Seaboard FC remain in title hunt after opponents fail to show.

MBMG International League

Week 20 saw one of the oldest derby matches in the league go down to the wire with Dubliner squeezing past Bullshead with almost the last kick of the game. With the game entering its penultimate minute Bobby got clear of the Bullies defence and made no mistake scoring the only goal of the game and giving Dubliner a vital 3 points. Bullies Chatri having earlier rounded the keeper before managing to hit the bar with the goal gaping as Bullshead’s luck continued to be non-existent.
Elsewhere on Saturday Sunbelt Thaivisa continued their rich vein of form taking all the points from the German All Stars despite playing with 10 men for much of the second half. Robin Hood meanwhile were trying to keep their goal difference at an acceptable level by failing to travel down to the seaside to face all conquering Seaboard, unfortunately the pigeon post sent to advise their opponents of this fact allegedly has still not arrived.
Shock of the day went to the British Club who renewed acquaintances with their old rivals the French and obviously took it quite seriously running out 6-3 winners as they put some daylight between themselves and cellar dwellers Bangkok Utd and Patana in the relegation dog fight.
Speaking of which Sunday saw Patana put up stubborn resistance against an upbeat Winking Frog eventually falling 3-1 with young keeper Michael Murgatroyd once more in outstanding form whilst Bangkok Utd fell to Londoner 5-1 where a nasty case of handbags saw both sides playing 10 a side for the entire second half.
So no change at the top of the table as Dubliner prepare for their next game in a stretch of 4 that will go a long way to determining who will win the league this year when they play Seaboard at Patana in a must win game for them. With Londoner having no fixture Winking Frog will go top if they can avenge their surprise defeat at the hands of the German All Stars who will need to rediscover their early season form to have any chance of a second upset.
Results: Les Gaulois de Bangkok 3 vs 6 British Club Casuals, German All Stars 1 vs 2 Sunbelt Thaivisa.com FC, Bulls Head Brazilians 0 vs 1 The Dubliner, Seaboard FC 3 vs 0 Robin Hood FC, The Winking Frog FC 3 vs 1 Patana, Bangkok United 1 vs 5 Londoner FC

Jasper books a date with the ‘handicap man’

PSC golf from The Café Kronborg

Monday February 20 - The Crystal Bay A & B Layouts were host to a Stableford competition in two flights with the split at 14. The course on the day was in fine condition with greens at 10 on the stimpmeter.

Jasper Rasmusson, winner at Noble Place with 42 points

Canadian Mike Rushant took the A Flight on a count back from Bill Plath in second, both having 41 points. In third was Terry Pettit with Rick Evans in fourth and Ted Morris and Kevin Callaghan losing out, all having 36 points.
In the B Flight, Irishman Patrick Brown took the flight with 41 points. Icelander Elias Magnussen was second with 38 points and Aussie Barry Kerr third on a count back from Richard Kubicki, both on 36 points.
Near Pins: A5 John Christie, A8 Gene Rooney, B4 Garry Butler, B6 Alex Kazazis
Long Put: A9 Phil Battah, B9 Juhani Falt
Thursday February 23 - The road to Noble Place is getting better, and it needs to be, because for many years this has been a dice with destiny. Now however, the 331 is becoming a decent road, and I feel that as the road improves, so does the course.
Noble Place has now become one of the first choices for many players, and on this day the course was in great shape with fine, grassed fairways and fast tricky greens. A light breeze played havoc with the ball, or maybe that is how the ball was hit, but still the overall speed of play was good and the day was enjoyed. Back in the restaurant the scores came in and they were more competitive than outstanding and we had many count backs.
In the A Flight, 0 to 15, the winner was Kevin Callaghan with 37 points on count back over Rob Brown. In third was Rick Evans with 36 points over Kris Helgasson in fourth.
In the B Flight, 16 up, one of the form players of late, Jasper Rasmusson stormed in with 42 points and another meeting with the handicap man. In second was Doug Maiko with 37 points ahead of Michael Coster on count back.
Near Pin: A2 Rick Evans, A6 Cilia Bosman, B2 Michael Coster, B5 Phil Battah
Long Put: A9 Richard Kubicki, B9 Elias Magnusson
T.T.F.N.

