Feb 26 - HBO 6:00 pm
Oscar De La Hoya vs. Derrel Coley
This is Oscar's first bout since getting ROBBED at the hands of Felix
Trinidad. Oscar's story is well known. He grew up in East L.A., was an Olympic gold
medalist in 92 and he is a 4 time world champion. Most were surprised to see Felix take
the nod against Oscar, but that is history now. What matters is tonight against Derrel
Coley.
Derrel doesn't have the same background as Oscar. He has yet to capture a world title, and
has never been in a real world title match. Sure he has won and defended a NABF title.
Never a world title. A good showing against Oscar tonight could improve his marketability,
but that isn't going to be the case.
In all actuality, this is an extremely lop sided card. Oscar has much more world
experience and championship experience. Oscar going to open fast and stop Derrel quick.
Most importantly, the winner of tonight's card will be the mandatory challenger for the
WBC title. The title Felix stole from Oscar. Do you think for one second Derrel is going
to stand in the way of Oscar getting a rematch with Felix?
Like the poor unsuspecting smack talking Derrel has a chance . . .
De La Hoya inside 6
Arturro Gatti vs. Joey Gamache
This will prove to be the most competitive fight of the evening. Both these
guy's need to look good to prove their worth in the 140 division, both are former world
champions, and in a sense it's almost a do or die for them. Currently, Arturro is ranked
9th in the WBC, and Joey is ranked 8th in the IBF. (it's hard to take the WBC seriously
when Chavez loses to Willy Wise and is still ranked #1!!)
With current champions in the Super Lightweight division like Kostya Tszyu (WBC), Sharmba
Mitchell (WBA), Zab Judah (IBF) and Randall Bailey (WBO) these buys have a snowballs
chance in hell to beat any of these well know and proven bangers. The best they can do is
look good tonight and try to win impressively. I expect just that.
Arturo has a propensity to swell around the eyes. All Joey's loses have been by KO.
Since 97, Arturro has fought 7 times, losing 3. Joey has fought 10 times 9 by KO.
So who's going to win?
I believe Arturro will dig deep and pull it out. Joey is a seasoned club fighter, but as I
stated before, can be stopped. Arturro has NEVER been stopped, and will never give up,
even in a mask of blood and eyes swelling shut. Look at a slug fest for the first part, a
boxing clinic in the second stanza and Arturro stopping his victim in the mid-late rounds.
Gatti inside 9
On the HBO card, but not Televised as of yet . . .
Lamon Brewster vs. Richard Mason
This fight will prove to be entertaining, and it gives us a chance to see
more of the up and coming heavyweight prospect Lamon in action. The L.A. local has an
impressive record of 22-0 with 20 KO's. He gave an impressive performance in his first
round stoppage of the veteran Quinn Navarre last Sep. (As
predicted) Although all his wins were against lesser known opponents, his power is
self evident. He campaigns to continue his win streak against Richard Mason.
Richard is a cruiser weight who has stepped up to heavy. In every fight against named
opposition, Richard has folded, albeit he has went the distance and managed to finish
upright. Perhaps that's where he gets the nickname "Stoneface".
He is credited with going the distance with Axel Schultz (Aug 98), Larry Donald (Nov 96)
and James Toney (Mar 96). Although he lost all those fights. I don't believe he will fare
as well against the up and coming bomber Lamon.
Lamon will open and close with bombs. Although entertaining, this bout will go fast with
Lamon having his hand raised inside of 4.
Brewster inside 4
In Retrospect:
Oscar De La Hoya vs. Derrel Coley
As expected. Oscar looked good against Derrel. He dominated the fight from the
first bell, launched a vicious body attack and had Derrel hurt on several occasions. Some
believe that Derrel had Oscar in trouble in the 4th round. NOT! Oscar was laying in wait
to counter, and his head and body movement made Derrel miss most all of those combinations
he threw. By the end of the 4th round Oscar threw more punches then Derrel with a higher
connect percentage.
Make no mistake about it, Derrel didn't make the 10 count because he wanted no more. He
quit on all fours, bleeding from his almost swollen shut eye, proving he hasn't the
mettle, guts or heart of a champion. A good first fight for the Golden Boy.
Arturro Gatti vs. Joey Gamache
Almost as expected. I expected Joey to hang a little longer, but Arturro had
other plans. From the beginning he was landing huge rights, dropping Joey twice in the
first round. Joey had to hold on to make it to the bell. Round 2 was much of the same,
then a vicious three punch combo put Joey on the canvas for 5 minutes! What a spectacular
fight for the coming back Canadian, after a disastrous 98 that left him with 3 loses in a
row. Arturro is setting his sights on a match with Kostya Tszyu. You better watch it
Arturro, you may get what you ask for. Your porous defense won't hang with Tszyu.
Lamon Brewster vs. Richard Mason
Not as expected. I expected Lamon to bang this guy out, but Richard
"Stoneface" Mason proved to have a tough chin. Remember, Richard did go the
distance with Axel Schultz, Larry Donald and James Toney. Perhaps this fact had Lamon take
the safety first approach and him him content with sticking the jab out and not comitting
to any major power shots. Apparently this was a yawner, and the girl fight sported more
action. I'll keep an eye on this up and coming heavyweight banger Lamon.
