HardDoor@15

Fifteen years.

It is hard to believe anything Internet-related to be fifteen years-old. AOL discs and Infoseek still feel like just a few months ago! So it feels equally-unbelievable that it has been 15 years to the day that I decided to start this blog centered around anime, boxing, and a little bit of randomness. And here we are, 466 posts of anime and boxing previews, reviews, features, guides, and more later.

Unfortunately, I haven't been anywhere close to as active as I would've liked to have been in the last five years, and I truly thought, this time, I was back on-track a year ago, but life matters, other matters, and time flying by said otherwise (one of those matters being the existential dread of having to talk about an anime I really did not want to relive again, which I'll attempt to discuss in the future. "Attempt…").

I've been keeping tabs on HardDoor: Screenshot Haven (tumblr) and trying to get back into Twitter (HardDoor~Live, still something of a tentative title…Facebook's HardDoor+ even moreso…), but I yearn to accomplish more than what I've done. I am unsure of what I exactly want to do, but will hopefully have a better idea in the future…

Happy 15th Anniversary, HardDoor!!

(Man, that really does sound weird to say…)

--HD

HardDoor--The Thirteenth Anniversary

While the main blog side of HardDoor hasn't seen much action in something-something years, Screenshot Haven and ~Live have, and I did not want to go any longer without formally wishing HD a happy anniversary—its thirteenth!!! So: Happy Anniversary, HardDoor!!

But, "~Live"? And "HardDoor+"? That's another discussion for another day, among a number of other things…

…I hope…

…Stay tuned… 🤞

But, let us just enjoy the good of today… 😊

'Til next time…

—HD

Wishes for the New Year…

My New Year Wishes…

—To have the time to be able to regularly post here again…

—To able to watch less politics and more anime. *shakes fist at ever-breaking news*

—To finish that Anime Pick special…

—To keep abreast better (better abreast?) on when boxing is on (which is seemingly everywhere now…so much for a "dead sport"…).

—That x fighter or anime better be worthwhile for everything everybody says about them/it…

—To able to always watch as much of HBO Boxing in High Definition and with SAP on.

—For more la la larks…

—To get more into manga. (# Read & Finished This Year: 1 (scum's wish; which was quite good…))

—To not fall asleep on supposedly "exciting" bouts…

—To get…through…at least…an 1/8…of that streaming anime backlog…



To a hopefully more active 2018…


—HD

HardDoor--The **Tenth** Anniversary!!

 

457 posts. 3 social networking pages. 1 screenshot haven. 1 free anime directory. Thousands of pageviews. A number of specials. 3.5 designs. 3 logos (or 4, if you count the title banner). And 10 years later…

Nine times have I come and commemorated this day, giving a little tidbit about the blog, maybe a state of affairs, and giving you, the reader, my genuine thanks. I have had many things to talk about, many anime to spotlight, many matches to analyze, and a slew of items to preview and review on two of my favorite interests, coupled here in what I have come to internally call "the chicken & waffle house of the internet". I've had more than a few pictures to share, fun nights live blogging, things that I've written that I've been happy about and others I've self-critiqued to no end (more than a few times, it was very same piece!). I've done things I never thought I'd do, like have a Twitter account or even a tumblr, even moonlight a time or two. I have wrestled about whether to write about this first or post "that other one" later; scrutinizing and proofreading a lengthy post or just a simple message multiple times over; have a free flow of thought one time and long, pondering sessions leading to just a few sentences others; and sometimes, maybe not a whole lot of time or resources to write and do what I've truly wanted to do or go with something.

:boxing: Boxing Bits ::05.18.16:: Canelo vs. Khan

It may have been tempting to pick Amir Khan and his blazing hand-speed, skill, or experience over Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in the requisite Mexican boxing showcase on Cinco de Mayo weekend, but the outcome was the only real prediction anyone could reasonably (if not sensibly) give. Alas, for all of Khan's superlatives, his chin has been his greatest weakness—if not his most distinct attribute. Granted, he was moving up in weight, Canelo had his trademark power, and it may be difficult to find to many pugilists that could've beaten the count after such a shot, but with the Brit, it was much more of a "when" than "if"…

HardDoor--The Ninth Anniversary

Here we are. At HardDoor's Ten…err, oops, I mean ninth anniversary!!! Given the last two months, I was a little nervous that I had not been able to do anything special to commemorate what I wasn't sure was the tenth anniversary or not. Thankfully, it wasn't, but still, I am very thankful to see HD reach its 9 years of age.

That almost doesn't sound right, but yes, it really is that old (not to make it sound like that, mind you…). Ironically, as HD approaches its tenth year of existence, it appears that a number of others have been celebrating their own milestones around this time as well, such as Gundam and noitaminA, which is commemorating its own tenth anniversary this year (and HD, as you may know, is currently in the midst of celebrating it, too). And another one celebrating its anniversary is HardDoor's very own Twitter page, which turned five a month ago today (again, really?!), as did "Free/Low-Cost Anime Pick of the Month" last October!! Celebrate good times, indeed! <:d br="">

As always, my great, hearty thank you to everyone who has read HardDoor and its various other sites across these nine years. I don't know what the proper way to start a milestone commemoration is (leading up to it or after it hits?) but that will be sorted out in the near future. But for now, let us just enjoy this ninth year (?!?!?!)…

Once more, thank you so much for reading!