A fine day out at The Emerald

PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s

Tuesday February 21 - The Emerald (Stableford)
Pretty posh name ‘The Emerald’, is it not? Once upon a time called Century Bang Chang, I suppose the extra effort the course management has put into improving it, does allow them to dream, and increase the green fee. So as is usual at this time of year, more than the booked number filled up at Bert’s on his fine free brekkers, got into transport and raced down to The Emerald. I mention this only because most do not race back. Where they go, nobody knows. Oh yes we do!

Tim, (center) with the day’s winners Mike Larsen and Mike Wing

Soon it was over and we were back at Bert’s and into the presentation; of course that was after Tim had finished his food. That is the bad news, the good news is that he is back and will now run the day and I can sleep again.
And so to the results and the winner of Div A was Mike Larsen with runners up Nile Sheehan and Frank Kelly. In the B Div the winner was Mike Wing with John Robinson and Dick Warburg as runners up.
Near Pin: Grant Dooley, Rodney Beckett, Frank Kelley, Tom Herrington, Bob Short, Henry Cignac, Mike Larsen (2), Tenin Lamthong, Jannie Jasperre
Long Put: Derek Brook, Dave Askew, Rod Sutherland, Colin Cronin, Henry Cignac
T.T.F.N.

Jan ‘the man’ claims golfer of the month award

PSC golf from The Bunker

Monday February 20 - Khaow Kheow
Jan Von Spelling, accompanied by wife Thea is presented with The Bunker Boy’s Golfer of the Month trophy by cashier Tik

The Bunker Boy’s traveled to Khaow Kheow for a Medal competition and on the always challenging, beautifully maintained course, John Hughes came out on top in the B division with a net 73 followed closely in second place by Thea Von Spelling with net 74 and two players, Geoff Parker and Rod Stevens tying for third with net 77.
In the A division with the cut at 15 and under Aussie Scott Eaton beat off the challenges from Scot, Donald Hendry and Japanese Mashi Kaneta who finished second and third respectively with scores of net 76 and net 77.
The near pin prizes were shared between Jan Von Spelling, Mashi Kaneta, Brian Maddox and Alan Freeman.
Wednesday
February 22
- Mountain Shadow
Mountain Shadow, another tough course was the setting for Wednesday’s Stableford competition and with the cut at 16 and under John King and John McDonald shared first prize coming into the clubhouse with 35 points each followed in third place by Scott Eaton with 33 points.
Dave Lightfoot lit up the day in the B division winning with the best round of the day with 37 points. Second place went to Brian Maddox on 34 points and Steve Davies, Jan Von Spelling and David Johnson all shared third place all on 32 points.
Near pin prizes went to Alan Freeman, Kefin Jones, Dev Staliford and William Macey.
Friday February 24
- Plutaluang
On the Thai Royal Navy course another Medal competition this time saw Paul Smith win the A division with net 71, second place came scratch golfer Alan Freeman with 74 gross, and Charlie Gooch and Bob Pearce shared third prize coming in with net 75 apiece.
In the B division with the cut at 14 and under we had Jan Von Spelling finishing third with net 73 and there was a tie for first place between Colin Greig and Dave Lightfoot, both with the best scores of the day finishing with net 68 each. The near pin prizes went to Swedish player “Bullen”, Gordon Melia, Thea Von Spelling and Bob Pearce.
Jan Von Spelling at last claimed the Golfer of the Month trophy and prize, after coming so close the previous month only to lose on a count back. There was no doubt about who won this time as Jan was well clear of the rest of the field and with his three month holiday coming to an end, he can return to the Netherlands with his well earned prizes - well done Jan!

