Boxing has always shared a connection with horse racing. Maybe its the weight cuts, their solitary nature, and their shared decrease in popularity. Saturday put on display their greatest similarities. California Chrome ran the Belmont stakes in a bid for the Triple Crown, Sergio Martinez attempted to defend his middleweight title against Miguel Cotto in the hostile confines of Madison Square Garden. Both California Chrome and Sergio Martinez came from humble beginnings to do battle in New York. Both have incredible hearts and a will to win, but their bodies would fail them in their time of need against less war worn opponents.
California Chrome could not pull out a win against three horses that had not participated in the two previous Triple Crown races. His opposition was fresher, and put all they had into one race, while California Chrome was required to race all three races in his quest for the Triple Crown. Like California Chrome, Sergio Martinez tried valiantly, but forces out of his control prevented him from winning. Even though Miguel Cotto is not considered a young fighter he is five years younger than Martinez and does not have the same injuries. Martinez's head was clear even when he was knocked down three times. He just couldn't stay on his feet. Knees that had suffered since his nearly disastrous fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. two years ago prevented him from having a chance against a world class opponent yesterday.
Had California Chrome gotten a longer rest he probably would have won. If Sergio Martinez had the knees that carried him to the Middleweight Championship of the world, he would have been expected to win. We can say these what ifs all we want, but it will not change the reality: both California Chrome and Sergio Martinez were not up to the task Saturday. Still, we should respect these athletes for their willingness to attempt the impossible.
California Chrome could not pull out a win against three horses that had not participated in the two previous Triple Crown races. His opposition was fresher, and put all they had into one race, while California Chrome was required to race all three races in his quest for the Triple Crown. Like California Chrome, Sergio Martinez tried valiantly, but forces out of his control prevented him from winning. Even though Miguel Cotto is not considered a young fighter he is five years younger than Martinez and does not have the same injuries. Martinez's head was clear even when he was knocked down three times. He just couldn't stay on his feet. Knees that had suffered since his nearly disastrous fight with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. two years ago prevented him from having a chance against a world class opponent yesterday.
Had California Chrome gotten a longer rest he probably would have won. If Sergio Martinez had the knees that carried him to the Middleweight Championship of the world, he would have been expected to win. We can say these what ifs all we want, but it will not change the reality: both California Chrome and Sergio Martinez were not up to the task Saturday. Still, we should respect these athletes for their willingness to attempt the impossible.