by Marty Mulcahey  

 

I can not guarantee that my championship fight will match the excitement, or quality, of the NCAA Final Four, but I know my end result does not require a 13th round. Unfortunately, my tourney did not end simultaneously with the NCAA's. Fortunately, it was because my bracket won our office pool, and I funneled my winnings into the local liqueur industry (Tequila and Squirt soda is not as bad as it sounds). Now that I have recovered full control of my faculties and extremities, I am back to wrap up my 64 man heavyweight elimination tourney. Of course, some will interpret the results of my matches as an indication of a continued alcoholic stupor. Hey, I call them as I see 'em.

As in the first two rounds, I fell back upon the Title Bout 2.5 computer boxing simulation (and other boxing minds) when I found myself unsure of a result, which was usually because of the evenness of the boxers on paper, or a lack of knowledge about a boxer, his style, mental outlook, tendency to cut, etc. etc.

*THE SWEET SIXTEEN*

(1) Wladimir Klitschko

(4) Calvin Brock

Honestly, when I put Brock in this bracket I did not expect him to advance far enough to force a mythical rematch with Klitschko. Knowing Brock was unable to hurt him in the first fight should spurn Klitschko into destroy mode. I don't see Brock improving on his initial performance, and if anyone in this fight has the wherewithal to improve as a boxer it is Wladimir. I will give Klitschko three rounds worth of improvement.

Result: Wladimir Klischko KO 4 Calvin Brock

(3) Vladimir Virchis

(10) Henry Akinwande

The styles of the combatants favors Virchis, with Akinwande having trouble against boxers who can bore their way inside. Oleg Platov, a lesser boxer than Virchis, was able to assert himself and force his brand of mauling on the aging Akinwande. Virchis is a good body puncher as well, and will find plenty of target surface on the lanky African.

Result: Vladimir Virchis TKO 10 Henry Akinwande

(1) Nicolai Valuev

(5) David Haye

Boxing skills, on every level, obviously favor Haye in a major way. Now the problem for me is that the intangibles favor Valuev. Can Haye's body handle 12 rounds of mass and bulk leaning on him? Haye has shown stamina issues (loss to Carl Thompson), and it is impossible to tell if those were a result of straining to make the cruiserweight limit or real cardiovascular limitations? Will Haye's punch travel up with him to heavyweight? Can his legs sustain 12 rounds of movement against larger foes? Too many unanswered questions for me. Haye is wining the fight, and even dominating portions, when he hits the wall and Valuev convinces the referee to stop the bout despite his sloppy finishing.

Result: Nicolai Valuev TKO 11 David Haye

(14) Taras Bidenko

(10) Chazz Witherspoon

The two Cinderellas of my tourney face off, ensuring a double digit entrant moves into the final eight. On the surface it looks like Witherspoon is a matchup nightmare for Bidenko, but the Ukrainian has actually shown himself more adept at dealing with speed over size and power. Bidenko might be undervalued on the defensive side as well. Given that, and Bidenko's better opposition, I am going with the fighter who has lost against the elite instead of the fighter who has yet to face the elite.

Result: Taras Bidenko W 12 Chazz Witherspoon (I ran this fight in Title Bout because of my uncertainty, and on average it favored Bidenko via decision)

(1) Ruslan Chagaev

(4) Andrew Golota

A great clash of similar strengths, with both boxers needing to assert themselves early and often. A lot depends on Golota's early production, as his mindset is often formed in the initial rounds. I can not see Chagaev wilting under the early pressure, especially knowing that Golota could take himself out of the fight at any time. I also believe Chagaev can get under Golota's explosive punches, and his fast counters would drive Golota into a shell.

Result: Ruslan Chagaev TKO 8 Andrew Golota

(3) John Ruiz

(2) James Toney

As exciting as the previous fight would be is how boring this matchup is in 2008. Instead of mayhem we get melodrama. Which of these counterpunchers would take the lead, much less the initiative? Toney has more skills, but Ruiz is able to employ his variety of punch and grab better at this stage of their careers. The past has also proven Ruiz to be consistent, and from fight to fight it is hard to judge which Toney will show up. Ruiz would be unwilling to walk into Toney's traps, and Toney needs a cooperative foe more than Ruiz. Ruiz paws his way to a decision win. (Before you E-mail me, yes I know Toney beat Ruiz three years ago)

Result: John Ruiz W 12 James Toney

(1) Samuel Peter

(4) Evander Holyfield

An interesting match of age & experience vs. youth & power. Now ask yourself, which of these has won out most over the course of history? Not only do I favor youth, the age in this bout is not of the finely aged variety. If Sultan Ibragimov can effectively negate all that Holyfield once was, Peter should do so ten times over...and I am no Peter groupie. Bulk has given Holyfield problems, and Peter will lumber, lean, and push his way to a victory.

Result: Samuel Peter W 12 Evander Holyfield.

(6) Alexander Dimitrenko

(1) Alexander Povetkin

I have a feeling Russia vs. Ukraine fights could develop into the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry of Europe. Both men have proven themselves against quality opposition, with Team Povetkin showing incredible confidence in their man in terms of tough matchmaking. There is not much difference in the duo, and I lean towards Povetkin because of a superior amateur pedigree and proven ability to persevere in the face of early round setbacks.

Result: Alexander Povetkin W 12 Alexander Dimitrinko (I entered this bout into Title Bout 2.5 as well. The majority of the time it was an even contest, but Povetkin scored the majority of the stoppages).

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