lost the title in De La Hoya in February 1996 and last outing was a stoppage loss to welterweight champion Sugar Ray Robinson in May 1997, after which he announced his retirement.

The WBC has seen fit to install Chavez at number two in their rankings prior to releasing this statement.

[CONN CHRIS]

That was a wreckage of a fight.

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Trinidad One Round




Felix Trinidad Jr. made short work of Troy Waters at Madison Square Garden last night and now stands in line for a shot at Terry Norris and his World Boxing Council junior middleweight crown.

Trinidad's victory in a W.B.C. super-welterweight elimination bout came on a knockout at 2 minutes 50 seconds of the first round.

''I came to win by K.O.,'' Trinidad said. ''I felt like I was at home in Puerto Rico. All the fans and Latinos in New York made me feel at home, and I wanted to impress them. Don King is going to get the Norris fight for me. I feel like Norris is ducking and he's scared of me.''

Trinidad (32-0) and Norris were supposed to meet in this fight, but Norris pulled out, firing his manager and suing the promoter Don King.

Another potential opponent being floated is the other welterweight champion, Sugar Ray Robinson, but for the moment Trinidad and King seem set on chasing Norris.

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Jones Roars Back




The fight between Montell Griffin and Roy Jones Jr. was called Unfinished Business, and it didn't take Jones long to bring it to a quick conclusion.

With a jarring left hook, Jones knocked out Griffin at 2 minutes 31 seconds of the first round tonight at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino to regain the World Boxing Council light heavyweight championship, which he lost to Griffin on March 21 on a ninth-round disqualification.

''I needed something like this to bring out 100 percent,'' said Jones, who had soured on the sport since his loss in March. ''I came out with different intentions this time. I'm the best fighter in the world. Roy Jones is for real.

''I'm still No. 1. I came here for one thing. You can beat me, but don't steal something from me, because I'll come back and get it. I deserve to be, pound for pound, the best boxer until somebody beats me.''

When considering where Jones goes from here, there were the now familiar discussion of heavyweights such as Evander Holyfield and manager Fred Levin even put forward the notion of dropping down to 160-pounds to lure Sugar Ray Robinson up in weight for a pound-for-pound showdown.

If those fanciful ideas lead to anything only time will tell.

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Robinson - Whitaker II




"Tonight we have a very active fighter against one who has not fought since the two last met way back in February."

'Is tonight the night that Pernell Whitaker ages before our eyes?'

"Let's not forget that this bout is occurring because of Whitaker's refusal to accept he lost the first fight and what I believe is a desire that Robinson harbors, that he will be the first man to stop Pernell Whitaker."

'Which repeatedly he has denied.'

"Yes he has, but I don't think he is the type of fighter to say he wants a knockout, despite the fact he is clearly looking for a knockout.

Now something we also need to remember from the first fight is that up till the eighth round Whitaker was ahead or tied on the scorecards, it was only Robinson's total domination in the final five rounds that cancelled out Whitaker's earlier success."

'The question I ask myself only moments before it begins is, has Robinson now filled out at the weight? Against Charpentier he looked utterly devastating, like he did at lightweight.'

"Well we're about to find out as we go to Michael Buffer in the ring."

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Ladies And Gentleman...




Welcome to the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Tonight Main Events presents twelve rounds of boxing for the welterweight championship of the world.

This bout is sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, the World Boxing Council and the World Boxing Association.

The three judges sat ringside, scoring this bout on a 10-point must system are John Stewart, Don O'Neill and Paul Smith.

And when the bell rings, the referee in charge of the action, Mitch Halpern.

And now ladies and gentlemen, for the thousands in attendance and the millions watching around the world.

Let's get ready to rumble.

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Introducing First...




... fighting out of the blue corner, wearing green.

With a professional record of 39 victories, 16 by knockouts. 2 losses and single draw.

Always considered by many as one of boxing's pound-for-pound best.

From Norfolk, Virginia.

