"Everyone loves an underdog and Holmes is way under the dog, dig?"
secondsout.com
"KEITH HOLMES KRAZY
It's time I let you know, I've gone Kompletely Keith Holmes Krazy! That's right, I can barely contain my enthusiasm for this Saturday's bout between the universally recognized middleweight champ, Bernard Hopkins and his WBC counterpart Keith Holmes.
Yes, I will be at ringside.
This begins a wonderful tournament in the world of boxing. You can tell it's great for the sport, because none of the "sports' journalists" are talking about it, that's the first sign that it's significant. And a Don King promotion nonetheless. Well, I guess he owes big for tying up the WBA heavyweight title.
Mr. King has decided to bring all the middleweight champions together in a unification series that will include P4P king Felix Trinidad. The tourney breaks down like so:
Bernard Hopkins vs Keith Holmes
Felix Trinidad vs William Joppy
The winners meet one another to unify the title and for a bronze statue of Ray Robinson. What? Yeah, bronze.
Now, I know what you're thinking: two champs are from DC, the series must be held in the District. No, it's all happening in New York.
You see, a lot of folks down this way are saying "Joppy could go all the way." And he could, but there are several reasons why he probably won't. Not the least of which is that MSG has bought the entire show, and none of these men could sell the big room without "Tito" in the main event. So…..
Anyway, this weekend is all about the real middles, Holmes-Hopkins, and I'm pumped! Being a native of the Balto-Wash area, I am predisposed to back Keith Holmes.
Holmes is definitely the dark horse in this here competition. Most folks are saying Trinidad, some folks are thinking Hopkins, a few peeps are dreaming Joppy, and no one is even pretending Holmes. Well, guess what? If Holmes can get by Hopkins this Saturday, I'm backing him all the way.
Holmes has an awkward southpaw stance, great power, international experience and a sincere desire to win. Being the dark horse has energized Holmes, who, most people have never even heard about.
"Ain't that the feller, that lost to that bald-headed French boy, with the.." Yes, with the ponytail, yes. Holmes dropped a decision to Hacine Cherifi in France. Then Holmes TKO'd Cherifi at the MCI Center a year later. Holmes also lost a decision early in his career. Other than that, the dude's cool.
Holmes' list of conquests is more impressive than that of the "Spur Posse". Richie Woodhall, Quincy Taylor, Andrew Council, Paul Vaden and Robert McCracken have all fallen before Keith. The absence of jail time and numerous ring wars practically triples Holmes' two-year age advantage on Hopkins.
Now there is a problem. Hopkins is a dirty fighter, he holds and hits and holds. Hopkins hits behind the head, uses his head and elbows, he does everything he can to frustrate and hurt his opponent. Holmes' long limbs make his fight on the outside, and Hopkins' game lies on the inside.
Now the show is Hopkins-Trinidad, that sells out the big room at the Garden and with the Washington boys on the under card, it'll pack it in for sure. What about Holmes-Trinidad? Well, let me make the argument that Holmes' fan base will explode with his victory over Hopkins. Everyone loves an underdog and Holmes is way under the dog, dig?
I believe that Holmes has an excellent chance of upsetting Hopkins this Saturday, and I'm taking him to win via decision, or DQ, either way, Hopkins' losing points will be a factor in the Holmes victory. Which is good, because it makes one fighter and preserves the other.
Holmes W12/DQ 10 Hopkins"
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