Boxing Experts Blog - Boxing

Sun Nov 29, 2009 5:11 pm EST

Stories of the decade

Follow Martin Rogers on Twitter at @mrogersyahoo

Yahoo! Sports' decade in review takes to the ring for a series of boxing-related top-fives. Last up is the top five stories of the 2000s. Whatever your opinion on the issues which engulfed the sport, these are the storylines that generated the greatest controversy and speculation over the past decade.

5. Margarito's illegal hand-wraps

Antonio Margarito headed into his Staples Center matchup with Shane Mosley as one of boxing's favorite sons; an iron-chinned superstar beloved for his bravery and competitive fire.

But the events of January 24, 2009, and their aftermath have turned Margarito into a boxing pariah. Margarito's hand wraps were found to have on them calcium and sulfur, which would have hardened into a Plaster of Paris-like substance.

Eagle-eyed Mosley corner man Nazim Richardson spotted the unusual nature of Margarito's wraps in the locker room prefight and immediately alerted officials. With new wraps, Margarito was smashed up by Mosley before being stopped in the ninth round.

The California State Athletic Commission handed down bans a month later - a ludicrously brief one-year suspension for both Margarito and his trainer Javier Capetillo.

4. Diego Corrales dies in a motorcycle crash

Corrales was one of boxing's most colorful characters, a man who lived and fought at full speed.

His spectacular wars with Jose Luis Castillo cemented his popularity, but he was unable to handle the resulting fame and battled constantly with personal problems.

Many friends said afterward it had been inevitable that Corrales' tumultuous life - he had served 14-months in prison for abusing his pregnant girlfriend - would end in tragedy.

Despite limited motorcycle experience, Corrales insisted on riding down a busy residential street in Las Vegas on the second anniversary of his classic victory over Castillo. His blood alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit, Corrales collided with the back of a vehicle and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

3. The continued fall of Mike Tyson

Tyson's life and career had already plummeted downhill in the 1990s, but a new decade didn't bring any better fortune for the former undisputed heavyweight champ.

Iron Mike has become an increasingly forlorn figure, with most of the millions he earned during his career having been squandered away.

The early part of the decade offered an opportunity for him to scale the heights of the heavyweight division once more, but he was demolished by Lennox Lewis in eight rounds and followed up with shocking defeats to Danny Williams and Kevin McBride before, mercifully, hanging up his gloves.

2. The FBI raids Top Rank's offices

Has boxing ever seemed sicker than when federal agents stormed into Top Rank's Las Vegas HQ in the first week of January 2004 and seized computers, contracts and financial documents?

The most salacious part of the investigation was that Oscar De La Hoya's rematch with Shane Mosley had been "fixed," and the fight game winced from this latest controversy as Bob Arum's company came under scrutiny.

More ugly details filtered out, that the investigation was part of an ongoing probe into organized crime, rumors of fixing, tampered medical records and deep-rooted corruption.

The investigation eventually was dropped in 2006 with no charges filed, but it was an episode that took boxing to the top of the news bulletins for all the wrong reasons.

1. Top Rank/Golden Boy lawsuit over Manny Pacquiao

Pacquiao was on his way to becoming the world's most exciting fighter in 2006, and promotional giants Top Rank and Golden Boy both wanted a slice of the action.

Bob Arum claimed he had Pacquiao signed to a contract, but Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy also insisted he had him tied to a deal after handing over a satchel of cash during an airport meeting.

The two parties went head-to-head in an acrimonious courtroom battle that was eventually settled when the judge warned Arum and Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer that neither may like the final judgment.

The upshot is that Arum continues to promote Pacquiao, while Golden Boy also receives a sizeable cut every time he fights.

Honorable mentions: Despite lacking a definitive incident like these other stories, there were a couple of issues that were a constant theme during the 2000s.

• What happened to the heavyweights?  The decline of the heavyweight division has been lamented for much of the decade. Lennox Lewis' retirement left a void, while Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson both faded from the world scene. Instead, a generation of big Russian and Ukrainian fighters came to the fore, led by the Klitschkos, Vitali and Waldimir, but none were really able to capture the public imagination.

• Boxing v MMA The emergence of mixed martial arts and the UFC has presented boxing with some significant challenges. MMA's deep undercards for pay-per-view events and the relative lack of bluster surrounding its fighters won over some supporters who had previously gravitated towards boxing. However, the huge PPV numbers generated in recent times by fighters such as Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather suggests boxing is not ready to roll over just yet.

