Oct 08 - ESPN2 9:30
James Toney vs. Ramon Garbey
Former IBF middle weight champ James is in his third bout since taking a year off, and
hasn't lost yet. I underestimated him in his last outing against Adolpho Washington last
July in which he scored an impressive 10th round stoppage. Prior to his lay off, I thought
James looked washed up. Since his come back, he has been looking better. I indicated I was
curious as to who he will fight next. He isn't cutting any corners against Ramon Garbey.
Ramon was on a hot streak for a bit, and was impressive in his points win to John McClain
(as predicted) last Apr. Last Jul he was upset by
Napoleon Tagoe and needs a win to re-establish himself in the mix. James is no stepping
stone, and has much world experience and is a former 2 time world champion in 2 weight
divisions. I believe James "Lights Out" is back in action and will deal Ramon
yet another loss. This should prove to be an action packed match up. Don't blink . . . .
Toney by Decision
Oct 09 - Not Televised -
At The Oberhausen Arena, Oberhausen, Germany
Vitali Klitschko vs. Ed Mahone
This is a most anticipated fight in my opinion. Two undefeated power punchers, both own
ALL wins by KO!! Between them they own 46 wins and 46 KO's!! You have seen my past
predictions about Ed Mahone. He's a banger not well know on the international scene, but
is a local favorite in the L.A. area. His last win against Derrick Banks was a show
stopper (as predicted) scoring 7 knockdowns in the 10th
round before a halt was called to the bout. Then his fight before that when he stopped the
veteran Steve Pannell (as predicted) in 2 rounds. I
like Ed, but he has trouble with a boxer that moves. The late Cody Koch proved this until
walking into a big right hand in the 10th and snatched defeat out the jaws of certain
victory in Feb 98. I believe Vitali will be Big Ed's first loss.
Vitali is a banger from the Ukraine who is MEAN and HUGE. He has natural boxing ability
and at 6'8, uses his body to unleash DEVASTATING KO power. He won the European title last
Oct by stopping Mario Schlesser in 2. In his first defense, he stopped Francesco Spinelli
in 1 round last Dec. He stopped Ismael Youla last Feb in 1 and dispatched the much
heralded and reigning 2 year WBO Heavy champ Herbie Hide in 2 rounds to take the title
away. Herbie's only loss before that was at the hands of Riddick Bowe in Mar of 95!.
Vitali is in the prime of a career that will reign long and continue to make tidal waves .
. no. . . tsunami waves in the heavyweight division. Vitali's current momentum
coupled with the fact Ed has traveled to Germany to fight the "Ironfist" .
. . Hmmm. . . Ed will be lucky to ride the tide to the beach.
I don't expect Ed to hear the final bell. Oh - he'll hear bells though . . . .
Klitscho inside 5
In Retrospect:
James Toney vs. Ramon Garbey
As expected. I doubted James when he first came back. After taking 2 years off and jumping
up to cruiserweight, I thought to myself, "Go home James". How surprised I have
been. In his 3rd fight this year, against a formidable 3 time former world champ in
Garbey, James looked pretty good. But leaning on the ropes waiting to counter is not a
winning combination. James wouldn't last with Roy Jones (a rematch he is anticipating but
in my opinion will never happen) doing this. Or any of the top flight cruisers. He needs
to work on hand speed and endurance. His leaning on the ropes is indicative of fatigue.
I'll keep an eye on the coming back James. I'm sure we'll hear from him soon.
Vitali Klitschko vs. Ed Mahone
As expected. Big Ed couldn't take the even bigger right hands of Vitali. In the opening
seconds Vitali took control with that telephone pole like jab and big right hands. It took
Ed almost a minute before he even landed a shot. In the closing seconds of the first round
he landed some trademark body punches to close the round. In the second round, Vitali chin
checked Ed spinning him around and Vitali driving him into the ropes in the closing
seconds. In the third round, Vitali dropped another big overhand right that dropped Ed. He
made the 8 count but was in la la land after that. Vitali sensed the end and unloaded a
barrage of shots through big Ed's gloves and landed another clean shot which prompted
American judge Rudy Battle to call a halt to the bout at 2:45 of the 3rd.
Vitali is looking to fight in America. He would like say . . . Mike Tyson, Evander
Holyfield or even Lennox Lewis. Really now? There's also rumors he is in a dialogue with
Jay Larkin of Showtime to sign a multi fight deal on that network. I look forward to that
coming to fruition. Until then, keep an eye out for the big Ukrainian!!
