Will Lara Be Next For Canelo?

Three up and three down. In Baseball thats a great inning of pitching. In Boxing that's a horrible string of luck. And for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (40-0, 29 Ko's) that's how many opponents have dropped out of his upcoming fight. It's a nightmare that Canelo Alvarez is currently still trying to find his way through, on his mission to find a new opponent for his upcoming September 15^th bout. Last Saturday was the latest future opponent of Alvarez's to fall out of the September 15^th bout, as Victor Ortiz was upset by Josesito Lopez at the Staples Center in Los Angeles by TKO. Once again this week Alvarez and his team were sent back to the drawing board, scrambling for another opponent as September 15^th comes closer and closer.

Golden Boy Promotions who promotes Alvarez, reportedly earlier this week said they had the search narrowed down to three possible fights. Since then Golden Boy has stayed some what silent. It was first believed Austin Trout, Carlos Quintana, and Vanes Martirosyan were the front runners. But now there have been rumors of Carlos Molina among others throwing there hat into the Canelo sweepstakes. As more and more possible opponents stack up, Golden Boy Promotions is simply making it to hard on themselves. Sometimes the best answer is right in front of you. In this case the answer is Cuban standout Erislandy Lara.

Erislandy Lara who is back in action this Saturday on Showtime, was a sensational amateur in Cuba earning many accolades. Lara defected in 2008 to begin his pro career here in the United States. Since making his pro debut Lara hasn't let any of the lofty expectations get to him. Lara in his first 15 bouts went (15-0, 10 Ko's). In his last 3 it may appear Lara came back down to earth a little, earning his first lost against Paul Williams in New Jersey. However as most know Lara was brutally robbed in that fight by the three judges. Erislandy Lara for all purposes should be a undefeated fighter much like Canelo Alvarez is. Lara like Alvarez is also promoted by Golden Boy. So why hasn't Lara been considered as a opponent for Alvarez September 15^th?

Most of it undoubtedly has to do with Golden Boy's wish to make more money in the future off the two stepping in the ring together. Even though Lara has been sensational, part of Golden Boy would love for Lara to mow down more competition to inflate his record for the future. Two fighters with over 25 wins is even easier to promote then one fighter with just 16 wins. But that's not even the biggest reason still Golden Boy is staying away from the two squaring off.

Above all at the end of the day matching up Erislandy Lara against Canelo Alvarez at this point in there careers is far two risky. A devastating loss for either of them at this point could derail the loser possibly. And with both being two of Golden Boy's biggest stars in the making, why risk that right now? It would be a phenomenal bout for sure, but for now Golden Boy would rather let the pot percolate some more, for a possible future bout with more money attached.

The greatest challenge for Alvarez right now could be right in front of him in Lara, but don't expect to see this fight signed anytime soon. For now Golden Boy Promotions will stick with the other options put in front of them.

A Mission For Greatness

As the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London get closer, U.S.A Boxing will prepare itself for redemption. At the 2008 Olympic Games held in China, U.S.A Boxing had its worst showing of all time capturing just one medal. On top of that the U.S.'s one medal was just a bronze captured by heavyweight Deontay Wilder who since has turned pro. In Olympic history U.S.A Boxing holds the record for most medals and gold medals all time in Boxing.

Over the history of the Olympic Games the U.S.A Boxing team has been a source of pride, featuring many Boxers that would go on to have Hall of Fame careers, including Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Roy Jones Jr., and recently Andre Ward among others. Greatness in almost any fighters back ground can be traced back to his amateur days with U.S. Boxing. What will this year hold for the U.S.A.? Will we see a gold medal? Could we see the next Hall of Famer? One man from Staten Island, New York Marcus Browne, may just claim both a gold this year and one day possibly a H.O.F. Ring.

