Word is that amateur boxer Siju Shabazz could represent the United States in a dual vs. England in January. Shabazz represented the U.S. in a dual vs. Australia last month and won his match by decision.
— Felix
Monday, October 8, 2007
Saturday, October 6, 2007
No losers in Cruces/Artesia game
Wow, what a game on Friday night between Las Cruces High and Artesia. Las Cruces High showed tremendous will in winning 46-45 in overtime. The Bulldawgs proved they are one of the state's best with the win.
Running back James Hall Jr. showed why he's the premier back in the state with 176 yards rushing and four touchdowns. He has a great instincts and just has a knack for the big play.
Artesia QB Landry Jones is big, strong and a gamer. He nearly willed AHS to the win and he has a bright future ahead of him in college. Several times, LCHS had Jones in trouble only to see him scramble away to make a play.
But needless to say there were no losers on Friday night. The battle of 5-0 teams was everything it was supposed to be and more. Both teams gave great efforts and there was a mixture of big plays on offense, defense and special teams. The two teams have met the last 10 years with LCHS winning six of those. There have been plenty of great ones in the series, but none better than Friday's game at the Field of Dreams.
With the win, LCHS puts itself in great position to get a top four seed when the Class 5A playoff matches are announced in November. Right now, LCHS, Mayfield and Cibola are the top three teams in my mind in 5A. Artesia, unless it suffers a big injury or something bad, should win Class 4A.
— Felix
Running back James Hall Jr. showed why he's the premier back in the state with 176 yards rushing and four touchdowns. He has a great instincts and just has a knack for the big play.
Artesia QB Landry Jones is big, strong and a gamer. He nearly willed AHS to the win and he has a bright future ahead of him in college. Several times, LCHS had Jones in trouble only to see him scramble away to make a play.
But needless to say there were no losers on Friday night. The battle of 5-0 teams was everything it was supposed to be and more. Both teams gave great efforts and there was a mixture of big plays on offense, defense and special teams. The two teams have met the last 10 years with LCHS winning six of those. There have been plenty of great ones in the series, but none better than Friday's game at the Field of Dreams.
With the win, LCHS puts itself in great position to get a top four seed when the Class 5A playoff matches are announced in November. Right now, LCHS, Mayfield and Cibola are the top three teams in my mind in 5A. Artesia, unless it suffers a big injury or something bad, should win Class 4A.
— Felix
Friday, October 5, 2007
Mexican-American Fighters
A few days ago, I listed my top five fighters of Mexican decent. Today, I am listing my five favorite fighters who are Mexican-American. Again, this was a very difficult decision. Mexican-American fighters have a great history in the sport. From Art Aragon to Johnny Tapia to Oscar De La Hoya, the sport has been influenced heavily by Mexican-American fighters.
1. Johnny Tapia
I am a little biased here since I am a native New Mexican. Tapia won titles at 115, 118 and 126. He was non-stop action and had great instincts. Those great instincts helped him even when he was having trouble outside the ring and didn't always train his best. He was a natural in the ring and could adjust on a whim. He beat some very good fighters in his prime, including Danny Romero, Nana Konadu, Jorge Julio and Arthur Johnson. Tapia was an outstanding fighter and had great heart. If he had a little more power, he might have been able to beat Marco Antonio Barrera at 126, but Barrera was simply too much for him at that weight.
2. Orlando Canizales
The great South Texas fighter was one of the best with 50 wins against just five losses. Defended his IBF bantamweight title 14 times. Beat the likes of Sergio Reyes, Kelvin Seabrooks and Paul Gonzales. Was a good boxer and an exciting one to boot. He didn't get the acclaim that other fighters did, but always gave a great effort and took on some of the boxing's best in his class.
3. Juan Diaz
The Baby Bull as he is known fights Julio Diaz next week to help unify some of the major titles in the lightweight division. Juan Diaz is a ferocious fighter with better than average boxing skill. He has gotten better and better as he has gotten older. Is coming off a methodical beating of Acelino Frietas. Diaz always gives a great effort in the ring and if he can win this fight on Oct. 13 against the other Diaz, even bigger fights await.
