Boxing: Friday, Feb 1

[H2O Man]

TODAY - at Monroeville, Pennsylvania (ESPN2) - 10 rounds,
featherweights: Erik Aiken (16-6-1, 12 KOs) vs. Monte
Meza Clay (26-1, 17 KOs).

TODAY - at Hinckley, Minnesota (Showtime) - 10 rounds,
light middleweights: Richardo Cortes (22-1, 15 KOs) vs.
Alfredo Angulo (11-0, 8 KOs); 8 rounds, super featherweights:
Mickey Bey, Jr. (9-0, 6 KOs) vs. Juan Castaneda (12-0, 9 KOs).

There are two good fight cards on tonight. The Showtime "ShowBox" card may have the more competitive fights, but I think boxing fans might be interested in the ESPN situation, as well. There are rumors that Teddy Atlas has been "suspended" for a week, because he has been disagreeing with the "powers-that-be" at ESPN about certain promoters. I like the ESPN boxing coverage, but I hope they will listen to Teddy Atlas. The guy knows what is best for the fighters, the fans, and the sport.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

1. Teddy Atlas tells it like it is

He's not afraid to voice his opinion. I like the fact he speaks up and publicly excoriates the hometown judges when they blow their decision. I don't always agree with him on the scoring of fights (but I tend to agree with him more than almost any broadcaster) but I really respect his love of the sport above all else, including his own career. I wish Teddy Atlas could team up with Big George Foreman and do the really big fights on HBO instead of Lampley, Merchant et al. Teddy Atlas can make even average fights between "B" fighters on ESPN a very interesting experience.

[H2O Man]

2. My son said

that ESPN should listen to Teddy for two reasons: first, he's right; and second, either HBO or Showtime would love to add him to their cast. I think there are a lot of talented commentators today, but Teddy is clearly the very best.

I also really appreciated Big George. He had more insight and was more at ease than Lennox Lewis. I always like ex-fighters; many years ago, Jerry Quarry did some network cards, and he was really good.