Arturo Gatti’s Death Shocks Boxing Community

July 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

By JA Dawson

Fightinsight.com

In July, I  guess I’m supposed to cry. Please do not confuse me for Langston Hughes or even Kanye West, but I am feeling both Mourning%20Arguello%20and%20Gatti Arturo Gattis Death Shocks Boxing Communitypoetical and reflexive given the recent sobering events. I hope you all forgive me for not writing a post the day that it was found out that the great Alexis Arguello (82-8, 65 KOs) died. If you know anything about me, you will know that Arguello and his epic first fight with Aaron Pryor left a mark on me. And his recent death, now leaves a void.

Boxing folks have been so obsessed with the specter of boxing’s slow death as a sport, but we are now forced to pay attention to the death of its stars. “El Flaco Explosivo” will be missed but not forgotten.

If the passing of Arguello was not enough, I just read that Arturo “Thunder” Gatti was found dead in a hotel room in Brazil. Just like Arguello, Gatti is etched in my memory based on his classic fight(s) with a single rival – “Irish” Micky Ward.  Although he may not have been the most talented fighter of the past decade, he damn sure was its most exciting. And it’s not even close. But none of that matters now. What matters is that he is remembered for what he did in the ring and that the people he has left behind, namely his family, are taken care of during this trying time.

Both fighters’ deaths leave a lot of questions unanswered. Arguello’s death has been ruled a suicide, but many suspect foul play. Gatti’s death is still being investigated but it appears that his wife could be a suspect (more details surely to come). But both men left no ring questions unanswered. Arguello was arguably the most technically sound offensive fighter of the past 20+ years. Gatti was arguably its most exciting. Let’s cherish both men for what they did for the sport and for us as fans.

It’s July, and yes I cry. But I am not sad.

Alexis Arguello and Arturo Gatti would have wanted it that way.


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Nocentini Leads Tour de France After Stage 8

July 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment

By Pelotonjim

I know we already started.  I jotted this list down on the plane home from vacation.  I could make some changes after Cadel Evans lost over two minutes today and Lance is looking like a top 5 contender, but I’ll leave it alone.

  1. Alberto Contador ( surprised?)
  2. Andy Schleck (Don’t screw up the time trial)
  3. Roman Kreuziger (I don’t know, I just like him)
  4. Levi Leipheimer (Serving two masters will take a toll)
  5. Cadel Evans (Sorry mate, this is where you belong)

Apologies to Carlos Sastre, Lance Armstrong and Frank Sckleck.  Carlos, your team is not very strong so you’ll lose time in the TTT and have little support in the mountains.  Lance, I don’t think you’ll have the snap to stay with Contador on his attacks. Frank, your brother is much better.

Editor: Canadian rider Ryder Hesjedal sits in 87th. Lost in the Lance Armstrong shuffle is the great run so far by fellow American Levi Leipheimer. Full standings here.


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Marketing Killed The Football Star

July 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment

blog 299x189 Marketing Killed The Football Star

Time is the measure of life. It brings novelty and blurs past. Present days blossom and fade faster than a little flower. It is not strange then that recent events, no matter how important, how great, how memorable, are soon buried by new stories, newer events. In the internet era, journalism, flooded with material, is more ruthless than ever, blinded in the narrative of news that kills any attempt of perspective. And sport journalism is probably the best example.

FC Barcelona won the King’s Cup on May 13th, secured the League title on May 16th and completed an astonishing treble by beating Manchester United in the Champions League final on May 27th. Capture of the 3 major titles in a single season was something no other team could match in Spain and, for many, Pep Guardiola’s team had led Barça, a club with no shortage of legends and trophies, to the pinnacle of their more than 100 years of history. The impossible dream had come through and, however, less than a week after the Rome game, treble talk started to vanish abruptly from the discussion table.

Florentino Pérez, the enterpriser who reunited Figo, Zidane, Ronaldo, Owen and Beckham in a Real Madrid squad, became officially president of the club for the second time on June 1st, with the promise that he would build a spectacular project, which immediately was perceived by media and fans as the beginning of a summer of big spending and shock moves. Kaká signing was made official on June 9th. And, only 2 days later, Manchester United announced they had accepted an offer of 96 million Euros from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo, the highest fee ever paid for a footballer. That day Ronaldo not only made all the headlines, but rewrote history: FC Barcelona, it seemed, were no longer the triple champions, and the team they had beaten 2-6 on May 3rd had become the best in the world without playing a game. The shock was of such magnitude that even Catalonian media were unable to hide the dawning of the new galáctico era from their more visible pages.

8 months of excellence and hard work already filed, FC Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, showed his unrest publically accusing Real Madrid of breaking the market. His words did not exactly calm his own supporters, who started to demand big names. Ibrahimovic, Ribery, Villa… but no one has been signed so far. In fact, the only operation in which Barça seem to be focusing their efforts could take one the recent heroes away from Camp Nou, as the club is looking for a buyer for Samuel Eto’o for the second summer running. In the meantime, Real Madrid purchase machine added 2 more respected names to their basket: Spanish international Raúl Albiol and French raising star Karin Benzema.

