THE GREATEST

Muhammad Ali passed away last night and the world lost an icon. The truth about Ali is that he was a figure that transcended his sport. Ali stood up against what he perceived to be an unnecessary war. Ali did not hold back when talking about his beliefs in terms of religion and race relations. Some may have considered him an incendiary individual and some a true revolutionary but everyone spoke his name. Ali was one of Boxing's greatest fighters, his courage and grace were second to none. The battles with Joe Frazer and Ken Norton were part of boxing's Champagne era, the one where 15 rounders and near death experiences where common. Yes Ali was a courageous man, like many others he went one round too far. The thing about Ali is that even after he was no longer the great warrior he had once been, he could still incite a crowd and elicit inspiration. Ali's battle with Parkinson's hindered his speech and motor skills but they never hindered his resolve. Yes the GOAT is no longer here, but the legacy he left behind will never be erased. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see. 

BRADLEY AND MARQUEZ

In keeping with my Sunday government bullshit boycott I have decided to talk about the anticipated battle between Tim Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez. I've been watching 24/7 and Tim Bradley sounds like a man with a hell of a lot to prove, and that can actually be a bad thing. In his last fight Bradley left himself open to too much punishment. I'm not saying that Bradley is damaged goods but he proved that he can hit and he does have a tendency to throw out his plans.

Marquez is a tactician and his ability to keep calm under fire can work as a major plus in his quest to stay near the top of the pound for pound rankings. The interesting thing here is Bradley had major troubles with Pacquiao while Marquez was Pacquiao's biggest problem. Marquez may well unsettle Bradley and Bradley may well dominate Marquez.

Marquez is superbly conditioned but age and battles may be too much for him while Bradley is vulnerable and hittable. This battle is really a crossroads fight for the two men. If Bradley loses he will validate everyone that thinks he lost to Pacquiao and is damaged goods. If Mraquez loses he will likely have to retire. In the end this fight has major implications for both men but chances are that a Mayweather fight is not necessarily one of those implications.