Bill Maitland Memorial Trophy

Lawn Bowls from the Pattaya Bowling Green

The Bowling Green, Pattaya held its annual ‘Bill Maitland Memorial’ trophy competition over the weekend of the 18/19 February. This was formatted as a draw from the hat triples event and was hotly contested by thirty-six players, consisting of local regular players plus some of the many visiting bowlers here in Pattaya on vacation.
The play started on the Saturday lunchtime with wet conditions due to rain, both the morning before and at the start of play. This slowed the running of the green somewhat, but our English visiting bowlers were not unaccustomed to playing in such conditions.
Play consisted of two matches for each team of 10 ends with points awarded for wins and draws and after some fierce competition, we were left with the teams of Reg, Nut and (Brummie) John facing off against Wanida, Tom and Danny (Sweethearts) in Sunday’s final
It was nice to see that both teams contained lady Thai players, Wanida Pawapho and Nut Seanarid, who was a member of the winning team in 2005 and was now going for the double. The match swung many ways over the ten ends but Reg, Nut and John produced the stronger play and came out the victors with a 14-8 scoreline. So it was the double for Nut - congratulations.
A play off also took place for third spot with Jim’s (one of those players on vacation) team taking the win 14- 6
The club had laid on a very good buffet for all those in attendance, which met the needs of energy replenishment of the many bowlers present along with a beer or two of course. Then it was presentation time in the clubhouse with organiser Reg Rawding doing the honours of handing out the winnings to the respective teams.
A nice touch was that Danny (Sweethearts) had to leave before the presentation to attend to other matters but had left instructions that his winnings were to go to his team-mate Wanida’s 13-year-old daughter Jessedia who had been supporting from the sidelines throughout the final. Her smiling face on being told to step up and collect the money was worth its weight in gold.
The trophies and medals will be presented later in the year at a special presentation social evening that is being planned. A special word of thanks must also go out to Reg for organising and running what proved to be a very enjoyable competition.
The next competition (a mixed doubles match) will take place on the weekend 18/19 March.

Herbie ‘on fire’at Pattaya Country Club

PSC golf from The Three Sisters Bar

With a few golfers at Siam and the others at Pattaya Country Club the day was a quick one. All golfers were back at the ‘caddy shack’ by noon. The winner on the day at Pattaya CC and for the first time in over a year was Herb Ishinaga who shot a great game. He did well with his driver but it was his putter that was really on fire. Herb did not miss many putts and made a few 10 footers to post a net 43 points.

Herb (right) commiserates with ‘cellar’ inhabitant Dick Kerr

Coming in a distant second was Larry Emerson. Larry had a good day coming back to the clubhouse with 39 points - it looked like it might be a better score with 8 pars and a birdie but it was rechecked and found correct. Dale Murphy again scored well and landed in the third spot with 36.
Holding the bag this week was Dick Kerr. He and Tully fought it out for the bottom slot but Dick slipped and fell into the cellar with 21 Points. Also trying for the bottom slot was Sus Ige. From the top slot last week, Sus just could not get his game together. He finally managed 25 points to keep out of the cellar and managed to be paymaster for the day. You can be sure that it will be different next week.

Three tie at Noble Place

IPGC Pattaya Golf Society at the OK Corral

Tuesday, February 21, a large group of golfers from the OK Corral, representing thirteen different nationalities, took to route 331 for a day’s medal play over the “A” and “B” nines at Noble Place. The course was beautifully set up and the two groups, divided at nineteen and under, enjoyed the competition.
In the second flight Denis Smith made an impact as his net 78 took third place in style. Playing some of his best golf since taking up the game over a year ago, his only two blemishes on the card spoilt an otherwise personal best. In second place was the popular American Paul Quodomine whose 75 was an excellent performance. Indeed, for Paul, just being on the course is a pleasure as he struggles to overcome some severe handicaps. Winning the second flight was Dannie Larsen with a fine net 72.
In the top division three players shook the wind out of the course with excellent scores of net 70. Chaten Patel joined Harry Riley and Saranya Chaiyanont atop the leaderboard to take the day’s top prize. Uwe Schroder took his first “twos” pot with an excellent birdie on the sixth hole.
Now, Tuesday is always medal day with the Pattaya Golf Society, and presuming his ball was lost off the tee on the first, Sam Fitzsimmons scratched the hole, reluctant to walk back to the tee. He continued to play level par golf, even finding his original “lost” ball whilst coming up the ninth. Imagine his disappointment when he realised that it was not a stableford competition! An ice cold “Bombay” and tonic was already waiting for him back at the OK Corral.
‘Murphy’s Law’ at Bangpra
Bangpra hosted the Pattaya Golf Society for its weekly stableford event, Thursday, February 23 and put on its usual fair face to treat the large group. The greens were their usual pace with some very eccentric pin placements adding spice to the challenge. The two flights were cut at nineteen and under and ladies were included in both.
In division one Harry Riley continued his fine current form recording 33 points to take third place but it was not to be good enough as both Liam Horgan and Mikael Andersson went better, posting scores of 35 points to share the win. Mikael’s gross 79 was the best of the day.
In the second flight two players turning out for the first time this week obviously benefited from their day of rest. Barry Pethig took third place with a score of 33 points whilst Rob Dolan went one better recording 34 points for second. Topping the list was the ebullient Pat Murphy whose 38-point card was the best of the day. Pat is always a popular addition to any golf group and usually finds a victory or two with the PGS on his visits. Murphy’ Law probably!
There were no birdie twos and the large pot was rolled over. Reg Reader, visiting Thailand for the first time, is having his first taste of golf in the Kingdom and if his handicap of 21 were reversed it would indicate his points score. Despite the iced towel around his neck he was still able to smile his way around the course and his bonus was the Booby Bevy back at the OK Corral. Well done all, another good day with the PGS.