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202 Comments

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  1. ANTHONY B
    1. Posted by ANTHONY B Sun Nov 29, 2009 11:03 pm EST

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    Interesting conclusion. Rogers, despite some controversy regarding your choices, I regard your top 5 lists as some of the best written pieces this boxing blog has seen in a very long time. Refreshing, to say the least.
  2. Warren
    2. Posted by Warren Mon Nov 30, 2009 12:12 am EST

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    Well, if you say a story.. Why should it be negative? What about the accomplishments made by Pacquiao? The resurgence of Boxing?
  3. g e
    3. Posted by g e Mon Nov 30, 2009 1:35 am EST

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    this whole "resurgence of boxing" thing is a load of BS being served up by the sycophant boxing media. All that's happening is that on the 2-3 nights per year that Pacquiao or Floyd are fighting, people remember that boxing exists for one night. Then they go back to watching MMA for the rest of the year.
  4. Alvin Robertson
    4. Posted by Alvin Robertson Mon Nov 30, 2009 4:20 am EST

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    ^ HBO has gotten much better ratings this year and I am sure that the same can be said for Showtime with the hype for the Super Six.
    Face it "g e", the UFC has been serving turd sandwiches since this summer, and what big fights are on the horizon? Couture vs Coleman is a main event, say what? and Kimbo is by far the most well known MMA fighter, which is sad.
    So yeah, keep beating the UFC/MMA is taking over the world drum. MMA fans are some delusional, crazed cult members. Just yesterday Kameda vs Naito obliterated combat sport viewing records in a country that is the #2 MMA marketplace in the world.
    Lets see what happens if Mayweather-Pac ends up on May 1st and goes against Machida-Shogun II. Floyd already doubled the UFC numbers this past September, but a fight against Manny would get 2 million MORE buys then the UFC on the same night.
    On topic, I don't agree with some of the choices...but honestly who cares. Its nice to see someone write in the boxing blog who doesn't have an agenda and has grasped basic English skills unlike Cofield..
  5. ANTHONY B
    5. Posted by ANTHONY B Mon Nov 30, 2009 7:48 am EST

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    g e ... your comment is so short-sighted, and quite ironic ... since, obviously, it's you who's switched over to watch Pac or Floyd. Unlike you, the true boxing fan has had a full menu of superb fights over the years. And make no mistake, this is not an opinion from someone who dislikes MMA, I've watched and enjoyed the UFC since it's inception. And Alvin is dead-on, the UFC has served up more PPV duds lately then ever. (g e is probably part of that MMA-LCD demographic who watches TUF religiously, 55 minutes of male soap-opera b!tch!ng followed by 5 minutes of terrible fighting).
  6. ANTHONY B
    6. Posted by ANTHONY B Mon Nov 30, 2009 10:27 am EST

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    The Top Rank story reminded me of the Oscar vs Shane fiasco ... still regarded as one of the worst decisions I'd ever seen ... although later eclipsed by the Casamayor vs Jose Armando Santa Cruz outcome, perhaps the greatest robbery I'd witnessed this decade. Actually, that topic would make for an interesting list ... Top five robberies over the last decade...
  7. .
    7. Posted by . Mon Nov 30, 2009 11:22 am EST

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    ehh.....I'd like to think RJJ rise to heavyweight followed by his seemingly overnight fall from grace was pretty big news. #'s 5, 4, & 3 belong on the list but not so sure about #1 & #2 being that huge of a story.......De La Hoya wearing womens clothing was probably a bigger story. lol.
  8. Lincoln
    8. Posted by Lincoln Mon Nov 30, 2009 3:19 pm EST

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    G E, you can't post on here how you view Boxing, then claim it's "people" who decide to go back to watching MMA the rest of the year. I respect people's own personal opinion's but not when they try to speak for the rest of us. I for one have never stopped watching boxing, instead only added MMA to my combat sports appetite. I know that co-existing is not an option with the 2 sports, but don't assume others have jumped on the MMA bandwagon and abandoned Boxing. Remember that alot of fans that like MMA, started out fans of Boxing, because of their appreciation of hand-to-hand battles. I'm looking forward to more great boxing matches in the near future!
  9. MR.MVP
    9. Posted by MR.MVP Mon Nov 30, 2009 4:05 pm EST

