Veteran Boxers Fight On ... and On ...
Past-their-prime heavyweights Hasim Rahman, 35, and James Toney, 39, are set to meet on July 16. In their first meeting, in March 2006, they fought to a lackluster draw. There's no reason to expect fireworks this time either.
Former WBC heavyweight champ Oleg Maskaev, out of action since losing his title to Samuel Peter in March, is looking to return to the ring in August or September. His power continues to make him a viable opponent for any top heavy but, at 39 and with a somewhat suspect chin, his days among the division's elite are numbered.
With Floyd Mayweather Jr. out of the picture, Oscar De La Hoya, 35, has scrapped his Sept. 20 fight date. His next bout is now tentatively slated for Dec. 6. Such a date would allow De La Hoya to fight the winner of Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito on July 26.
Former WBC featherweight champ Kevin Kelley returns to the ring on July 8 against Abdul Malik Jabir. Jabir (11-6) has lost four of his last six fights, but Kelley will soon be 41 and hasn't fought since losing to Manuel Medina in Nov. 2006.
Finally, in the most ridiculous recent case of a fight long past its expiration date, Jeff Fenech, 44, and Azumah Nelson, 49, are scheduled to fight for a third and - hopefully - final time on June 24 in Melbourne, Australia. If you haven't heard much about Fenech and Nelson in recent years, there's a good reason -- neither man has fought this century. Fenech last fought - and lost - in 1996, while Nelson last fought - and lost - in 1998. The fight is less than one week away but still has a decent shot of being canceled for any number of reasons -- with Fenech's chronic hand problems and whatever boxing commission has jurisdiction over this bout coming to its collective senses being among the most probable.
Comments
fenech v nelson is a big deal here in Oz. we know they’re both past their use by date but more importantly so do they. they’re not making grandiose promises of world titles or anything they just want one more go round – its a pride thing for fenech… and both men are using the money for charity. i’m looking forward to it purely for the nostalgia – but also because the undercard is pretty decent too.
I’d like to see a Maskaev v Ruiz match-up or a Maskaev v Tye Fields fight. The tough Russian is strong and gutsy and still very entertaining. If he beats a serious heavyweight another Sam Peter match might be in order. I’d like to Toney fight Tye fields. that would tell us a lot about both fighters; how much does Toney have left and is Fields for real.