| Body Shots Vol. XIX 9-3-06 It’s been a slow few weeks in the boxing world, both in the ring and outside of it. Nothing of significance has shaken the boxing world, and this fan enough to really merit recognition. Couple that with the fact I have been working crazy hours on a crazy shift on a project, and you have no “Body Shots” for the past few weeks. I know the faithful have been waiting in full anticipation for another installment, so here goes. Castillo given the shaft by the boxing world Former lightweight champ, and the only man to unofficially defeat Floyd Mayweather Jr., Jose Luis Castillo was fined a whopping $250,000, and suspended by the State of Nevada for failing to make the contracted 135 pound weight limit for his third bout with Diego Corrales. To the general public who sees these athletes making major bank, 250 grand probably does not seem like that much. Trust, 250K is a major amount of money for a man like Castillo, who is not exactly in the Oscar de la Hoya or Roy Jones tax bracket. Critics, and the good folks on the Nevada commission will tell you that Castillo damaged the integrity of the sport by failing to make the weight for a second consecutive time. Not only that, but the State of Nevada took a major hit when a major fight went down the toilet. Their argument is not without merit. Castillo did damage the sport by costing it a major fight. He also cost some investors, casinos and others some major dollars. But the fine and suspension almost have the feel of pay back. The Nevada commission almost looks like it is fining Castillo this large amount, the most allowable under the law, in a bit of a gangster move. Attempting to show Castillo and all other fighters that they are nothing more than the entertainment. Their health and well being matter nothing when compared to the bottom line, and any other fighter who messes with theirs and their investors money will be dealt with. If this is not the case, then give that 250 grand to Diego Corrales. Just my opinion. Juan Manuel Marquez signs with Golden Boy 126 pound champ Juan Manuel Marquez has finally made what appears on the surface like a wise business decision. After years of mismanagement at the hands of his trainer Nacho Baristain, Marquez has signed with Golden Boy Promotions. This news may not be shocking to fans who have seen Oscar de la Hoya and Marquez carousing at major fights over the past few months, but it is welcome news to fans who have grown weary of seeing Marquez in with every unknown Asian fighter in and around his weight class. Golden Boy Promotions has consistently put on good fights over the past few years, even if it is at the expense of the fan’s wallet with their many pay per views. What is good for the Marquez fan in particular is that Golden Boy is not afraid to put their fighters in tough, as evidenced by the recent careers of Kassim Ouma, Marco Antonio Barrera, and others. Marquez needs an outlet to showcase his Pound for Pound ability. Golden Boy Promotions seems like a good fit. Maybe we’ll get to see the long awaited showdown between Barrera and Marquez. I’m sure the people at Golden Boy are salivating at their prospects. Hatton vacates 147 pound belt England’s favorite son Ricky Hatton has vacated the 147 pound title he gained in defeating Luis Collazo by close decision last May. While it had been rumored for awhile, Hatton made it official while at the same time expressing his intention to return to 140 pounds to campaign permanently there. While most fans were looking forward to possible clashes between Hatton and either Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto or Antonio Margarito, Hatton will likely face the wild, undisciplined Juan Urango in his next bout with a possible fight with Jose Luis Castillo being his ultimate short term goal. A bit of a buzz kill. |
