On April 3, 2010, WBA Heavyweight champion David Haye (23-1, 21 KO’s) will defend his belt for the first time since winning it from 7-foot Russian Nikolai Valuev last November. The brash Haye will defend it against former two-time WBA Heavyweight champion John Ruiz (48-8-1-1, 30 KO’s) at the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester.
John Ruiz was in the undercard of the Haye-Valuev fight where he beat journeyman Adnan Serin via knockout in the seventh round. Ruiz came in the fight weighing an uncharacteristically 226 pounds, which was his lightest weight since 2001. He dominated Serin and with the win was declared the mandatory challenger to the winner of the Haye-Valuev match.
Ruiz fought two fights against Valuev and lost both times – at least on the scorecards. In their first fight, Ruiz utilized a stiff left jab to keep Valuev at a distance and followed up with either a right to the body or cross. Valuev wasn’t able to do any serious damage but was awarded with the majority decision.
Valuev and Ruiz fought for the second time eight months later with the Russian winning a unanimous decision. Valuev’s win was convincing and despite Ruiz’s protest, it was the right decision.
Ruiz is a mere 3-3 in his last six fights without a quality win over a tough opponent. His three wins were all against journeymen.
David Haye will be fighting for only the third time as a heavyweight in his bout against Ruiz. He is coming off a boring but convincing victory over Valuev. Haye utilized his speed, accuracy and footwork to keep Valuev off balance.
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27th February 2010
Chelsea (61 points) v Manchester City (46 points)
In their last outing against each other, Manchester City beat Chelsea, 2-1.
In Chelsea’s last outing, Didier Drogba scored two goals against the helpless Wolverhampton Wanderers. Chelsea’s victory put them four points ahead of Manchester United. The Wanderers’ Kevin Doyle gave Chelsea problems but his lone presence was not enough to beat the Blues.
Manchester City played to a draw against Liverpool in their last outing. Both teams failed to attempt and threatening goals.
Chelsea will get their revenge and keep their lead atop the standings.
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Pacquiao vs. Clottey
Manny Pacquiao scrambled for a legitimate opponent after Floyd Mayweather Jr. demanded additional drug tests. The pound for pound king didn’t want an easy fight so he took on a solid welterweight in Joshua Clottey. Clottey is coming off a controversial loss to Miguel Cotto.
The Ghana native will receive his biggest paycheck to date for fighting Pacquiao. The stage is set for Pacquiao-Clottey on March 13, 2010 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium.
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Floyd Mayweather Jr vs. Shane Mosley
It’s about time that Floyd Mayweather Jr. finally fights one of the best welterweights in the world in Shane Mosley. Maywether has been dodging the best of the best in the 147lbs division. He has been criticized for taking on big money fights against popular but limited opponents. The self-proclaimed “cash cow” of boxing has avoided the likes of Antonio Margarito, Miguel Cotto and Paul Williams. This time around he couldn’t hide after the fallout of the proposed super fight between him and pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.
Shane Mosley is always seeking out the best challenge out there. He was more than eager to fight Pacquiao and has already taken on the likes of Miguel Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya and Anotonio Margartio. Mosley became one of the most avoided boxers after he dismantled the seemingly indestructible Antonio Margarito in nine dominating rounds.
Mosley was slated to fight Andre Berto early in the year but Berto had personal matters to attend to. Mayweather also found himself without a dance partner after the super fight fallout. It was only natural that both parties came together and agreed to fight. [read more]
The normalities of life have resumed. Europe’s top club competition is back, and with it has come the unforgiving knock-out stages. The reformatted setting which stretches the ties over a two week period have added some spice and anticipation to what is already a gut wrenching affair. If the past is any indicator of the present, one thing is certain; tears will be shed! Whether tears of joy or sorrow, football respects no one. The simple truth is games can be won or lost in the blink of an eye, through pure footballing genius or a mishit shot, legends can be made.
Fortunately for us, luck is not the total determinant of success in the beautiful game. There are a myriad of factors one could list that significantly alter the result of games, but the ball is round as they say. Looking at the individual ties, some naturally stand out. AC Milan versus Manchester United is one which definitely catches the eye. In a replay of the 2007 semi-final, where a tired looking United bowed out with nothing more than a whimper, this time around may be more intriguing. There is reduced emphasis on tactics and balance when this match is viewed, with both teams driven by one individual. The bare truth is the effect Ronaldinho has on his Milan team mates versus the influence Wayne Rooney can exert on the game may just be the tipping point that settles matters. [read more]
Week 16 NFL Preview
Well, so much for NFL history as the Saints fell to the Cowboys 24-17 in New Orleans. That was unexpected, but then again we probably should always remember the old saying “On any given Sunday, any team can be beat.” The Colts on the other hand continue their perfect season and seem like they will calmly continue to do so.
