Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Monday, November 10, 2014
My Album Review on Music Emissions!!!!!!!
Hey everyone! My album review is up on Music Emission! Here is the link.
http://www.musicemissions.com/artists/albums/index.php?album_id=18040
http://www.musicemissions.com/artists/albums/index.php?album_id=18040
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Man of Honour- Hopkins vs. Kovalev
Okay. I have to make this early morning post, simply because I'm a man of honor. Hopkins lost the fight with Sergey Kovalev last night, and it was a very lopsided victory that came very close to a KO several times. However, there are a lot of factors involved that I did mention in the outset would be key in the fight.
I never said Kovalev couldn't hope to win. I said he had the tools to win, but did well to approach the fight like Glen Johnson did to Jones. And that's exactly what he did. He kept his hands moving and kept cutting off the ring along with Hopkins' angles for counter attacks. Hopkins worried me from the last videos of his training camp. He did not seem to and in fact did not come into this fight with a gameplan at all, or to show a new wrinkle in his game. That's something that Floyd would always do. On top of having top notch defense, you have to know when and how to modify it for a particular opponent. Sergey was without doubt dangerous. Hopkins should have respected that and worked on speed, power, and moving combinations. Sergey doesn't like when you angle off on him. He also likes to walk you to your right. Hopkins never really moved left with Sergey. That is what you have to do, and let off lead right hands down the pipe. No uppercuts thrown. Fighters like Sergey use what I call a quick plant. They know that they're a power puncher, so they begin to sit on their punches in midstep, so that everything they throw is devastating. You can't focus on that, like Nasim was telling Bernard. If you keep moving, and let your hands go inside, walking him around, he won't be able let off power shots. I'm sure to Hopkins it looked like Sergey was throwing power shots will moving. But it was only in a straight line. He's awkward, and throws over the top and underneath in combos like Maidana. Floyd showed what any technician should know- you have to circle onslaughts like that. It's too dangerous to try to change levels and counter those kind of shots in a direct line. When Hopkins did circle and step in, he had success tapping Kovalev's jaw. Kovalev is an ogre. Yes, you're going to have to hit him substantially before he recognizes it and backs off. But, you also have to give an opponent something to think about. The bread and butter of fighters like him and GGG are that they enter fights not worrying about their opponent's punches. It's a problem if your opponent is a rock fisted beast and doesn't slow down with your counter punches. Even if that is the case though, that's when you double up and triple up, finishing the combo with a spin. Hopkins was scared at times, because he would counter Sergey, expecting him to stop, only to see him turn like a machine and begin to hook off. Something interesting happened in the later rounds. When Sergey was trying to finish Hopkins, Hopkins feinted to his left and threw, I believe a double jab, and Sergey launched back. You have to give a moving target and something for them to think about.
On Kovalev's part, he was trained very well by Jackson, who clearly had some kind of psychotic vendetta in for Hopkins this whole time. He did exactly what he had to. He threw combinations, and kept the pressure consistently. That Maidana approach is very hard for a fighter to handle. That's how Johnson knocked Roy Jones out cold. He kept coming in with head movement and quick, heavy shots from above and below. I can see that becoming a staple for this new generation of talentless fighters. And also, I wouldn't be surprised if Kovalev has to move up to HW to be tested. Fighters like him and GGG won't really be known for who they are, until they're in the ring with someone they can't mindlessly stalk and pound. I look forward to that. As for Hopkins, I can thank him for an entertaining career, and ask that he just hangs it up. He didn't back off from any challenge. He was a fearless man of honor himself. I'm hanging it up along with the legends. As Manny, Floyd, and the last few greats finish up their careers, I will be leaving the sport myself, as an observer. I have no interest in the next generation. It won't produce greatness like before, so will substitute it instead. Also, I think it's a sign that I need to reprioritize things anyway. The only exception would be Canelo. He is a fighter I put in the middle ground. He has years in front of him, but he also represents, skill-wise, the previous generation. Hopefully, he can finish up in a timely manner. Anyway, that's my piece for this fight coverage. Tune in for more updates on my projects.
