Cleveland’s Eduardo Alicea & Robert Garcia take a break from training
Cleveland middle-weight prospect Eduardo Alicea (4-0, 3 KO’s) is wasting no time getting into the ring in 2014, taking on Killeen, Tx’s Jas Phipps (4-1, 1 KO) this Friday, January 10th from the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.
The event is being televised live on ESPN2 as a part of the “Friday Night Fights” boxing series. Alicea’s bout, while not the main event of the attraction has a chance to make it on TV, provided the scheduled TV matches end early.
Alicea is a former United States Junior Olympic National amateur boxing champion that represented America in the Cadet games in Azerbaijan in 2007. He had a reported amateur record of 143-16!
Training in Oxnard, California under the tutelage of one of the fight games best trainers, Robert Garcia, should help the 23 year old advance up the professional rankings.
Alicea was sharp in his last bout, in November, scoring a second round KO over Jake Constant in Missouri. While his previous four opponents entered with a combined record of 1-4-1, Phipps will enter as a much needed step up in completion to see where he stands as a professional.
The combined record’s of Phipps five opponents when he faced them was a well respected 16-1. He’s faced three undefeated fighters, only losing once, that was his last time out when he was stopped in the fifth round last July against Ronald Gavril, who is currently 7-0.
Despite Phipps entering the bout with not only the same amount of wins, but better quality wins, Alicea doesn’t seem fazed by his opponent.
“He’s a southpaw, that’s all I really know,” Alicea said.
Southpaw (left-handed) fighters often present problems because they tend to do everything opposite from
what you’re used to seeing in the gym. With Alicea’s vast amateur experience, there shouldn’t be anything that Phipps brings into the ring, that Alicea hasn’t seen before.
With this being just his fifth professional fight, despite turning pro nearly two years ago, Alicea knows he has to start advancing his career in order to become a bonafide contender.
“My goal is to be at least 12-0 by the end of the year,” stated Alicea.
Based on his skill set, there’s no reason to not believe that the Cleveland based prospect can achieve that goal.
14 years ago tonight, Felix “Tito” Trinidad handed Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker his 1st career surefire loss. Sure, Whitaker had suffered decision losses to Jose Ramirez and Oscar De La Hoya beforehand, but those were decisions were suspect to say the least. Enjoy!
Two of the top ten Jr Middleweights (154 lbs) in the world will square off at the Madison Square Garden in New York City tonight. Miguel “Junito” Cotto (37-3, 30 ko’s), ranked #2 by Ring Magazine, takes on undefeated Austin “No Doubt” Trout (25-0, 14 ko’s,) ranked #9 by Ring Magazine. The fight will be shown on Showtime and they will battle for a world title belt that shall remain nameless, as I don’t give credence to any of the corrupt sanctioning organizations.
Credit: Tom Casino, Showtime
While Trout is known in the boxing community, he is not well-known to the general public. The fact is he is an excellent boxer-puncher, a southpaw, and is a live dog tonight. Fighting in Cotto’s home away from home will not pose any kind of threat either. Trout has fought in hostile territory before, going on the road to Panama and Mexico and winning decisions. To win decisions in an opponents home country should tell you what kind of boxing lesson he had to display.
If Trout goes on to win the fight, it will be by decision yet again. Only once has “No Doubt” scored a knockout in his last eight fights, a span of over three years.
Cotto will bring the experience edge into this fight and has clearly fought much tougher opposition. Even though “Junito” has taken much more punishment over his career, he is still incredibly sharp, evidenced by his last fight when he gave Floyd Mayweather a much tougher fight than expected in a 12 round decision loss. While Cotto comes into the fight with three losses, his losses are to Pacquiao, Mayweather, and Margarito (most likey with loaded gloves). Trout is not in the same hemisphere as those guys. Not yet at least. Also Cotto has done well against southpaws. “Chop Chop” Corley, Carlos Quintana, and Zab Judah are a few of the notable names that he has not only defeated, but knocked out.
If Cotto wins tonight, it will most likely be by knockout. In his last 6 wins covering over 4 years, 5 have come inside the distance. Joshua Clottey, who has never been ko’d in 40 career fights was the only boxer to go the distance in that time frame.