The Beautiful Game?: It’s looking Messi for Chelsea

Riz Taylor
Here’s a thought. Given Chelsea’s almost total dominance of Premiership football since the arrival of Jose Mourinho to spend Roman Abramovic’s millions, is it fair to suggest that the only real excitement at Chelsea these days comes from European competition?
After all, the Blues seem so untouchable in the Premiership, have so much more in terms of resources and strength in depth than any of their rivals, it could be suggested that in two short years their supporters’ expectations might be so high that only the Champions League really matters.
And that’s something they’re welcome to, if you ask me. Fans of other teams may be envious of the Blues’ unlimited spending power in the transfer market, but I’m not. So ridiculous is their advantage that everybody else is now competing for second place, in the Premiership at least. I was interested to see how things might pan out, at first, but now I’m bored with it.
In fact I’m so bored that, perhaps perversely, I’m rooting for Chelsea to win the Champions League this season. Why? It’s in the hope that their Russian owner, the man with only one facial expression that looks like he’s just come around after a general anesthetic, goes away somewhere else and pumps his money into another venture.
Thank heavens for the Champions League, then. It’s in this competition that Chelsea’s band of mercenaries are really put to the test, and on Tuesday evening (early Wednesday here in Pattaya) the Blues head to Barcelona’s Nou Camp stadium for what will surely be the most exciting game of the season. And that’s whether you’re a supporter or not.
Did you miss the first leg? If you did, firstly shame on you, and secondly you missed out on ninety minutes of pure theatre. The talking point came in the first half as Chelsea left back Asier del Horno, a disappointing acquisition from Athletic Bilbao earlier in the season, clattered into Argentine wonderkid Lionel Messi and earned himself a red card in the process.
The decision by Norwegian referee Terje Hauge was surely harsh, but bizarrely the dismissal of del Horno, who had been tormented by the 18-year-old Messi until his early bath, spurred Chelsea onto better things, and the ten men took the lead shortly after the break.
Barcelona’s scintillating attacking play that was led by Ronaldinho and Messi on a dreadful playing surface that has been christened ‘Stamford Beach’ led to two deserved away goals, and it means the Spaniards are strong favourites to move into the last eight. Chelsea must score at least two goals on Tuesday. Is Jose Mourinho really the ‘Special One’? He’ll certainly need to be, because his team require something extra special to go through.
“Can Messi be suspended for acting? Barcelona is a cultural city with many great theatres and this boy has learned very well. He’s learned play-acting,” said Mourinho of the Argentine’s reaction to the foul. The Portuguese overlooked his own defender’s acting after the foul in an attempt to con the referee, and conveniently ignored Arjen Robben’s feigning injury to ensure the dismissal of Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina a few weeks ago.
Sympathy for Chelsea? You won’t find any from me. But that won’t stop me cheering for them on Tuesday night.
Who To support?
Meanwhile, look out for another huge tie on Wednesday as Arsenal take on Real Madrid. For years Arsenal have been sweeping all before them domestically only to be humbled in European competition again and yet again. This season the reverse is true, and a disastrous Premiership season took another turn for the worse on Saturday when the Gunners were beaten by an impressive Blackburn, only days after a stunning 1-0 victory over Real in their own Santiago Bernabeu stadium with a makeshift team.
Madness. But the result guarantees a Madrid onslaught on Wednesday night (early Thursday morning) and hence another very watchable game, which incidentally will be David Beckham’s first in England as Madrid player.
Talking of Beckham, English viewers will be excused for not knowing which side to support - the English side that didn’t field a single English or even British face during the first leg, or the Spanish giants side that will contain both Beckham and Jonathon Woodgate.
Rangers face a difficult test in Villareal, Juventus must overturn a deficit against Werder Bremen, and AC Milan take on Bayern Munich. A few big names will exit the competition this week.
“Woah, we’re halfway there....”
Conclusive proof that Thailand doesn’t have a monopoly on bungled construction projects now, as it was announced last week that the new Wembley stadium, complete with its ‘triumphant arch’, won’t be ready in time to host the FA Cup or the playoff finals. The Football Association said that it couldn’t be 100% sure of the stadium being ready in time and has taken the option to move the fixtures to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Even worse news for all you rockers out there is that Bon Jovi’s summer concert is also in jeopardy.
“We are not prepared to compromise or take any risk on this,” said FA chief executive Brian Barwick in a statement. “We felt it was important to clarify the situation for everyone connected with the game in this country, especially for those teams and supporters still in the FA Cup. We should remember that, when finished, Wembley will be world class. The stadium will host many cup finals and England internationals for decades to come.”
Unbeaten Newcastle caretaker manager Glenn Roeder, who must negotiate Chelsea in the next round if his side are to progress to the final said: “Without a doubt, Wembley is the number one stadium in the world. It’s the one place you would choose to play in a Cup final. So it’s disappointing. But, then, if you are in a final, you won’t really mind where it’s played.”
While the biggest losers in the delays are Australian-owned construction company Multiplex, whose 450 million pound fixed-price agreement to build the stadium looks like ending closer to a billion, it seems that many of the individual tradesmen working on the site are the winners, after beefing up their already hefty pay packets with a few side bets on the stadium not being ready.
“We couldn’t believe our luck. We got jammed in the [bookmaker’s] door in the rush to place bets. And money riding on Wembley not being ready was hardly an incentive to work harder. Most of the bets were smaller, from brickies and fitters taking advantage of a guaranteed cert,” an electrician working on the new stadium told The Guardian.