I never said Kovalev couldn't hope to win. I said he had the tools to win, but did well to approach the fight like Glen Johnson did to Jones. And that's exactly what he did. He kept his hands moving and kept cutting off the ring along with Hopkins' angles for counter attacks. Hopkins worried me from the last videos of his training camp. He did not seem to and in fact did not come into this fight with a gameplan at all, or to show a new wrinkle in his game. That's something that Floyd would always do. On top of having top notch defense, you have to know when and how to modify it for a particular opponent. Sergey was without doubt dangerous. Hopkins should have respected that and worked on speed, power, and moving combinations. Sergey doesn't like when you angle off on him. He also likes to walk you to your right. Hopkins never really moved left with Sergey. That is what you have to do, and let off lead right hands down the pipe. No uppercuts thrown. Fighters like Sergey use what I call a quick plant. They know that they're a power puncher, so they begin to sit on their punches in midstep, so that everything they throw is devastating. You can't focus on that, like Nasim was telling Bernard. If you keep moving, and let your hands go inside, walking him around, he won't be able let off power shots. I'm sure to Hopkins it looked like Sergey was throwing power shots will moving. But it was only in a straight line. He's awkward, and throws over the top and underneath in combos like Maidana. Floyd showed what any technician should know- you have to circle onslaughts like that. It's too dangerous to try to change levels and counter those kind of shots in a direct line. When Hopkins did circle and step in, he had success tapping Kovalev's jaw. Kovalev is an ogre. Yes, you're going to have to hit him substantially before he recognizes it and backs off. But, you also have to give an opponent something to think about. The bread and butter of fighters like him and GGG are that they enter fights not worrying about their opponent's punches. It's a problem if your opponent is a rock fisted beast and doesn't slow down with your counter punches. Even if that is the case though, that's when you double up and triple up, finishing the combo with a spin. Hopkins was scared at times, because he would counter Sergey, expecting him to stop, only to see him turn like a machine and begin to hook off. Something interesting happened in the later rounds. When Sergey was trying to finish Hopkins, Hopkins feinted to his left and threw, I believe a double jab, and Sergey launched back. You have to give a moving target and something for them to think about.
On Kovalev's part, he was trained very well by Jackson, who clearly had some kind of psychotic vendetta in for Hopkins this whole time. He did exactly what he had to. He threw combinations, and kept the pressure consistently. That Maidana approach is very hard for a fighter to handle. That's how Johnson knocked Roy Jones out cold. He kept coming in with head movement and quick, heavy shots from above and below. I can see that becoming a staple for this new generation of talentless fighters. And also, I wouldn't be surprised if Kovalev has to move up to HW to be tested. Fighters like him and GGG won't really be known for who they are, until they're in the ring with someone they can't mindlessly stalk and pound. I look forward to that. As for Hopkins, I can thank him for an entertaining career, and ask that he just hangs it up. He didn't back off from any challenge. He was a fearless man of honor himself. I'm hanging it up along with the legends. As Manny, Floyd, and the last few greats finish up their careers, I will be leaving the sport myself, as an observer. I have no interest in the next generation. It won't produce greatness like before, so will substitute it instead. Also, I think it's a sign that I need to reprioritize things anyway. The only exception would be Canelo. He is a fighter I put in the middle ground. He has years in front of him, but he also represents, skill-wise, the previous generation. Hopefully, he can finish up in a timely manner. Anyway, that's my piece for this fight coverage. Tune in for more updates on my projects.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Hopkins vs. Kovalev Tonight - Celebration Weekend!!
Hi again. This is another update. I passed my exam!!!! Hence the new title to my page. I put my first initials so that the credentials all fit on one line. LOL. I am now a certified CT Technologist. I didn't want to celebrate until I recieved my certificate in the mail and my updated credential card, but since I'm talking about the fight, I may as well put that out there. The test was extremely difficult, and rightly comparable to a physician's test. It's a test that many are clamoring to take and pass now, since the New National laws will require this certification come January. It's also a test that many have been failing left and right. I was hyperventilating and palpitating throughout the exam. When I got my score- which appears onscreen after it's over, I was in disbelief at first, and then in ecstasy.