The winner of this fight would be in prime condition to take on Floyd Mayweather for what would likely be the true Jr Middleweight Championship of the World. That likely won’t happen as Mayweather appears headed for a Welterweight showdown with Robert Guerrero however. Cotto meanwhile has been linked for a showdown with #3 rated Jr Middleweight contender Saul Alvarez. Another fighter that could emerge for the winner is #4 rated contender Erislandy Lara.
I feel Cotto is just too strong and experienced for Trout in this one. I do like that Trout will travel wherever he needs to get a fight, a characteristic that doesn’t go unnoticed. Trout has never faced the caliber of opponent that he’ll see in Cotto. The early rounds may be split, but Cotto’s power shots will eventually wear down Trout as I see Cotto getting another knockout. Cotto KO 9.
First off, I wish non boxing people would not conduct post fight interviews. Jim Gray told Bernard Hopkins that he “clearly” won the fight. He later asked Pascal how he thought he won the fight by giving him punch stats. Anyone in boxing knows that punch stats are not a representation on how a boxing match is scored. Each round is scored separately, and then when you factor in knockdowns, using punch stats is almost a mute point. Gray has no business being involved with boxing. He is clueless.
I thought the fight was full of action throughout the contest. In no way did I expect that coming into the match, given Hopkins history of putting on dull fights. I was pleasantly surprised. I was also surprised, not pleasantly, that Hopkins was floored twice in the first three rounds. Bottom line, it was a close fight, that could have gone either way. There was no “Clear” winner either way. I scored the bout for Pascal 114-112. Would I have been mad if Hopkins would have been awarded the decision? Not a chance. Here’s how my scoring went for the fight, round by round, as mentioned during the fight on my twitter account: @antoniocastro77
Round 1 – Hopkins dropped from a punch to the side of the head. He claimed it was behind the head, but replays showed it to be a legal blow. 10-8 Pascal wins the round.
Round 2 – Pascal still in control, landing the better shots. Pascal wins the round. 20-17.
Round 3 – Hopkins winning the round, but gets dropped again from two left hooks by Pascal. I don’t discredit knockdowns, and even though Hopkins got up right away, he was clearly buzzed. Another 10-8 round for Pascal pushes him ahead 30-25 through three.
Round 4 – Hopkins best round of the fight so far. He controls the ring. Wins the round 10-9. Pascal leads 39-35 overall.
Round 5 – Back and forth round. Tough round to score. I thought Pascal did slightly better. 10-9 Pascal. Pascal leads 49-44.
Round 6 – This is the round that Pascal started to slow down, and Hopkins really started picking up the pace. Hopkins wins the round 10-9. Pascal leads 58-54.
Round 7 – Hopkins all day. 10-9. Pascal leads 67-64.
Round 8 – Very close round. Both had their moments. I thought Pascal landed the harder shots. Pascal wins 10-9. He’s up 77-73.
Round 9 – Hopkins takes back control of the fight. Momentum is totally on B-Hops side now. 10-9 for Hopkins. Pascal up 86-83.
Round 10 – Hopkins wins the round 10-9. Pascal up 95-93.
Round 11 – Hopkins wins another round 10-9. Pascal up by one, 104-103, heading in the final round.
Round 12 – Hopkins started fast, both fighters landed great shots, I thought Pascal counterpunched great in this round and landed the harder shots, especially in the final minute. Pascal wins a very close round 10-9. I have Pascal winning 114-112. overall.
That’s how I came up with my score. If you go by rounds, I had it six round apiece, a draw. Factor in the two knockdowns, and you have a two point differential.
Here is the official scorecard, courtesy of fightnews.com:
1. I told you last week, to take a Cleveland Browns win, no matter how ugly it is or was. Memo to Browns offensive coordinator Brian Dabol, when you are facing the worst rush defense in the entire NFL, like you were last week, Peyton Hillis has to have more than 21 carries. I know, Hillis had three fumbles, but I’d much rather take my chances feeding Hillis the rock, then relying on Jake Dellhome and his three yard passes. There were two different drives in the second half, in which the Browns went three and out, that drove me freaking nuts. Can you guess what the play calls were for those drives? I’ll fill you in. First down – Pass. Second down – Pass. Third down – Pass. I’ll just fill you in on what happened on fourth down. Punt.
2. Has anyone regresses more rapidly than JJ Hickson of the Cleveland Cavaliers? I mean, at the beginning of the season he was one of the few bright spots on the team. He seemed like a guy that was “untouchable” when talking about players to trade. Now, the guy seems lost on the court and isn’t even making plays on the offensive end. I don’t think the Cavs should give up on him just yet, however. He’s still a young player that is learning a new system. I think he can still be a solid offensive NBA player.
