John Lumpkin

Mon 8-Feb-2010

By John Lumpkin: The other day there was an article published by Allan Scotto entitled “Boxing Sucks” where the author concluded that we should blame Bob Arum. The article attributed a quote to Arum that plainly stated Arum’s lack of interest in serving the boxing consumer as perfect evidence of why the young consumer is turning to MMA instead of boxing. Whether Arum said it or not, the premise is correct. If one does not serve the customers, the business will die.

Sun 17-Jan-2010

By John Lumpkin: There is a lot a press out there bemoaning the fact that the Mayweather Pacquiao fight did not happen and will not happen. Don’t believe it for a second. This fight is too big to let go.

Mon 16-Nov-2009

By John Lumpkin: Manny Pacquiao’s victory over Miguel Cotto was not only entertaining, but hugely significant. As most fight fans are aware, Pacquiao began his career at 106 lbs and has captured world titles at 112,122, 130,135, 140 and now 147.

Tue 22-Sep-2009

By John Lumpkin: After watching the Mayweather Marquez contest, HBO questioned the wisdom of jumping weight classes and began to rethink Pacquiao’s chances against Cotto. It is valid question and one that probably should have been asked a long time ago, but there are critical differences which make Pacquiao far more likely to succeed at a higher weight class than Marquez.

Tue 5-May-2009

By John Lumpkin: Last Saturday night, Manny Pacquiao, the consensus pound for pound champion, obliterated Ricky Hatton. Going into the fight, most of us were at least somewhat uncertain as to what the outcome would be. It was not an easy fight to pick because there was such a disparity in relative weights which these two fighters spent the bulk of their career and there was every possibility that Pacquiao was reaching too high up the scale.

Wed 29-Apr-2009

By John Lumpkin: Being the pound for pound best in the world does not necessarily translate to being able to beat anyone at any weight. It is simply the recognition of capability relative to weight, so this does not mean that Pacquiao should be favored to win.

Fri 2-Jan-2009

By John Lumpkin

There have been a lot of criticisms about the various boxing organizations that provide championships and rankings, so much so that many boxing publications and television stations have been promoting the idea that we ignore these organizations.

Tue 23-Dec-2008

By John Lumpkin: There have been several articles floating around criticizing Oscar De La Hoya’s recent escapades; describing him as an “Event Fighter” in reference to his rather sporadic schedule. It is an accurate criticism, but somewhat unfair because boxing today is an event sport.

Tue 16-Dec-2008

By John Lumpkin

Whenever an organization loses its leader, there is always doubt amongst the public as to whether or not the organization will regain its stature.

Tue 2-Dec-2008

By John Lumpkin: On December 6, 2008, Manny Pacquiao, the consensus choice for pound for pound king, will be taking on an opponent whose last nine fights have occurred in divisions 3 and 4 weight classes higher than the highest weight class he has ever participated in.