I decided to start this blog off with a bang and what better way to do so then to look back at the year that was in my first annual "Fights of the Year" post. This isn't like other "Fights of the Year" blogs on other websites as I have a few different categories. I also like to think that I don't fall into the trap of having the same opinion as Dan Rafael, Thomas Hauser, and some of the other, more experienced boxing writers. Maybe it is my lack of experience with the sport (I have only been a self-described hardcore fan since 2007) that causes my differing opinion. I like to think that I know what I am talking about and I suppose this blog is some sort of gauge as to how much I actually know.
Now, without further ado, I give you my "Fights of the Year"!
#5...Brawl of the Year
Kessler def. Froch (UD-12)
Not much to say about this one! What a battle for the ages. In a fight that saw wild momentum swings only to be outdone by wild hay-makers that seemed to land more often then not Kessler eeked out a win. Kessler won the WBC Super Middleweight title only to have it stripped months after this fight claiming to have an eye injury that has put his illustrious career in question. Froch bounced back in the third stage of the Showtime Super Six tournament with a UD-win over Arthur Abraham for the very title he had lost to Kessler months before. Hopefully Kessler can recover and come back to take back what is rightfully his and we get another opportunity to witness these two modern day gladiators battle once again.
#4 Beat Down of the Year
Pacquiao def. Margarito (UD-12)
Before this fight started I did something very different from what I normally do before a big fight. In my notes on my iPhone I entered "Rd.8 Margarito KO Pac". Before the 4th round started I regretted ever thinking that thought. This was the most lopsided victory I have ever seen. Granted I haven't seen thousands of fights however I challenge you to find a more vicious beat down then the one seen that cool November night. The most amazing part of this beat down? Pacquiao let up in the 11th and 12th rounds, even looking to referee Laurence Cole to stop the fight. (side-note, I can't tell who did a worse job officiating this year Laurence Cole or Arthur Mercante Jr. in the Cotto-Foreman fight)
#3 KO of the year
Martinez def. Williams (KO-2)
I don't think I need to write anything to describe this one. You either saw it or you didn't.
One interesting note, I had the score 10-9 for Martinez after the first round. I saw his punches and especially the vicious left landing with more authority then the long, long punches thrown by Williams. The only reason I mention this is because the HBO crew that night was raving over how Williams "pushed the action" from the opening bell.