It's hard to tell the future obviously, if anyone could we would all be rich. But 21 year old Marcus Browne may have the pedigree it takes to get himself into both elite classes of the Boxing world. Browne earlier this year in May at the America's Qualifier tournament in Brazil qualified himself for the 2012 London Games. Ranked as the number one Light heavyweight amateur in the U.S. Browne has enjoyed success throughout his amateur career, capturing golden gloves, winning national championships and now even a 2012 Olympic athlete. But it's not the accomplishments and accolades that will bring Browne success, it's something else that some may never get taught. The lesson of adversity.

For hundreds of years men have enjoyed success in there amateur and pro careers in Boxing, but what really defines a great fighter isn't when there winning, but how they can rebound from tough situations. It's that moment when someone gets knocked down or losses, that we find there true worth. Some fighters will crumble, but the true champions battle through to greatness. This is a key detail the 2008 Olympic team was missing, they simply hadn't been tested enough. So when things got tough the young amateurs were crushed leaving the U.S. Know where to be found on the medal stands. This year U.S.A Boxing has some of the guys who can battle through tough times. One of those men is the Light heavyweight Marcus Browne.

Going into last years 2011 World Championships, Marcus Browne was cruising his way to an easy bid to the 2012 Olympic Games. It was there though that he would be tested. Browne who only needed a few more victories to punch his ticket was defeated. Browne however stayed focused on the prize. Instead of taking the easy way out and turning pro, Browne stuck with U.S.A Boxing. 

Training harder then ever in the gym, Browne found his way back to the 2012 National Championships earlier this year in March at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs. Browne leveled the competition through out the tournament, until he got to the finals where he would meet up with one of Fort Caron's favorites, the Army's own Steve Nelson. Against Steve Nelson, Browne also learned more about fighting through adversity.

With over 97% of the crowd cheering for Nelson every punch landed was even more dramatic. And when Browne slipped in the first round, the crowd gave a huge roar thinking it was a knock down, the extremely biased crowd clearly wanted a loss from Browne and a win for Nelson. But once again Browne fought his way through the bout, and even more impressively he did it being pressured up against the ropes for most of the night. Browne won the bout in a hostile environment that mentally weak amateurs would have let get the best of them.

Marcus Browne then was off to the America's Qualifier tournament where he put a rubber stamp on his journey to the 2012 London games. Browne cruised his way through to win the gold medal, and ensure himself a spot this time at the 2012 Olympic games.

Marcus Browne has been through the ringer  and made his way back without melting down at any point. Marcus Browne is mentally ready to take any challenge in London as he heads towards his gold medal hopes. But if it's still physical ability and pure Boxing skills you want, then Marcus Browne has them as well. 

The lengthy 6'2 Light heavyweight southpaw has great hand speed, as well as great strength that can make his opponents night bad very quick with a stoppage. On top of that with the help of legendary trainer Teddy Atlas, Browne has been getting the knowledge and expertise of one of the greatest trainers of all time. Atlas has worked extensively to help Marcus Browne sand off his rough edges in the ring. The same tips Atlas learned along the way with heavyweights Mike Tyson and Alexander Povetkin.

So just what are realistic expectations for Marcus Browne? Olympic gold medal? Future Hall of Famer? Before you answer, just ask yourself-- What separates the talented athletes from the great ones? Every athlete at the pro level of Boxing, NFL, NBA, NHL, Etc. is talented. What makes the great ones so great, is how much adversity they have to battle through in there journey to get to the top. When things get bad the greatest athletes know how to handle it because they have been there before. Browne still has plenty of learning to do at the pro level. However If I had to bet one way or the other, I would bet on Marcus Browne being the next best thing in Boxing, and the next U.S.A Boxing gold medalist.

The Day Iron Mike Was On Top Of The World

46 years ago Saturday one of the greatest Boxers of all time to grace the sport was born. Some may even consider him to be the greatest to come along and most devistating since the great Muhammad Ali. He is the one-- the only-- “Iron” Mike Tyson. His career like his life have been filled with ups and downs twists and turns. But this week in Boxing history also signifies something more for Mike Tyson and Boxing then just him turning another year older.

