7/17/07 - article by Randy Benson - The Town Talk
Benson: Answering questions about Nichols fight
By Randy Benson
rbenson@thetowntalk.com
(318) 487-6431
Originally posted in The Town Talk 7-13-07
Alexandria boxer Heath Nichols has a strong fan base in Central Louisiana.
The fact that he is fighting for a world title after just five professional bouts has spurred many questions from readers. Nichols, 5-0, will box for the National Boxing Association's junior world lightweight title Saturday against Donnell Logan at the Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder.
We'll try to answer the most commonly asked questions here.
Question: Is this title legitimate?
Answer: Any boxing title is as legit as the organization that awards it. The National Boxing Association is a recognized sanctioning body but its titles clearly do not mean as much as those awarded by the World Boxing Council or World Boxing Organization. The previous holder of this title was Edner Cherry, who now is ranked by all the major sanctioning body.
Q: What is the National Boxing Association?
A: The association once was boxing's dominant sanctioning organization. Joe Louis and Archie Moore, for example, both held NBA world titles. It lost its premier status and eventually went out of business before being reformed in 1984.
Q: What is a junior world title?
A: Matchmaker Kerry Daigle calls it a "stepping-stone title." Some sanctioning bodies issue these championships as a way to give talented newcomers a way to fight for a title early in their pro careers.
Q: What would winning this title mean to Heath?
A: A lot. Winning this title would bring Nichols to the attention of the people who compile the world rankings for the major organizations. It would make him a more attractive boxer for promoters putting undercards together for major fights. It would also raise both the quality of his future opponents and how much Nichols can expect to be paid.
Q: What is Heath risking of he loses?
A: A lot. It would not effectively end his career, but it would be a major setback. Nichols would have to show he is a legitiment contender by beating some tough opponents to recover from a loss Saturday night.
Q: Why was it so hard to find an opponent for Heath for this fight?
A: Although he is just five pro fights, Nichols was a national amateur champion. He is a dangerous fighter with knockout power in either hand. "I think he's a good fighter right now," says Payton Shur, a legendary boxing matchmaker who is not affiliate with this fight. "I think if he continues to improve, Heath can be a world champion."
Q: How good is Donnell Logan?
A: Much better than anyone Nichols has fought in his pro career. Logan's record is 8-12-2 but his losses have been to tougher opponents than Nichols has beaten. Logan is a hard puncher with knockout power. He is regarded as a talented boxer who has been an underacheiver because he hasn't trained properly. Manager Malcolm Terry says Logan has been working hard in the gym for the last two months. "If thats true then Heath had better not take him lightly," Shur says. "He's a dangerous boxer."
Q: Is Heath ready for a title fight after just five pro bouts?
A: We don't know. Nichols is 5-0 but those opponents have been carefully selected with the idea of building Nichols' record. That has worked well but some boxing mangers think Nichols needs more seasoning. Others think it's a good idea to see what he does against good competition. We'll know who was right Saturday night.
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