Here is something to think about over the Christmas Holidays: Who is the Beltway Boxer of the Year for 2007?
This could be a fascinating debate. A number of these boxers (Lange, the Petersons, Paschall, Wilson and Thompson) all won some sort of regional belt in 2007. Coleman and Nicklow were extremely busy and successful.
There may not be as many votes tabulated for this one because I have been able to construct the poll so you will not be able to vote from the same IP address. This could make this less of a popularity poll.
I will be leaving the Prospect of the Year poll up as well. Sometime in the first two weeks of January, I will be announcing who won the polls as well as announcing my personal choices for rookie, prospect, bout, knockout, card and Beltway Boxer of the year.
To all of you..have a VERY happy holiday season!!
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21 comments:
I picked Wilson. It was close though.
I think KO of the year is obvious: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auqHPAzcfJ8
My pick for bout of the year is Lange-Cabell II, with Taylor-Wilson from Cassandra's show a close second.
Happy holidays and a happy new year.
Come on people. This is the simplest and most obvious of all the polls that Gary has done. There is absolutely no question that the Beltway Boxer of the year has to be Tony Thompson. I love the petersons and Darnell, but...
Anthony and Lamont have gotten themselves to the top of the rankings in the WBO relatively quickly and smoothly; promoted by Prize Fight and fighting consistently against quality opponents they have moved to the top. And if all goes accordingly to plan after turning pro three years ago they will both get their shots at world titles in the 135 and 140lb weight classes. They are world class prospects, terrific kids and they are representative of the very best fighters to come out of this area. Wilson has run off a string of great victories against some top cruiserweights. He has an exciting style and when he hits people they go to sleep. But he is not the best Beltway Boxer of the Year. As a matter of fact if you stick to the title of the poll, Ding should not even be considered for this award. He is the areas best puncher, but great boxer he is not. The others on the list are not there yet. But Tony...
Thompson fights in the toughest, most scrutinized, most politicized, most monied weight class in the sport. He earned a number one ranking by beating three top rated heavies in his last four fights (Couser was not top rated). His next fight will now be for the HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD. Need I say more. Tony's next fight is for the gold ring, not the brass ring, the gold ring. He is there and he has gotten there in 2007 by doing what he has always done. He has been a gentleman, has been patient, and has beaten everyone that has been put in front of him. He has not changed teams, he has not whined and called people out in the media and made an ass of himself, he has exhibited total class outside of the ring. And inside the ring he has delivered the goods. And he has been delivering the goods steadily since he turned pro 8 years ago next month. That is dedication, perseverance, talent and a will to win that mandates Tony to be our top Boxer of the Year.
I have to admit I have been on the fence with this one since I saw it, but your thoughts Chris are very convincing. Thing is I only saw a bad copy of one Tony's fights on YouTube. You are spot on though about him being totally classy outside of the ring. Okay...let me get down from this fence and go vote!
Tony T, hands down.
big g, whos the beltway amature of the year? why dont you do that and give the young stars something else to strive for... you can do it g!! jr amature and senior amature!!
Quite frankly, I don't feel comfortable doing an amateur poll because there are too many names that could be eligible that I don't know enough about. This is primarily a pro boxing site.
If I followed the amateur game closer, than I could do that, but right now it wouldn't be fair.
The last comment was a very honest comment
I respectfully disagree with you Chris. Tony has had some major accomplishments and so have the Peterson brothers, but Darnell has been the cinderella story this year. He has also beaten world class opposition and truth be told, he deserves a title shot just as much as Tony. Darnell is what boxing needs in general, he produces highlight reel knockouts and in turn is drawing a lot of fans to see some talent along the beltway here. Tony has strung up some world class wins, but which ones are highlight reel caliber. Boxing has been slipping off the charts lately and I think Darnell is generating a lot more interest in the sport off of his performances. I disagree that he is a puncher and not a boxer. He is a classic counterpuncher and honestly, I am surprised that you do not recognize that and prefer to catagorize him as a slugger. Not to mention, who cares what weight class anyone is in. I have all but stopped following the heavyweight division as it does not have the flare it once had. Cruisers are the new heavyweight division in my opinion. I don't think it is right to classify one's accomplishments in going for the belt just by weight class. I am not going to hold Tony Thompson in a higher standard just because he wins a heavyweight belt. Since you add intangibles in your opinion of the best beltway boxer, so will I...my vote goes to Wilson for generating the most interest, best turnaround story, and climbing the rankings in a tough division faster in one year while overcoming health issues. Just my humble opinion and Chris, I do respect yours.
- Steve
2007
Darnell Wilson
KO2 [b]Dale Brown[/b] (proven contender)
KO3 [b]Kelvin Davis[/b] (ex-world champ)
KO11 [b]Emmanuel Nwodo[/b] (USBA champ)
Tony Thompson
W10 [b]Timur Ibragimov[/b] (pretender)
KO5 [b]Luan Krasniqi[/b] (marginal contender)
KO2 [b]Cliff Couser[/b] (bad Tyson imitator)
The "Tiger" may have snagged the better prize (mandatory spot), but "The Ding-a-ling Man" beheaded, embalmed, and disemboweled the far better opposition and collected a notable belt too.
Close nod to [b]Darnell Wilson[/b].
2007
DARNELL WILSON
KO2 Dale Brown (proven contender)
KO3 Kelvin Davis (ex-world champ)
KO11 Emmanuel Nwodo (USBA champ)
TONY THOMPSON
W10 Timur Ibragimov (pretender)
KO5 Luan Krasniqi (marginal contender)
KO2 Cliff Couser (bad Tyson imitator)
The "Tiger" may have snagged the better prize (mandatory spot), but "The Ding-a-ling Man" beheaded, embalmed, and disemboweled the far better opposition and collected a notable belt too.