Mike Tyson who was born in Brooklyn, New York, found trouble from a young age. Tyson was arrested numerous times for petty crimes, going in and out of juvenile hall. And It's in a juvenile detention center that he would discover the sport of Boxing. Shortly after discovering Boxing, Tyson would be introduced to the man and trainer Cus D'Amato, that would do the majority of shaping Mike Tyson into a fine tuned knock out machine. D'Amato while training Tyson became a farther like figure, and taught Tyson his signature peek a boo style that would tear through the Boxing world, and electrify billions. The rest after wards would write itself.

As an amateur Mike Tyson would go on to win two Junior Olympic Gold medals, while also recording the quickest knock out in Junior Olympics history of eight seconds. Then turning pro Tyson would become the youngest heavyweight champ in Boxing history, knocking out Trevor Berbick at the age of 20. After winning the belt Tyson would go on to defend his title six more times, before he finally met up with then lineal IBF heavyweight champ undefeated Michael Spinks (31-0, 21 Ko's).

Spinks who had beaten Larry Holmes by decision in 1985 was at the time the lineal IBF heavyweight champion. Although Spinks had been previously stripped of the IBF belt due to electing not to fight the number one contender. Many Boxing writers still considered Spinks to be the champion, as well as many Boxing writers believed Spinks had a true candadicy at being the true heavyweight champion in the world. And exaclty 24 years ago today June 27^th, 1988 Spinks was seen as a force that possibly could derail “Iron Mike”, in a heavyweight unification bout. This set the stage for the pinnacle of Tysons career and Boxing ability.

Michael Spinks who was a normally aggressive fighter came forward from the bell in the first round and it would ultimaetly be his undoing. Tyson came out ripping Spinks from the start and blinding him with his speed. Spinks no doubt was seeing ghosts as Tyson landed a deadly uppercut exaclty :91 seconds into the first round. Michael Spinks wouldn't get up from the brutal punch and Mike Tyson was then crowned with all three heavyweight champinships, plus the title of lineal champ. It marked the first time a U.S. Heavyweight owned all three heavyweight champinship belts. At that exact moment Mike Tyson was the greatest heavyweight and Boxer of all time.

Unfortunaetly after Mike Tyson captured all three titles his career slowly declined. Tyson won a few more title defenses before getting knocked out by James Douglas in Japan. Not long after that Tyson would lose twice to Evander Holyfield once getting knocked out and the other by DQ as Tyson bit Holyfield on the ear. Tyson's life outside the ring also took hits like his career. Tyson would be sentenced to prison while also becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol. Mike Tyson's career and image would be tainted forever ruining his all time legacy in the eyes of many.

Mike Tyson still holds his place as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time for sure. And 24 years ago today he was crowned the next king of Boxing becoming lineal champion and unified champion. Since then Tyson was pulled back down to earth. Tyson will always be remebered for his first round knockouts, but the question will always be brought up, what if Tyson beats Holyfield even just once? What if Tyson stayed out of trouble? Maybe we would see Mike Tyson even higher then the greatest of all time Muhammad Ali, maybe we would see Mike Tyson as the greatest Boxer of all time.

Is Boxing Doing Enough To Prevent Steroid Use?

Almost every sport has been affected by controversies and scandals. One of the biggest issues to rock the culture of sports has been the haunting reality of steroids. The sport of Boxing is no different. In the past year already we have seen multiple fighters test positive for performance enhancing drugs, and many of them have been at one time or another staples in the sport. It certainly won't be the last time someone is caught trying to cheat there way to a win. But it merits the question once again, is Boxing doing enough to protect the integrity of the sport and keep steroids out of the ring?

At first glance one would answer with a simple no Boxing isn't doing enough. And who could blame them with the evidence put in front of us. In the last couple months we have seen both Andre Berto and Lamont Peterson test positive for a banned substance in preparation for there upcoming bouts with Victor Ortiz and Amir Khan. On top of that just this last weekend another test came back positive. This time is was one of the top amateur and pro fighters to ever grace the sport, Antonio “The Magic Man” Tarver. Tarver who was drug tested before his last bout June 2^nd against Lateef Kayode, tested positive for a banned substance called Drostanolone an Anabolic Steroid. As the results of Taver's failed test came down this weekend it was just another piece of evidence for some fans that Boxing needs to do more to keep steroids out of the sport. But what if this is the best thing for Boxing? What if this is just the system actually working?

