Boxing

WGISports Presents: Fight Night with: Raye Writer

The only eight division champion in boxing history is calling it a career. This day was coming. But those who follow boxing and Manny Pacquiao’s career should not shed a tear. We should be lucky that we were able to watch a man capture his first title at 108 pounds and then capture the 154 strap years later.

Manny engaged in wars. Some were brutal and bloody, the rest were like a watching a masterclass in explosive punching power from insane angles. You would have those who would say he stayed in the fight game too long.

Others would chime in and say he still had it. One thing we can all agree on. Father Time ALWAYS wins. You can jab at it. You can throw a hook and a left uppercut. But Father Time will still be in the pocket. Waiting to land his blow. He doesn’t miss and he ALWAYS connects.

Salute Manny Pacquiao. WGISports applauds you to the fullest.

WGISports Presents: Fight Night with: Raye Writer

I get it. Celebrity exhibition fights are the norm now. I get it. It’s quite entertaining. I paid for a few to watch firsthand. I get it. What I don’t get is Evander Holyfield. Holyfield looks extremely good for his age. But if you watched his sparring sessions and interviews leading up to his fight MMA fighter Vitor Belfort. You can clearly see Holyfield is shot. He shouldn’t be in the ring anymore. Especially in an exhibition fight. Belfort is 44. Holyfield is 58. Belfort retired from MMA fighting in 2018.

Holyfield hung up his gloves(thankfully) in 2014. You can never question Holyfield’s heart. But his head needs to be examined. Holyfield faced Belfort this past Saturday in the latest Celebrity exhibition fight. Belfort was supposed to fight Oscar De La Hoya who dropped out due to Covid-19 so Holyfield was called up. The fight was suppose to take place in LA but the California State Athletic Commission did not approve the fight so Florida (they will approve anything) gave them the green light to touch gloves. What happened in the first round was not expected. But it was difficult to watch. Holyfield landed just one punch in the entire fight. Belfort who is known for having fast hands and power. Landed the cleaner, more effective shots.

Punching through Holyfield’s guards, Belfort earned the stoppage in the first round via TKO. While Belfort was calling out Jake Paul for a potential fight down the road. Holyfield was protesting the stoppage and clamoring for a third fight with Iron Mike Tyson. Why?? Personally I feel that Holyfield would conjure up a better showing “if” they do meet up for a third time. But Tyson would beat the crap out of Holyfield out of sheer payback. Even though both have been through some brutal wars.

I believe Tyson came out better. Evander endured severe punishment upon punishment. It showed Saturday night. If Holyfield has an inner circle. An intervention is needed. Now. The referee saved Holyfield from a potential beatdown disaster. Hang it up Evander. You have nothing else left to prove.