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    Stories of the decade..!!! # 1 is a bigger story now then it was in when it happened.. The heavyweights decline It’s ok we have other loaded divisions, The heavyweight division will rebuild… we'll enjoy the Lightweight, Welterweight, and Middleweight divisions..
    Boxing vs MMA, LOL, no contest I enjoy watching MMA but prefer watching Boxing any day of the week!!!! Boxing = stand up fighting, MMA = stand up or a whole lot of humping and holding.. I favor stand up!!!! Does any one have updates on Antonio Margarito, the one-year suspension should be over by now???
  10. Mangler
    10. Posted by Mangler Mon Nov 30, 2009 4:52 pm EST

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    mr mvp The heavys have always been up and down.When it's on top, it can't be beat, but when it sucks, it sucks big time. I have alway appreciated the lighter weights, mostly lightweight to light heavys. This is why boxing is so great to watch, there is always at least a couple of weight classes that have wars going on. Although i watch mma, nothing beats a good boxing match.If you only watch the big names in boxing, your missing out on some great action, G E should go back to mma and stay there. Mangler Out
  11. Lincoln
    11. Posted by Lincoln Mon Nov 30, 2009 5:02 pm EST

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    Mr. Mvp. I was thinking the same thing: what happened to Margarito?. I know they gave him a year suspension, but what we don't know is what official date they used as the effective date of the suspension. I recall hearing about all of this last February, but that doesn't necessarily mean that's when the suspension started. If anyone knows of an update, please relay the info.
  12. JOY
    12. Posted by JOY Mon Nov 30, 2009 7:10 pm EST

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    Hahahahahahahahahhahahahahaha.
  13. MR.MVP
    13. Posted by MR.MVP Mon Nov 30, 2009 9:17 pm EST

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    The word out on the streets is Freddie Roach has confirmed Manny may move to 154-pounds, for world title shot against Yuri Formen (WBA champion)!!! Floyd Mayweather Jr. doesn’t want Pacquiao in March and Manny doesn’t want to wait until May or June due to election run!!! Bernard Hopkins said Floyd would likely fight Shane Mosley - should he beat Andre Berto in January.
    What do you guys think???
    http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=23814
  14. knonie
    14. Posted by knonie Mon Nov 30, 2009 11:15 pm EST

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    All 5 stories are interesting to note. However, it is noticeable they were centered on controversies or negatives.What about including the untainted 40-0 record of Money Floyd or the climb from flyweight to welterweight of Manny Pacman and disposing off his opponents in every weight category?
  15. wertyu q
    15. Posted by wertyu q Tue Dec 01, 2009 2:03 am EST

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    Mike has never fought with good boxers, and when he did he lost. 1970-80" had no def. with 100 weak pounches per round. Klitchko and Lenox would kill anyone , They are two the best boxers ever............!
  16. Tommy
    16. Posted by Tommy Tue Dec 01, 2009 4:47 am EST