On the surface when someone is caught cheating taking steroids its received as a huge black eye. That will never change. But look at the sport of Baseball for instance. For the majority of 2000-2007 all the news around Baseball was bad news after bad news of superstars getting busted for cheating. A stain on the game of Baseball was definitely left. However look at Baseball almost six years later now. The superstars getting busted are far in between now because after a period of everyone getting busted in Baseball, everyone learned to stay away from steroids and do it the right way. The same is happening in Boxing. The only difference is a giant stain hasn't been left yet. Boxing is cleaning up far before the biggest superstars in the sport get busted. With Three bigger named fighters getting busted this year as well as the past, others will think twice about cheating and using performance enhancing drugs.

The systems put in place right now with drug testing in Boxing aren't perfect, but the systems are good enough to clean up most of the cheaters. One thing that everyone can agree on is Boxing should have one unified policy of testing, but with more superstars like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and others demanding Olympic style drug testing, big time fights will be held with higher standards. And maybe even one day there will be a unified testing system. One can only dream.

Boxing can also help itself by wiping clean any outside evil entities connected to steroids such as Victor Conte formally of BALCO, who involve themselves in the sport. These men who have a dirty image attached to them should be ridden of. Why mess with someone who has a trail of bread crumbs leading to dirty athletes on steroids? If you don't want to be seen as suspicious then don't associate yourself with these men. It never pays off just ask Andre Berto. 

So do you still think Boxing needs to do more to keep steroids out of the sport? While there is some work still to be done, for now Boxing fans don't panic. The only time to worry would be if no one was getting caught. We have seen three bigger name fighters this year test positive, and that should be a good sign that something is in fact working in the drug testing system and that fighters are being caught.

Who's Next For Canelo?

At one time or another in life everyone has had that one friend, date, or family member cancel plans on them. It's no doubt very annoying and frustrating. Just imagine it happening three times in a row, with a different person every time. This is the constant frustrating reality that Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (40-0, 29 Ko's) is facing as he tries to find an opponent for his scheduled September 15^th Pay Per View fight. In the past couple months we have seen three future opponents of Alvarez drop out in different ways.

  

First Alvarez was set to face Paul Williams, but after an unfortunate motorcycle accident William's was forced to drop out. Next came James Kirkland and while for a couple days it looked certain they would face off, Kirkland and his team dropped out due to there end wanting more money. Then finally Victor Ortiz had an agreement to fight September 15^th, but after an upset loss to Josesito Lopez Saturday night, he now to is out of the September 15^th clash. This now leaves Canelo Alvarez and his team to find yet again another opponent. But who else is left for the young red headed sensation?

CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer who promotes Alvarez, has declined to confirm what opponents they are considering at this point. All that he has confirmed is there are three opponents that they will pick from now. The three opponents on the table we assume are Vanes Martirosyan, Carlos Quintana, and Austin Trout. Although there may be a couple others who fall into play, those three presumably are the three on the decision table.

All three are respectable opponents for Canelo Alvarez but none as good as the three previous opponent that had been lined up. Vanes Martirosyan (32-0, 20 Ko's) one of the opponents possible for Alvarez has adamantly wanted Alvarez for quite some time now. Even recently Martirosyan has called out Alvarez on Twitter and other social networking sites. On paper Martirosyan does set up for a respectable bout with two undefeated fighters. The only detractor from the fight taking place has been Martirosyan seemingly dodging opponents put in front of him, including a WBC eliminator between Martirosyan and young Cuban Erislandy Lara just a few short months ago.

