Lookin At Lucky Takes Preakness, Amir Khan Wins U.S. Debut, & Other Headline Truths

TheDailySportsHerald.com presents our quick truths on today's top headlines in the world of sports. The truth shall set you free . . .


#5
Headline: Lookin At Lucky Rebounds from a Disappointing Kentucky Derby To Win the Preakness
Truth: Once again, there will be yet another year without a Triple Crown winner, as Lookin At Lucky got a better post draw this time and won the Preakness. Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver finished eighth.

Kudos to outstanding veteran trainer Bob Baffert, who nabbed his ninth Triple Crown series victory and fifth Preakness Stakes. Baffert's gutsy decision to replace veteran jockey Garrett Gomez with newcomer Martin Garcia paid off in the end.


#4
Headline: Victor Ortiz Dominates Veteran Nate Campbell in 140-Pound Bout
Truth: Ortiz displayed excellent punching power, patience, and an improved defensive approach in his bout with tough Nate Campbell. Ortiz scored a flash knockdown in the first round, and continued to unload on Campbell as the bout progressed. He circled and boxed Campbell all night, using a more cautious style from that shown in his prior loss to Marcos Maidana.

Meanwhile, Campbell's career has taken a turn for the worse. No longer able to make weight at 135 pounds, Campbell, at 38, also lacks the energy to compete with the elite young lions at 140 pounds. Although he blocked many of Ortiz's punches last night, he was unable to pull the trigger and mount any offense of his own - the classic sign of an over-the-hill fighter.

Campbell is a tough, determined guy capable of having his moments in any given round, but at this point in his career, he looks like just a "steppingstone" type of fighter.


#3
Headline: Chelsea Defeats Portsmouth in FA Cup Final, 1-0
Truth: Didier Drogba once again showed his star power for Chelsea, scoring a beautiful, game-winning free kick goal in the 59th minute. It was Drogba's 37th goal of the season.

On the same day that Drogba gave his Ivory Coast fans optimism for the upcoming World Cup, Michael Ballack provided his German supporters with some nervous moments, as he sustained a significant ankle injury during the game.

If Germany is to make any sort of run during the World Cup, they will need a healthy Ballack to lead them. The youthful German team is still reeling from the suicide of keeper Robert Enke, and will need Ballack's veteran presence both in the locker room and on the pitch.


#2
Headline: Athletes Pau Gasol and Andre Ethier Sidestep Questions Relating to the Arizona Immigration Bill
Truth: When asked recently on the radio about Arizona's new immigration bill, Dodger outfielder Andre Ethier - an Arizona resident of Hispanic ancestry - carefully stated, "I only know sports guys."

Laker Pau Gasol, took a similar approach to such questions, noting that the issue was a hot button and that the normal processes of government would work everything out in the end.

Both athletes took a safe approach, and there is nothing wrong with that. Neither athlete is a politician, and providing an opinionated answer, pro or con, might only bring more stress into their daily lives. Moreover, they might even be getting instructions from management to keep silent on the issue, and are simply following orders like any good soldier.

For Gasol, the situation is even more complex, as he is a foreign-born athlete who probably is not completely comfortable commenting publicly about such issues.

So, while these athletes should not be ripped for their diplomacy, those who do show the courage to stand up to such racist legislation are to be commended.

Steve Nash in particular, has been able to articulate an enlightened and well-reasoned view against the bill. Make no mistake, there is some risk to making such statements, as Nash lives in a "teabag" state filled with "Minutemen" neanderthals and other such ilk. Many of those individuals probably would love to send him back to Canada if the Suns were not playing so well at this time.

It was refreshing to see, and Nash should be given props for his progressive stand.


#1
Headline: Amir Khan Defeats Paulie Malignaggi in U.S. Debut
Truth: Khan put on quite a show last night against slick veteran Paulie Malignaggi. Khan demonstrated outstanding quickness, and a punishing left jab that might be the best in the 140-pound division.

With his superior length and fast hands, Khan was able to beat Malignaggi to the punch from a safe distance throughout the night. More importantly, he displayed patience on offense while keeping his hands high defensively, two habits which should help him avoid a repeat of his prior first round knockout loss.

Although Khan's right hand and combination-punching still look like a work in progress, he has the raw gifts to take the division by storm, provided he can avoid any serious taps on the chin. With his speed, long reach, and some more seasoning, it is easy to envision Khan eventually giving trouble to Maidana, Tim Bradley, and some of the other division elites.


By Mike Elliott
Staff Editor for TheDailySportsHerald.com