The Neutral Corner

BY MARCUS HENRY

I must admit, I have been dogging the heavyweight division this entire decade. Outside of Lennox Lewis there were very few heavyweights worth watching. But recently, I've had a change a heart (but only a slight change).

With Wladimir Klitschko holding the IBF and WBO titles and Samuel "The Nigerian Nightmare" Peter set to defend his WBC title against Oleg Maskaev on March 8 in Mexico, we could be on to something. There hasn't been a unification of all four of the major belts (WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO) since Lewis did it in 1999. Don't get me wrong, the heavyweight division is still lacking the star power it once had. But the chance of one fighter holding all the belts at the same time is intriguing.

Peter is certainly hoping to be that fighter. And he, along with promoter Dino Duva, took several shots at Maskaev and Klitschko.

“I’ve been waiting for Oleg Maskaev to get into the ring with me for a year and a half,” Peter said in a statement from training camp. “Not only am I going to knock him out, but I will punish him for the long wait. On March 8, he is going to feel like he is getting two years worth of physical punishment. I’m going to bring excitement back to the heavyweight championship.”

Peter and Maskaev were set to fight last October 6 at Madison Square Garden, but Maskaev pulled out on September 21 because of a back injury. Peter was named interim WBC champ three days later. He made his first title defense on Oct. 6, winning a unanimous decision over Jameel “Big Time” McCline

Duva was not impressed with Klitschko's latest bout with Sultan Ibragimov.

“Sam has something serious to prove on March 8. It was troubling watching Wladimir Klitschko, who by the way was knocked down three times by Samuel when they met three years ago," Duva said. "Klitschko dogged it in all 12 rounds last weekend in a so-called ‘Unification Fight.’

The Peter-Maskaev clash will be the first world heavyweight championship ever held in Mexico will take place in Cancun’s Plaza de Torros.

Assuming Peter wins, there is no doubt he will want to take on Klitschko at some point. Klitschko has stated he wants to unify the belts. With any luck both of these guys are serious about it. And if one of them can unify the belts, who knows? Maybe Lewis, the last undisputed heavyweight champion, will come out of retirement. (Please Lennox? We need you). I know, wishful thinking. But at this point I'm desperate for a real heavyweight champion.

BY MIKE ROSE

Apparently, Floyd Mayweather Jr. wanted to be shown the money. And the WWE delivered.

According to an AP story, Mayweather Jr., the undefeated WBC welterweight champion, will get a $20 million payday when he takes on Big Show as part of WWE's "WrestleMania XXIV" at Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla., on March 30.

"It's entertainment. You have a chance to just be you and do what you want to do," Mayweather told the AP on Monday after a chaotic Staples Center event that masqueraded as a news conference.

Interesting stat: Mayweather is 5-foot-8 and 150 pounds; Big Show stands 7-feet and weighs 430.

Thoughts?

Former Knicks City Dancer Eileen Olszewski will be dancing in the boxing ring on Thursday night at the Roseland Ballroom. Olszewski (4-0-1) was on the Knicks City Dancers' squad for three years and has now pursued a career in the ring. She meets number-one ranked female flyweight, Elena "Baby Doll" Reid (19-3-5). It will be Olszewski's toughest fight to date.

The Cedric Kushner-promoted card also features a world title fight when Dimitriy Kirilov defends his IBF junior bantamweight belt against Cecelio Santos in main event.

There is a local flavor to the show as well with a pair of popular New York fighters appearing: Brooklyn junior welterweight Dmitriy Salita meets Fabian Luque in the 10-round co-feature and undefeated Bronx and Puerto Rican star Jorge "The Truth" Teron (19-0-1, 11 KO's) ascends the ranks when the New York State champ faces Sandro Marcos (27-16-2, 23 KO's) of Mazatlan, Mexico in a 12-round clash for the vacant WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Championship.

Tickets for Thursday's card at The Roseland Ballroom are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50 and are available by calling Gotham Boxing at 212 755-1944. -- CASSIDY

It's time for professional boxing to consider a super heavyweight division. And it's also time for Wladimir Klitschko to consider chess, or some other cerebral endeavor.

The first issue. When Klitschko fought Sultan Ibragimov Saturday night at Madison Square Garden it looked like a heavyweight against a middleweight. Klitschko weighed 238 to Ibragimov's 219. Under any other circumstance, such a matchup would defy all logic, rules and regulations. In amateur boxing, you are a heavyweight up to 201 pounds. Anything over is a super heavyweight. The pro game need not follow the same weight standards, but it's certainly time for a change in the weight range that heavyweights fight.