All the talk about numbers and money, style and fashion do not relate to the core of sport. They may have eclipsed Barcelona achievements but they are also rapidly transforming from an iconic football club to an entertainment brand. While most teams would be happy to represent the city or town they come from, this new Real Madrid has targeted the world. The road where Santiago Bernabéu stands, Paseo de la Castellana, will soon become some sort of Sunset Boulevard where stars walk in tracksuits and trendy fans wear white tops with a Portuguese name written on the back. Florentino Pérez, the brightest star of all, believes his golden balls will bring amazing wealth to the club and, along the way, some of those trophies made as excuse to put up all that glorious show. Because there is no chance they will fail, isn’t there? Perhaps Barça thought bitterly that they had climbed the highest mountain and now smile at the sight of another height to be reached.


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Tiny Tidbits: Arguello, McNair, Wimbledon, Douches And The Confederations Cup

July 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

***Man, it has not been a good July for boxing and football. First, Nicaraguan boxing legend Alexis Arguello allegedly commits suicide and then former Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair was violently slain in his home.

180px 82oct Tiny Tidbits: Arguello, McNair, Wimbledon, Douches And The Confederations Cup

Arguello: Prolific punching power

Nicknamed “The Explosive Thin Man,” Arguello, 57, was a former WBA Featherweight, WBC Super Featherweight and WBC Lightweight champion won between 1974 and 1983. He was considered to be pound for pound one of the most vicious fighters of his time , ranked 20th in Ring Magazine’s top 100 punchers of all time.

An extremely popular athlete who helped stabilize the Titans organization, Steve McNair had a solid career leading the Titans within whiskers (literally one yard) of sending the 2000 Super Bowl into overtime in what is perhaps one of the most painfully memorable “coming up short” moment in football (even sports) history. The famous play took place with 48 seconds left to play when McNair threw a complete pass to Kevin Dyson who was tackled just short of the end zone. The St.Louis Rams prevailed in that game 23-16.

In his career, McNair through for 31 304 yards, 174 TD’s and 119 interceptions with a 82.8 QB rating. He was also a co-MVP winner in 2003. McNair was 36.

Sad stuff.

*** Let’s see. Oh, Roger Federer won his 15th Grand Slam and 6th Wimbledon title after an epic five-set, four-plus marathon against Andy Roddick. Federer finally broke Roddick in the final set winning it 16-14. With his 15th title, Federer surpasses Peter Sampras on the all-time list. We can leave “who’s the greatest ever” debate for another time.

bernie ecclestone f1 boss 300x230 Tiny Tidbits: Arguello, McNair, Wimbledon, Douches And The Confederations Cup

What a weirdo and creep

***Bernie Eccelstone is a douche. Here, read this. And come back here. What a prize, right? And these guys make so much money. How in this world anyone on any intellectual or spiritual level can cite Hitler and Hussein as “getting things done” or being able “to control” is beyond me. Very disturbing that a person in his position can think this way. If you think this way, you’re a douche as well. More sad stuff indeed.

F1 got rid of one idiot and now needs to purge itself of another.

***Ottawa Senators forward Dany Heatley is a douche as well – albeit a far less reprehensible one in comparison to Eccelstone. Heatley decided he wanted to be traded. It was going to be hard to move his fat contract but the Edmonton Oilers came knocking. It seemed like a win-win situation until Heatley refused to waive his no-trade clause. Let me see if I get this straight Dany boy, you ask to be traded and then nix it because you don’t like the destination? bent. I don’t mean to remind you since it’s a painful memory, but you do realize you’re lucky to be playing hockey, right?

*** La Tour de France is under way. Of course, coming into the race, all eyes and eyes were focused on Lance Armstrong. Armstrong, who finished 53rd at the Giro d’Italia, currently sits in 10 spot overall after two stages. Fabian Cancellara is the yellow jersey holder. Re Armstrong, will the French doping authorities leave him alone?

***Rob Hughes weighs in with this piece about Italy’s early exit at the Confederations Cup (Confederawhat to some) tournament. The United States provided the biggest shock after they beat Spain 2-0 thus ending Spain’s 35 game unbeaten streak. Both Italy and the U.S. should have a sense of what their teams are like in preperation for the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa. Italy coach Marcello Lippi must make some adjustments (Sebastian Giovinco, Mario Balotelli and Robert Aquafresca each impressed at the U-21 UEFA championships and most certainly deserve a fair shot at the senior national team).

2847372483 olympics beijing olympic games 2008 200x300 Tiny Tidbits: Arguello, McNair, Wimbledon, Douches And The Confederations Cup

Giovinco: He belongs.

The Americans always knew they had character. It’s just that they never could convert it to wins against heavyweight soccer powers. After the Spain win, they took a stunning 2-0 lead into the second half in the final against mighty Brazil. That lead soon evaporated as Brazil scored three unanswered goals for a 3-2 victory. If anything, the Americans need to learn how to hold on to leads. Landon Donovan in particular played excellent-ly and even mustered enough chutzpah to blast David Beckham in his book. Poor David Posh, all marketing and no heart.