Chargers at Titans – Two years ago the Chargers met up with the Titans and faced a Fisher team whose attitude has much changed. They’re a nasty team to play, with a nasty attitude. Several injuries and fines came from that game in a Chargers win in overtime. The Chargers expect more of this type of play, some may say is dirty at times, and they won’t be intimidated this time around either. At this point in time the Titans may be tough and have a tough attitude even at 7-7, but the Chargers being the better team should rise above it.
Prediction – Chargers 31 Titans 28
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NFL Week 15 Preview
Now is the time of year that most of the games really don’t mean much except for those few that are the cream of the crop and have risen to the top. Most teams are just trying to either finish with a decent record or see who they need to replace in 2010. The Colts and Saints are just a couple of weeks away from reaching an NFL record and it does not look like they will have any problems obtaining that either because it does not look like there is anyone that can beat them. At least not in the regular season.
Colts at Jaguars - With nothing left to prove the Colts have the number one seed in the playoffs, most consecutive wins and the most wins in a decade, they still plan on playing all of their starters when they go to face the Jaguars. This is not good news for the Jaguars who need to win out to be able to get into the playoffs. And with a defense that has problems with the pass rush, this pretty much spells doom this week for the Jags with Peyton Manning at the helm.
Prediction - Colts 35 Jags 24
Cowboys at Saints - The Saints are still standing with no losses and although the last few games haven’t been that easy for them to win, they still have managed to find ways to win. And that is what good teams do. With the Cowboys coming into New Orleans and struggling in December, as they have done in the past, the likelihood of them beating the undefeated Saints is probably slim to nil.
Prediction - Saints 38 Cowboys 28
Miami at Titans - A little while ago both teams were playing so bad that no one would ever have thought that either team would be trying to get into the playoffs. But this week spells the end of one of these teams hopes of doing just that. The Titans who started 0-6 will have their hands full knowing that they have to not only beat out an entire group of 7-6 teams but also the Steelers and Texans who are both 6-7. If all things go well, all the teams losing where they should, the Titans could have a shot. If Miami can keep Titan’s running back Johnson at bay though, the game could go in Miami’s favor.
Prediction - Miami 33 Titans 30
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NFL Preview and picks for Week 14
It has never been seen before where two teams in the NFL have achieved an undefeated record. Of course we know that it has only been done twice in NFL history with the Dolphins and Patriots. But to have two teams, now that’s something. But here we are in week 14 and both the Colts and Saints still remain undefeated. Both of these teams know how to win, make brilliant comebacks when need be as well. Both teams are equally talented. Are both teams on the road to the Super Bowl? We’ll know in a few weeks.
Steelers at Cleveland - The Super Bowl Champion Steelers probably have been one of the years disappointments. It is doubtful that anyone would have predicted that they would be standing at 6-6 by week 14 of the NFL season. But here they are going into Cleveland with just that. The Steelers defense literally had a complete meltdown against a bad Raiders team that has the 31st ranked offense. To make matters worse, key receiver Hines Ward will more than likely be out for the game with a hamstring injury. And to add to that their top defensive player, Troy Polamalu will be out with an injured knee. Could the feeble Browns pull off an upset? Highly unlikely with having the 32nd overall ranked defense. Lucky for the Steelers.
Prediction - Steelers 21 Browns 14
Jets at Buccaneers - With winning back to back games, the Jets have helped their playoff hopes brighten a little, but going into Tampa, they will be doing it without their starting quarterback, Mark Sanchez. Kellen Clemens will be taking his place in what will be their important home stretch of games. Clemens has not started a game since 2007, but he may not have to worry about passing much since the Jets have the number one running game in the NFL, averaging 168 yards per game. The Buccaneers on the other hand simple have not been able to get out of the starting gate with just one win to show for it. Their rookie coach Raheem Morris is not have a season that he had hoped for. Like the hapless Rams, this is a young team with mediocre to average talent. The Jets should be able to continue their hunt for a playoff spot.
Prediction - Jets 28 Buccaneers 10
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UFC 107 preview
UFC 107 will take place on December 12 in Memphis, Tennessee. The main event will feature UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn (14-5) versus the challenger Diego Sanchez (21-2).
Penn beat Kenny Florian in his last match and is back where he belongs - the top spot and king of the UFC lightweight division. It looks like no one can beat Penn. He has the best stand-up and ground game in the 155-lb division.Diego Sanchez earned this title shot against Penn after reeling off four straight wins. Sanchez beat Clay Guida and Joe Stevenson to claim number one contender status. [read more]
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