Uncategorized | Sports Alchemist

The Waiting Game: Yuriorkis Gamboa Takes on Jorge Solis

Posted on 26 March 2011.

Yuriorkis Gamboa remembers so well the time when he deflected from Cuba while he was training on Venezuela. He had given Cuba national pride with all his amateur achievements. However, he felt it was the time that he follows his own dream. He wanted to be a professional boxing champion and most especially he wanted to give his family a better life. He would never be what he is now if he hadn’t moved out.

19 fights later, Yuriorkis is one of the biggest names in the feather weight division, just at par with his equally talented nemesis Juan Manuel Lopez. Together they are the two Ying Yang that had dominated this division. Gamboa has long been waiting that someday their paths will cross. However, he understands it will happen when the right time comes. A fight of this magnitude needs a massive marketing campaign and to make this fight so compelling he would have to do his part. And that is what boxers are paid to do… Fight.

Jorge Solis may not be a household name to boxing fans. However, he fought Manny Pacquiao 4 years ago for eight rounds. He is three inches taller than Gamboa and knows how to use his jab. Solis which normally fights in the super featherweight division is going down to featherweight to face Yuriorkis. This is not an easy fight for Gamboa. But this is what he really wants. This is the road or the path that he wanted to take. While others take the easy route, for him, he wanted every challenge every difficulty he wants to encounter. Every fight is always a preparation for the bigger fight ahead. He knows that the well prepared fighters make fights.

When Rogers Mtagwa almost dominated Juanma, he wanted to know and feel Mtagwa’s power. It was the fight he wanted to take and took only two rounds to disposed Rogers way back in 2010 with Lopez as his co-header fighting the light hitting Steven Luevano. And while Lopez is fighting Orlando Salido in April, the same fighter Gamboa fought and won last year. Yuriorkis is going to dangerous waters again against a solid contender in Solis.

It has been quite a journey since Gamboa deflected against Cuba. He knows his speed and power could take him to greater heights, but he feels he still has a lot of things to prove. Juanma is slowly becoming a complete fighter, and he wanted to fight him with all bases covered. Yes this is becoming a waiting game but Yuriorkis Gamboa is in no rush. One fight at a time…with another base to cover before that one big swing.

Chicago Bulls: The Always Prepared Jannero Pargo

Posted on 23 March 2011.

Jannero Pargo goes to the basketball court one hour before practice starts. And he always ends up the last one to leave the premises. It has always been his usual routine, ever since he started as an undrafted rookie coming from Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Kansas nine years ago.

The Los Angeles Lakers took a chance on him and signed him as their rookie for the 2002-03 season. Something that Jannero was always thankful for.

Not everybody gets an opportunity to play in the NBA, and even if you get drafted, it’s not even a guarantee that you will stay on top.

Being with the Lakers was a blessing for him, even though he played scrap minutes and stayed on the bench most of the time. He still valued hard work and dedication to his craft, spending hours and buckets of sweat on the hard court.

For Jannero the NBA is all about opportunity and chances. One mistake or one wrong move could clearly dictate where your career will be heading. There is no substitute for preparedness. That’s why he goes to every game and every practice like it was his last.

Jannero was always the coach’s heartache. Not that he is problematic, but he was always the odd man out. He was the type of player being cut if the team is over the luxury tax or through free agency.

However, with his work ethic it’s always a coach’s misery to see him out, like when the problematic 2003-04 Lakers had all sorts of problems with Shaq and Kobe’s ego and the team still meshing up with Karl Malone and Gary Payton.

Cutting Pargo was one of the painful decisions coach Phil Jackson had to do at that time. He was always a dependent backup and a mindset that is ready to learn. As written by Phil on his book “The Last Season”.

Jannero worked really hard on practice, and he played efficiently, but the Lakers need to cut their luxury tax with four future Hall of Famers in one team. He left the team with tears in his eyes and took everything as a challenge. He will get his chance because he knows he is well prepared.

The Chicago Bulls know that signing back Jannero would be a huge lift to the team. He had been slow on his recovery from his knee surgery, but it was never a hindrance for him in getting back.

