Random ruminations from the last couple of weeks in boxing.

I never start new threads, but there's some stuff I've observed the last couple of weeks and wanted to discuss.

ESPN Classic-
The weekend before last I was watching ESPN classic. They were airing Holyfield/Bowe I. This fight was a good reminder of how far and fast the HW division has fallen. I grew up with boxing and watched this fight as a kid, (prolly 12-13). I remember thinking it was a good scrap, but nothing super special, because at the time there were actually decent fights in the HW division. My jaw dropped this time around as I watched it. I couldn't believe my eyes. Two fast, strong, skilled HW's with good chins that could actually sustain some kind of activity for 12 rounds. Unthinkable!
I've always watched boxing, so the decline didn't seem so sudden. The HW division is kind of like seeing your wife everyday. You don't really see her getting fat, but you wake up 3 years later, roll over and wonder how the beast next to you swallowed the hotty you married. I'm not personally married, and my gf is hot, but I think it's a fair comparison.

Cotto/Judah-
Hell of a fight. I know Cotto dominated on the cards, but pretty much up until the 11th you got the feeling that Judah could turn it around if he caught Cotto. You also got the feeling Cotto believed that too. Both men were hurt. It was definitely a war of attrition and both guys are gladiatiors, (something I never thought I'd say about Judah). Whatsup with Cotto's newfound boxing skills and speed? I'm not saying he's the man at WW right now, but no one can call him one dimensional anymore. He's also proven his chin at 147 is A LOT better than it was at 140. As for Judah... just when you thought the guy couldn't be a bigger sh!t, he goes and puts on the gutsiest performance of '07 so far. I've never been a Judah fan at all, but this guy went out on his shield. He didn't lose it, even when fouled badly by Cotto. He kept it together with the ref, and stood in there against unrelenting punishment. Cheers to you Zab. Ditch daddy and go talk to Manny. Cheers to Mercante too for doing a great job officiating and calling it. "I love you too much". We need more refs like that in boxing. And yes, I know I'm gonna get flamed by the Mercante haters.

Hatton/Castillo, (really about Castillo and Corralles)-
Congrats to Ricky. You're definitely the man at 140. And I think he can make some noise at 147 as well. That said, I can't help but be sickened by the fate of two of our generations greatest combatants, Mr. Corrales and Mr. Castillo. Diego for obvious reasons. But to watch JLC go out and get dismantled by a younger fighter who probably couldn't have hung with him in his prime, knowing the whole time that he won't see dime one of his $500K purse was just disheartening. That said, you can't blame boxing. Warriors who live like Diego and JLC suffer similar fates in all walks of life. It's the nature of the beast. It reminds you though how special they are to watch. Thanks guys!

CC for the good insights. AGREE with you on all fronts. The comparison between The heavyweight division and marriage made me laugh. It seems like so long ago that I was really looking forward to a HW title fight

CC back. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way about the division. I barely watch HW's anymore.