Three Fighter Perspectives

By now, you’ve all heard the outcome of the Lewis/Klitschko fight. I’m not going to re-hash what’s already

been said. We’ve all heard the comments made by Lewis and Klitschko. I just wanted to state that I was

hoping Lewis would win, but not like he did. 

He ran his mouth after the fight and at least from my perspective, he was in fantasy land. 

Yes, he hurt Klitschko. 

But, from my vantage point, Klitschko hurt him more. The official record may state a win, but I feel safe in

saying that all who watched knew Lewis lost. I have a feeling we won’t see a rematch anytime soon.

That’s what gets me angry. The next fight for Lewis will probably be against Roy Jones Jr.  

If ever a rematch was warranted... 

The WBC and the boxing gods that be, even Lewis himself, should mandate a rematch! Because to all I have

talked to, the sentiment is the same, Lewis is now a paper champion. - SN

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I usually don’t write articles specifically on fighters, but today, I will make two exceptions - Randy Couture,

a UFC fighter and Quinton Jackson, a Pride fighter.

First, let me start with Couture.  Couture surprised many fans and fighters by beating Chuck Liddell at UFC

43.  Couture, a world-class wrestler, has added boxing to his arsenal. He has figured out ways to beat his

opponents in dramatic fashion - at least those who are close to his weight. 

The knock on Couture was that he lost his last couple of fights in the heavyweight division.  His losses

though, were to heavier and bigger opponents.  Dropping down in weight to the light heavyweight class will

only benefit Couture. He has always been closer to the light-heavyweight weight as a heavyweight than he

was a true heavyweight.  Couture has always been in great shape but now he is in phenomenal shape. He

did not look to be getting gassed in his last match. Couture seems to be going the opposite way of many

fighters who, at his age, seem to be declining. He has made believers of us all.  Not only does he compete in

MMA but competes in one of the greatest challenges known to man – The Eco-Challenge.  

Keep in mind that he is nearing his forties. 

Couture has had a great influence on the MMA world.  Not only is he an incredible athlete but a great person

as well. He has always been very kind and generous with his time when he speaks with us at King of the

Cage.  Now he has his sight set on the light heavyweight belt - wait a minute - doesn’t he have the belt

already…well not really.  Tito Ortiz technically has the belt.  Ortiz has to either defend his belt against

Couture or the UFC has to officially strip the belt from Ortiz.  Ortiz has been out with an injury which many

people are questioning as to whether it’s an attempt to gain more money or leave the UFC for another

organization, for example, say Pride?  Can’t wait to find out. But if Couture does fight Ortiz, my money is on

Couture.

The next fighter I will like to talk about is Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. Always interesting to talk to. Since

his debut in KOTC, Jackson has turned heads, not for his amazing submission skills or even for his

incredible striking ability, but for his ability to take everything his opponent has to give and then delivering his

own brand of punishment. 

Plus, you got to love his quick wit.  

In the beginning, Jackson had very little skills but through years of practice and dedication, he has become

one of the toughest and hardest fighters to take out. You don’t have to believe me, just ask his opponents -

some of the toughest fighters in the game, from the likes of Kevin Randleman to Igor Vochanchyn.  

Jackson has also competed in K1, one of the toughest kick boxing events out there, and won his match.

Jackson likes to speak his mind and doesn’t hold back but you probably know that by now by watching

some of our interviews we've done with him. The last time we spoke to him was just before he went to Japan

to compete in Pride against one of the guys from the Russian top team - Rampage won by-the-way. He told

us that he is going to beat Wanderlei Silva and take the belt away from him when they face off.

Hopefully, that will be on August 13, 2003 at Pride if they draw each others name in the opening round of the

middleweight tournament. I believe Jackson will take all that Silva can give and then take him out like he’s

done to his other opponents. Jackson by TKO. Cant wait to see that one. - Al

(6/23/03)