Close nod to Darnell Wilson.
Big G, why dont you put a poll up asking everyone whos the beltway sr and jr amture of the yr is, i dont think you have to do it whith names, just ask the ? and put the poll out there,ask mr hinton one phone call and he could back the winner up, after all the names was in, like just ask whos the beltway sr and jr amature of the yr, cause of course lil gary is the beltway amature of the yr in the sr division, Big G watch how much interest you generate on that poll, you just dont no G you have alot of mature fans that loves your ste and pass the word around, faithfully... I think it would be nice G and open the polls up for a certain amount of time,thenntally the votes upCome on big G you can do it, do i for the up and coming beltway stars striving hard... You can do it G!!!
I am glad that there is so much subjectivity in the sport. Most knowledgeable people in the sport would look at the comparisons of the two fighters recent victories ( I included Guinn and excluded Couser)and give the nod to Thompson. The heavyweight division because of the money draws better talent (note- see what happened to Ding when he moved up in weight). Also, Nwodo is a tough guy but never founght anyone, check out what Davis has done in his other recent fights and to call Brown a serious contender is a joke. Nuff said, here is for subjectivity, it is what makes my job possible.
May both Tony and Ding and Lamont and Anthony all bring home titles in 2008. It has been a long time since we had three or four beltway world champs at once. Merry Christmas.
Chris
ps and Darnell, if you are going to write arguments supporting yourelf, go ahead an sign them.
Chris,
First of all, the Guinn fight was in 06, and this is the 2007 beltway boxing accomplishments. So you are comparing opponents and records now huh? Who has Timor Ibragimov beat? Cliff Couser? I know you are not honestly comparing opponents with Darnell and Tony? I know the heavyweight division used to be the draw, but tell me the truth in this one...who would you rather see in championship fights, Tony Sultan, or Wilson Haye? Tony Wlad, or Wilson Mormeck? You tell me who's the draw and who has given the area more hype? And by the way, this is not Darnell...I clearly marked my name Steve in the above post. And since we are being honest here, let's discuss if you are involved with Thompson or are in talks with them. And yes, Dale Brown was a serious contender. In fact, I can't believe I am explaining to you why, but here goes anyway...he should have been the champ, but got robbed by Bell. He has won all fights after the Bell fight except one, which was stopped on cuts. There are links to his training before the Darnell fight and he was in fantastic shape. Calling Darnell's oposition out before taking a look at Tony's is a joke. As you say, Nuff said. Look, I base my opinion based on who has repped the area boxing most this year and who has the momentum going into next year. Tony has had a great year, but Darnell's has been better. Once again Chris, I respect ya, just disagree. Have a happy holiday and we have more time to debate after.
-Steve
hey this me again talking about the amature poll, forgot to say tony thompson is the best beltway boxer this yr period!!! hes going for the heavy weight championship of the world!!!! hes like that been over seas this yr right?? tony the tiger hands down!!!!!
OK Steve- I think that if you polled the world and asked them what was a more important fight for any reason, Tony Thompson vs. Wlad K for the heavyweight title or Ding vs. Mormeck, Huck, Cunningham whomever. The majority of people would say Darnell who? Mormeck who? Come on get real, Tony vs. Wlad for the title is the most important fight for a beltway fighter since Rachman vs. Lennox Lewis.
Arguing that point any further just shows you have been drinking some stange flavored holiday punch at Darnell's house. Listen I want Ding to be world champ as well, but lets give Tony, who really is undefeated in my mind, credit where it is due. Darnell fooled around there on some fights, lost some because of his sleeping sickness or whatever reason. Tony has cooly and calmly done it his way and gotten to the top. Until he loses one, and here is hoping that he does not, Tony will remain the Beltway Boxer of this year or next.
I thought it was a 2007 poll... not a "what might happen in 2008" poll...
Boxbible,I agree with you on that!
Chris must got something cooking with Tony and his people.
CHRIS IS A WHORE
Chris,
ok, I'll give you that Wlad Tony generates more money. Wilson Haye for the undisputed cruiserweight title is definitely what I would rather see though. Two knockout bombers going toe to toe. I am going to leave that at that because as one of the above posters commented, this is a poll for 2007 accomplishments and not for what may be in 08. Darnell beat one former world champ and 1 that should have been. Emmanuel is way tougher than most people acknowledge and I think has the tools to beat everyone in the cruiser division. Darnell is awarded Knockout of the year (ESPN), Fighter of the year (ESPN), produces two highlight reel knockouts (Should have been three with Dale Brown, but it was not televised in the US) and came back from a four loss streak to land himself in a title position. Tony fought Timor Ibragimov, the less talented brother, but a good win, Cliff Couser, a relative unknown except to diehard boxing fans with a less than .500 record, and Luan Krasniqi, who is a solid contender but never got a solid win when needed. Tony is an incredible talent, deserves to be where he is, and as a beltway boxing fan I hope he does get that shot with Wlad and everyone else in the heavy division. Darnell, whether by his own fault or not, has had to climb the higher mountain this year to get to where he is now. To say "Darnell who" is rediculous. Two back to back ESPN main event fights, and having a ko that is still being talked about and made ko of the year. I think you may have some sour grapes towards Darnell, but he has made more of a milestone than any of the beltway boxers this year.
- steve
for the record, I have nothing going with Tony and do not plan to. As a matchmaker, for the most part his matches are already made. I care about Darnell and Tony both as they were on quite a number of cards each at the Ballroom.
You can't go wrong with either guy - Thompson or Wilson. They are both great guys and great fighters. I think that they will both become World Champs.
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