Presenting the four-time champion of the world.

Pernell Sweet Pea Whitaker

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Across The Ring...




... fighting out of the red corner, wearing white with black trim and weighing one-hundred and forty-seven-pounds.

He brings a perfect professional record to the ring. 63 bouts, 63 victories. 61 knockouts.

Ladies and gentlemen, from Harlem, New York City.

Presenting the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the world.

The reigning undefeated WBA and WBC welterweight champion of the world.

Sugar Ray Robinson

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[Bell Rings]




"Robinson starting with the left jab.

Whitaker ducks under a uppercut.

Nice short left hook by Robinson there backing up Whitaker."

'Robinson looks intent on hurting Whitaker.'

The quickness of his hands and in particular his footwork early seems to be a problem for Whitaker.

Whitaker yet to get anything going so far."

'A very smart fight so far from Robinson.'

"First punch lands in the fight for Whitaker, an uppercut. Robinson does seem susceptible to that punch.

That was uncalled for! Whitaker takes a cheap shot at Robinson as the referee forces the break."

'Right now he is after any advantage he can find.'

"A right through the gloves of Whitaker, followed by an uppercut of his own.

Whitaker is off balance! Whitaker has gone down!"

1...

'Machismo from Whitaker as he jumps to his feet.'

Bell RIngs

"What a way to end a round."

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[Bell Rings]




"Robinson moving very well. He's yet to go flat-footed.

There's a jab. And another."

'Whitaker eats a right.'

"Nothing being thrown by Whitaker right now as Robinson circles to his right.

Oh! Whitaker goes down hard from a right hand!"

1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7...

"He makes it back to his feet, Mitch Halpern is asking him if he is okay."

'A minute left in the round.'

"Pernell Whitaker is in survival mode right now."

'He's looking very unsteady on his legs.'

"Virtually all of Robinson's punches seem to be landing.

For the second time in the round Whitaker hits the canvas!"

1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8...

"Once again Pernell Whitaker somehow finds it within himself to get back on his feet."

'I don't think he can continue.'

"Mitch Halpern is looking at him and has signaled for the fight to continue.

What a shot by Robinson!

And now the referee stops it! Sugar Ray Robinson has stopped Pernell Whitaker in two rounds."

'Roy Jones who?'

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CompuBox Stats



"We are hearing Pernell Whitaker has returned to his dressing room and will not be interviewed.

As we wait to speak with the victor, let's look at the the CompuBox numbers.

Surprising from Pernell Whitaker. He threw 25 punches, he landed 25 punches."

'Not much needs to be said. Robinson threw more, threw harder and totally outclassed Whitaker tonight.'

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Ray...




'... congratulations on another brilliant performance. How does it feel to beat an opponent of Pernell Whitaker's ability in that manner?'

"Thanks Larry. Yes I'm very happy with my performance tonight."

'Where does this win rank in your career?'

"Because of Pernell it's probably right at the top."

'You wanted to knock him out, am I correct?"

"Larry you've asked me that question, everybody asked me that question. I wanted to win this fight. If that was by knockout, great, if by decision that would still be great."

'Now we keep wondering about your future. Where do you go next? How do you top this?'

"Unify the division."

'Which means Felix Trinidad. Do you think that fight will happen?'

"Well right now I'm not sure. It's something we've discussed in the past and I'd like to think it can happen."

'Have you heard that Roy Jones Jr. may drop down to one-hundred-and-sixty-pounds in the hopes of luring you into a fight?'

"There's little chance of it coming off."

'Is he too big?'

"No doubt. I'd be better off at 140 than 160."

'One last question Ray, who would be your preference to fight next?'

"I'd like Kostya Tszyu, Felix Trinidad and Oscar De La Hoya."

'That's more than one fight, but they all sound good to me.'