3. Bernard Hopkins will become the oldest boxer to ever win a true championship when he defeats Jean Pascal this weekend for the Lineal Light Heavyweight Championship of the World. The odds are stacked against Hopkins; He’s nearly 46 years old, will be fighting on Pascal’s home Canadian turf, and is coming off a lackluster performance over Roy Jones Jr in April. It doesn’t matter. Hopkins is at his best when people start counting him out. I think this will be his last great performance in the ring. Showtime is televising it.
4. It’s funny that Terrelle Pryor said that if he were playing in the spread offense, he would “dominate.” Here’s an idea Terrelle, stop shot putting the ball, make better decisions, and dominate in a pro-style offense so you can improve your draft status. And while you’re at it, give another Rose Bowl type performance against Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl. Do that, and many of the “Haters” will start supporting you again.
5. We will get to see just how good Cleveland State is when they go on the road to take on West Virginia on Saturday. This will be the best team that Cleveland State will have played this season and it is on the road. Head coach Gary Waters will have his team ready and in years past, where Cleveland State has sometimes gone into games like this with “Big Eyes,” I don’t think that will be the case. The most significant matchup will be in the paint between Aaron Pogue and Kevin Jones. If Pogue can control that matchup, CSU will remain unbeaten.
6. When Cleveland Indians and Major League Baseball great Bob Feller was taken into hospice care last week, I knew the time was coming, but didn’t want to think about it. After learning of Fellers passing last night I was in shock. This is a man that I’ve personally spoken to before and is a living legend. Please go and read all of the articles on this great man. Go to every major sports website and read about him. He’s an all time great who lost nearly four years of his prime while serving America during World War II. A great pitcher, but an even greater American. And he had to pass away while Larry Dolan owned the Indians. Damn you Larry Dolan. Damn you.
There isn't a better player that will ever put on a Cleveland Indians uniform
7. I still think it’s crazy that freshman are for the most part the best players in college basketball. Ohio State’s Fabulous Frosh Jared Sullinger earned his second Big Ten Player of the week award in the first four weeks of the season. He leads the second ranked team in the nation in scoring and doesn’t seem to mind the adjustment from high school to college ball. He will win the Big Ten Player of the Year award.
8. Arrive to Christmas concerts and recitals early. If you are just a tad late, you are stuck in the back and won’t see anything. My son had his Christmas concert last night at St. Anthony’s and I got there about 5 minutes before it started. I was stuck in a pew in the back of the cathedral and missed out. Couldn’t even see him.
9. Colt McCoy should be the starter for the rest of the season and I’m happy to see that Eric Mangini has listed his as such. Despite improvement in the team, it appears that Mangini is going to be on the outside looking in when the coaching reviews happen after the season. Mangini should be coaching the Cleveland Browns after this season. The team is headed in the right direction and this organization needs some stability in the worst way.
10. There are some Cleveland Boxers in action. Raynell Williams and Terrell Gausha are fighting tonight in World Series of Boxing matches. Both won their first bouts two weeks ago. Heavyweight Ray Austin is going up against former Olympic Gold medalist Odlanier Solis from Cuba on Saturday in Miami. The winner gets a shot at titlist Vitali Klitschko. Michael Moore improved to 6-0, 4 KO’s after a first round knockout Tuesday night in Texas.
11. Go see “The Fighter” which hits theatres this week. It’s the true story about “Irish” Mickey Ward and the struggles he had to endure while also being a damn good professional prizefighter. You will be amazed if you don’t know the story behind this man. The only bad thing about it is it doesn’t go into the epic trilogy that Ward had with the late Arturo Gatti. SMDH. Why are you still reading this? Go see it!!
12. Amir Kahn and Marcos Maidana put on what essentially will be voted as the fight of the year this past Saturday on HBO. What an epic back and forth battle featuring everything you look for in a prizefight; knockdowns, drama, blood, and of course excitement! If you missed it and have HBO, go check it out on the HBO On Demand channel. Hopefully it will turn you into a boxing fan, if you aren’t one already.
13. Congrats to The University of Akron Zips soccer team as they won the College Cup and were crowned National Champs!! Ohio featured the High School National and College National Champions in Soccer this year!! If you have kids, you understand my excitement for soccer.
