Tag: boxing

IBR on The Cruelest Sport

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“Socks: is there any more to it than that? In his biggest moment as a professional fighter, Timothy Bradley decided to experiment with his footwear . . . and passed on wearing socks. That June night in 2012, Bradley was awarded a controversial split decision over Manny Pacquiao despite suffering injuries to both feet, injuries he attributes in part to his podiatric gaff. If you believe that a hobbled Bradley was able to outfight “Pacman,” then how much intrigue can their rematch hold for you? When Bradley steps onto the canvas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night he will be wearing socks. His feet better insulated from injury, Bradley should then beat Pacquiao more convincingly than he did last time. Fine—save your money.”

Read “Dark Laughter: Timothy Bradley-Manny Pacquiao Preview” on The Cruelest Sport.

IBR on The Cruelest Sport

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“He remained upright for longer than one would expect of 38-1 underdog, which might explain why he lingered so long on the canvas after succumbing to the reality reflected in those odds. In the seventh round, his insides pulped, Cedric Agnew took a knee in the ring erected in The Ballroom in Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, and remained there well after he was counted out—a man broken physically and emotionally by the appropriately nicknamed “Krusher,” Sergey Kovalev.”

Read The Wither Man: Sergey Kovalev KO7 Cedric Agnew on The Cruelest Sport.

IBR on The Cruelest Sport

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“Russian war machine Sergey Kovalev returns to action on Saturday night in a fight with all the competitive merits of a tussle between an ant colony and a brat brandishing a Zippo and bottle of hairspray. Yet, if you can believe it, Kovalev’s scrap with the soon-to-be-supine Cedric Agnew, slated for The Ballroom in Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, is actually supposed to fan the flames of intrigue surrounding “Krusher.” Seem like an odd move? Well, in a sport where wearing a green alien mask somehow adds to your legend, a squash job is as sensible a promotional strategy as any.”

Read Mack Truck Luck: Sergey Kovalev-Cedric Agnew Preview on The Cruelest Sport.