…And now, on the road to the big 1-0!!!!!

—HD

:boxing: Boxing Bits ::05.31.15:: The Three Weeks After…/The Month in Review

[Intended Date: May 31, 2015. Original Post Date: June 2, 2015.]

Can you feel it?

That change in the air? The growing chatter? The warm glow enveloping the sport? The sun rising over the horizon?

YES, THE BOXING WORLD HAS BEEN SAVED!!! EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED!!!! EVERYTH—

:boxing: Quick Pick:: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao…

While I did have numerous things pop up this week, I am going to be honest with you: I don't care about this fight. Yes, it was finally made. Yes, it is actually being fought tonight. Yes, it technically is the "Fight of the Century", in terms of being the biggest fight since 2000 by way of marquee (only). Yes, there is inherent intrigue and a number of ways it could play out.

But no, it will not "save boxing". No, it is not the best-made fight in years or "this century" (the recent Matthysee-Provodnikov and upcoming Canelo-Kirkland bouts were/are far more mouth-watering). No, I'm not surprised that the very people that said they would never watch the fight (excuse me, "The Fight") because it took too long to be put together and both fighters are "past their primes" are the same that have been drooling, waxing poetic, and talking ad nauseum about it.

:boxing: Quick Pick:: Kovalev vs Pascal

In the midst of Premier Boxing Champions taking up most of the spotlight,we have tonight's big match-up between Sergey Kovalev and Jean Pascal on HBO. At least, it should feel big, but the build-up to it, even a month or two out, feels lacking. On top of that, it has some sizable shoes to fill following a very enjoyable night on Spike's PBC broadcast. Nonetheless, it is still an intriguing bout, not only for the match-up itself, but for the importance it holds in both combatant's careers at this point.

:boxing: Quick Pick:: Premier Boxing Champions: Berto vs Lopez & Porter vs Bone

Unlike last week's installment, this "Quick Pick" will actually be more like a…"quick pick". The previous one turned into more of a full-out preview, as it was a special case with the premiere of "Premier Boxing Champions". This time, however, it is the "B-Side" of its kickoff, featuring the TV-friendly, but less-marquee bouts of Andre Berto-Josesito Lopez and Shawn Porter-Erick Bone Shawn Porter-Roberto Garcia (Note: the more famous and unrelated Danny Garcia is also going to be featured on PBC on Apr. 11, fighting Lamont Peterson. The official website simply lists "Garcia", which can be misleading, so his name is initialized in the title.) (UPDATE: R. Garcia missed weight and has been replaced). And reflecting the billing, they will be broadcast at 9pm on Spike TV (and also online?), not NBC or CBS.

:boxing: Quick Pick:: Premier Boxing Champions' Premiere: Thurman vs. Guerrero & Broner vs. Molina

Saturday night marks the historic (but-not-very-historic-because-we've-had-boxing-on-network-TV-a-few-times-in-the-last-decade-or-so-but-it's-been-awhile-so-ok-whatever) return of boxing to primetime network television, in the form of "Premier Boxing Champions", a program debuting on NBC at 8:30pm, but will have future air dates on CBS and Spike TV, as well (brought to you by master butcher everyone's favorite clandestine boxing magnate/former music mogul Al Haymon). I'm not here to wring my hands over Paul Heyman's brother-from-another-mother, whine about the demise of a sport that people still show plenty of care and money for (which, if anything, looks to be in the most positive state it has been in years), talk one word about "that fight" beyond these own, or wax globs of poetic about boxing's past on network TV and how things aren't the way they were back then—I'm here to talk about what's taking place on PBC…

:boxing: Boxing Bits ::01.31.15:: (or Boxi-Jour…Nah…)

The month of January is drawing to a close, so I thought I would close it out by doing something a little different. This little month-in-review edition of Boxing Bits is being done "Ani-Journal" style, which will feature me basically shooting the breeze about the boxing scene in an (largely-)informal manner.

So yeah, about this month…

:boxing: Quick Picks, Road Editions (Hopkins-Kovalev, Pacquiao-Algieri)

With two big/notable fights having occurred this month, Hopkins-Kovalev and Pacquiao-Algieri, you may be wondering that HardDoor has been inconspicuously silent the whole time. In reality, if you have noticed on HD's social networking sites, Quick Picks have been "taken on the road" this month, with the former's QP being featured on HD's Facebook page (post-fight comments included) and the latter on HD's Google+ page! I have done something like this in the past, but not to this extent. Still, it was a nice change of pace and show of love to the auxillary sites of HD. If you haven't yet, you can check them out at the links above. Hope you will enjoy (post-Pacquiao-Algieri comments will come after I watch the replay [EDIT: Now available here!!])…

--HD

:boxing: Quick Pick:: Mayweather vs Maidana II

Last time we were here for Mayweather-Maidana, I picked Floyd Mayweather, Jr. to win, not so much because his skill set or him being a better fighter, but because Marcos Maidana posed more questions than definitive answers as to whether he could truly upend the fighter with his own formidable toolset and skills. Their fateful May 3rd encounter developed those answers as the Argentine gave the American all he could handle with a smothering assault and making him fight less characteristically.

