What Really Counts

While everybody is lamenting the decision in the Pacquiao/Bradley fight, something is being overlooked. Sure, bad decisions suck, but they have always been a part of boxing, and always will (and should) be. And while the one last night has people saying boxing is dead and swearing to never watch again, there was a fight last night that exemplifies all that is spectacular and magical about boxing.
Randall Bailey is 37 years old, years past his prime, and he was there to be an opponent, a victim on the rise to fame of Mike Jones. looked like he was going to play along, too, until the end of the 10th round when he threw a picture perfect straight right hand, his one chance to win, and scored a knockdown. jones got up, got out of the round and appeared to be recovered and back on track to closing out a fight he had won.
Then he got caught again, one punch, and the victim was the victor. So Pac got screwed; the mutli-millionaire lost a fight, but locked himself into several more huge purses. Meanwhile, the huge underdog came from way behind and, with one punch, put himself in line for some decent paydays.
Last night, in microcosm, showed everything that makes boxing great. controversy and high drama.

Indeed!

Great post. There is a lot of bullshit surrounding boxing, but that's not a mark on boxing -- there's a lot of bullshit surrounding everything else in our society too.

The reason boxing is special is that inside the ring itself, there's only truth.

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Originally Posted by greynotsoold

While everybody is lamenting the decision in the Pacquiao/Bradley fight, something is being overlooked. Sure, bad decisions suck, but they have always been a part of boxing, and always will (and should) be. And while the one last night has people saying boxing is dead and swearing to never watch again, there was a fight last night that exemplifies all that is spectacular and magical about boxing.
Randall Bailey is 37 years old, years past his prime, and he was there to be an opponent, a victim on the rise to fame of Mike Jones. looked like he was going to play along, too, until the end of the 10th round when he threw a picture perfect straight right hand, his one chance to win, and scored a knockdown. jones got up, got out of the round and appeared to be recovered and back on track to closing out a fight he had won.
Then he got caught again, one punch, and the victim was the victor. So Pac got screwed; the mutli-millionaire lost a fight, but locked himself into several more huge purses. Meanwhile, the huge underdog came from way behind and, with one punch, put himself in line for some decent paydays.
Last night, in microcosm, showed everything that makes boxing great. controversy and high drama.

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You are right about the Bailey fight, it was inspiring.

I was looking forward to the Bailey vs. Jones match more than the Pac fight as I am a big Bailey fan I was overjoyed when he pulled it off.

His win secured one last good payday for him and his family.

Why should bad decisions be part of boxing??

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Originally Posted by anon

Why should bad decisions be part of boxing??

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They shouldn't. And resist being roped into that complacent way of thinking.

In order for boxing to be in the main stream and be successful, it needs the support of not just the fans but also the general public. Hence the importance for judges not to mess up high profile fights.

I agree it was great to see Bailey pull it off, but it also shouldn't be overlooked that it was a terrible fight right up until the end, and that Mike Jones is simply nowhere near a top fighter. When you consider how few worthy PPV cards that are being put together these days, the night as a whole was a major let down. Rigondeaux is a joy to watch, but his fight was an absolute mismatch. The Arce fight as well obviously dissapointed in a big way.

It's also great to say that controversy is part of the sport if you're already a hardcore fan, but the sad fact is Pacquiao is one a few real draws left in the sport. To anyone who hasn't already had their patience tried and tested, the decision was extremely offputting to say the least. Its beyond a stretch to spin that card as a plus for boxing imo.

thanx to share this info.