Pin placements puzzle players at Emerald Banchang

PSC golf from McAllister’s Bar & Grill

Prize winners (L-R): Rick, Herb, Apple, Herbie, Ciano, Dan and Eddie - missing in the photograph are Gerry and Paul  

Friday, February 24 - Another good turnout of 42 golfers battled Emerald Banchang again last Friday and in the end the golf course prevailed. On a hot still day, greens that were already slick in the morning dew became lightning fast by midday. Pin placements particularly on #7 and #17 kept the scoring high and in fact, on a review of the cards, Gerry Carpenter found no birdies on the par three #7 and only a handful of pars.
Both A and B flights were won with only 35 points, something that has not happened at this tournament for a long time. Rick Evans won the A flight and Gerry Carpenter won the B flight, both with fine scores given the conditions. Herb Schweiterman took out the prize for closest to the haggis.
Back at McAllister’s the prizes were awarded quickly and efficiently, the whole ceremony being concluded well before 3:00pm to allow the golfers to get down to the serious business of ensuring that the brewers and distillers are in for another bumper year. There were enough players to award 4 prizes in each of two flights, with results as follows (handicaps in parentheses):
A Flight (handicaps 0-18)
1st Rick Evans (6) 35 points
2nd Ciano Glavina (13) 35 points
3rd Panom (Apple)Jitchana (17) 33 points
4th Eddie Blackwell (11) 32 points
B Flight (handicaps 19-36)
1st Gerry Carpenter (25) 35 points
2nd Herbie Ishinaga (20) 34 points
3rd Paul Kraft (30) 32 points
4th Dan Sell (32) 30 points