To celebrate, me and my wife went to Longhorn Steakhouse, where after looking at the menu, I ended up getting a chicken meal. Next time, I'll get a steak. I don't really eat red meat actually. The drink was good too. I had a Petrone Margarita which gave just enough buzz to accent the evening.
Now, onto the reason I came to give this update. I still don't like Hopkins being the underdog in this fight by a 7 to 1 margin. I do want to clarify that Kovalev is equipped to win fights. I just don't see a resume that gives him a nod over Hopkins. Watching the workout footage yesterday, I saw a few things that stood out. Not to sound funny, but being serious, Kovalev reminds me alot of myself when he hits the mitts and the bag. He makes the same snap and sounds I used to make when I was with my coach. And he throws very similar combinations, and moves similar. But just like my coach told me, it's just one good thing to have that physicality. Watching a guy like myself or Kovalev hit the mitts and drop journeymen boxers, a layman will think that it's the entire package. The mental aspect to boxing is much bigger. That's why even with talent, you can remain relatively obscure in boxing, as you try to move up the ranks. Kovalev has never had to adjust his chin after getting it turned around. He's never had to adjust to smoother boxing tactics or tighter defense, when a conditioned opponent is walking him down; or when a defensive opponent isn't giving him the looks that he wants. All of that is what boxing is. And the truth is, that no matter how talented you are, there is no substitute for those experiences.
I believe in myself quite a bit. I know that I have a boxing mind and good conditioning and skills, just like I know Kovalev does. But I'm realistic enough to know that, unless I can reinvent myself in the middle of a fight, or my training camp leading up to a fight with Hopkins, my physical presence isn't going to keep me from being at a disadvantage. I'm not saying that Kovalev can't win. People keep putting those words in my mouth. I'm saying that boxing is what boxing is about. Gameplan wise, if Kovalev can keep changing distance and angles and work his jab, always keeping his right hand buried in combinations, he has a good chance. If Hopkins can establish a stiff jab, and hard check hook, to keep Sergey honest, he stands a good chance. This should be a good one. All of the fans, I know want Kovalev to come out like Glen Johnson did against Roy Jones. Because they know that deep down, that's his only chance.
To celebrate, me and my wife went to Longhorn Steakhouse, where after looking at the menu, I ended up getting a chicken meal. Next time, I'll get a steak. I don't really eat red meat actually. The drink was good too. I had a Petrone Margarita which gave just enough buzz to accent the evening.
Now, onto the reason I came to give this update. I still don't like Hopkins being the underdog in this fight by a 7 to 1 margin. I do want to clarify that Kovalev is equipped to win fights. I just don't see a resume that gives him a nod over Hopkins. Watching the workout footage yesterday, I saw a few things that stood out. Not to sound funny, but being serious, Kovalev reminds me alot of myself when he hits the mitts and the bag. He makes the same snap and sounds I used to make when I was with my coach. And he throws very similar combinations, and moves similar. But just like my coach told me, it's just one good thing to have that physicality. Watching a guy like myself or Kovalev hit the mitts and drop journeymen boxers, a layman will think that it's the entire package. The mental aspect to boxing is much bigger. That's why even with talent, you can remain relatively obscure in boxing, as you try to move up the ranks. Kovalev has never had to adjust his chin after getting it turned around. He's never had to adjust to smoother boxing tactics or tighter defense, when a conditioned opponent is walking him down; or when a defensive opponent isn't giving him the looks that he wants. All of that is what boxing is. And the truth is, that no matter how talented you are, there is no substitute for those experiences.
