Chris Ciulla
the official blog

First off, I’ve said this many times on the air, but haven’t had a chance to put it in e-print yet…I must again wish for the speedy recovery of Oscar Diaz. His condition is an unfortunate untimely result that a brutal sport like boxing can cause. But there should be no guilt, no fault in this instance. Yes, he was taking significant punishment from Delvin Rodriguez, but that punishment only became more evident in the last minute of the fight. And at that time, his corner, run by the capable Tommy Brooks, seemed to be stepping in to stop the fight anyway. Read the rest of this entry »

As I wallow in disappointment that the German Channel ZDF has no joint TV contract with an American distributor…so hopefully I will get to watch YouTube clips of Sturm-Griffin II, with German announcers…UGH. Read the rest of this entry »

A few tidbits to think about on the anniversary of our independence…

Andre Ward really looks great. He complete dismantled Jerson Ravelo a few weeks ago, and looked so dominant doing it. Ravelo was once considered a high-end prospect, but his chin and some injuries have done him in. But Ward, after a few shaky fights a few years ago and some injury issues of his own, seems to have matured both inside and outside the ring. Hopefully he will get the title shot at 168 that he deserves when he feels ready for it. I think he’s ready now. Read the rest of this entry »

First off, I need to preface this blog by saying that I took a stand this past weekend. I have personally paid for and hosted each of the last 6 major pay-per-view events, and would have paid for this one as well. But $49.95 for Pacquiao fighting against, win or lose, a much less talented David Diaz? With no meaningful or enticing undercard? I just couldn’t do it. Not for Monte Barrett-Tye Fields as the second best fight. As an insider, I did want to see Lorenzo-Soto, but it wasn’t enough. I now have a website to maintain and pay for, and simultaneously, a marriage to keep intact. Read the rest of this entry »

So I flipped on my TIVO to watch Friday Night Fights, and boy, was it an interesting card. Not good, mind you, but interesting nonetheless. All the fights televised were heavyweight fights…A few oddities, some stinky stuff, some weird stuff, and an unfortunate result that could have been avoided… Read the rest of this entry »

A lot has happened…I had to take a trip back to Beantown to check up on my family, and for Father’s Day…and we’ve decided to try to market my Dad’s Italian sauce, or gravy, or whatever you regular people or diehard Italians want to call it…I have a good friend who is an executive chef at one of Boston’s major upper echelon restaurant chains, and he is evaluating the recipe as I write…So that’s going to be a fun process… Read the rest of this entry »

So, let’s talk June 7th…what a night!!! Even though there were no true A-list matchups, we certainly had a few A-list fighters going, and other fighters who are now either on the cusp of the A-list, or got put back in the A-mix where they belong. Read the rest of this entry »

Can’t wait for the fights this Saturday night…Good cards on both major cable networks…Well, the HBO card should be thunderously entertaining with a couple of blitzing knockouts by some of the best knockout artists today, while the Showtime card should have two very competitive, strategic battles… Read the rest of this entry »

I have to say, what an electrifying atmosphere it must be to fight in Manchester, England. The British fans are dedicated and energized by their man like no other country can. Forgive me Mexican boxing fans, but I think the Brits have you beat by a crumpet… Read the rest of this entry »

Hey boys and gals…A few more quick picks to come in a few days…Can’t wait for the Showtime card on June 6 with Sergio and Forrest getting it on, and the Quintana-Williams rematch… Read the rest of this entry »

BTW…I love this time of year…because we have a lot of good fight cards on TV. ESPN is doubling up with both Wednesday and Friday night cards, and giving us some entertaining (if not elite) match-ups. But I feel for Teddy and Joe…It’s got to be very challenging to be prepared for a week with two telecasts. KUDOS. Read the rest of this entry »

The main event on the WNF card was a lightweight matchup of Stevie Johnston vs. Edner Cherry…A clear-cut case of one guy on the way up, and one guy on the way down… Read the rest of this entry »