Legends, Icons, Leaders….Athletes!

Can you name them all? You should be able.

Jam

Press conference prior to “Thriller in Manilla”.

That young man over Ali’s left shoulder is my father, James Anderson.

FInally, another Mayweather versus Ortiz is upon us. I already know I am one of the few who get excited for boxing matches, sadly. However, I do want to suggest that you tune in. I can already hear the noise about how Ortiz isn’t worthy, or how he is a quitter. I’ll suggest you go watch Ortiz versus Berto, first. No, one fight does not make a champion, but it can propel one into another level as a fighter. I expect a battle from Ortiz, but Mayweather is well….Mayweather.

Floyd Mayweather, one of the most talented fighters to ever step in the ring. I realize he does not fight enough, and I am well aware of the antics. Still, the guy has demolished the last few fighters he has faced. Fighters we all know and respect.

My hope is that we get a good fight. Two fighters who really go after each other! I do not want another dancing show in the ring. I hope the aggression, plus the smack talk turns into action. I like Ortiz, I do. I have followed him on twitter for awhile. Still, I cannot pick against Mayweather tomorrow. I have been to far too many Mayweather fights, and I know better. He’s undefeated for a reason, and until somebody handles him in the ring, he earns a champions respect from him. I really hope Ortiz brings his A game, as all indicators point tool. Thing is, I don’t know if it will be enough.

LET’S GET IT ON TOMORROW.

Finally, I have a good friend who has several tickets AVAILABLE NOW for the Fight tomorrow night. Here is the pertinent information if you have any interest.

Section 219 Row G & H (12 tickets available for each row) face value $300.

Section 13 Row F (2 tickets) GOOD Seats. Call for price.

FLOOR A – Row B (2nd ROW) GREAT SEATS. Call for price

If you are interested in any of the seats, please call Sandy Krykostas, 917.826.4343
I DO NOT HAVE SEATS. DO NOT ASK ME. Please call Sandy at the number above.

Enjoy the fight!
Jamal

I am more than thrilled that we have this picture of my Dad, James Anderson, and Muhammad Ali. This picture was taken during the filming of the movie “The Greatest” as my Dad shot scenes playing George Foreman.

Fortunately, I have consistently had a presence on the radio from the numerous call in’s I am requested to do. Always thankful to be invited as a guest, I certainly look forward to this opportunity now. Who know’s where this will lead? *Wink.

For those of you who are not in Atlanta, you can listen on the Internet 790TheZone

Let’s have some fun!

Tune in tomorrow, 10am. Thank you!

JAM

I shall not write further, for I couldn’t explain the depth of my affection for this cover properly.

Wings Up!

– Dirty Bird

April 29, 1976 -

Of course, Muhammad Ali had to get the crowd hype, right? This particular photo was taken the day before Muhammad Ali was set to face Jimmy Young, in Landover, MD. The photo was published in the book, “Muhammad Ali – Unseen Archives”.

This book was sent to my mother from another associate of Ali. The reason it was sent to us, serves as the reason it is the throwback picture of the day. The gentlemen [in the suglasses] holding Ali back from his appparent rage, is my father, James Anderson.

I cannot tell you how cool it is to discovery things like this, especially after losing my Dad in 2009.

RIP Dad!

JAM

I already know what you’re thinking, WHO ON EARTH IS CHAEL SONNEN??? Furthermore I know that if you’ve heard some of the pre-fight hype, you’re thinking the same exact thing that I’m thinking. “Who has this guy beaten??”

Never fear, your friendly neighborhood Prince is here to assist you. Let’s start by dispelling the taboo that an MMA fighter’s skill is determined by his win/loss record, this is systematically untrue. This is one of the reasons why I love MMA so much. Take the Fedor/Verdum fight that almost every fight fan nearly guaranteed Fedor victory, we all know the result of that fight, we all saw that Fedor can be beat. Can the same be said for Anderson “The Spider” Silva?

If you ask me, yes and no. Silva does have 4 losses as a professional. In my eyes I only saw one loss to Ryo Chonen, that was the most amazing heel hook ever pulled off. Now flash forward to Silva’s current graveyard of combatants. Nate Marquardt, Rich Franklin, Dan Henderson and Forrest Griffin to name the top tier of his opponents that felt the wrath. Did I just name one time title holders and or title contenders? Also did I mention that none of these outstanding fighters made it out of the 2nd round? Yeah, that just happened.

So now let’s take a look at Chael Sonnen, now I’m not trying to Vilify this man whatsoever, he is a solid wrestler and can brawl, but he doesn’t belong in the Octagon with Silva just yet. Sonnen can bring the fight, he can grapple, he has a decent ground game but his stand up is quite suspect. To beat Silva, he’s going to have to commit to a solid gameplan to keep Silva on the ground and to limit his movement. Here’s the problem with that, Dan Henderson, a world class Olympian couldn’t even keep Silva on the ground for an entire round. Chael is going to have to put a roll of Quarters in his hand before the fight so he can get a knockout.

Now keep in mind that both Silva & Sonnen have shared opponents with different outcomes. One of Silva’s 4 losses came at the hands of Yushin Okami, although it was a disqualification and Silva was winning the fight, it’s still logged in as a loss. Sonnen put a beating on Okami. Nate Marquardt was dismantled by both Silva & Sonnen. But Demian Maia is the wildcard in this equation. Maia submitted Sonnen with a great triangle choke, then came time to fight Silva, Maia wanted none of it, which angred fans as well as Silva.

With all that said I’m going to put my money on Anderson Silva by knockout in the very first round. Sonnen’s mouth has written a check that his arse can’t cash. So Chael Sonnen I say to you what the Albanians said to Liam Neeson in “Taken”

“Good Luck.”

No, this is not the fight we were really all anticipating, but this should be a good one.  Floyd Mayweather is without a doubt one of, if not the best fighter in boxing right now. Shane Mosley is still a dangerous fighter, but can he beat Mayweather? Tonight we will get our answer.

My hope tonight is that we get a FIGHT.  Floyd Mayweather is one of the best defensive fighters in the sport. Sure that’s a good thing in the ring, but it certainly does not make for the best fight at times.  The end result is always favorable for Floyd, but the fans are usually left  disappointed.  Shane Mosley should be able to change that tonight. Mosley is bigger, used to be just as fast, and Mosley is definitely not afraid to mix it up in the ring.  I don’t know how successful Shane will be sustaining contact, but I certainly expect an aggressive course of action for Mosley.

There is a reason Floyd Mayweather is arguable the best fighter in the world, he is always prepared. Mayweather, despite the hype, will not be taking Mosley lightly tonight.  Mosley has more hand speed, still, than any fighter Mayweather has ever faced. Of course the same can be said of Mosley, as Mayweather hands are lighting quick.  Mosely cannot allow Floyd to dictate the pace of the fight if he expects to win.

Again, I am crossing my fingers for a good fight.  As for the winner, I would have to pick….Mayweather. But, I know is Shane Mosely can effectively work his plan, this could be a long night for Mayweather. Let’s all hope they mix it up, and often so we can see a great fight!

J*A*M