Author: Jimmy Tobin

Boxing enthusiast; likes words.

IBR on The Cruelest Sport

file_181783_1_Donaire_Nonito_media_day_pose_farina

“It is Donaire’s third appearance in the open air of StubHub Center, but also a first of sorts. Promoter Top Rank—which saw a favorable resemblance to another Filipino fighter in Donaire’s explosiveness—gave Donaire top billing in his prior two appearances in Carson. But not this time. No, Gennady Golovkin headlines the HBO broadcast against the only Mexican fighter televised on a card nevertheless purposefully titled “Mexican Style.” If Donaire, 33-2 (21), seeks consolation for his demotion, he should look to the 9,000 strong in the sold out stands, to the aficionados among them who appreciate the jolt of competitiveness Donaire-Walters brings to an event that feels very much like a feverish yet foregone conclusion.”

Read Power Surge: Nonito Donaire-Nicholas Walters Preview on The Cruelest Sport.

IBR on The Cruelest Sport

Floyd Mayweather Jr. v Marcos Maidana

“Last night, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, self-proclaimed greatest fighter ever, Floyd Mayweather Jr., again proved too much for less-than-great Argentine slugger, Marcos Maidana. What does it say of a fighter with Mayweather’s bold moniker that he needed 24 rounds to firmly establish his dominance over a fighter of Maidana’s cast? Best leave such questions to the spin doctors, sycophants, myth-makers, and the rest who feel their own greatness lurch incrementally skyward whenever they exalt their idol to new heights. But let us at least admit this much: Mayweather promised to deliver a more dominant performance in his rematch with Maidana, and he kept his word.”

Read Reality Bites: Floyd Mayweather Jr. W12 Marcos Maidana on The Cruelest Sport.

IBR on The Cruelest Sport

002_Floyd_Mayweather_and_Marcos_Maidana

“Yes, however faint their buzzing, the flies have been thick since MAYHEM was announced. It speaks to boxing’s current malaise that what constitutes news, and even worse, entertainment, moves further and further away from ringside—despite the fact that all that really matters is what transpires between the ropes. A second installment of a surprisingly competitive fight? No, no, that is a grossly inadequate promotional angle in the TMZ days/daze.”

Read Like A Buzzless Fly: Floyd Mayweather-Marcos Maidana II Preview on The Cruelest Sport.