4. Oscar De La Hoya
The 1992 Olympic Gold medalist has been one of the sport's most entertaining fighters. Beat the likes of John Molina, Julio Cesar Chavez and Pernell Whitaker. Was robbed against Felix Trinidad in battle of unbeaten welterweights. Also lost close decisions to Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather. A masterful boxer when focused and in shape. Has good power and is still a great draw at age of 34. Wants to fight 2-3 more times. Has started own promotional company, which is very successful.
5. Bobby "Schoolboy" Chacon
Chacon was all intensity and action in the ring, collecting 59 wins and two world championships along the way. Engaged in wars with Bazooka Limon, Cornelius Boza Edwards and Ruben Olivares in his career. The California fighter will always be remembered for his great heart and his willingness to engage in a fierce battle. Unfortunately all the tough fights and life issues outside the ring slowed him down. But Chacon will never be forgotten for what he did in the ring and what he accomplished.
— Felix
1. Johnny Tapia
I am a little biased here since I am a native New Mexican. Tapia won titles at 115, 118 and 126. He was non-stop action and had great instincts. Those great instincts helped him even when he was having trouble outside the ring and didn't always train his best. He was a natural in the ring and could adjust on a whim. He beat some very good fighters in his prime, including Danny Romero, Nana Konadu, Jorge Julio and Arthur Johnson. Tapia was an outstanding fighter and had great heart. If he had a little more power, he might have been able to beat Marco Antonio Barrera at 126, but Barrera was simply too much for him at that weight.
2. Orlando Canizales
The great South Texas fighter was one of the best with 50 wins against just five losses. Defended his IBF bantamweight title 14 times. Beat the likes of Sergio Reyes, Kelvin Seabrooks and Paul Gonzales. Was a good boxer and an exciting one to boot. He didn't get the acclaim that other fighters did, but always gave a great effort and took on some of the boxing's best in his class.
3. Juan Diaz
The Baby Bull as he is known fights Julio Diaz next week to help unify some of the major titles in the lightweight division. Juan Diaz is a ferocious fighter with better than average boxing skill. He has gotten better and better as he has gotten older. Is coming off a methodical beating of Acelino Frietas. Diaz always gives a great effort in the ring and if he can win this fight on Oct. 13 against the other Diaz, even bigger fights await.
4. Oscar De La Hoya
The 1992 Olympic Gold medalist has been one of the sport's most entertaining fighters. Beat the likes of John Molina, Julio Cesar Chavez and Pernell Whitaker. Was robbed against Felix Trinidad in battle of unbeaten welterweights. Also lost close decisions to Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather. A masterful boxer when focused and in shape. Has good power and is still a great draw at age of 34. Wants to fight 2-3 more times. Has started own promotional company, which is very successful.
5. Bobby "Schoolboy" Chacon
Chacon was all intensity and action in the ring, collecting 59 wins and two world championships along the way. Engaged in wars with Bazooka Limon, Cornelius Boza Edwards and Ruben Olivares in his career. The California fighter will always be remembered for his great heart and his willingness to engage in a fierce battle. Unfortunately all the tough fights and life issues outside the ring slowed him down. But Chacon will never be forgotten for what he did in the ring and what he accomplished.
— Felix
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Hall Jr., Landry
If you are doing nothing else in Las Cruces on Friday night, head out to the Las Cruces High/Artesia football game at the Field of Dreams.
This is the best game in the state this weekend and arguably the best up to this point of the season.
Both teams are 5-0 and feature Division I prospects. Artesia has QB Landry Jones and LCHS has RB James Hall Jr.
Jones is headed to Oklahoma and has thrown for 1,517 yards this season, while Hall has run for 665 yards and has been a weapon returning kicks.
Artesia has to be given credit for taking on a tough schedule. The Bulldogs have already beaten Hobbs, Carlsbad and Rio Rancho and still have LCHS and Clovis before district play starts.
Las Cruces High has had nice wins against El Paso Hanks and Eldorado. I think LCHS has a little bit better defense and that could be the difference. My pick: LCHS 42, Artesia 31.
Friday's game starts at 7 p.m.
This is the best game in the state this weekend and arguably the best up to this point of the season.
