Quick Hits: Barkley, Big Brown, Lottery . . . Oh, And Some Fighting

"Sir Charles" announced on TNT last night that he's through with gambling . . . for now. Barkley wouldn't commit to quitting for life, but said he won't gamble for the next 1-2 years. This came after a controversy surrounding an outstanding casino debt. I've always liked Barkley (especially as a TV personality), but his numerous failed diets have demonstrated his lack of will power, and I don't see how this scenario will end with different results.

Big Brown is one win away from the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. While the tragedy at the Derby put a damper on Big Brown's performance in Kentucky, nothing could detract from his dominating performance at the Preakness.

When Jannero Pargo missed a wide open 3 from the corner with about 1 minute remaining, I could feel the 2008 playoffs losing some if their luster. Sure, the Lakers and Celtics are still alive, and this is seemingly the matchup everyone is pining for. But, on the flip side, there's Detroit and San Antonio. Should the Pistons and Spurs win their series', we will get a rematch of the most boring 7 games in playoff history (also known as the 2005 NBA Finals)

The NBA Draft Lottery takes place tonight (followed by game 1 of the Eastern Finals) @ 7:30 on ESPN. I hear Jay-Z's representing the Nets . . . why should we care?

This Saturday it's a battle pitting Hawaiian Pride vs. 'Roid Rage, as BJ Penn takes on Sean Sherk for the UFC Lightweight Championship. The "Ill Will" card also features Wanderlei Silva squaring off aginst Keith Jardine, and Tito Ortiz vs. Lyoto Machida.

Also this Saturday, Ricky Hatton (43-1) returns to action against Juan Lazcano (37-4-1). Lazcano should challenge Hatton, but don't expect any upsets. Lazcano would have to KO Ricky to get a win in the UK, and i don't see that happening. Hatton by TKO Rd. 10.

GSP Dazzles, B-Hop Bores

The UFC 83 card was relatively uneventful, aside from the dominating performance put on by Georges St. Pierre. GSP's 3rd consecutive victory was just as impressive as his previous two. While Anderson Silva and Quinton Jackson can both make claim to the top pound for pound spot, it's difficult to argue that GSP is the best in the sport right now. I don't know what else is out there in the welterweight division right now. It appears Jon Fitch will be GSP's first title defense. Fitch is big, strong, and a good wrestler. It'll be a decent test for St. Pierre, but I can't see him walking away with anything less than than a 4th consecutive victory.

In the only other eventful moment of the night, TUF 6 winner Mac Danzig won his UFC debut over Mark Bocek. Danzig caught Bocek with a rear naked choke in round 3.


In other action Saturday night, Joe Calzaghe made his debut on American soil with a split decision victory over Bernard Hopkins, to capture the Light Heavyweight championship. The fight was horrendous, and I feel sorry for others that had to watch it. Hopkins is reaching John Ruiz status, as one of the world's most boring fighters. After 12 rounds of clinching, grappling, and the occasional sloppy flurry, scores were 113-114, 115-112, 116-111.

In usual B-Hop fashion he pretended to be shocked with the decision, and claimed to be the rightful winner. The only way justice will truly be served, is if the "Executioner" drops the axe on his career and calls it quits. Boxing fans should not be subjected to another 12 rounds of wrestling and dirty tactics.

Roy Jones Jr. seems to feel a fight with Calzaghe is a done deal and will happen before the year's end. While Jones is past his prime, Calzaghe vs. Jones will definitely be more aesthetically pleasing.

The Weekend Watch

It's a big sports weekend if you're a fan of fighting and hoops. The NBA Playoffs tip off on Saturday, and include two very intriguing matchups.

Phoenix @ San Antonio (Sat 3:00 ABC)
The Suns acquired Shaq for this exact scenario. It's the Big Aristotle vs. the Big Fundamental. Can O'Neal turn back the clock and cement his legacy as the most dominant big man of his era? Or, will Tim Duncan lead his team to the 2nd round and put the entire nation to sleep in the process?