‘Crown jewel’ deflection helps Gordon take top spot

PSC golf from The Grapevine

From L to R: Steve, Rich, Gordon, and Mike

Thursday, February 23 - The story of our day spent at Plutaluang on Thursday lies with the winner of the B Flight: Gordon Everingham.
Gordon’s chip shot from off the 18th green was heading towards Banchang at considerable speed. However, his playing partner Rich Murphy improved Gordon’s eventual lie to within two feet of the pin with a severely painful deflection off both the pink and the red (soon to turn black). The apparent two shot turnaround was enough to also give Gordon (38 points) a win over Rich (36 points) in B flight, although it has been suggested that Gordon should have been asked to play his ball from where it actually first pitched on the green! Colleagues have also been giving our beloved “Gordie” lessons in calling “FORE” since this incident. Rich has also been heard to say that “Every dog has his day”, and “Revenge is sweet”, so we’ll await future rounds with great interest. Rod Sunderland with 35 points secured 3rd place in B flight for the day.
In other results on the day, A flight was won by Kuni Wakabayashi with 38 points, second place was Steve Hamsted with 37 points, and in third place was Bill Plath with 36 points. The top points scored in A flight were to a non-registered handicap player who ‘scored’ 39 points so no prize was awarded.
Long putts were won by Mike Larsen and Mark Brenton with a whole host of near pins listed as follows: A Flight: Bill Plath, Mike Larsen (2), and Andy Galvin. B Flight: Rich Murphy, Mac McEwen, Patrick Browne, and “The Guv” Alan Gummer.
Remember, if you’re looking for a fun day of golf with a great bunch of guys and sometimes girls, come on down to the Grapevine and sign up, or ring 038-361-736 for more information. Cheers and good golfing.