1. I’m getting tired of every so called “expert” talk about second half adjustments and play calling every time the Cleveland Browns lose a game. I’ve got an idea, how about the other team just made more plays at more crucial moments?
2. If no one showed up to the Q to witness “Quitness” on Thursday, wouldn’t that be the ultimate bitch slap back? I mean, I don’t want to be anywhere near that Arena during the game. If everyone followed suit, LePrick would notice just how important he really is.
3. There isn’t a classier boxer in the world than Ring Magazine number 1 ranked Super Middleweight and former USA Olympic Gold Medal winner Andre Ward. He wore trunks dedicated to Showtime blow-by-blow announcer Nick Charles as he battled cancer earlier this year, and after his hard fought decision over Sakio Bika on Saturday, he gave a shout out to North East Ohio Native Kelly Pavlik to let him know that he was in Ward’s prayers as the former Middleweight Champion is undergoing alcohol rehabilitation.
4. Certain things in life are undeniable. Death. Taxes. And of course The Ohio State University Buckeyes beating Michigan while winning another Big Ten Championship and securing another BCS Bowl bid.
5. The best basketball in the City continues to be played by the Cleveland State Vikings and it’s not even close. They are off to the best start in School history at 8-0, and begin Horizon League play this week. I’m shocked that the Wolstein Center crowds have been non-exhistant. Truly embarrassing if you ask me.
6. I’m dropping down $25 to play in the snow at Progressive Field. There will be more sounds of joy this winter in that ballpark then what was heard all year during the baseball season. Damn you Larry Dolan. Damn you.
7. Jared Sullinger has continued to impress me despite being double and triple teamed continuously down on the block. He has three double-doubles already, which is the second most by a Freshman behind UK’s Terrence Jones. Can I get a Buckeye versus Wildcat matchup in the tourney this year??
8. It’s simply not worth staking out overnight to get Black Friday deals. Wait it out and you will find deals that are just as good on Cyber Monday from the comforts of your own home.
9. Jake Delhomme should put the football down and pick the clipboard back up. As much of a veteran as he is, I’m still astonished at the decision he makes with the football. INT after INT. He’s like a poor man’s JaMarcus Russell.
10. Kelly Pavlik was reportedly in rehab ten days before his fight with Sergio Mora. Ten days. Pavlik was winning the fight before suffering his second cut over his eye and therefore, unable to see punch’s coming his way. This is astonishing given how much Martinez’s stock has risen. Had Pavlik been on the straight and narrow, he would have destroyed Martinez and would be on everyone’s pound for pound list. Sad story about Pavlik. Knowing him personally makes it even more difficult for me. I wish him the best and hope he comes back.
11. The biggest pet peeve in the world is getting ready to park in a parking space at the grocery store and when you’re just about to pull in, there’s a empty shopping cart in the way. SMDH.
12. Manny Pacquiao isn’t fighting Juan Manuel Marquez again. At least not next. The reason? Marquez will beat him.
13. Despite not scoring a goal in Barcelona’s 5-0 thrashing of Real Madrid, my boy Lio Messi set up David Villa for two perfect goals and was the Man of the Match, drawing six fouls and controlling the middle of the pitch
The Middleweight Championship of the World is on the line as Champion and Ring Magazine #6 pound for pound boxer in the World Sergio Martinez defends against Ring Magazine’s #5 ranked Pound for Pound boxer Paul Williams.
Sergio “Maravilla” MartinezPaul “The Punisher” Williams
45-2-2, 24 KO’s VS. 39-1, 27 KO’s
5’10, 157 ½ pounds, 35 yrs. old 6’1, 156 pounds, 29 yrs. old
Buenos Aires, Argentina Aiken, South Carolina
Strengths:Strengths:
Boxing Skills Height
Defense One punch power
Southpaw Style Southpaw style
Weaknesses:Weaknesses:
Takes rounds off Inactivity
Lack of one punch KO power Can be outboxed
Martinez is coming off a 12 round unanimous decision over Kelly Pavlik in April in which he won the Middleweight Championship of the World. That was his only fight since his loss to Williams last December.
Williams is coming off a four round technical decision over Kermit Cintron in May. He’s won six straight and avenged his only loss, therefore beaten every man he’s been in the ring with.
This is a rematch from last December in which Paul Williams was awarded with a majority decision after twelve rounds. It was a close fight, one that could have gone either way, and a rematch is well justified. Both fighters came off the canvas in that fight.
