Dome Pondering

I really liked what I saw on a Friday night from the sport of boxing.  More specifically, from MVP Promotions...and yes, Jake Paul.  Say what?!!!! I know. Stay with me. Paul has his negatives regarding how he's impacted the sport, with some questionable fights and match-making that have disrupted the sanctity of the sport, as if that still existed.  Boxing has become known for its shady match-making, crooked promoters, and scandals that have plagued its prize fighters, spectacles, and moments.  Paul, despite the unorthodox approach, has brought so much of the latter back to the sport. While the Tyson vs. Paul spectacle felt like a hook, it still was an event. It gave Mike Tyson an official send-off and celebration, and quietly produced an amazing undercard, which included, among those fights, the second fight of Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano.  So, going into this Netflix special, I was curious about the event. Considering the card and the overall event didn't ...

I'm glad that I got to watch the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano fight. It was the kind of fight that I thought captured what old boxing fans (not casuals) like myself loved about the sport. Grit. Blood. Power. And a little bit of no blocking and chaos involved. Both women put it all on the line. And while the outcome was everything so many dislike about boxing, the sketchy results didn't quite take away from what we witnessed.  Loved it.  I figured I would just get that out of the way. Because, whether we want to admit it or not, we all fired up our Netflix account, and suffered through some frustrating buggering and lagging times with the occasional black screens telling us that we had no internet connection, JUST to see what would happen. We ultimately knew what would happen.  Suckers. All of us. Every. Single. One. Of. Us.  Depending on your expectations, you're likely further in your feelings if you had more of them for this fight. As a pro wrestling fan, I like...

2016 certainly has been rough to humanity in regards to taking away cultural icons. So many who have given us such great moments and impacted our lives in the arts have passed on, and as of this writing, we add the transcending Muhammad Ali to the list.  I am not going to regurgitate much of Ali's accomplishments and impact on history and humanity, as you're well aware of that. Nor will I be dishonest and explain or describe my experience with a life of Ali as a part of it. The truth be told, I am a thirty-one year old man who learned of Ali's greatness through my father's stories, history books, autobiographies, and trusty YouTube.  While I love hearing stories about those legendary fights (the images and photos are so cool, and are still timeless) and all of those battles that make boxing seem like it's best days were in the past, the things that will stay with me from Ali is in fact his presence. 

So I guess I wasn't done on this front. Because as they days move on from the so called "fight of the century" (Isn't boxing full of all sorts of hyperbole, even when you think it could be true), there is more and more, and yes, more fallout from this fight that continues to bury the sport of boxing.  There is the now significant tear in Manny Pacquiao's arm that has become publicized. Is it an excuse? Absolutely not. I'm a big believer in the Derek Jeter school of thought - if you're healthy enough to perform, don't use your injuries as an excuse. The injury chatter bantered about out of the Pacquiao camp is very weak. But at the same time, I have to admit and yes, still ponder, would it have made a difference? Sadly, I don't care THAT much. Which says all about this entire situation.  And yes, the idea that we all watched (and PAID!) for a fight that should have been postponed is downright criminal. Again, boxing at its finest. 

I've been very critical of the sport of boxing over the years and I truly believe that last night's fight supports my frustration. I miss the days when boxing was not just a big deal - like last night's fight - but was also a draw and interest moving forward. When titles meant something and when fans were a priority. Sure, things have changed, and I'm not blaming either Mayweather or Pacquiao, but I really, really, really, reaaaaaaaaaaaalllllly believe that last night's fight put another nail in the coffin of boxing causal interest and pay-per-view as we know it.  Was I disappointed? No. I had friends over, reveld in the social/pop culture aspect of the fight for a bit, had a good time, and enjoyed what there was of the packed sports day (Kentucky Derby, Spurs/Clippers) as well as this fight. My biggest disappointment is more so what this means for the sport moving forward. Actually, check that, it was Jamie Foxx's rendition of our national anthem....

It felt like a huge step forward to the fight we all have been anticipating for years, yet, it's still feels like the same song and dance - talk, talk, talk, jabber, jabber, point finger of blame, and well, repeat until it all fades away with no fight. So sure, Floyd Mayweather called out Manny Pacquiao - again - for a potential fight on May 2nd. It's more than Mayweather has given since an initial fight fell apart over drug testing protocol and possible purse money for each. He even gave an official date in his issued challenge. Big talk! The truth is, as we all know, this fight is well past the height of maximizing it's potential. Of course, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao would still do the highest grossing business in the history of the sport because we're all still very much intrigued by the possibility and the idea of what we never have received. 

I often don't get around to catching ESPN's Friday Night Fights, but boy was I glad I did this past Friday night. Held on the field at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, the event had a unique outdoor feel for it's weekly show. With a packed and rowdy crowd, the energy of the event was clearly felt through the television.  However, besides the awesome fights, what really caught my attention was the enthusiasm of the announcers who genuinely sounded like they were into the product a lot more than their usual broadcasts. At first I thought maybe it was due to the outdoor broadcast and the larger event, but then they made comments throughout the night such as:

"How about that Mayweather and Guerrero fight?" - Said No One After all of the hype around "May Day", the tagline used for the Mayweather/Guerrero fight, it seems like the fight arrived, occurred, and to some of us, like it never happened. There was nothing of significance or substance to take away from this past Saturday night's fight. With the same old script of Mayweather dominating, "May Day" was pretty much "Blah Day." Mayweather picked apart Guerrero (with an injured hand), and pretty much dodged every punch Guerrero could muster to swing at him.  You just have to feel bad for those who put down sixty bucks to see that fight. Either they were poor souls jonesing for something to happen in boxing, or simply put, suckers. Either way, Mayweather will earn another win once the buyrates are announced.  Going into the fight, I never heard of Guerrero, but I had very little fate that he would be able to defeat Mayweather. I, l...

Recently, I’ve become hooked on the television drama, Lights Out, which airs on Tuesday nights on FX. While, many of you DP devotees know, I am never been one to follow any type of drama series, or much less, devote myself to a television program, the show has captivated me for more that it’s excellent writing and acting. Lights Out has been a series that is intriguing and interesting. The show, which is based around a former championship boxer that is now struggling to keep his family afloat after losing all his money, puts the viewer on the real inside workings of the boxing industry.