As for Spain and Brazil, I wouldn’t worry if I were Spain. And I would be cautious in anointing Brazil as the main favorites in 2010. Quite frankly, any number of nations are legitimate contenders but one still has to put Spain ahead based on recent form. But a lot can happen until the World Cup.

The Confederations Cup is a minor tournament but a good one to use as preperation for nations. Enjoy it for what it is.


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Meet The New Bob Gainey: The Gambler

July 3, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Montreal Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey has pulled the rug from his five-year plan (losing a shit load of free agents for nothing makes it all the more easier) and has chosen a new path for the Habs. Hey, at least he admits his errors – sorta. He’ll put his faith and hockey stake in Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta and Mike Cammalleri and to a lesser extent with Jaroslav Spacek and Hal Gill. It’s suddenly a new, if not unchartered, era in Montreal.

I admit, while I understand the moves and harbor no problems with the three talented forwards, one has to question the management competence of this organization.

Anyway, NHL observers and fans alike have discovered Gainey has a mean gambling streak in him. Because, dear folks, if this fails…

I dedicate this Kenny Rogers classic to Gamblin’ Gainey:

All these moves also reminds me of this scene in Dumb and Dumber for some reason. Let me explain. Some people may like the new Gainey A LOT. Others may see there’s a chance his decision mayy work. Hence:


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Choosing Career Over Nation Is Not Treacherous

July 3, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Originally from Whowerare.

Following his two goal performance in a 3-1 victory for Italy over the United States at the Confederations Cup soccer tournament, Giuseppe Rossi finds himself a topic of discussion among American sports writers and commentators.

You see, Rossi is originally from Joisey (also referred to New Jersey) who happens to have dual American and Italian citizenship who decide to play soccer for Italy.

The 22 year-old Rossi is such a special talent several European teams have expressed interest in him. After starting his professional career at FC Parma in Italy, Manchester United acquired his services until they sold him to Spanish club Villareal where he currently plays. Count ‘em, that’s three major soccer nations who saw something in him.

It wasn’t long before he caught the eyes of the Azzurri – Italy’s national side – and he’s been representing them at every level since 2003.

For its part, USA soccer has come under some criticism for not trying harder to keep him within the American system. In fairness, Rossi and his family were committed to Italy, so I’m not sure how much then-coach Bruce Arena could have done. Still, he could, should have tried, no?

Does anyone have a problem with Rossi’s decision for choosing Italy over the United States? I don’t and in the case of Rossi, the American media doesn’t either. Put it you this way, who would you choose if you had the choice between a soccer powerhouse like Italy or USA? Not to disparage the U.S. program. The United States have steadily remained a top 15 soccer nation in recent years.

By this point this example should remind Canadians sports fans of a similar situation with Owen Hargreaves. Hargreaves was somehow overlooked by Team Canada but was good enough to be signed by Germany’s Bayern Munich – one of the world’s biggest and successful clubs. His development there eventually earned him a spot on England’s national side and represented them at the 2006 World Cup.  I didn’t see Hargreaves’ decision as anything but a wise move.

Jonathan de Guzman is another stand out talent born in Canada who decided to play for another country. This time, the nation in question is yet another great soccer nation: The Netherlands. His club stint was with Feyenoord and he made his international debut for the Under-21 Dutch national team in 2008.

The history of soccer has been filled with similar cases. Great players have often played for nations other than their place of birth albeit each for their own reasons. Alfredo di Stefano, one of the greatest players in history, was born in Argentina and ended up playing for Spain. Omar Sivori, also Argentinean, played for Italy. Brazilian player Alessandro dos Santos (Alex) represented Japan. Even the great Juste Fontaine wasn’t born in France proper but rather in Morocco. But that brings into question former colonies of imperial powers. My point is that Rossi and Hargreaves are hardly alone as these precious few selected examples show.

And it doesn’t stop at soccer.

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Hull: Did what was right for his career

In hockey, Brett Hull, like de Guzman, was ludicrously called a “traitor” for choosing to play for the Team USA back in the 1980s. His situation was a little different. A marginal player early in his career, he knew he would never crack a Canadian line-up knee-deep in talent. Team USA offered him a spot in 1986 and he took it. By 1989, Hull was on his way to becoming one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the NHL.

Pro heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis decided to box under the British flag even after winning a gold medal for Canada at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. Tennis player Greg Rusedski also bolted for the UK.

When it comes to sports, is it right to hold back an athlete in the name of nationality especially if that nation simply can’t offer anything?

In the case of soccer in particular, North America is simply not the best place to be. If Europe comes knocking, they have players at “buon giorno, bonjour, guten tag, and hello”.


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Diving Beauts From Around The Globe

July 1, 2009 By Leave a Comment

How Italy came to be the poster boys for diving is beyond me. I’ve been watching and reading about soccer for a long, long time and one thing I can say is that diving transcends nationality.

Do people actually believe German, English, Brazilian, Argentinian, Portuguese, French, Swedish, Korean, Dutch, Spanish etc. players don’t dive? If you’re one of these people please watch this video and stop giving into weak perceptions.


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