Both teams are 5-0 and feature Division I prospects. Artesia has QB Landry Jones and LCHS has RB James Hall Jr.
Jones is headed to Oklahoma and has thrown for 1,517 yards this season, while Hall has run for 665 yards and has been a weapon returning kicks.
Artesia has to be given credit for taking on a tough schedule. The Bulldogs have already beaten Hobbs, Carlsbad and Rio Rancho and still have LCHS and Clovis before district play starts.
Las Cruces High has had nice wins against El Paso Hanks and Eldorado. I think LCHS has a little bit better defense and that could be the difference. My pick: LCHS 42, Artesia 31.
Friday's game starts at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Favorite Mexican Fighters
Over the years there have been many great Mexican fighters, too many to name on a blog. But with the Saturday fight between Marco Antonio Barrera and Manny Pacquiao on the horizon. I thought I'd put my top five Mexican-born fighters on the blog. Believe it was very tough and I know others probably have a different list. If you have a list, feel free to add a comment with the five. Here are is my list.
1. Julio Cesar Chavez
No surprise here. Chavez won six world titles and beat the likes of Rocky Lockridge, Meldrick Taylor (twice), Juan LaPorte, Tony Lopez, Roger Mayweather, Jose Luis Ramirez and Edwin Rosario. Chavez was a beautiful fighter on the inside and his boxing skills were often underrated because of his aggression and knockout capability. Chavez was a hero in his native Mexico and revered among Mexican-Americans.
2. Ricardo Lopez
The king of the strawweight and light flyweight divisions. He won 51 of 52 fights and beat notables like Saman Sorjaturong, Kyun Yun Li, Kermin Guardia, Andy Tabanas, Ala Villamor, Alex Sanchez, Rosendo Alvarez, Will Grigsby. A wonderful fighter and he got out at the right time and didn't tarnish his record.
3. Salvador Sanchez
Sadly this great champ was just 23 when he died in a car crash. A good fighter not afraid to mix it up. Became a household name after victories against the popular Danny Lopez and Puerto Rico's Wilfredo Gomez. Also beat a young Azumah Nelson in a wonderful and brutal war in New York.
4. Carlos Zarate
A great power puncher, who has the distinction of being the only fighter in the history of the sport to have two streaks of 20 or more knockout wins in a row. Won 63 of his 66 fights via knockout.
5. Marco Antonio Barrera
Barrera has been one of the great champions of our time. Has won 63 and lost just five times. Has won world titles at 122, 126 and 130 pounds. Says the fight with Pacquiao on Saturday is his last major fight. Very determined fighter, good skills and has a knack for rebounding from loss with a win. He lost his last fight against Juan Manuel Marquez. Has beaten Erik Morales, Paulie Ayala and Kennedy McKinney among other. A win on Saturday would give him one of his greatest victories of all time.
1. Julio Cesar Chavez
No surprise here. Chavez won six world titles and beat the likes of Rocky Lockridge, Meldrick Taylor (twice), Juan LaPorte, Tony Lopez, Roger Mayweather, Jose Luis Ramirez and Edwin Rosario. Chavez was a beautiful fighter on the inside and his boxing skills were often underrated because of his aggression and knockout capability. Chavez was a hero in his native Mexico and revered among Mexican-Americans.
2. Ricardo Lopez
The king of the strawweight and light flyweight divisions. He won 51 of 52 fights and beat notables like Saman Sorjaturong, Kyun Yun Li, Kermin Guardia, Andy Tabanas, Ala Villamor, Alex Sanchez, Rosendo Alvarez, Will Grigsby. A wonderful fighter and he got out at the right time and didn't tarnish his record.
3. Salvador Sanchez
Sadly this great champ was just 23 when he died in a car crash. A good fighter not afraid to mix it up. Became a household name after victories against the popular Danny Lopez and Puerto Rico's Wilfredo Gomez. Also beat a young Azumah Nelson in a wonderful and brutal war in New York.
4. Carlos Zarate
A great power puncher, who has the distinction of being the only fighter in the history of the sport to have two streaks of 20 or more knockout wins in a row. Won 63 of his 66 fights via knockout.
