Back in the mix...Jirov !!

[ICB]

After sitting out for more than two years it looks like 96' Olympic gold medalist,Cruiserweight champion and body cracking extraordinar Vassiliy The Tiger Jirov 37-3-1 (31) is on the comeback trail as a cruiserweight...where he belongs.He's reunited with his long time manager Ivaylu Gotzev and looking to regain his status in a deepening 190 division with a initial fight sometime in September against the indomitable and ever present "TBA".

Have always been a fan and will be interested in seeing this unfold,glad to see it.After a successful run as 190 Champion that came to a head with his tough foty worthy battle with a top form James Toney,Jirov traveled the path of many previous solid cruisers and went for the bigger bank roll as a heavyweight...bad move.He brought his rough and tumble fan friendly style in against heavily hyped and undefeated Joe Mesi,bouncing him off the deck a couple of times and I think he got shafted on the cards.That was followed by a tko loss to a much bigger Michael moorer after leading on the cards.After that he just faded away.

Returning after long layoffs can have mixed results,especially for fighters with Jirovs frontal oriented offense,a willing style and many years under the belt.I think the weight is key as he was never suited for heavyweight and once he sheds the rust it will be good to see him going against a top guy.Has always been a exciting bruising body hitter,I think one of the best of his time and has a deceptive accurate punch selection.Time will tell but Jirov vs Adamek trainwreck anyone ?.Will be watching!!!

The performance that impressed me was his fight, against Terry McGroom. He KO'ed Terry McGroom with one perfect body shot, and this is the same Terry McGroom that lost a razor thin close decision, to James Toney. Yes James Toney had an off night, but still Terry McGroom's tactic's were still spot on.

Vassiliy Jirov is an all action fighter, and whats not too like about him ? im not sure how he will be after the lay off though, i can only see this ending in tears, but i wish him the best of luck. And by the way James Toney vs Vassiliy Jirov should of won the FOTY.

Better than Gatti-Ward III

Yes no doubt in my mind i didn't think Arturo Gatti vs Micky Ward 3, was that great it was mostly one sided, except for the flash knockdown Micky Ward got. Where as in the James Toney fight, you see much more skillful fighting, better action, and it was more dramatic. Plus the 12th round is possibly one of the best rounds of the decade.