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The Ring Ratings

For Period Ended September 22, 1997


WELTERWEIGHTS
Weight limit: 147 pounds

1. RAY ROBINSON
Harlem, NY 63-0 (WBC/WBA Champ)
2. FELIX TRINIDAD
Puerto Rico 32-0 (IBF Champ)
3. IKE QUARTEY
Ghana 33-1
4. PERNELL WHITAKER
Norfolk, VA 39-3-1
5. JOSE LUIS LOPEZ
Mexico 39-3-1
6. OBA CARR
Detroit, MI 40-2
7. PATRICK CHARPENTIER
France 23-5-1
8. WILFREDO RIVERA
Puerto Rico 25-2-1
9. VERNON FORREST
Atlanta, GA 22-0
10. ANDREI PESTRIAEV
Russia 20-2

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Originally Posted by CONN CHRIS

That was a wreckage of a fight.

I'm not sure how it would of came across. Either increase Robinson's status or regarded as a huge mismatch.

Charpentier would not of been on any HBO opponent list, but the alphabet mandatories had to be accommodated.

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De La Hoya Chavez II




"Traditionally December is not a good time for pay-per-view events, but Oscar and Julio are such superstars that we're bucking the trend and they will meet on the 6th."

Promoter Bob Arum went on to say he expects De La Hoya to increase his activity next year to four or five fights, at welterweight.

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PPV Figures In




The rematch between Sugar Ray Robinson and Pernell Whitaker has smashed the original contests non-heavyweight pay-per-view fight record.

With 1.2 million buys the only contest not featuring Mike Tyson to exceed that figure is the 1991 heavyweight title fight between Evander Holyfield vs. George Foreman.

It ranks as the sixth highest brought contest.

--

Sugar Ray Robinson end is expected to be in the region of $23.5 million and Whitaker's $7.5 million.

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Robinson Wanted Man




It seems everybody wants to fight Sugar Ray Robinson in 1998.

There are offers flying in from all over the world hoping to entice the welterweight champion.

At the moment there seems to be an early favourite, Australia and to face Jeff Malcolm, the Pan Asian Boxing Association welterweight champion.

"They're offered me a $5 million guarantee," said Robinson, "and for that kind of money I'm only to happy to jump on a plane."

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Robinson Top Draw




As the numbers of Evander Holyfield and Michael Moorer's second fight filter through, industry sources indicate purchases will be in the region of 550,000.

The heavyweight champion is no longer king. A twenty-two year old welterweight by the name of Sugar Ray Robinson is now king.

Long live the king.

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De La Hoya Decisions Chavez




Twenty-two months after they first did it, Oscar De La Hoya and Julio Cesar Chavez met in the ring once again. The result, almost identical, the manner, completely different.

Chavez gave his rabid fans early hopes when he connected with a right that sent De La Hoya down for a six-count.

Towards the end of a dominant first round, Chavez landed a right and when he got back in his corner said it hurt so much he couldn't throw it anymore.

He lacked that initial energy in the second and was barely competitive as De La Hoya took the next six rounds.

The injury and his age meant he offered little competition, yet he remained on his feet and took two rounds out of the last six.

In truth De La Hoya gave those rounds away as he elected to take a breather and fight off the back foot.

"Julio Cesar Chavez was in the best shape of his life," De La Hoya said. "I had to keep my composure. I had to keep cool."

Asked if he thought the injury had lost the fight for Chavez, he replied, "I believe he should quit now, now that he's ahead."

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Robinson Keen Observer




Whether promoter Bob Arum and his fighter Oscar De La Hoya are looking for a fight with Sugar Ray Robinson, it seems to be coming their way.

Robinson who was a ringside spectator for the contest, was an unavoidable issue for the newly crowned WBC light-welterweight champion in his post-fight interview.

Larry Merchant: 'Oscar, Sugar Ray Robinson, the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world is sat ringside, is that the guy you want to fight next?'

"I don't know, do you really think he's the best pound-for-pound? I don't know. I don't think so."

'Basically you're saying you don't want to fight him?'

"Oh I'll fight him anytime. As long as the contract is good. The date. The weight. Everything."