5. Marco Antonio Barrera
Barrera has been one of the great champions of our time. Has won 63 and lost just five times. Has won world titles at 122, 126 and 130 pounds. Says the fight with Pacquiao on Saturday is his last major fight. Very determined fighter, good skills and has a knack for rebounding from loss with a win. He lost his last fight against Juan Manuel Marquez. Has beaten Erik Morales, Paulie Ayala and Kennedy McKinney among other. A win on Saturday would give him one of his greatest victories of all time.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Santa Teresa players draw interest
For many years, Santa Teresa High School football hasn't been taken very seriously. That is no longer the case. The Desert Warriors are 3-2 on the season and have high hopes of winning District 3-4A, which includes Silver and Deming.
Santa Teresa head coach Harold Wagner said several of his players are drawing interest from Division I, II and II coaches, including running back Harvey Wells, linebacker Garson Lamb and wide receiver David Fierro. This week, the Desert Warriors face 2-2 Hatch Valley.
Hatch Valley features senior quarterback and Division I prospect Alex Carson. Carson has received attention from North Texas, New Mexico State and New Mexico. He is averaging nearly 350 yards passing per game.
Carson has a bright future and he should mature even more. He just turned 17 and he doesn't make many mistakes. Expect the recruiting battle to heat up over the 6-foot-2 quarterback.
— Felix
Santa Teresa head coach Harold Wagner said several of his players are drawing interest from Division I, II and II coaches, including running back Harvey Wells, linebacker Garson Lamb and wide receiver David Fierro. This week, the Desert Warriors face 2-2 Hatch Valley.
Hatch Valley features senior quarterback and Division I prospect Alex Carson. Carson has received attention from North Texas, New Mexico State and New Mexico. He is averaging nearly 350 yards passing per game.
Carson has a bright future and he should mature even more. He just turned 17 and he doesn't make many mistakes. Expect the recruiting battle to heat up over the 6-foot-2 quarterback.
— Felix
Monday, October 1, 2007
Curlin is my pick
Later this month at Monmouth Park, the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic takes place with plenty of contenders.
But my pick is Curlin. The 3-year-old beat the best older horse in racing, Lawyer Ron, on Sunday in the Jockey Gold Cup and he did so with plenty of grit.
Curlin wasn't rushed and didn't appear panicked as he slowly but surely caught Lawyer Ron to beat him by a neck.
Trainer Steve Asmussen has done a wonderful job of getting Curlin ready for his 3-year-old campaign.
Curlin, who won the preakness and just missed in the Belmont, didn't run as a 2-year-old which raised some eyebrows. But he ent on to win the Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby before finishing third in the Kentucky Derby.
Asmussen is one of the nation's best trainers, who seems to have a knack to know where to place his horses and how to get them ready.
Curlin is maturing each race out and he'll be challenged by the likes of Lawyer Ron, Street Sense and Hard Spun at the Breeders' Cup, but his durability and his training should be enough to get him the win in my opinion.
Also impressive this weekend was English Channel, who should be the favorite or close to it in the BC Turf. English Channel, who won the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic for the second straight year, bullied his away along the rail and won by 2 1/4 lenghts.
— Felix
But my pick is Curlin. The 3-year-old beat the best older horse in racing, Lawyer Ron, on Sunday in the Jockey Gold Cup and he did so with plenty of grit.
Curlin wasn't rushed and didn't appear panicked as he slowly but surely caught Lawyer Ron to beat him by a neck.
Trainer Steve Asmussen has done a wonderful job of getting Curlin ready for his 3-year-old campaign.
Curlin, who won the preakness and just missed in the Belmont, didn't run as a 2-year-old which raised some eyebrows. But he ent on to win the Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby before finishing third in the Kentucky Derby.
Asmussen is one of the nation's best trainers, who seems to have a knack to know where to place his horses and how to get them ready.
Curlin is maturing each race out and he'll be challenged by the likes of Lawyer Ron, Street Sense and Hard Spun at the Breeders' Cup, but his durability and his training should be enough to get him the win in my opinion.
Also impressive this weekend was English Channel, who should be the favorite or close to it in the BC Turf. English Channel, who won the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic for the second straight year, bullied his away along the rail and won by 2 1/4 lenghts.
— Felix
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