411 Boxing Fact or Fiction 12.21.10: Hopkins, Boxing in 2010, Mayweather, Martinez vs. Lee, Juan Manuel Marquez

Posted by Ramon Aranda on 12.21.2010

Will Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight in 2011? Did Bernard Hopkins get robbed against Jean Pascal? Should Juan Manuel Marquez fight Erik Morales if he doesn't get Pacquiao? 411's Matt Knowles and Igor Frank discuss these topics and more in this week's 411 Fact or Fiction: Boxing!



We're only weeks away from kicking off the New Year, and both Matt Knowles and Igor Frank discuss a few topics that will certainly come up in 2011. But first, we want to know what they thought of Pascal vs. Hopkins, so without further a do, let's get it on!

Round 1: You feel Bernard Hopkins was robbed against Jean Pascal.

Igor Frank: Fact - I watched this fight twice thinking that I might have missed something, but saw the same thing each time. Which round did Pascal win after the first three? Bernard Hopkins not only won rounds four through twelve he dominated them. Pascal ran for his life and was less and less wiling to engage as time went on. Professor of sweet science put together another incredible lesson which included the knowledge not to fight outside of US, especially if you like to get a fair decision.

Matt Knowles: Fiction - I would define a robbery as a collection of outlandish scorecards where the universally-recognized victor isn't granted a decision in their favor. In this scenario, we had a very close contest between two uniquely-talented boxers that could have gone either way, with a draw decision that isn't unwarranted in a circumstance such as this one.

On top of that, I'm a firm believer that if a boxer leaves his feet at any time during a fight, he should have no grounds for beef with the point totals after 12 rounds (I'm talkin' to you, JM Marquez!). Hopkins closed the show well, but the two knockdowns created a mathematical ditch that deflates any big discussions/conspiracy theories on a quote-unquote robbery.

Scorecard: 0 for 1

Round 2: If you were Chad Dawson; you'd do everything in your power (along w/Gary Shaw) to stop a proposed rematch between Hopkins and Pascal. [Dawson had a guaranteed rematch w/Pascal].

Igor Frank: Fact - The only thing I would try to get a rematch in the United States. Hopkins rematch with Pascal is not necessary. Everybody knows who won that fight... On the other hand if Chad Dawson is able to secure a fight with Pascal and beat him, then the fight with Hopkins would be huge.

Matt Knowles: Fact - Chad Dawson was one good combination away from knocking Jean Pascal into the 5th row during their WBC title bout earlier this year. Don't get me wrong, Pascal deserved the decision that night, but he once again looked lethargic in the closing rounds this past Saturday, and his gas tank has to now be put into serious question. Despite his skill-set and overall athletic talent, Pascal really needs to get in touch with a world class conditioning coach ASAP. If Team Dawson could script a better game-plan this time around (one which, ya know, involves fighting hard during the 1st 7-8 rounds) he should be able to out-box Pascal en route to a decision.

Scorecard: 1 for 2

Round 3: The action we saw in the last three months of the year was enough to say that 2010 was a good year for boxing.

Igor Frank: Fact - Great fights, one after another finished boxing 2010 in a spectacular fashion. Beginning with Juan Manuel Lopez versus Rafael Marquez which produced fireworks while it lasted. Manny Pacquiao thrilled fans once again destroying Margarito. The following week Juan Manuel Marquez stopped Katsidis in a fight of the year candidate, followed a blood bath between Maidana and Khan that coincided with action packed bantamweight tournament and finally Hopkins Pascal produced a lot more action than anticipated. Also do not forget a Knock out of the year when Sergio Martinez destroyed Paul Williams.

Matt Knowles: Fact - This was definitely a fun year to be a boxing fan. For the record, my ratings scale generally revolves around the response that the big fights get from my big-time-sports-fan-but-not-necessarily-fight-fan buddies. Off the top of my head, there were about 15-20 people going nuts when Sugar Shane had Floyd in trouble, around the same number for Pacquiao's demolition of Margarito, and a lot of oooh's and ahhh's when Martinez flattened Williams at center ring. That's three big fights, involving six high-profile boxers, which all delivered entertainment-wise in one form or another. To me, that's a darn good year for the sweet science.

Scorecard: 2 for 3

And now for the championship rounds!

Round 4: Floyd Mayweather Jr. will fight in 2011.

Matt Knowles: Fiction - Considering the double-whammy of legal woes between Floyd and Uncle Rog', and the soon-to be constructed Summer and Fall fight line-up on the cable networks (believe me, folks, this stuff gets planned WAY ahead), I seriously doubt that we'll see the name Mayweather on the MGM Marquee any time in calendar 2011. Considering his age, bank account, and floundering desire for combat, I'm starting to think more and more that we're about to be hearing another retirement speech (even if it is short-lived, and he comes back to fight Pacquiao, on Cinco De Mayo weekend 2012, in Vegas, for $50 million guaranteed, at 147...wait what was I talkin' about???).

Igor Frank: Fiction - Floyd Mayweather has a lot of legal problems and it seems like his fighting day might be over. The only fights in the future of Floyd are the legal battles in the courtrooms of Nevada.

Scorecard: 3 for 4

Round 5: Should Juan Manuel Marquez not get the fight with Pacquiao; a showdown with Erik Morales in Mexico would be a smart move.

Matt Knowles: Fact - Genius business move, even if it is about 5-10 years overdue. Marquez-Morales has equaled dollar signs for the past decade, and for a variety of reasons, it has never come to fruition. Being that PacMan is most likely looking for some old moldy Sugar to feast on this May, Marquez should look to the next-most profitable option, which would be El Terrible. It's still a fun action fight at this stage, although there's little doubt that Marquez would break 'em down late. Only thing I'd like to see: rather than Mexico as the venue, how about the soccer stadium at Home Depot Center in SoCal? BRRRRILLIANT!!!

Igor Frank: Fact - Marquez, himself, mentioned that if he could not get a fight with Pacquiao he would seek a fourth title at light welterweight. Marquez vs. Morales would be a great fight for both veterans of the ring, a fight that should have happened about ten years ago, but never the less the fight that fans would pay to see and the fight that will be exciting while it lasts.

Scorecard: 3 for 5

Round 6: Sergio Martinez' return to the ring is tentatively set for March against Andy Lee. He deserves a "gimme" fight.

Matt Knowles: Fiction - No world champion ever deserves a gimme fight...ever. That's why their the world champ, because they are supposed to fight the best of the best contenders from across the freakin' universe...every single time they step between the ropes, period! Currently, there are a handful of guys in Europe (Sturm, Sylvester) and the US (Williams and Pavlik rematches) who are not only marketable, but also are more than qualified for a shot at the title. A soft-touch title defense in this scenario is completely unacceptable. I expect more from Team Martinez, especially considering the path of fury that DiBella took Jermain Taylor on when he held the crown.

Igor Frank: Fiction - In his last three fights Martinez fought Williams, Pavlik, Williams. The rematch with Williams was very short and did not take anything out of Martinez. Martinez and his promoter DiBella had a press conference in Las Vegas stating that they only want big fights now. Martinez might deserve a gimme fight, but it seems absolutely meaningless and silly to fight Andy Lee.

Final Scorecard: 4 for 6