Tag: Gennady Golovkin

There Are Two Sides To Every Coin

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

Everyone cheats.

But Dave, not everyone is dishone….

Yeah, they are.

See, a “competitive advantage” can mean a million different things. Is it the tug of an opponent’s jersey when the referee isn’t looking?? Is it pumping artificial crowd noise into your stadium when your opponent has the ball?? Or is it a government-run, doping scheme an entire country takes part in??

Now, I’m not saying performance enhancing drugs are being handed out on every street corner like free samples, but it’s like anything illegal….if you want it, you can get it.

Canelo Alvarez got it. News broke Monday evening that Canelo tested positive for two banned substances according to the VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association). These results found the presence of Clenbuterol and Adverse in Canelo’s system from his February 17th drug test. Levels of 0.06-0.08 ng/ml (nanogram per milliliter) were found in each urine sample.

Canelo proclaims these positive tests were a result of consuming contaminated meat. Hey Canelo, you have something hanging off your lip. No, not there. THERE IT IS!! Ahhh, it was bull****.

Here’s the thing….

This story sounds like a big deal. “Boxing fans” will be disappointed. Moral perfectionists will sling judgments around like a football. And the pundits will question every Canelo victory.

In reality, this story is not a big deal. Canelo will still fight Gennady Golovkin, aka GGG, on May 5th. CINCO DE MAYO!! Canelo will still make millions of dollars for 36 minutes, or less, of work. And the “fake outrage” regarding performance enhancing drugs will continue, as no one really cares if athletes use them.

golovkin-ggg-watching-boxing

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Shaquem-Griffin

On the lighter side of things, Shaquem Griffin can not go unnoticed. Shaquem Griffin is a linebacker from the University of Central Florida. This past weekend, Griffin stole the show at the NFL Combine. He was born with a congenital condition, and his left hand had to be amputated at the age of four. That has never stopped Griffin from achieving his goals, and his performance at the combine is a testament to that attitude. Griffin posted the fastest 40-yard dash for a linebacker since 2003 (4.38 seconds). And with the use of a prosthetic arm, Griffin was able to post 20-reps on the bench press (225 lbs.).

Check out his 40-yard dash here, and his bench press here.

Following the bench press, Griffin said, “I was aiming for about 6 reps, and my personal best is 11, but I could feel the energy of everybody in the room. My adrenaline went through the roof, and when I heard 16, I said, oh yeah, I’m goin’ for 20.”

Griffin should be an inspiration to us all. People tend to complain, feel sorry for themselves, and make excuses for why they haven’t accomplished certain things. Griffin should serve as a reminder that anything is possible, no matter the circumstances. Griffin is projected to be drafted in the 4th round of this year’s NFL Draft.

 

Do you care about Canelo Alvarez’s positive drug test?? Also, post an inspirational story in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

At Least We Know Who Won….

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

Genady-Golovkin-vs-Saul-Canelo-Alvarez-Full-Fight

It’s a shame. It’s a shame the world is discussing a scorecard rather than a great fight. After all, that is what Canelo vs. Golovkin delivered; a great fight. Unfortunately, there is (apparently) a great deal of subjectivity involved in the result of boxing matches.

On Saturday night, Canelo Alvarez challenged Gennady Golovkin for the middleweight championship of the world. After 3 entertaining, but lopsided fights on the undercard, the world was ready. Despite his undefeated record, Golovkin was arriving on the BIG stage for the 1st time in his career. Canelo, always taking on his toughest opponent (not dodging opponents..ahem..Mayweather..ahem), was ready for another battle.

The fight started slowly, as Golovkin’s nerves were visible. It wasn’t until the 4th round (Canelo stole the 1st 3 rounds) that Golovkin settled in. Golovkin began to impose his will, walking Canelo down with his stiff jab. However, rather than keep Canelo on the ropes or in a corner, Canelo counterpunched his way out of trouble numerous times. This is something none of Golovkin’s opponents had done before. Has Golovkin, at age 35, lost a step, or was he simply facing the stiffest competition of his career??

Can it be both??

Canelo is by far the toughest opponent Golovkin has ever faced, but father time waits for no man. In Golovkin’s previous fight, he went the distance with Danny Jacobs. While Jacobs is an accomplished fighter (32-2), Golovkin would have been better served beating Jacobs in dominating fashion (or knocking him out). Now, boxing experts question how much Golovkin has left in the tank.

Once Golovkin found his groove, he won 6 consecutive rounds (4-9). His active, effective jab kept Canelo on the move. While Canelo remained active, his ring movement was surprising. I thought Canelo would pressure Golovkin into trading power shots in the center of the ring. While this sounds like a style that would benefit Golovkin, this fight proved the contrary.

Which leads us to the championship rounds (10-12)….

Prior to round 10, Canelo’s trainer, Jose Reynoso, implored his fighter to execute 3 ‘perfect’ rounds. While Canelo wasn’t perfect, he emerged from his corner with a flurry of power shots. Canelo was overwhelming when he pressured Golovkin. Despite Golovkin’s amazing chin, he showed a tremendous amount of respect for Canelo’s punching power (as he should). Canelo won the final 3 rounds convincingly.