Another possible Undefeated opponent that could face Alvarez this September could be southpaw Austin Trout. Trout (25-0, 14 Ko's) is coming off a victory against Delvin Rodriguez June 2^nd. Before Victor Ortiz was announced to be next in line at the time, it seemed Trout could be a heavy favorite to face Alvarez next. Trout who didn't look sensational in his last bout does pride himself on being a solid defensive fighter. That along with being a southpaw could give Canelo Alvarez some issues. If Trout was signed to face Alvarez most likely the September 15^th date would be moved from a Pay Per View bout to a Showtime or even a CBS contest.

Though the last option for Alvarez and his team Golden Boy Promotions does have three losses, Carlos Quintana (29-3, 23 Ko's). He does present an interesting variable. Quintana as we saw in his last bout against Deandre Latimore on the Floyd Mayweather Miguel Cotto under card, posses the ability to end fights with one punch. Quintana in that fight as well as others hit Latimore with a few punches that simply stunned him leading to a impressive TKO. That's the factor that could put Quintana in the lead for September 15^th. But like a possible Austin Trout bout Golden Boy Promotions would most likely make the Calors Quintana fight on Showtime or CBS.

All three as stated are pretty good opponents. It will be seen though if young Cuban Erislandy Lara gets a long look for September, although Golden Boy has stated many times they would like to hype the fight more for the future, before the two square off.

Canelo Alvarez for sure has just about had enough match making and wants to just step back into the squared circle. Three possible opponents and all three are respectable that could still present a challenge. With all this shifting of opponents, just leave yourself with this question though. How long before Miguel Cotto's fire gets ignited and wants back in the ring? Who would you like to see Canelo Alvarez face next?

A Broken Will

There's a reason why they play the games someone once said. And the same exact thing is true for Boxing. In the past few months we have seen three Boxers test positive for a banned substance, as well as a perennial superstar Manny Pacquiao get robbed of a win. But Saturday night Victor Ortiz vs. Josesito Lopez showed why Boxing fans love the sport so much. Saturday night no judges were needed, and as most fans and viewers of the sport would agree, the fight was determined by the two people that it should be, the two fighters.

Coming into Saturday nights fight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles California, the favorite Victor Ortiz coming off a loss against Floyd Mayweather in his last fight, had everything lined up. If Ortiz could beat Lopez he had Super Welterweight champion Canelo Alvarez, lined up for huge fight September 15^th on pay per view. Ortiz could consider himself just a couple wins away from a rematch with Floyd Mayweather if he could take down both Lopez then Alvarez. 

However there was one crucial element everyone forgot. Somehow somewhere everyone forgot anyone is beatable and what defines a true fighter is the moments he has to rise up. Josesito Lopez who agreed to step in for Andre Berto after Berto tested positive for steroids, did just that Saturday night. Although everyone knew Lopez had a chance, still the thought of Lopez pulling the upset against Ortiz was far from reality for most people.

The fight itself was a great one. Every round was filled with multiple exchanges from both fighters Ortiz and Lopez. Ortiz landed some really good power shots, as well as Lopez landed a good amount of flurry's. Even when Lopez was struck with a illegal shot to the back of his head early he was able to grind through, and continue fighting after taking some time to gather himself. Ortiz's punches may have been the more powerful but Lopez hung in the fight and capitalized on key defensive weaknesses from Victor Ortiz. Lopez was able to land clean hooks and uppercuts in clusters through out the bout. As the fight went on it became frighteningly clear Lopez wasn't going to give in and give Ortiz his bout with Canelo Alvarez that easily. Lopez even at times taunted Ortiz to come forward. Somewhere in the barrage of punches Lopez landed he needed to catch a break however. With what we have seen from judges in the past few weeks Lopez better than anyone knew the best way for a win, is to take matters into your own hands and finish the bout. And with a big left hook Josesito Lopez did just that late in the fight.

Unknown at the time to everyone watching the fight but one of Lopez's big left hands in round 9 had in fact hurt, and broken Victor Ortiz's jaw. Not showing any signs of issues at the time the exchange of punches took place, Ortiz fought through till the end of the 9^th. But as the 10^th round was set to begin Ortiz and his corner yelled to referee Jack Reiss that he had broken his jaw and he couldn't continue. 