I believe in myself quite a bit. I know that I have a boxing mind and good conditioning and skills, just like I know Kovalev does. But I'm realistic enough to know that, unless I can reinvent myself in the middle of a fight, or my training camp leading up to a fight with Hopkins, my physical presence isn't going to keep me from being at a disadvantage. I'm not saying that Kovalev can't win. People keep putting those words in my mouth. I'm saying that boxing is what boxing is about. Gameplan wise, if Kovalev can keep changing distance and angles and work his jab, always keeping his right hand buried in combinations, he has a good chance. If Hopkins can establish a stiff jab, and hard check hook, to keep Sergey honest, he stands a good chance. This should be a good one. All of the fans, I know want Kovalev to come out like Glen Johnson did against Roy Jones. Because they know that deep down, that's his only chance.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Latest Events and Rants!!
Hey now!!
I just have to stop in and deliver some updates as to what's going on. I'll talk about a few things, since I have alot going on. First, it's to drop a hint, that can't be too descriptive- Something big may have happened, or may be going down project wise. I'll have more definite answers several weeks from now.
On another note, a channel I follow on youtube- I forget which one, has me looking into Mech games now. I'm trying to get my hands on the Bangai- Oh Series and a few other Japanese Mech action games that never made it over here. There are some that are like huge action RPG's. I can't believe how good they are. The graphics for some of them on that video were unbelievable. Some of them were NES titles, but you would swear that you're looking at an SNES game. I'm still working on Armored Core: Raven. With all of this studying, I haven't had a second to pick up my PSP at all, except to play Brain Challenge in the mornings. This Friday, it's time to sink or swim with this state exam. I take the CT Boards. I'm trying not to focus afterwards, but a lot of opportunities will open up if I get through this. That's why I'm so focused. When opportunities like this surface, things always go south. Hopefully, that isn't the case this time. I'm overpreparing just in case.
On top of that, I'm looking forward to this Weekend. There is a lot going on, that I can't even get to in this one post, but one thing in particular is the Hopkins vs. Kovalev fight. Now, I haven't been invested in a boxing match like this in a long time. This fight is one that my coworker is inviting me over to watch at his house if I'm in the area, and with all of the trash that he's talking, I really want to oblige. Unfortunately, living far upstate, it is unlikely that I'll be able to. This is a big deal to me because it touches on a lot of what I've been saying incessantly for the past year or so- today's connoisseur has changed. I laugh, because he's one of the people I had in mind when I put that statement on the album. He's a self-assumed boxing connoisseur. I respect the fact that he does approach the game with a scientific mindset to a degree, but he is lacking in looking at the big picture. People don't even see, not only the history that Hopkins is making with this fight, but the statement about today's view of the sport and deplorable analysis of science, This is boxing versus brawling. I'm not saying that to imply that Kovalev is a brawler. Look, Kovalev is a slick and talented boxer from Russia, with a good personality, and nice worker's ethic. What really bothers me is that fighters like himself, GGG, and Martinez, have completely changed the face of the sport for the worse, or just opened up more stupidity in people. All three of them are considered top elite fighters who are dodged by all other opponents. Yet, little by little, we see them exposed. Since when did fighting guys like Danny Geale, Nathan Cleverly, Martin Murray, and Darren Barker make you a killer? All of a sudden, every middleweight and light heavyweight who starts to KO cab drivers is the best, thanks to those men. Don't get me wrong. They can fight to a degree, but it is a travesty for me to see the day appear, when Bernard Hopkins- legend that he is, at 49, is considered not just a heavy underdog, but a walking corpse, going into Saturday's fight. He himself laughs at all of the criticism, but it angers me. People like my coworker will say that they base that assessment off of Kovalev's all around game. But you know what I asked him: "Knowing that Hopkins is the superior boxer, would you say the same, if Kovalev didn't have the power you think he does?" He couldn't answer. He knew that he was being hypocritical. You call yourself lovers of the sweet science, but most of you fans have become totally estranged from it. When you see masters of their craft, you call them overmatched or cowards. Fights that should never happen, do happen because of stupid fans, only to be complained about later. Maidana should never have fought Mayweather- definitely not twice. But what happened? The fans went back to thinking just like they are now, "Oh, Maidana is a monster, and powerful. He'll be the one to stalk Mayweather and walk him down. When he catches him, he'll kill him." You would think that we haven't seen it tried for 17 years! Then they reason the same thing again, and pay for a rematch! How obtuse to you get?!