Dallas @ New Orleans (Sat 7:00 ESPN)
The home team won in each of the 4 regular season meetings. This is another scenario where a trade decision will be tested. It's Jason Kidd matching up against Chris Paul (my MVP choice). Holding home court will be huge for the Hornets.

Bernard Hopkins vs. Joe Calzaghe (Sat 9:45 HBO)
Calzaghe vs. Hopkins provides us with the best Middleweight of this era and the best Super Middleweight. The catch? The fight's happening at Light Heavyweight. This favors Calzaghe, who is naturally the bigger man. If Hopkins doesn't have the power to hurt Joe, I expect the Welshman to pressure B-Hop all night and score a Unanimous Decision.

Georges St. Pierre vs. Matt Serra (Sat 10:00 PPV)
GSP has looked spectacular in his last two outings, which is no easy feat considering they were against Josh Koscheck and Matt Hughes. Serra caught Pierre in their first fight, but I just can't envision it happening again. GSP will dominate and all US MMA fans will have to endure weeks of gloating and "nut huggery".

Two extremely interesting fights. One is free, one costs $55 (and you could probably find a free download within hours following the event) . . . the decision is yours.

Denver @ Los Angeles (Sun 3:00 ABC)
Sunday is a little weak in the Playoff department. The only intriguing game is the 1 vs 8 matchup out west. Any team with Melo and AI is dangerous, but I don't see them being able to overcome the red hot Lakers. If Denver has upset plans, game one may be their best opportunity to steal one in Los Angeles. If the Nuggets can't pull off a win on the road, at least Melo will have a plethora of drinking spots to choose from. Iverson looks saint-like in Denver . . . who woulda thunk'it?

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The Lure of the Ring

The undefeated welterweight champ, Floyd Mayweather joined the long list of pro athletes to step into the wrestling ring on Sunday night. What is it that draws pro athletes to the spectacle of pro wrestling?

First, there's money. While the WWE hyped up a 20 Million pay day for Floyd, the reality is he made about 2 Million. While it's nowhere near his payday for a blockbuster fight, this was a quick payout and offered exposure to a new fan base. Mayweather didn't have to train for months, cut weight, or face the pressure of defending his undefeated record. Plus, he's increased his potential buy rate for his next PPV fight. The bottom line . . . he got paid to have FUN! and increased his future earnings potential.

Sure, wrestling is fake, and filled with bizarre story lines. But, it's an escape for pro athletes. A place where they can use their strength and speed to put on a show.

So, while many sports writers criticize those who align themselves with the wild world of "Sports Entertainment", I'm jealous. Offer me two million to have fun, and see if I take it.

Some athletes that seem to agree with my logic include; Muhammed Ali, Karl Malone, "The Fridge", Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Dennis Rodman, "Pac Man" Jones, Mike Tyson, and plenty more . . . OK, OK the last three names and "logic" don't belong in the same paragraph, but you get my point.

Daily Bodog Pick

bodog.com Pick of the Day
Monday, February 26
NBA Basketball: Miami Heat (+3.5) @ New York Knicks
7:35 PM ET

This pick may be a little risky, with Miami's ancient roster going into the 2nd day of a back to back. Include the travel from Miami to New York, and you may think I'm crazy. However, Miami's veteran players are playing with a purpose, now that Dwyane Wade is out (that purpose being to prove they're not completely washed up). Kapono and Williams struggled from the floor against Cleveland, and they still managed to squeak out a win. I expect their defensive effort to be lacking from what it was against the Cavs, but also expect a better offensive performance.


Overall Record Against the Spread (3-2)

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Mayweather/De La Hoya - Press Tour - Miami

I headed down to Bayside today for the Mayweather/De La Hoya press conference. There was a good turnout and the crowd was spirited. There was a little trash talking, pretty much the usual boxing press event. The crowd was pretty much split 50/50 in who they were supporting. All the Latin fans were 100% behind Oscar (as expected), while the majority of the other fans were supporting Floyd. I snapped a few pics and took some video while I was there, you can view a few more on My Flickr Page.