Lopez and his team exploded into excitement right away celebrating the hard fought victory. Lopez in his post fight interview stated it best, that Saturday night was just his night. Victor Ortiz did answer some post fight questions in ring. With his speech altered, clearly Ortiz's jaw was hurt badly by Lopez's left hook. Ortiz was rushed out of the ring quickly afterwards, making the walk of shame back to his dressing room. While spitting up blood Ortiz buried his head in his hands not believing he just lost his second consecutive bout and this one under his own will.

Whats next for Victor Ortiz? After losing to Josesito Lopez Saturday night he is now (1-2-1) in his last four fights with two consecutive losses on huge stages. His bout with Canelo Alvarez is all but gone and a rematch against other opponents from the past such as Andre Berto, Floyd Mayweather, and Lamont Peterson are not going to happen. Maybe down the line Ortiz can face Marcos Maidana once again. But there are even bigger questions for Ortiz then who he will face ahead of him. 

Victor Ortiz's mental makeup already in question will take an even harder hit. In the past Ortiz has lost his cool engaging in illegal acts in the ring including trying to head butt Floyd Mayweather and even in Saturday nights bout against Lopez hitting him in the back of the head. On top of all that now Ortiz seemingly gave up in a fight. A prideful Boxer on his ability to grind through tough times both in life and the ring couldn't push himself to continue. And that will be the hardest part for Victor Ortiz to swallow. Just 24 hours ago Ortiz had the label of a Boxer who was just a couple steps away from getting back to a rematch with Floyd Mayweather. Now Ortiz's career like his last two fights has hit rock bottom, it will be seen if Victor Ortiz can pick his career off the mat or take the ten count.

For Lopez his career has done the opposite of Victor Ortiz's. Lopez just 8 weeks ago was on his couch willing to be a step in for any fight. Now Josesito Lopez's stock has shot through the roof. Lopez a natural 140 pound fighter can get almost any bout he wants now. And even more importantly Lopez now has the momentum and the confidence moving forward knowing that he has a defining win over a big time opponent. If not for his controversial loss to unbeaten prospect Jessie Vargas last September, Lopez may have had two huge wins in a row. Lopez for the first time in his career may finally find himself the favorite instead of the underdog for his next fight. 

For both Victor Ortiz and Josesito Lopez from here there careers are a mystery. The one thing that is for sure is the sport of Boxing will have its lows now and again but for the majority of the sport will be dictated by great fights and upsets like Saturday night was.

Second Times a Charm

Almost 10 months ago Kansas native, Victor Ortiz (29-3,22 Ko's) found himself sitting in his corner dazed and confused, glaring across the ring as Floyd Mayweather walked around the ring triumphantly after a controversial knockout. In September of last year Victor Ortiz had the biggest bout of his professional career squaring off against one of the best pound for pound Boxers in the history of Boxing Floyd Mayweather. The night didn't go well for Ortiz to say the least. Ortiz who had some decent attacks in the early stages of the bout lost his cool in the 4^th round launching himself headfirst into Mayweather causing Referee Joe Cortez to break the two fighters up. When action resumed Ortiz felt it necessary to apologize numerous times to Mayweather, when the two men came together Mayweather sent Ortiz down to the canvas with two big punches, ending the night and the world championship shot for Victor Ortiz.

But since then life has returned to normalcy for Ortiz, well somewhat normal. At the beginning of the year Ortiz was set to take on another welterweight foe in Andre Berto who he had waged war with and beaten not even a year ago. But just before the fight Berto tore his bicep postponing the fight till June 23^rd. Then in May another issue arose as Berto tested positive for a banned substance pulling him out of the June 23^rd bout. Like his career in 2011, Ortiz's life seemed to be on a run away train not knowing where to go or where it would lead to. Desperately Ortiz and his camp then looked for a new opponent to fill Andre Berto's spot. One man did answer the call, a fellow (29-4, 17 Ko's) Welterweight Boxer Josesitio Lopez came to the table and the fight was still on for June. Lopez who is facing his own ups and downs just coming off a loss against Jessie Vargas, promises to wage war, but so does Victor Ortiz. 