Now, to the more pressing issue. Klitschko retained his IBF title and captured Ibragimov's WBO belt with a 119-110, 117-111, 118-110 decision. This was one of the worst heavyweight title fights in history. And it had nothing to do with Sultan. The guy tried.

For some reason, Klitschko fought 12 rounds like a man afraid of being hit. He darted in and out, popping his jab like a skittish lightweight hoping not to get nailed. He rarely threw his lethal right hand. Although having a 19-pound weight advantage, five-inch height advantage and a considerable reach advantage, he was almost passive. Not exactly what you expect from the heavyweight champion of the world.

He outjabbed a guy against whom he had tremendous physical advantages. So what.

On paper, this was USC against a high school football team. It was the Yankes against a bar-league softball team. That's no knock against Ibragimov.

Sultan has a working-class, every-man appeal to fight fans, looking sort of like a guy who just walked off a construction site. He is, however, a talented fighter. He captured a silver medal at the 2000 Olympics and has gone unbeaten (until tonight) as a pro. And while he is an fighter, how could he have been considered a real threat to Klitschko? For all his ability, Ibragimov has failed to knock out the aged Evander Holyfield and the ordinary Ray Austin.

In comparison, Klitschko is a well-muscled adonis. Not only did he win the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics, he was named the outstanding fighter of the tournament. Some of his pro knockouts have been picturesque. So why?

Why was Klitschko fighting like Sultan was the second coming of George Foreman and Sonny Liston combined? Klitschko refused to take chances, he was content to play it safe. Arturo Gatti has thrown more right hands in a single round -- when his right hand was broken no less -- than Klitschko threw over 12 rounds.

Wladimir is a thinking man's fighter. At MSG, he fought as if this was a chess match. Perhaps that's a game more suitable to his personality. -- CASSIDY

Ft. Lauderdale -- Cuba's Yuriorkis Gamboa needed just 94 seconds to knock out Johnny Edwards (13-2, 6 KOs) in a bout for the vacant NABF junior lightweight title in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Gamboa (9-0, 8 KOs) swarmed over Edwards from the opening bell, dropping him twice before the fight was stopped. Gamboa, who is lightning quick, ended the fight with a single right cross.

Gamboa won the title while the man who was the first-ever NABF junior lightweight champ was in attendance -- Frankie Otero. Otero, who also happens to be Cuban, won the initial title in 1971 against Kenny Weldon. Also in attendance was New York Mets pitcher Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, retired ex-champ Hector Camacho and former light heavyweight champion Glen Johnson.

Bantamweight Yan Barthelemy, an Olympic teammate of Gamboa's, scored a six-round unanimous decision over Antonio Conchero Diaz (9-9-1, 6 KOs). Barthelemy (5-0) put Diaz down with a left hook in round five but was penalized a point for holding behind the head in the same round. Scores were 59-53 on all cards. Gamboa and Barthelemy won gold medals for Cuba in the 2004 Olympics.

In the other featured bout, welterweight Richard Gutierrez (22-1, 13 KOs) outpointed Jose Varela (23-3, 16 KOs) over ten rounds by scores of 99-91, 98-92, 98-92. Other results included, Derrick Wilson W4 Dan Calafell and Juan Novoa W6 Jose Pena.

The show was promoted by Luis DeCubas and Ahmet Oner's ArenaBox, from Germany. It was ArenaBox's first promotion in the United States.
-- CASSIDY

A pair of heavyweight champions weighed in this afternoon at Madison Square Garden.

First up was Sultan Ibragimov, the WBO heavyweight titlist, who tipped the scales at 219 pounds. Next was Wladimir Klitschko, the IBF belt holder. He weighed in at 238 pounds.

"I am going to win the fight," said Klitschko. "I am determined to win this fight. The fight is scheduled for 12 rounds, but I doubt it will go the distance.
I'm the lightest I've ever been but I feel strong and energetic. I feel great!"

Ibragimov countered by saying, "I feel fantastic. The weight is fantastic, perfect!"

The unification heavyweight championship match is set for the Garden on Saturday night and will be televised by HBO. -- CASSIDY

HBO will air the Kelly Pavlik-Jermain Taylor pay-per-view rematch Saturday, Feb. 23 at 9:30 p.m.