:boxing: Boxing Bits ::08.21.14:: Brook Shocks Porter, Big Knockout Boxing Debuts

In a battle of contrasting youths, an unknown beats a growing name, and a new boxing promotion tries to shake things up all in one night in this installment of "Boxing Bits"…

:Sat.08.16.14:

Kell Brook MD Shawn Porter

Prior to Saturday night, IBF Welterweight Champion Shawn Porter was one of the hottest up-and-coming commodities in boxing. His power, speed, and take-no-prisoners tenacity made him one of the more enjoyable combatants to watch, and his recent demolition of Paulie Malignaggi was sight, if not a very concerning one, to behold. His Aug. 16th bout against little-known English contender Kell Brook was seemingly another rung to climb over on his way to the top of the ladder.

:boxing: Boxing Bits ::08.13.14:: Golovkin, Garcia Dominate, Rios-Chaves Unresolved, Jennings Unimpresses

Three weeks of boxing have gone by and a few big match-ups have come and gone. Let us look back (fondly and perhaps not…) in this new installment of Boxing Bits!!

:Sat.07:26:14:

Bryant Jennings SD Mike Perez

For two top-ranked heavyweights, Jennings and Perez fought as decently as one might expect from the division this day. In the larger context of history and as potential opponents for Wladamir Klitschko, there was little to be inspired by and even less to be fearful of by the longtime kingpin. The bout primarily consisted of both men lumbering around and throwing punches. There was nothing notable or standout about the affair. Neither asserted themselves as a frontrunner. Neither created any sort of compelling case not only as contenders, but as worthwhile heavy draws.

There was little distinction between the two, beyond Jennings getting the slight better of the exchanges. He may have set himself up for a chance to contend for the heavyweight championship, but if Bryant and Mike Perez represent the future of the division--one so lackluster, yet still so sorrily tied to the public's subconscious as the marquee and measuring stick of the sport--then the future is not looking any brighter…

:boxing: Quick Pick:: Canelo vs Lara

When viewing Canelo-Lara at first blush, it is not quite as easy to automatically pick a clear winner. When delving more into the figures and data, it is not any clearer. Saul "Canelo" Alvarez has the dogged tenacity, that explosive, ever-pressuring fight style, the speed, and power, but Erislandy Lara is far better skilled and the technician, more experienced and poised, and--while not up to Canelo's level--possesses a good amount of speed and pop. Many of those traits could give one man that vital edge over the other, but a few oddities are also present.

HardDoor--The Eighth Anniversary

Eight, eight, years ago today, a little unique blog about anime, boxing, and sometimes a drop of randomness, was started, and its name was "HardDoor"--for equally odd reasons. That was 2006, and in 2014, HardDoor itself is spread across social networks Twitter, Facebook, and more recently, Google+ (launched in March) and even through a sister site in HardDoor: Screenshot Haven, on tumblr (there is also the parody blog, Black Pearl Cove, but that has been on hiatus--before it has yet to even really start--with all of the delays and HD taking top priority).

These last two to three years have been quite busy ones with work and other personal matters, so I have had less time (and energy at the end of the day) to work on HardDoor. Lately, there have been many major changes going on in my life--but good ones. Even so, I hope to be able to contribute more to HD going forward.

:boxing: Quick Pick:: Martinez vs. Cotto

If this was the Sergio Martinez of a few year ago, selecting him to go over Miguel Cotto, even in one his prime, would have been a forgone conclusion. His very unorthodox style, super quickness and agility, pinpoint accuracy from all angles, and pop would have been a poor contrast in styles for the more traditional, heart-before-health, future HOFer. Alas, this is not great Argentine of old--at least, we may not fully know that, yet.

:boxing: Quick Pick:: Mayweather vs Maidana

I've been pretty busy the last couple of days, but let's still try and predict stuff, namely with Floyd Mayweather, Jr.'s near-annual Cinco de Mayo bout, this time against non-Mexican Marcos Maidana. If there was one fighter that I could pick that would have a good shot of beating Mayweather outside of Manny Pacquiao, much less one fighter I would like to see him face, it would be Maidana. He is a natural welterweight, has power, has grown considerably as a pugilist over his last few fights, possesses a tenacious, smart-pressuring style that should match well against Mayweather's more technical and careful style, the instinct to capitalize and try to finish a hurt opponent, and has an underrated sneakiness to him.

All-around, beyond the traits, Maidana has long struck me as someone who could pose a significant threat to Mayweather. The latter has been snacking on baby food for far too long in his career and seemed to allow a few too many shots to land from the green Canelo Alvarez last year. Maidana is more battle-tested and attuned to his skills, and one has to wonder if Mayweather's 37 years of age and potentially-slowing reflexes will combine for a tough night for him.

So, then…why am I not in a rush to pick the Argentine to win?