Baldomir could enhance legacy by stopping Mayweather

After that, it was back to fighting in Argentina, as well as in Denmark, South Africa, Germany, London and Mexico through March 2002. All the while, Baldomir was doing well against opponents who were decent enough, but not what most would call world-class.

He then fought three consecutive fights against journeymen at the Pond in Anaheim before taking on and stopping Alpaslan Aguzum (who?) in the eighth round in Germany in March 2004.

Before taking on Judah and Gatti, Baldomir won a unanimous decision over Miguel Angel Rodriguez in May 2005 in Chicago.

In other words, before the victories over Judah and Gatti, there was every indication that Baldomir was never going to be anything more than the type of fighter he was beating. That's why Sycuan Ringside Promotions was able to sign him late last year.

"I was aware of Carlos from my days with Top Rank," said Scott Woodworth, a vice president with Sycuan. "When he became a free agent, no one was really interested in him. I think most people thought of him as a journeyman.

"But I had seen his last 10 fights and I knew he had the heart of a champion."

Still, there are many who are not ready to give Baldomir his props. People want to know why he had only four knockouts in his first 37 fights. In his past 21 (19-0-2), Baldomir has nine knockouts. That ratio is still not high, but it's a lot better than it was.

"I have just trained much harder, dedicated myself much more," Baldomir said. "I have taken it more seriously."

Some experts also believe that Baldomir really has no chance against Mayweather, that Mayweather will overwhelm him with his speed and overall superior talent.

But Baldomir not only believes he will win, but by knockout. In his mind, Mayweather will not be as fast at welterweight as he was when he was winning world championships in the super featherweight, lightweight and super lightweight divisions.

Well, Mayweather (36-0, 24 KOs) has had just two fights in the welterweight division, but one of them was a lopsided decision over Judah to win the International Boxing Federation belt last April in Las Vegas. Mayweather, who is the consensus pound-for-pound champion, looked plenty fast that night.

But Baldomir is feeling very confident these days. It's funny what a world title, money and the undying love of countrymen will do in that regard.

"I come from a very humble family," Baldomir said. "I had to fight and train very hard to get to where I am. Since my last two fights with Gatti and Judah, I have went back home to Argentina and they welcomed me like a true hero, a legend.

"I don't think I'm going to lose (to Mayweather), but if I was to give a good fight and lose, I've already got my legacy and they will still treat me like a hero."

Glad to hear Baldomir feels that way, because no matter what he has done lately, he stands little chance of beating Mayweather. If he does, there will be another unforgettable Carlos from Argentina.

And considering that the same man who trained Monzon, Amilcar Brusa, also trains Baldomir, that would be some story.

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