The Square Ring

by Howie Reed

Sometimes it’s good to state the oblivious. Most fights below the level of championship, and also many that have that designation as well are more like a match-up of nationalities. It’s not a coincidence that that in LOS, Thai’s fight Filipinos; in Japan it’s either Thai’s or Filipinos. Sometimes these finely tuned plans hit a speed bump in the road. Recently, up and coming Japanese flyweight Shinnosuke Yasuda (14-1, 5 KOs) invited Thai superfly Nongkhai Pathavikorngym (9-13, 2 KOs) in for a butt kicking and a payday. The Thai didn’t read the playbook and mounted “a furious assault in the fifth before finally pummeled him into submission at 0:26 of the 6th.” That’s what Joe K wrote and if he wrote it, it happened.
One of the bigger names in Thailand’s boxing scene for many years has been Chatchai ‘Dutchboy Gym’, Chatchai ‘Krating Daeng Gym’ and now Chatchai Singwancha. Regardless of the names, since he started boxing he’s 52-3, which by any measurement is pretty darn good. I remember him best as ‘DutchBoy Gym’ which I still think is a keen name.
Chatchai has been below the international radar lately. “Lately” being after he was KO’d by Manny Pacquiao in 8 while holding the WBC Flyweight belt. He took almost three years off, coming back in 2003 and going 12-1 since then. Boxing writer Scott Mallon found Chatchai hanging out at his favorite restaurant.
“We had a boxing tournament in school. I was the champion of my school. I kept boxing and ended up being the champion of all the Thai high schools in my level. Later I competed in the Asian Games and SEA Games and also the 1988 Olympics. I got to the quarterfinals in the Olympics” (The Roy Jones Olympics). “Yes, Roy Jones, I remember. I also was in a fight most people thought I very clearly had won. I lost to a fighter from Hungary. Well, I don’t think anyone there, including the Hungarian fighter, thought I lost. It was given to him and taken away from me. That year there were many bad decisions and many problems with the judges... communists! Many communist countries won because of bad judging.”
Couple of “maybe” competitive fights this weekend in different parts of the world. In Puerto Rico WBO Jr. welter champ Miguel Cotto (25-0) risks his title against Italian star Gianluca Branco, whose record of 36-1-1 indicates more who he hasn’t fought than who he has.
Branco has only been in the ring twice outside of his native Italy. In 2001 he went to France where he defeated Gabriel Mapouka (31-4). Last January, Branco went to the Boardwalk in Atlantic City to face Arturo Gatti... bad idea as he lost a UD. Thai’s boxing judge supreme Anek Hongtongkam had it 116-111, so that’s the way it was. Cotto, on his way to becoming a superstar, has what some insiders think is a “weak beard”. Not good for a superstar. Branco does have a little pop in his punches but is probably too long in the tooth.
Australian Vic Darchinyan (24-0) travels to California to defend his IBF flyweight title against Diosdado Gabi (26-2-1) from the Philippines. “I will beat him. I am much stronger and I believe strongly in my ability,” said Darchinyan.
The champ is trained by legend Jeff Fenech. “People will see that I have the best flyweight in the world and the hardest punching flyweight.”
Darchinyan later spoke about comments made by Jorge Arce. “I’m the current IBF and IBO champion, and I won my title from the best flyweight - Irene Pacheco when everybody was running from him. (Brian) Viloria refused to fight me for my title defense. Why do Arce and his people talk to Viloria or anybody else? Because they are afraid of me! It will be impossible to ignore me in the future, as I will unify all the titles... Let’s make a flyweight tournament Arce. Let’s fight after your fight with Rosendo Alvarez.”
Works for me!
The big contest this weekend comes from the MEN Arena in Manchester. In today’s landscape of boxing it’s very seldom that two fighters at the top of their game meet in the ring. Sunday, Pattaya time, Joe Calzaghe (40-0) and “Left Hook” Jeff Lacy (21-0) will duke it out for the WBO/IBF super middleweight belts.
It would be easy to argue that neither Markus Beyer (WBC) nor Mikkel Kessler (WBA) could handle either Calzaghe or Lacy. A win by ‘Welsh Joe’ would validate his career by silencing his critics who claim that he’s fought mostly hand picked opponents. For Lacy it’s the next step up the ladder on his way to what many think will be eventual stardom. In the words of referee Miles Lane, “Let’s get it on.”
The Excel Center in merry ole’ England was rocking and rollin’ last weekend when Danny Williams (35-4) gave 39 year old Matt Skelton his first loss after 19 bouts with a majority decision. The win allowed Williams to keep his Commonwealth title. “Williams, 32, landed a big right uppercut in the final round to leave Skelton hanging on until the bell. That tipped the scoring in Williams’ favour as the Brixton-based fighter won the bout on a split decision.”
We know it was a majority decision but heck who is The Square Ring to argue with the BBC.
Young superstar waiting in the wings, Amir Khan (6-0) got a three round stoppage of Jackson Williams (12-4) on the same card. For the most part Khan was pleased with his performance. “He gave me a test, took a lot of shots and I got in a lot of body shots - that is what we had been working on. There’s a lot more to come from me - I am only young and have a long way to go.” Yes he is young but also very talented.
One of the joys of boxing is that sometimes a match comes alone that turns out to be great and surprises everyone. That was the case last Sunday when two ex champions, Fernando Vargas (26-3) and Shane Mosley (42-4), squared off in Las Vegas.
Before a lot of empty seats, Mosley just had too much of everything but heart for Vargas. Joe Cortez was forced to stop the fight in the 10th when Vargas’s left eye became completely closed making him defenseless from the Mosley right. I know it was a good fight because ‘The Square Rings’ O.R. Cross told me so.
“Got to see the Mosley/Vargas fight this morning in my hovel in Jomtien and thought it was a very good fight, especially the outcome. I have never really cared for Vargas and I think your bias may have something to do with it. He has always come across as a real Adam Henry (cop talk) and showed that at the weigh-in and with his remarks before the fight. Mosley was a little too quick and a little too smart for him and seems to be the kind of guy I’d like to have a beer with.”
Editors note here, O.R. has been known to have a beer at the end of a hard day.
The experts were wrong. It was a very good fight. Next up for Vargas would be a re-match, which probably won’t happen. “He doesn’t want a rematch because the outcome would be different the next time,” said Vargas.
Mosley has a different view. “This is my last fight at 154 pounds. I want to fight again at 147 pounds. The number one fighter on my radar is Floyd Mayweather,” said Mosley. He also said he “dreamed” of fighting Mayweather Jr. One thing about the “dream” deal: sometimes you’ve got to look out what you dream for as you just might get it. Like right now, I’m dreaming... well here’s Jeeves with a tall, cool beverage and a nice cigar. Must be time to type “The End”.