For those paying attention, I scored this fight a draw (114-114). A draw. That’s what happened. So, why the controversy?!?! It’s not the result I’m displeased with, it’s the way it got there….

Adalaide Byrd: 118-110 (Canelo)

Dave Moretti: 115-113 (Golovkin)

Don Trella: 114-114 (Draw)

Click here to see the official scorecards.

1 of these things is not like the other. Umm, Mrs. Byrd, what fight were you watching?!?! 118-110 translates to 10 rounds to 2. Now, I like Canelo Alvarez, so if I was a biased fan, or his mother, I could see how I’d come up with 118-110. But Adalaide Byrd is supposed to be an objective, professional boxing judge. What in the actual wHaT?!?! How is it possible she is employed as a boxing judge for the most important fight of the year??

Oh wait. You mean to tell me promoters have requested she be removed from fights before?? Due to her shoddy performance?? Ahh, it all makes perfect sense now. Someone should have told her 115-113 (Canelo) would have served the same purpose, and could have kept the conspiracy theorists in their mother’s basement. Now, all anyone can talk about is the incompetence of Adalaide Byrd, the corruption of boxing, and whether or not to buy the rematch. Yes, there will be a rematch. Not just because Canelo had a rematch clause written into his contract, but because there will always be 1 winner that rises to the top; $$$$!! 

 

Did you watch the fight?? Who won?? Tell me in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

 

Canelo vs. Golovkin (“We Got Ourselves A Bilingual Bloodfest”)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

Canelo-Alvarez-v-Gennady-Golovkin-801329

A boxing match can unify the world. That isn’t hyperbole. I truly believe (potentially) 36 minutes of battle, across the vast, 256 square feet of real estate inside the ropes, can unite people all over the world. Sports, tend to, and can hold a common ground for people of different race, culture, religion, and gender. Saturday night’s boxing match is a prime example of an opportunity for the farthest corners of the world to intersect.

When else can you find a man of Russian and Korean parents, raised in Kazakhstan, engage in competition with a man from Mexico, on Mexican Independence Day, in the United States?? The answer would be, um, never.

On Saturday, September 16th, Gennady Golovkin will square off with Canelo Alvarez in the middleweight division (160 pounds). Golovkin will put all 4 of his title belts on the line:

  • WBO (World Boxing Association)
  • WBC (World Boxing Council)
  • IBF  (International Boxing Federation)
  • IBO (International Boxing Organization)

The fight will take place at T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas, and will be available on Pay-Per-View. Before we get to the main course, let’s taste test the appetizers. Here are the 3 undercards prior to the Main Event:

  • Ryan Martin (19-0, 11 KOs) vs. Francisco Rojo (20-2, 13 KOs) – Lightweight, 10-Round Match
  • Diego De La Hoya (19-0, nine KOs) vs. Randy Caballero (24-0, 14 KOs) – Super-Bantamweight, 10-Round Match
  • Joseph Diaz Jr. (24-0, 13 KOs) vs. Jorge Lara (29-0-2, 21 KOs) – Featherweight, 12-Round Match

*There is at least 1 Mexican boxer in each match. I can only assume this is intentional due to it being Mexican Independence Day. The 2nd match consists of Golden Boy Promoter and famed boxer, Oscar De La Hoya’s cousin.

Now that we got the salad and crab cakes out of the way, bring on the sirloin steak.

Gennady Gennadyevich Golovkin, the champion, aka “GGG”, is 37-0, with 33 wins coming by way of knockout. He is 36 years old and stands at 5’10”. He is a hard hitting, orthodox (right-handed) fighter, who has never been knocked out. Hell, he’s never been knocked down. He brings tremendous power to the ring in the highest profile fight of his career.

Santos Saul Alvarez Barragan, the challenger, formally known as Canelo Alvarez, is 49-1-1, with 34 wins coming by way of knockout. He is 27 years old and stands at 5’9″. He is also a hard-hitting, orthodox (right-handed) fighter. Canelo has never been knocked out, as his only loss came at the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jr., by Majority Decision in 2013. While Canelo is technically the challenger, he is the bigger draw in this bout.

Dessert time!!

With the state of boxing in steady decline, in terms of popularity (not $$), I am genuinely excited for this fight. This championship bout brings 2 intense, tough, hard-hitting fighters together. Expect fireworks, early and often. They are similar in fighting style, and although Canelo has the slight age in the defense department, don’t expect any running and hiding. Both fighters are going to plant themselves in front of each other and exchange blows for (hopefully) 36 minutes.

This is going to be fantastic!!

While both fighters carry legitimate knockout power, both fighters have outstanding chins. Golvkin does hold an advantage in power, while Canelo has advantages in speed and endurance. Golovkin may be vulnerable if he looks for an early knockout. That could be Golovkin’s game plan, since he’s only gone the 12-round distance once in his career.

The ultimate question is, will Canelo’s unique combination of youth AND experience be enough to take down the older, undefeated Golovkin??

Prediction:

Canelo wins a Split Decision.

A Split Decision means the fight can go either way. No, I’m not hedging my bet, I just know how closely contested this fight is going to be. Sit back, or sit on the edge of your seat, and enjoy!!

 

Who do you think will win?? And how?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!