The United Center Arena has been rocking with fans from over the city cheering and giving love to their team. But after those spotlights turned off and the chairs empty, we will hear the thump of the ball and the swish of the net. It’s just Jannero Pargo, the first one to come and the last one to leave. It pays to be ready because you never know when your chance will come.

Nonito Donaire Jr. Following Manny Pacquiao’s Road Less Travelled

Posted on 19 March 2011.

When an employee leaves a company, regardless if it’s voluntary or termination, there should be a proper and professional exit interview to avoid legal difficulties in the near future.

The recent Nonito Donaire Jr. signing with GBP or Golden Boy Promotions could further give a lot of complications more than a positive direction to his career. I am no lawyer but to put it in layman’s term it’s simple as dating a new girlfriend without informing your old one that you’re breaking up with her. In other words, it’s as simple as T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

Nonito deserves all the exciting fights on his career now. At 28 years old he is in his prime, and he deserves nothing but the best with all his God given gifts. He is donned as the next Manny Pacquiao. And GBP could give him all the marquee fights on his current division, and he could cash in as much money as he wants which he direly deserves. Boxing is still business and whoever gives the best matchup and the biggest payday then that’s the best promotion company to sign. However, like any business there should be proper and legal ways to do it. In quitting your job you still have to go for your clearance before getting your last pay right?

Manny Pacquiao made that mistake once, when he signed up with GBP, even if his contract is still with Top Rank. It was a road less travelled but Nonito travelled that road anyway.

It wouldn’t have been a problem if he talked it out with Bob Arum. He could have stated his reasons that he needed those matchups that Top rank couldn’t give. He could have asked Arum about the legality of his contract before signing with GBP. In that way, everything will be on the right foot when he announces his departure. I couldn’t blame Nonito with his decision because if you look at the big picture, we would see great and exciting matchups in pay per view. He could fight Israel Vasquez or Rafael Marquez. However, he could have done it the right way.

With the situation what will likely happen, is that Nonito will be in for a long vacation. Even if GBP can get him all the fight he wants. Bob Arum can prevent that from happening if he asks for a court injunction when everything is still not legally settled. The simple girlfriend math is 1+1=0.

At the end of the day we still want everything to be ironed out. Nonito Donaire Jr. is such an exciting fighter that we all want to see him fight those big names.

Well, I guess it’s not too late to get an exit interview right?

Andrei Kirilenko: The Team he always wanted

Posted on 15 March 2011.

Andrei Kirilenko watched the Chicago Bulls celebrated their 20th anniversary of its first NBA championship. The nostalgic moment with flashes of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen along the big screen, seems to make Andrei forgot about their 27-point difference during halftime. The 1991 Bulls fought against the Showtime Lakers routing them to a 4-1 record. They were a tough and very dedicated team and for Andrei, they were the team he always wanted.

Looking at the opposite side of the court are those familiar faces, the sweet shooting Kyle Korver, the slasher Ronnie Brewer and their once franchise player Carlos Boozer. He remembered the time they all played together.
They never really made it as far as the finals, but they were always a contender.

The Jazz never really recovered from losing all those players to free agency last summer. They were a team looking for their identity. And when Utah traded their top point guard, Deron Williams and their strong-willed coach Jerry Sloan decided to go with retirement. Everything seems blurry on the team’s direction. They were like a ship without a captain.
Right now their offense highly depends on their front court tandem in Paul Milsap and Al Jefferson. But those undersized Center-Forwards struggled more on bigger teams like the Lakers or the Dallas Mavericks.

There would be six players going to free agency this coming summer, including Andrei Kirilenko. A cloud of uncertainties hovers between the Jazz roster. Andrei knows that the Jazz will eventually go rebuilding. However, he never expected it would happen this fast, this drastic.

Andrei Kirilenko watched the Bulls celebrate its magical team that brought pride and honor to Chicago. He is just glad he is just part of history even though, he is on the other side.

With free agency looming, Andrei hopes the Jazz could sign him and make good choices with quality trades and rookies. The Jazz is a new team now with a bright promise ahead. That old team with Boozer and Williams are now a thing in the past… He hopes to be part of the future and maybe just maybe he could find the team he always wanted. But like the 1991 Bulls, it remains to be a nostalgic dream and a distant possibility.

