Never Judge A Book By Its Cover

The month of June for Boxing was filled with controversy, steroid scandals, and of course great fights. The biggest thing the average outside fan, plus even the occasional hardcore Boxing fan will take away from last month, was the judging scandal of Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley. And to there credit it did dominate the headlines of Boxing. Judging in Boxing does need a make over and in do time there will be some changes made.

Another portion of fans may say they take away steroid testing in Boxing still needing a upgrade. Boxing should implement a unified steroid testing policy. But Boxing is doing something right though, other wise no one would be getting caught. Above all though there is one thing that should be taken away from the month of June in Boxing, the future of the sport.

There are problems to be fixed within the sport yes, but more often then not everyone focuses on all the bad instead of the good. And Boxing is still doing a lot of things good. For instance future fights and even future talent and stars in the making. The future shined bright in June.

The week after the Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley controversy, we got to see once again one of the more exciting stars in the sport coming up Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. back in action. Like his Hall of Fame father Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., Chavez Jr. sparkled as he fought his way to a action packed TKO victory, over Irish southpaw Andy Lee. After the fight it was announced that a bout that fight fans have wanted for some time had been made, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Sergio Martinez September 15^th. In recent years we have seen possible great fights avoided due to promoters own priorities. This time around we will see just what the public wants, which is a young exciting Chavez Jr. going up against the worlds number three pound for pound fighter southpaw Sergio Martinez.

Then just another week after Martinez vs. Chavez Jr. was signed, a young hungry under dog Josestio Lopez pulled a huge upset over Victor Ortiz. Going into the June 23^rd bout at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ortiz was the six and a half favorite over Lopez. The stakes on the line were if Ortiz were to win, he would be the next opponent inserted into the Canelo Alvarez sweepstakes. Lopez had other thoughts though as he ripped Ortiz in the 9^th round breaking Ortiz's jaw, forcing Ortiz to quit on his stool giving Lopez the win by TKO. This fight summed up what we love about Boxing. The underdog with no shot, that suddenly battles through the odds to pull off the impossible.

Then lastly just this last Saturday we saw future superstars Erislandy Lara and Gary Russell Jr. take care of business. Cuban amateur standout Ersilandy Lara who still could face Canelo Alvarez in September, dominated Freddy Hernandez. Hernandez at the end simply put, had more cuts on his face then jabs landed. Lara showed why he could be a future number one Junior Middleweight in the world. Also we saw Gary Russell Jr. another amateur standout this time from U.S.A. Boxing run over his opponent Christopher Perez. The lightning fast and powerful Russell made quick work knocking down Perez numerous times before finally getting the TKO stoppage. Even with lesser opposition Lara and Russell both showed why they are top prospects. 

So now as we roll into the month of July and look back at June, don't focus on the problems of Boxing, focus on the future, as well as the good things. With great fights being made, plus upsets, and future stars who hold the ability to excite fans, we should all be excited. The future holds big things for Boxing including more upsets and talent being cultivated right in front of our very eyes . So upon further review are you still bummed about June's downers? Or are you excited at the amazing things we saw? It's okay to believe in a little of both, but if you think Boxing lost in June, then just look again and you may be surprised at what you find.

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.

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.