Two former world champions from the Beltway look to keep their careers going with bouts in the next few weeks.
As BATB mentioned earlier, former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley will take on undefeated prospect Frankie "Pitbull" Gomez (15-0, 11 KO's) on Saturday, July 20 at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA.
Corley (39-20-1, 23 KO's) has managed to stay somewhat relevant in the 140-pound division since winning his world title in 2001. Corley has faced some major stars in the division including Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Zab Judah, Devon Alexander, Marcos Maidana and Lucas Matthysse. However, while being what many call a gatekeeper in the division, Corley has managed to alter the fortunes of a few rising prospects winning bouts over Gabriel Bracero (for the NABF title) and Paul McCloskey.
The same can't be said for former IBF Featherweight champion Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken, who is slated to step into the ring against Jason Litzau (29-3, 22 KO's) of St. Paul, MN on Friday, August 16 at the Grand Casino in Hinkley, MN. Aiken (16-10-1, 12 KO's) has not won a bout since capturing his world title in May of 2006, going 0-6-1, one NC and being knocked out in five of those six defeats. Aiken has lost his last two bouts by first-round knockout including his last outing against Bayan Jargal on November 1 at the Washington Hilton and Towers in DC. After that bout, I wrote that I hoped that this would be Aiken's final bout.
In the interest of full disclosure, I contacted the commission that controls boxing in Minnesota and gave him the same info I just posted here. I ended by making the comment that if they can stop this contest from happening, that they should do so.
A spokesman for the commission said that the decision would be up to the doctors in DC -- if they do not find him fit to compete, the bout will not be approved. I very rarely try to step in the mix in situations like this because I don't want to be accused of keeping a boxer from trying to make some money. However, after seeing Aiken's last performance in DC which was downright pitiful, I would have felt guilty if something would have happened to Aiken on August 16 and I stayed silent prior to the bout.
Gary, we know you did that because you care. You are a very decent and caring person. I wish I knew many more like you.
ReplyDeleteGood for you Mr Williams
ReplyDeleteMy faith in you has been restored.
Those of us that have known mouse for years DO NOT want to see him get hurt.Thank you for your effort to keep this past warrior from being his own worst enemy.
And as fore Chop, this guy could still slip up win another world title.
ReplyDeleteI am one of his biggest fans and have been for a long time.
Go get em chop
S.F.
MR Williams,
ReplyDeleteYou are 10000 right. Aiken needs to never fight again. This is what is wrong with boxing.
Keep up the good fight sir!