Ricardo Mayorga-Miguel Cotto: Send in the Clown

Posted on 12 March 2011.

Ricardo Mayorga ripped his shirt off showing his washboard abs towards the engaging press. They took pictures of a 38 year old fighter that was very game in answering questions. Then like a hungry lion that looks at his prey, Mayorga shouted to Miguel Cotto “What are you going to do after I beat you? Are you going to stay in boxing, or are you going to get a job? Answer me that.”

The baddest and loudest boxer in the planet has done it again. Like an old salesman delivering his conclusion speech before closing the deal. Muhammad Ali was a good trash talker. However, Mayorga goes beyond good. He will try to abuse you mentally and get you out of your game plan. When you lose against Ricardo it would be very devastating because you will lose physically and mentally.

The normally silent Mayorga goes into his invisible mask and change into the mostly lively and trash talking fighter once the spotlight touches him. Ricardo breaths and lives in the limelight. Like a rehearse number on an old entertainer who still got his magic. Even though, his act was already an old Long play record playing over and over again.

Going to the Miguel Cottofight. Mayorga would have to do a bigger self promoting act. Because with a lot of body mileages and a 4-4 record on his last eight fights it would be very hard to sell. But Miguel refuses to engage. He refuses to be Mayorga’s dancing partner or even to stoop down to his level. It’s not how the way he plays the game. He does all the talking in the ring.

Ricardo Mayorga still does it. He still makes a predictable fight between a youngster and an elder states man exciting. He can talk all day long and disrespect anyone he faces. But at the end of the day when the lights are off and the bleachers are empty. We see a lonely soul in a quiet corner.

“Making my entrance again with my usual flair. Sure of my lines…. No one is there.”

Send in the clown… Back to the real world and back to his usual form waiting for that spot light to shine on him again…

Isn’t it queer?

Cleveland Cavaliers: The Different Samardo Samuels

Posted on 09 March 2011.

Samardo Samuels knew long before he played basketball, he was already different. A Jamaican who was born in a small town of Trelawny, and played in New Jersey as a high school star at Saint Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark. It seems to be like a typical American tale. However, his 6’8″ and 265 lb. frame seems to be the big difference in terms of playing the center or the power/small forward positions.

Even though Samuels was ranked higher than Tyreke Evans, Jrue Holiday, Demar Derozan and Al-Farouq Aminu as one of the top recruits going to college, he knew he would have to work very hard just to get to the top. There are a lot of “tweeners” (a player who has some, but not all of the necessary characteristics for each of two or more positions) who actually came out to be successful. But it’s not actually inspiring for a 6’8″ center.

DeJuan Blair is an anomaly only being 6’7″, but still came out successful with the San Antonio Spurs as Tim Duncan’s backup. However, Samuels was not projected as the hardworking and hustling type of player like Blair. Samuels was raw, and lacked the lateral quickness to guard the perimeter. However, it was never a reason for him to give up, even if he came out undrafted after only two years of playing in college.

Basketball is not only about how big or tall you are. It’s still about how you play the game.

He may be undersized, but his vast basketball IQ, wide body and strength seem to be enough to make it big in the NBA.

There have been doubts, but after a good showing in the 2010 Summer League, Samuels was able to sign a three-year, $2.3 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cleveland was Samuels’ perfect place—a city that is slowly moving on from the pains and frustrations when LeBron James opted to sign with the Miami Heat last summer. Cleveland is a city that seems desperate for a miracle to happen.

Samardo made his first career start when his team played against the San Antonio Spurs after Antawn Jamison got injured. He scored 23 points while grabbing 10 rebounds in a losing effort. However, it was a new realization. The Cavaliers finally found a gem after digging on a mountain of rocks. A 6’8″ “tweener” is not a solution to the Cavs losing season, but it’s a sign of hope that everything will turn out to be okay at the end, regardless of the situation they are in.

It pays to be different…and the undersized center Samardo Samuels is an understatement.

ESPN 30 for 30 Jordan Rides the Bus single Download Link in HD

Posted on 06 March 2011.

