Was tuned into the SHOWTIME Tszyu - Leija affair last noche` when it returned - the ol’ light in the attic thing - a definite eye-opener that had once grabbed my attention many years back during the mid 1950s, and a brief vision of a pro-fite career dancing in my head.

The decision was simple enough - not a chance - not when trapped in a 142 pound trick bag amidst a world of 135 and 147 pounders. Too big for the lightweights and not nearly big enough to wage war with the full-blown welters of the day.

And so, there was Tszyu, after a slow and sluggish start finally picking up the tempo in rounds five and six, and the wearing down process had begun … and that is when the light in the attic went on.

Think maybe them pound per pound things may have clouded the vision of many of the today fans and media experts as well … Tszyu does the unexpected with Judah, a one punch circuit breaker, and suddenly it is "The Thunder From Down Under."

The comparisons begin … didn't Forrest whip Mosley in the amateurs and then again twice while doing battle for the welter crown? … and didn't Tszyu once whip Forrest in amateurs?

And a faint beat of the drums begin for a Tszyu-Forrest meeting for the welter bauble … or maybe Oscar or Mosley … pleeze, somebody turn on that attic light.

Tszyu is where he belongs … at Jr. welter … has beaten some of the most highly touted at his weight class with more than a few others waiting in the wings … names like Vivian Harris, Chop-Chop Corley, Gatti, Micky Ward and Corey Spinks … and them other young turks of Olympics fame on the doorstep as well.

Fact is, Tszyu has shown the thunder in past two titles defenses, but not the lightning bolts that came out of the proverbial blue in the Judah bout … and the lack of size and full welter punching power would be a disservice to a gallant and credible champion were he to take the bait and move up a notch in weight.

This fight fan believes the only smart thing the fite hierarchy has done for the game in the changes department is in adjusting the former eight weight divisions … almost mea culpa status for the many well-intended, albeit ludicrous actions it has taken over the years.

Geo El

Photo Credit: Tom Casino/Showtime
1-19-2003

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