Boxing Blogging Part III

Tonight's fights were in Albuquerque, and in a rare happenstance the headline event was a woman's bout. Local favorite Holly Holm (17-1-2, 5 KOs) took on Chevelle Hallback (25-4-1, 11 KOs) in a bout that could set up a big fight between Holm and division champ Mary Jo Sanders.

But before that, we saw Clarence "Bones" Adams (42-6-4, 19 KOs) continue his comeback against a local of his own, David Martinez (17-2-1, 3 KOs). This fight was a relatively dry affair--Adams had far more experience and was able to use it to dominate the fight against Martinez, who, judging from his facial expression as the decisions were announced, seemed to think he had a shot at winning. Adams, who is only 32 but has a 15 year pro career, is looking to regain his position as an elite Lightweight. I'd say he still needs a few fights to work out the kinks (this is his second fight after a three year lay-off), but the potential is definitely there.

And Holm/Hallback? Holm won the fight handily (two cards of 100-90 and one 98-92, I had it 98-94). Hallback, who normally is an aggressive, come ahead fighter, was surprisingly tentative--all the more strange because Holm wasn't throwing her jab. As it was, Holm was able to use her superior reach and height to control the fight throughout.

And just as a general observation: The problem with women's boxing isn't any lack of talent, heart, desire, or even power among its participants. The problem is the ridiculous 2-minute round system. Why do they do that? Is it to protect the fighters? I'm sure they'd be the first to tell you, they don't need it. Hallback spars with top-ranked lightweight Nate "The Galaxxy Warrior" Campbell. She can handle herself. Two minutes just isn't enough to really develop the action. There were some good flurries in this fight, but at lot of good potential moments were sacrificed because the rounds were so short.

Friday we head to my home turf with the Peterson brothers (Anthony and Lamont) both fighting in Washington, D.C.. The brothers are a great story and even greater boxers, and I'm looking forward to seeing them again immensely.