In the fall of 1993, in his prime and at the summit of the sports world, Michael Jordan walked away from pro basketball. After leading the Dream Team to an Olympic gold medal in 1992 and taking the Bulls to their third consecutive NBA championship the following year, Jordan was jolted by the murder of his father. Was it the brutal loss of such an anchor in his life that caused the world’s most famous athlete to rekindle a childhood ambition by playing baseball? Or some feeling that he had nothing left to prove or conquer in basketball? Or something deeper and perhaps not yet understood? Ron Shelton, a former minor leaguer who brought his experiences to life in the classic movie “Bull Durham,” will revisit Jordan’s short career in the minor leagues and explore the motivations that drove the world’s most competitive athlete to play a new sport in the relative obscurity of Birmingham, Alabama, for a young manager named Terry Francona.

DOWNLOAD NOW IN HD one link DL: Megaupload

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Miguel Cotto-Ricardo Mayorga: Miguel Cotto’s Journey

Posted on 04 March 2011.

Miguel Cotto sparred 12 full rounds today. It has been almost two years now since his last devastating loss against boxing’s pound-for-pound king, Manny Pacquiao.

Cotto had a great training camp for his upcoming fight on March 12. He had the best trainer and the best corner with the legendary Emanuel Steward.

However, there’s always that looming feeling of emptiness. No matter how he tries to make everything complete, there is always something left…

Cotto looks to the corner and sees some familiar faces. But it is always his late father’s image that he misses more.

This March 12 is not just an ordinary fight. This is war—a fight against a devastating puncher with a familiar power that has felled Cotto twice in his career.

Ricardo Mayorga, the trash-talking Nicaraguan, may be unconventional with his other foot on its way out at 37 years old, but he can still punch. His power seems to stay, even if his legs seem to fail him every once in awhile. Maybe that’s the reason Ricardo is still fighting now. He lacks the footwork, and his punches are wide and awkward, but he remains dangerous.

Miguel Cotto knows that, and that’s why he is not taking this fight lightly.

There is a lot of upside with Steward in his corner. However, doubt still lingers. How well can he take Mayorga’s power? How well can he handle pressure?

Mayorga is nowhere near a comparison to Pacquiao’s ring generalship or Antonio Margarito’s loaded hands, but coming to the fight, he will be the bigger fighter with bad intentions. He knows how fragile Cotto is, like a scarred warrior who will be slowly opening up his wounds once he tastes his power.

It was always Cotto’s father who had been there for him, a fixture with every fight, every war Miguel went through. It was hard in his first fight without his father against the light-hitting Yuri Foreman, but he slowly continued to move on.

On March 12, this will be Miguel Cotto’s ultimate test. This will again be a fight against a devastating puncher, a fight with only one punch that could clearly spell the fight’s momentum. There won’t be that familiar face egging him to move on and at the same time ready to catch him the moment he fails again.

Cotto knows that even without his late father, he will be with him in his heart. Even with his family and closest friends with him, this time Miguel Cotto rides his own journey.

Detroit Pistons: Richard Hamilton’s Mind Boggling Act

Posted on 01 March 2011.

“The hardest work in the world is being out of work. “ Detroit has been one of the major cities that have been struck by the recession. Officially, Detroit’s unemployment rate is under 30 percent in 2009 then ballooned to almost 50 percent in 2010. It’s becoming a mind boggling and a big scratch to the head to see NBA players turning down a franchise because they don’t have enough minutes on the court, or they don’t particularly like their coach. They are paid to do their jobs. The franchise paid millions to see them play. And while millions of people wished they were on their shoes. They continued to waste those opportunities over and over again.

Richard Hamilton, Detroit’s captain ball is the voice of the team. He has been one of the cornerstones of the Piston’s championship team. He influences the majority in Detroit’s locker. There are many speculations on to why seven players missed the morning shoot around before the game last Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers. However, only Tayshaun Prince, Tracy Mcgrady, Ben Wallace, Rodney Stuckey, Chris Wilcox and Austin Daye have an excuse, except for Hamilton.

It was no secret about Hamilton’s animosity towards his coach. Last January, in front of his bewildered coaches and teammates, Richard rebuked and cursed John Kuester of being a failure for two seasons in Detroit. It wasn’t how a leader behaves in front of his teammates, and it wasn’t the way how an employee treats his manager. Although Kuester remained mum about the whole situation, he just demoted his team leader before moving him in the bench permanently.