Hopkins is going to once again shock the boxing world, and have these clowns wondering again how they guessed wrong. The sad thing is that they'll fall right back asleep after it's over, or just change their stories. I'm not saying that he is automatically going to win. He's not a shoe-in. What bothers me is that he is the large 7-to-1 underdog for the upteen millionth time- and not just for him. See, going back to Jack Johnson, the older fighter is always the public underdog. Rarely is it based off of skill, in a sport where skill is the main key. And the media hasn't learned yet. In fact, I almost expect Kovalev to be the A-side of this fight card- and that's with a zero fanbase, who won what I consider to be a paper belt at this point, from a bum, and defended against three other bums. He has potential, but for once, I would like to see people look at where things stand from top to bottom. Stop giving the nod to a fighter based off of something as archaic as a power advantage. That's like saying the taller basketball team is a shoe-in. Have more respect for yourselves if possible. Make it look like you follow the sweet science. That's why Hopkins won't be on the cover of SI like Kevin Iole said- People are too dumb to even realize what he accomplished with a win, in this ignorant era. Intellect just keeps getting watered down each generation. I'm afraid, in 10 years there really won't be anything left.
And for all this riding on Kovalev, I told my coworker not be surprised if Hopkins comes into the weigh-in looking more physically imposing. Then of course, he doubles back, and says being big will work against him. Watching Kovalev during training camp, I can see that he looks big in some of his previous fights, but actually, I see more efficient puncher's muscle on Hopkin's physique. I also see a speed and stamina edge in favor of Hopkins. Whatever chance Kovalev has, he may be blowing it now by listening to media. He's made comments such as, "Hopkins is a streetfighter," and, "Hopkins is a clown." Yeah, he's a clown alright- one who's going to laugh at you for 12 rounds. He doesn't even respect Hopkins as the superior boxer, because the media has told him that he is better in every way. I've seen 1 person- and 1 person only who sees what I see- Look for a possible UD or stoppage for Hopkins.
I just have to stop in and deliver some updates as to what's going on. I'll talk about a few things, since I have alot going on. First, it's to drop a hint, that can't be too descriptive- Something big may have happened, or may be going down project wise. I'll have more definite answers several weeks from now.
On another note, a channel I follow on youtube- I forget which one, has me looking into Mech games now. I'm trying to get my hands on the Bangai- Oh Series and a few other Japanese Mech action games that never made it over here. There are some that are like huge action RPG's. I can't believe how good they are. The graphics for some of them on that video were unbelievable. Some of them were NES titles, but you would swear that you're looking at an SNES game. I'm still working on Armored Core: Raven. With all of this studying, I haven't had a second to pick up my PSP at all, except to play Brain Challenge in the mornings. This Friday, it's time to sink or swim with this state exam. I take the CT Boards. I'm trying not to focus afterwards, but a lot of opportunities will open up if I get through this. That's why I'm so focused. When opportunities like this surface, things always go south. Hopefully, that isn't the case this time. I'm overpreparing just in case.