For Ortiz there is one simple thought in mind get another world championship fight against a top pound for pound fighter. Ortiz's shot may come sooner though then he thought, as During his camp Ortiz reached a mutual agreement for a September 15^th bout against Canelo Alvarez. If Ortiz is able to beat Lopez then Alvarez he will have set himself up for another title shot. First things first however Ortiz must get through Josesito Lopez tomorrow night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Like most Ortiz bouts of the past (Maidana, Berto, Peterson) this bout promises to be another good one with a lot of action. Ortiz will look to capitalize on angles and landing his right hook against Lopez. If he can do that it could be a short painful day for Lopez at the Staples Center. 

No matter how you look at it we are all in for a treat tomorrow night. Ever since losing last September Ortiz has been dreaming of another shot to make history become world champion, and he won't let anyone take that from him this time.  His next shot could be right around the corner and Ortiz swears to not make the same mistakes again. Could we be seeing the birth of a Hall of Famer? If Ortiz pulls off the big one, absolutely we are.

Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better

Everyone has heard the saying it's not the size of the opponent that matters, but how big there heart is. And for one London Olympic hope full this rings more true then ever. The 2012 Summer London Olympic games are about 35 days away and we are bound to see a lot of amazing things happen. Through out the course of Olympic history we have seen medal breaking performances, record breaking times, and even seen nations rally. And for U.S.A. Boxing there no stranger to amazing feats, as the U.S. Holds the record for most medals (109) and golds (48) all time in Boxing. As the men get ready to try to add to that count, its one female though who will look to steal the show, as she has already made history of her own.

For 109 years women boxed off and on in the Olympic games, and for all 109 of them women were not allowed to medal in the event. But all has changed this year as finally at the 2012 London Summer games women will be allowed to medal in Boxing, and 22 year old Marlen Esparza hopes to be flying the red, white, and blue higher than anyone in London. In May at the Women's World Championships in China, Esparza put herself in the record book forever, as Esparza became the first ever U.S. women's boxing Olympian in history. Esparza who stands at 5 foot 3, is currently ranked sixth in the world at 112 pounds. Although Esparza's natural weight is at 106 pounds, in London she will compete in the smallest of the three women's weight classes at 112 pounds.

Marlen Esparza has never let her size get in the way though. As growing up most of Esparza's sparring partners where men, and I'm sure most of them now have the displeasure of telling the story of how Esparza beat them. With lightning fast hands, feet, and aggression all 5 foot 3 of Esparza has mowed down opponent after opponent on her way to the top. And at the London games she finds herself in serious medal contention, and on the verge of possibly finding herself in the record book again this time with a medal around her neck.

Don't let yourself be fooled though because at heart Esparza is still very much a lady, being featured in Cover Girl adds and posters nationwide. Esparza a college student, hopes to make this her last major tournament before returning to focus 100 % on school next semester. Dare I say if she wins a gold medal in London she will be the most popular person on campus? I mean how many other people can boast there the first at anything in such a rich Olympic history? For Marlen Esparza she may be able to say that twice when it's all said and done this summer.

The State of the U.S. Heavyweight's

The American heavyweight has been a very hot topic in Boxing for some time now. Gone are the glory days of Mike Tyson and other great former United States Heavyweights. Many may even say Boxings decline from the most popular sport in the U.S has to deal with the low of great American heavyweights in the sport. A lot of it undoubtedly has to deal with the Klitschkos dominating run over seas capturing all four of the major heavyweight titles. The other part of it has been many of the U.S. Heavyweights have turned into missed prospects. However this time around there may be a handful of U.S. Heavyweight prospects that are the best we have seen in years now. But what prospect right now has the best shot to bring back a title to North America in the future?