It wasn’t as if Detroit has a choice either. With still $25 million left on Hamilton’s contract it’s becoming impossible for him to get traded. Although the Cleveland Cavaliers agreed to send their 2012 second-round draft pick with a $12.6 million trade exception. However, Hamilton quickly declined.

Another scratch to the head, Richard wanted playing-time, wanted a change and then declined because of Cleveland, who sits at the bottom of the NBA standings. He could have help Detroit with the draft pick and with Cleveland offering him an $18 million buyout securing his 2011-12 salary with the looming lockout season. He could sign up to a playoff contender team if he wants to.

Players nowadays are taking hostage their own franchise, like Carmelo not signing a $65 million contract with Denver or when the Utah Jazz had to make an early damage control, when Deron Williams will be facing free agency next season. This is becoming a vicious cycle that will eventually ruin the NBA.

But it’s unfortunate to know what have Richard done to this franchise. The franchise that has given him enough opportunities to make him an all-star, the city that continues to embrace him in spite of his short comings. And the city that suffered so much during the recession and lost millions of jobs in return.

The trade deadline has already passed, and Richard Hamilton stayed. They have somehow managed to mend their broken ways with his coach. With two seasons left on his contract, amidst all the berating and all the disgruntled feelings. I think it’s safe to say… It’s time to do your job. Let the coaches’ coach and let the players play.

UFC 127 Fight Card: Jon Fitch May Be Boring, but He Knows How To Defeat B.J. Penn

Posted on 26 February 2011.

Hours and minutes before Jon Fitch’s biggest fight on his career. An excited Fitch, shadowed box and kicked the helpless air with force, like a dance routine waiting for its biggest stage and biggest crowd throughout his career.

More than the bright lights of the octagon or the animated cheers in Sydney Australia, this would be Jon’s ultimate fight, a conclusion to his career, to his greatness and much more to his winning heart.

With only his second championship fight on his eight-year career. Jon will be facing a legend, a fighter whose legacy has already been etched on MMA’s hall of fame, BJ Penn.

Fitch is a year older than Penn and has a better fight record with 23-3-1 no contest but Jon is nowhere near Penn’s popularity. If this is a popularity contest then hands down Penn wins the fight by a wider margin. BJ became only the second fighter to win two different weight classes winning the UFC lightweight and welterweight titles. He fought with precision and risk. He doesn’t care about losing. He just did whatever he had to doto win, a big difference with Fitch, who fights with lesser risk but carries a big heart.

Both fighters going in different directions, different styles but came out with just one goal andthat is winning.

Jon Fitch was dubbed as “The Decision” it’s because almost all of his fights are decided through decision. His fighting style has been criticized because it’s allegedly boring. However, it’s how the way he fights. He wrestles to control his opponents and fights with calculated risks. He may be boring but he still came out effective, holding the record for most wins via decision in the UFC.

Jon goes to the fight as a 2-1 favorite not because he is the much talented fighter between BJ. But because he weighs much bigger than Penn and with Penn’s declining skills, winning only one out of his last three fights.

This would be Jon Fitch’s biggest fight and the biggest stage of his career. This is the fight he wants. And it’s not about winning anymore it boils down to respect. He wants the respect of MMA fans; he wants to let the world know his greatness.

More than greatness he wants everybody to know his big heart.

He may be boring but he never cared about it just as long as he is winning.

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Archive | Uncategorized

The Waiting Game: Yuriorkis Gamboa Takes on Jorge Solis

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Chicago Bulls: The Always Prepared Jannero Pargo

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Nonito Donaire Jr. Following Manny Pacquiao’s Road Less Travelled

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Andrei Kirilenko: The Team he always wanted

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Ricardo Mayorga-Miguel Cotto: Send in the Clown

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Cleveland Cavaliers: The Different Samardo Samuels

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ESPN 30 for 30 Jordan Rides the Bus single Download Link in HD

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Miguel Cotto-Ricardo Mayorga: Miguel Cotto’s Journey

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Detroit Pistons: Richard Hamilton’s Mind Boggling Act

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UFC 127 Fight Card: Jon Fitch May Be Boring, but He Knows How To Defeat B.J. Penn

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