These two are about as evenly matched as you will find in the sport. Each has a style that gives opposing fighters fits, and is why it is hard to find opponents at the top level to go up against. Both fight from the southpaw stance as well, although Martinez is right handed.
There have been reports that Martinez had to drop a lot of weight in a short amount of time in order to make the catch weight limit of 158 pounds. That will benefit Williams, if indeed, that is true.
I see this fight going much like the first, tactical, but still exciting. This is a fight that hardcore fans have wanted to see since they fought each other last December. I see this fight going the distance. No way do I see either guy getting stopped early. Martinez is too tough, and Williams can withstand anything that Martinez has for him. This fight will go back and forth, with many close rounds, but I think Williams is the hungrier and more determined fighter at this point and I see Williams winning by close, but clear unanimous decision.
1. Running back Peyton Hillis, left tackle Joe Thomas, and center Alex Mack will make the Pro Bowl this season. I don’t see anyone making it from the defensive side of the ball, as the Cleveland Browns defense tends to be more of a team defense playing together as one unit, rather than relying on a few playmakers on that side of the ball to control opposing offenses.
2. Cavaliers point guard Daniel “Boobie” Gibson deserves props. Not only for his play on the basketball court, but for his charity in the Browns team shop during the team’s loss to the Jets on Sunday. Gibson tweeted during the game, which he was attending, “headed to the team shop..Free gear on me if you here!! He’s must follow status now!!
3. I’m much happier that Antonio Margacheato sustained a prolonged beating for 12 rounds against Manny Pacquiao on Saturday, rather than suffering an early knockout loss. Margacheato should of been banned from the sport forever after he attempted to enter the ring with loaded gloves when he took on Shane Mosley in 2009. He will suffer more long term damage from that beating, and he deserves whatever health issues he will be dealt with.
4. Terrell Pryor is going to have a big time game on Saturday in Iowa. Mark it down. Take my word for it. He’s too much of a competitor and the fact that people are counting him out right now will feed into his hunger.
5. Cleveland State’s Norris Cole is the most exciting basketball player in the city. He is the Horizon League Athlete of the week and his Vikings are 4-0, matching the best start in school history. Cole is a senior, and was a first team All-Horizon League selection last season. He is averaging 22.3 points/game this season.
6. It’s the offseason for the Indians and the GM winter meetings are underway. That means the Tribe is in the market for a pitcher that is coming off an injury. Brandon Webb anyone? My bet is he will be wearing a Cleveland uniform next year. Damn you Larry Dolan. Damn you.
7. The best basketball player in the state of Ohio is Jared Sullinger. He’s already convinced me that he can eat whatever he wants and it won’t matter. I was comparing his weight to that of “Tractor” Traylor last week, but the bottom line is he has accomplished more in two games than Traylor ever did in his entire college and professional basketball career.
8. Don’t text and drive. Please. Don’t text and drive.
9. I’m not saying that Eric Mangini had a good draft class in 2009, and the Massaquoi and Robiskie apparent busts really stick out, but what about the Alex Mack pick? I’d take a Pro Bowl player in any draft. Also, it was Mangini who brought up bringing Peyton Hillis to Cleveland, after watching him as a member of the Broncos.
10. I, like everyone else, want to see Pacquiao and Mayweather square off in the ring. I do, however, find it astonishing that despite adding over 50 pounds since turning pro, Pacquiao is as fast and as powerful as ever. The whispers about steroids have been out there, and if Mayweather is going to go through the Olympic style drug testing to prove he is clean, then Pacquiao should as well.
11. I was going to call out my kids for not letting me get the proper amount of sleep I need to be a productive member of society, but I was afraid my words would get taken out of context. I feel you Leboob. I understand. SMDH.
12. There are already too many weight classes in boxing, and now we are getting more with all the catch weight fights. The Pacquiao/Margacheato fight was at a catch weight, and this week’s big fight is also at a catch weight. Martinez is the middleweight champion of the World. If Williams wants the title, the fight should be at the 160 pound middleweight limit. When will the madness end?
13. Ohio is the Soccer capital of the World!! No, just kidding, but Ohio just may be the soccer capital of the USA. Cleveland St. Ignatius was named the National Champions after their perfect 23-0 season, and Akron has a chance to become back to back national champions as they are currently participating in the College Cup.
Castro's Kingdom 