This will make for a nice tripleheader as HBO will package the replay with the Wladimir Klitschko-Sultan Ibragimov heavyweight unification title fight live from Madison Square Garden. And prior to that, the premiere of the Joe Louis documentary will air at 8 p.m. If you are a boxing fan, set your TV to HBO, put down the remote, sit back and enjoy.

The Pavlik-Taylor fight was carried live on HBO Pay-Per-View on Feb. 16. Pavlik won a close unanimous decision in the fight. -- CASSIDY

BY MARCUS HENRY

For a while, former middleweight champion Iran "The Blade" Barkley thought everyone forgot about him. "Sometimes I feel like Rodney Dangerfield," Barkley joked. "I get no respect.

No one forgot about him on Monday. Barkley (43-19-1, 27 KOs), the only man to defeat Tommy "Hitman" Hearns twice, was honored during a Black History Month ceremony for his charitable efforts by State Senator Jose M. Serrano and his father, Congressman Jose E. Serrano in the Bronx.

"It feels great," the Bronx native said of being recognized for his achievements outside of boxing. "I knew this was part of my calling. If I could do something to help the kids today, I'll do it."

Barkley, who admitted he was a former gang member, said he is intent on getting across a positive message to today's youth. "Instead of tearing down the community, let's build it up," he said during his acceptance speech."

Barkley, who lost a memorable split decision to Roberto Duran in 1989, recalled some of the highlights of his boxing career. "Getting into the ring with two legends, Roberto Duran and Hearns, were the finest moments of my career," he said. "And when I beat Hearns the second time, it proved that the first knockout wasn't a fluke."

Barkley also had some life lessons to share. "People love you when you are on top," he said. "But once the fame goes a way, most of those people do to. But that's okay, because I'm not based on money. And it's all about helping the kids today."

Other honorees included NY1 Network reporter Dean Meminger and North General Hospital President and Ceo Dr. Samuel J. Daniel. Also in the house was former six-time champion Emile Griffith.

Havana -- Why is the oldest and most famous boxing gym in Cuba named after a swimmer? I'll tell you in a second.

One thing I love about Latin countries is that they name their arenas after former athletes. You may find a Home Depot in Mexico, but you certainly won't find "Home Depot Stadium," or any other ridiculous corporate name. Same holds true here in Havana. The top indoor sports venue is named after Kid Chocolate. Another gym in Havana is named after Roberto Balado, the great super heavyweight Olympic champion who tragically died in a car accident.

Then there is Rafael Trejo Gym in Old Havana. Outside of the national team's training center -- La Finca -- which is actually protected by armed guards and off-limits to all but a chosen few, Trejo Gym is tops on the island. Everyone from Kid Chocolate to Teofilio Stevenson to Felix Savon has trained in this open-air gymnasium. It also has bleechers so fans can watch boxing exhibitions staged there. So who was Trejo? I was told that he was once one of Cuba's top swimmers, but he holds such honor on the island now because he was a very important member of Fidel Castro's revolution. So now, his name is immortalized through a boxing gym. -- CASSIDY

BY MARCUS HENRY

Joe Louis was called a lot of things in his life. The Brown Bomber, the Chocolate Soldier, just to name a few. He is also referred to by many observers as the greatest heavyweight boxing champion who ever lived. You won't get an argument here.

But what seems to be missing from the numerous phrases and nicknames used to describe him are the words patriot, leader, inspirer. Joe Louis Barrow was all of the above and then some. He was as influential in the boxing ring as he was out of it. Check out his bouts with Max Schmeling, Billy Conn and Jersey Joe Walcott. Those three opponents bought out the best and worst in Louis the fighter. Read up on his enlistment in the army. He gave up several years of his life to help the troops defend his country in World War II.

Another little known fact about Louis was his affinity for golf. Louis, who was introduced to the game by legendary talk-show host Ed Sullivan, became the first African American to play in the San Diego Open, which was a PGA Tour event. Louis was more than just a boxer. But after the spotlight dimmed, his troubles began.

I was invited to a special screening of an HBO Sports documentary about Louis on Tuesday - "Joe Louis: America's Hero...Betrayed." It will premier at Saturday night February 23 on HBO at 8 p.m. Right before the Klitschko-Ibragimov heavyweight unification bout.

As documentaries go, it was second to none. HBO did an excellent job chronicling both sides of Louis' life. The good times and the bad. It followed his marvelous fighting career as well as his battle with the IRS toward the end of his life. It included commentary from his son, Joe Louis Barrow Jr., Bill Cosby, Jerry Lewis, several close friends and numerous boxing historians and writers.