First things first lets take a closer look at the United States top three heavyweight prospects Seth Mitchell, Bryant Jennings and Deontay Wilder. What does it take to be a heavyweight and have the ability to be a world champion? Some of these may be debatable but in my mind a top heavyweight has the ability to close the show with a great knockout, as well as speed and can be able to take a punch as well as they can give one.

All three U.S. Prospects are talented no doubt but in my eyes only two of them meet the criteria thus far that I listed above. The only prospect I feel cant close the show and doesn't meet the criteria,  is the man we saw just this last Saturday Bryant Jennings. Jennings is very fast and has shown the ability at times to throw with bad intentions, but along his wild punches and confusion on when to go from a Boxer who wins rounds to a Boxer who gets knockouts. Jennings has showed his raw talent is still yet to be cultivated. Jennings would greatly be helped by a great trainer such as Freddie Roach, Emmanuel Steward, or Teddy Atlas to help sand down his rough edges. But until then Jennings is the farthest from being what we will call Klitschko ready.

That leaves two heavyweights to look at who I believe like Jennings have great talent, but these guys are a few steps ahead, those two are Deontay Wilder and Seth Mitchell. Deontay Wilder has won all 21 of his pro fights all by knockout. Wilder holds the power to be exciting and had a good amateur career winning a bronze medal in 2008's Olympic games. The biggest knock against him is he hasn't been tested as a pro yet with most of his opponents being somewhat handpicked. Wilder wants to move up the ladder but at what risk does it happen to fast? Wilder will have to be very careful.

That only leaves us with one U.S. Heavyweight prospect and the best chance the United States has to dethrone a Klitschko and become the next big heavyweight phenom, Seth Mitchell. Mitchell a former Michigan State football player who turned to Boxing after injuring his knee has all the attributes. Mitchell is fast, athletic, powerful and the most important the ability to grind out a fight and win tough bouts. We witnessed this in Mitchell's last bout April 28^th on the Hopkins-Dawson under card. In the first round Mitchell was staggered by a big punch from fellow heavyweight Chazz Witherspoon but somehow stayed on his feet and made it to the bell. From there Mitchell rebounded for a dominate TKO in the third. Mitchell will have to continue to impress and move up the degrees of competition but after his first 26 bouts he has showed the most promise.

All three top U.S. Heavyweight prospects have a lot of upside,but some more then others right now. But with some teaching we could be seeing the birth of some great heavyweights. If Wladimir Klitschko or Vitali Klitschko don't retire in the next year and a half we could be seeing a heavyweight title belt coming back to North America. No matter how you look at it you have to be excited to see the group of talent being brought up right in front of us.

The Real Issue

In the past three weeks Boxing has seen a roller coaster ride with enough twists and turns that would even leave a adrenaline junkie sick. We have seen one of the worst decisions in history, as well as two promoters making two huge paper view fights on the same night, but on different cards. This is nothing new to the sport of Boxing, and the fans have learned to endure the storms over time. But one thing that wont change is the sport needing certain changes. Where do the problems truly lie, that is the ultimate question. Where or who should we point at?

In the fallout of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley wretched decision, most people would blame judging and conspiracy theories as the biggest issue. While I would agree yes changes in how fights are judged need to be made, there is one simple change that can be made right away. The promoters need to put the fans back in there thoughts. Boxing is full of passionate fans and it's about time promoters put that back in there decisions. For instance September 15^th two huge fights will be held in Las Vegas, the only catch is they will be on two different cards on two different paper views. Once again I fully understand that its a business and theres money to be made. And yes both fights are what the fans want. However instead of putting them on different dates or coming to a solution, instead the promoters will battle for Paper view buys.

There is always multiple ways to achieve something, and for Boxing promoters the same applies. Lets get real guys there are ways you can make a dollar and still at the end of the day keep Boxing fans truly happy. All you have to do is hold the fights on different nights or as some fans might even dream, dare I say even put them on a mega card.