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    if i was (floyd mayweather) i would fight (manny pacman) " winner take all. "
    all the ( payperview money ), (live gate money, sponserships money, / merchindising money,
    foreign sales p.p.v. money. and then (floyd mayweather) would know if (manny pacman)
    and (bob aurm) is serious about fighting him. (floyd mayweather) is like (moses) in
    the (10-commandments) to boxing moses over threw (farooo). (floyd mayweather) is the
    (gladiator) in the ring, the man who will finish off (bob aurm) and (destroy) the (pac-man).
    this fight for floyd mayweather is more than just money to him, (mayweather) fights for the former
    (slaves) who never had a chance in life. (mayweather) fights for all of the (civil rights) fighters when
    (blacks) could not (eat) at the same (resturants) as (white folks), (mayweather) fights for (blacks) who
    could not use (bathrooms) in public places in the 1960's. (mayweather) fights for the (poor people) of
    (all race). this is beyound the world. (mayweather) biggest fight is for (god) and (his kids) and for his
    (parents) because he love putting (smiles on their faces). everyday feels like heaven to (mayweather).
    if (bob aurm) and (manny pacman) really wants to fight, then let it be winner take all. (mayweather) will
    put it all on the line because (mayweather) is cut like that, (mayweather) is one of a kind. god made
    (mayweather) special in life and i beleive that (floyd mayweather) knows it. (mayweather) will take this
    fight and help the president (obama) feed every homeless people that are in shelters and homeless
    all around the world. mayweather is a young man that wants tol help the young kids anyway he can
    but mayweather knows that he cant do it all by himself, this is why mayweather calls for the
    president (obama) on this fight because this fight is part of what (muhammad ali) was talking about
    its a fight for freedoom to bring the troops home where they belongs and this fight is to help feed and
    cloths the homelesss pooor people all around the world and the (phillipaines) where (pacman) is from.
    to (mayweather) this is a global freedoom fight to bring home the troops. and a global fight for food
    and cloths for people all around the world. it is a world fight to help the people thats why
    (mayweather) should fight winner take all. this is a (billion dollar) fight if (mayweather) dont rush
    into it with out at least speaking to the president (obama) about helping the country and helping other
    countries. god made (mayweather) and (obama) special in life and now its time for the both of them to
    come together and give back and help the world not just the country. like i said this is a (billion dollar)
    fight. there is not a fighter out there that can beat (floyd mayweather) from (106-pounds to 160 pounds. this
    kid (floyd mayweather) will go down as the greatest fighter ever. (m.ali), (m.tyson), (g.foreman), (j.frazier),
    (j.louis), (sugar ray), (ray lenard), (j.dempsey), (s.liston), (a.pryor), (r.jones), (a.moore), (r.duran), (m.hagler),
    (r.marciano), (t.hearns), and all the great fighters that came before and after cant touch
    ( floyd mayweather ). only a fool or a hater will bet against ( floyd mayweather ). (mayweather) made
    (HBO 24/7) what it is today. (mayweather) should make at least ( $100.million) dollars or more and
    if (mayweather) fights winner take all he dont need nobody cutting side deals or deals for their best
    intrest and not his and he's the fighter. it hurts me when i does see ( oscar dela hoya ) and
    (richard schaffer) beating mayweather for his ( money talent ) (mayweather) should be making money
    with (mayweather promotions). this kid ( mayweather) is keeping boxing alive, so he should to
    me get the most money with out a doubt.
  17. DirtySanchez
    17. Posted by DirtySanchez Tue Dec 01, 2009 5:43 am EST

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    ...tommy stop dreamin' dude!! u r not floyd, and ur dream will never be floyd's dream... he won't agree to a 50-50, still u dream floyd accepts winner-take-all???? what a dream!!!??
    ...stop this things u r sayin' this isn't the forum for it.... if u have hate in yourself do it somewhere else...!!!
    ...this is a boxing blog, not a politcal blog... !!!
  18. Ricardo
    18. Posted by Ricardo Tue Dec 01, 2009 5:49 am EST

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    Because of Pacman world boxing has rise again! So yahoo sports maust celebrate. More power to the pride of Philippines!
  19. Rolly
    19. Posted by Rolly Tue Dec 01, 2009 7:24 am EST

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    I agree with No. 2 posted by Warren.
  20. maXer
    20. Posted by maXer Tue Dec 01, 2009 8:09 am EST

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    tommy of #16 - stupid !!
  21. vic
    21. Posted by vic Tue Dec 01, 2009 8:59 am EST

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    #16 tommy... it's sad if you really believe what you just typed. i hope you're being sarcastic. don't get me wrong i respect lil floyd's skills but he's about $$$ not legacy. he said it himself. he could care less about a single thing you mentioned.
  22. jason
    22. Posted by jason Tue Dec 01, 2009 9:05 am EST

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    hey tommy! are you on drugs?
  23. K NEL
    23. Posted by K NEL Tue Dec 01, 2009 9:26 am EST

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    MVP - I read that too. Hopkins said Arum doesn't want the fight to happen. If it doesn't happen I'm sure it'll happen sometime next year. Although I won't like it for Manny..I don't want to see him beat Foreman too easy. If he's going to take another step up in weight then fight Paul Williams.
    I think the fall of the heavyweights and the death of Chico are bigger stories then the #1 or #2 but atleast they're mentioned.
  24. ANTHONY B
    24. Posted by ANTHONY B Tue Dec 01, 2009 9:29 am EST

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    Tommy is proof that most Floyd fans are delusional fools.
  25. Halo 22
    25. Posted by Halo 22 Tue Dec 01, 2009 9:38 am EST

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    Pac and Floyd would be good to see,,,,but while Floyd hits and runs...Pac seeks and destroys...

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