On top of that, I'm looking forward to this Weekend. There is a lot going on, that I can't even get to in this one post, but one thing in particular is the Hopkins vs. Kovalev fight. Now, I haven't been invested in a boxing match like this in a long time. This fight is one that my coworker is inviting me over to watch at his house if I'm in the area, and with all of the trash that he's talking, I really want to oblige. Unfortunately, living far upstate, it is unlikely that I'll be able to. This is a big deal to me because it touches on a lot of what I've been saying incessantly for the past year or so- today's connoisseur has changed. I laugh, because he's one of the people I had in mind when I put that statement on the album. He's a self-assumed boxing connoisseur. I respect the fact that he does approach the game with a scientific mindset to a degree, but he is lacking in looking at the big picture. People don't even see, not only the history that Hopkins is making with this fight, but the statement about today's view of the sport and deplorable analysis of science, This is boxing versus brawling. I'm not saying that to imply that Kovalev is a brawler. Look, Kovalev is a slick and talented boxer from Russia, with a good personality, and nice worker's ethic. What really bothers me is that fighters like himself, GGG, and Martinez, have completely changed the face of the sport for the worse, or just opened up more stupidity in people. All three of them are considered top elite fighters who are dodged by all other opponents. Yet, little by little, we see them exposed. Since when did fighting guys like Danny Geale, Nathan Cleverly, Martin Murray, and Darren Barker make you a killer? All of a sudden, every middleweight and light heavyweight who starts to KO cab drivers is the best, thanks to those men. Don't get me wrong. They can fight to a degree, but it is a travesty for me to see the day appear, when Bernard Hopkins- legend that he is, at 49, is considered not just a heavy underdog, but a walking corpse, going into Saturday's fight. He himself laughs at all of the criticism, but it angers me. People like my coworker will say that they base that assessment off of Kovalev's all around game. But you know what I asked him: "Knowing that Hopkins is the superior boxer, would you say the same, if Kovalev didn't have the power you think he does?" He couldn't answer. He knew that he was being hypocritical. You call yourself lovers of the sweet science, but most of you fans have become totally estranged from it. When you see masters of their craft, you call them overmatched or cowards. Fights that should never happen, do happen because of stupid fans, only to be complained about later. Maidana should never have fought Mayweather- definitely not twice. But what happened? The fans went back to thinking just like they are now, "Oh, Maidana is a monster, and powerful. He'll be the one to stalk Mayweather and walk him down. When he catches him, he'll kill him." You would think that we haven't seen it tried for 17 years! Then they reason the same thing again, and pay for a rematch! How obtuse to you get?!
Hopkins is going to once again shock the boxing world, and have these clowns wondering again how they guessed wrong. The sad thing is that they'll fall right back asleep after it's over, or just change their stories. I'm not saying that he is automatically going to win. He's not a shoe-in. What bothers me is that he is the large 7-to-1 underdog for the upteen millionth time- and not just for him. See, going back to Jack Johnson, the older fighter is always the public underdog. Rarely is it based off of skill, in a sport where skill is the main key. And the media hasn't learned yet. In fact, I almost expect Kovalev to be the A-side of this fight card- and that's with a zero fanbase, who won what I consider to be a paper belt at this point, from a bum, and defended against three other bums. He has potential, but for once, I would like to see people look at where things stand from top to bottom. Stop giving the nod to a fighter based off of something as archaic as a power advantage. That's like saying the taller basketball team is a shoe-in. Have more respect for yourselves if possible. Make it look like you follow the sweet science. That's why Hopkins won't be on the cover of SI like Kevin Iole said- People are too dumb to even realize what he accomplished with a win, in this ignorant era. Intellect just keeps getting watered down each generation. I'm afraid, in 10 years there really won't be anything left.
And for all this riding on Kovalev, I told my coworker not be surprised if Hopkins comes into the weigh-in looking more physically imposing. Then of course, he doubles back, and says being big will work against him. Watching Kovalev during training camp, I can see that he looks big in some of his previous fights, but actually, I see more efficient puncher's muscle on Hopkin's physique. I also see a speed and stamina edge in favor of Hopkins. Whatever chance Kovalev has, he may be blowing it now by listening to media. He's made comments such as, "Hopkins is a streetfighter," and, "Hopkins is a clown." Yeah, he's a clown alright- one who's going to laugh at you for 12 rounds. He doesn't even respect Hopkins as the superior boxer, because the media has told him that he is better in every way. I've seen 1 person- and 1 person only who sees what I see- Look for a possible UD or stoppage for Hopkins.
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