
With the horrible state of things in the heavyweight division of Boxing (Klitzko v. Chris Byrd doesn't excite me), the seldom-watched Cruiserweight division has quickly become one of the most compelling classes. With a 200 lb weight limit, these chiseled warriors do not resemble the blown up heavyweights like John Ruiz, but look more like the Spartans of 300.
Those that watched the undercard of Zab Judah v. Carlos Baldomir in Madison Square Garden witnessed Jean-Marc Mormeck v. Oneal Bell fight for the WBA/WBC Cruiserweight championship. This fight was a twelve-round slugfest that had Mormeck out on his feet for close to 2 minutes. He made it through, but lost a close, split decision in what many thought was fight of the year. Bell was now champion and Mormeck needed to fight his way back.
Mormeck, a Frenchman, hooked up with Richie Giachetti, former trainer to Larry Holmes, to put him back into Championship shape. Bell, of Montego Bay but now living in Atlanta, defended his title successfully and set-up a re-match with awesome potential. That potential was seen by both James Dolan and Don King that agreed to televise the fight from the suburbs of Paris on MSG 4pm in the afternoon, on St. Patrick's day.
A Frenchman, a Jamaican, an Italian ref, in Paris, on St. Patrick's Day.
I will not give details on the fight, but I will offer one thing. It may have been the best fight I have ever seen. Never before have I had so much anxiety watching a fight nor have I seen so many hard, full punches thrown at such a feverish pace. Similar to Corralles v. Castillo I, but with more punching power.
Set your DVR on stun, because this fight is one of the reasons boxing is still relevant.