Forrest Decisions Baldomir!

By Brian Blackwell: Vernon Forrest (39-2, 28 KOs) continued his quest back to the top as he easily defeated Carlos Baldomir by 12-round decision to win the WBC light middleweight title tonight at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington. Forrest, 36, used his speed and jab to set up big hooks that kept Baldomir at bay most of the evening. Baldomir appeared slow, for the most part, and missed frequently with his punches.

However, at one point, Baldomir rocked Forrest, and it looked like Mayorga all over again, but Forrest found it within himself to fire a beautiful shot well below the belt that haulted the onslaught momentarily, and allowed him to regain his composure. The beautiful shot mentioned above did cost him a point, in a round that I had him winning before he was rocked.

All in all, I give Forrest a B for his performance. He has a really good jab, and he is quick with it, granted he is 36-years of age. At this point, I don’t see him doing much besides taking on Winky (if he decides to move down). I think Forrest scores a decision victory in that fight. If Mayorga takes care of Vargas (which I predict a 3rd round KO victory for Mayorga), there’s always the possibility of he and Forrest getting back in the ring. At this point in both of their careers, I think Forrest is disciplined enough to take a decision.

As for Bernard, I do not see him making a statement against any young fighters out there. It would be a tragic mistake for him to fight Chad Dawson. The only fight left for Bernard would be against Roy Jones Jr. But we all know this won’t happen. Roy will be Roy and Bernard will be Bernard, and the negotiations will fall fail. But let’s think about this fight for a moment. If Roy is Roy, he will lay against the ropes and pot shot three or four times a round. Well Bernard is already a counter puncher. What is he going to do? Will he clinch Roy, while Roy is laying against the ropes, not throwing any punches? When Ruiz fought Oquendo, the fight was so bad, at one point, someone in the crowd could clearly be heard screaming, “THIS IS THE WORST FIGHT I HAVE EVER SEEN! I WANT MY MONEY BACK!” It may not be that bad, but I predict a lot of boos from the crowd.