This is a must-see event for boxing and non-boxing fans.

Mexico City -- Who says boxing is dead? Don´t tell anyone here. In Mexico the sport is everywhere. Some examples:

* On the AeroMexico flight down here, there was a 20-minute promotional video on Mexico. It featured a five-minute segment on former 2-division world champion Ricardo Lopez.

* This corner was fortunate enough to have dinner with WBC representative Victor Perez and Hall-of-Famer Ultiminio 'Sugar' Ramos. Throughout the evening, Ramos was often asked for his autograph from fans and waiters. Mind you, this was a man whose prime boxing years were about 35 years ago. They don´t forget here.

* The front page of today's newspaper tipped to a story inside the sports section about Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.'s upcoming fight. Inside the paper, there were four pages of coverage on the fight and other boxing news. Interesting, there was also coverage of Roger Clemens' visit to Congress and the NBA. All this came after about 20 pages of soccer ('futbol' down here) coverage.

* And lastly, the gym at the hotel Marquis Reforma was beautiful. Off to the side of the treadmills, free weights and other workout equipment was a room with a heavybag and speed bag! - CASSIDY

On this, Super Bowl Sunday, we offer the following athletes with ties to both boxing and football:

Ken Norton Jr. – son of the former heavyweight champion – was a linebacker who won three consecutive Super Bowls playing for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. He played in the Pro Bowl in 1993, 1995 and 1997.

Ed “Too Tall” Jones was a defensive end for the Cowboys when they won Super Bowl XII. He played on the Pro Bowl in 1981, 1982 and 1983. As a heavyweight, he fought six times from 1979 to 1980. He won all six bouts, including five by knockout. But he hardly appeared to be a threat to boxing’s elite.

Alonzo Highsmith, the former running back from University of Miami and Houston Oilers, boxed professionally from 1995 to 1998 and had a 27-1-2 record. In an all-football matchup, he knocked out Mark Gastineau in 1996. He won a National Title with the Hurricanes in 1983.

Mark Gastineau was a defensive end for the New Jets and was selected to five Pro Browls. He retired from the NFL to pursue a boxing career, but was considered a flop as a fighter, with several of his contests suspected as fixed fights. His record was 15-2-1.

Charley Powell was the most accomplished athlete when you combine his achievements in both sports. As a heavyweight he fought from 1953 to 1965 and had a 25-11 record. He lost to Hall-of-Famers Muhammad Ali and Floyd Patterson. He beat contenders Nino Valdes and Charley Norkus. He also beat Keen Simmons, who fought Rocky Marciano. He was a defensive end and linebacker who played for the San Francisco 49ers from 1952 to 1957 and appeared in the 1957 NFL playoffs. He also played for the Oakland Raiders in the AFL from 1960-61.

Powell joined the 49ers as a nineteen-year-old free agent from San Diego High School and was awarded the game ball in the first NFL game he played. Powell also played professional baseball with the Stockton Ports of the California League.

George Trafton fought as a heavyweight in the 1930s and in his most notable fight he was knocked out in the first round by future heavyweight champ Primo Carnera. On the gridiron he was an offensive lineman for Notre Dame, under coach Knute Rockne, and turned pro after just one season with the Fighting Irish. He also played for the Chicago Bears, winning two NFL titles as a member of the Bears. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. -- CASSIDY

The Super Bowl is being played this Sunday. Maybe you've heard about it?

It is the single most hyped sporting event this side of a Don King promotion. But unlike most Don King fight cards, the big game rarely lives up to the hype. Once Super Bowl Sunday has passed, and the Giants have upset the New England Patriots, yes, you read that correctly, it will be time for this corner to shift its focus to the rematch between Jermain Taylor and Kelly Pavlik.

The first fight, in which Pavlik climbed off the canvas to knock Taylor out and win the world middlweight title, could very well win Fight of the Year honors. At least it's the one I voted for on my BWAA ballot.

The hype for this rematch officially begins on February 9 when HBO broadcasts a 30-minute special, "Countdown To Pavlik-Taylor 2." The show will follow HBO's Boxing After Dark card featuring IBF welterweight champ Paul Williams defending against Carlos Quintana.

The actual rematch takes place Saturday, February, 16 in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The fight will be contested at 166 pounds and Pavlik's title will not be at stake.

Until then, enjoy the Super Bowl. And don't feel too badly for Tom Brady if things don't go his way Sunday. It's Eli's turn. -- CASSIDY