ERIC MORALES ADMITS POSITIVE TEST FOR DRUGS & SHOW STILL GOES ON?
Los Angeles, CA– Multiple news outlets have reported that Mexican boxing legend and former 122, 126, 130, 140 lb. titleholder Erik Morales(52-8, 36 KOs) has tested positive for “Clenbuterol,” a performance enhancing drug in a random test administered by the United States Anti Doping Agency (USADA) for his Saturday rematch against WBC 140lb champion Danny Garcia(24-0, 15 KOs) at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Should this bout be allowed to go on?
The USADA won’t have the results for the B sample tests until after this Saturday, which would conclusively prove whether or not the prior A sample test was correct with it’s findings. Ironically, Morales, a fighter known to struggle with weight throughout his career, will be allowed to enter the ring with a possible syntheticly enhanced advantage. cIf something tragic were to happen to Garcia as a result, who would be held responsible? The bigger question here is money. Would Garcia have been punished by not going through with the bout?
THAT 800 LB. GORILLA AKA “MONEY”
One has to think that Garcia and his team may not have been paid if they didn’t go through with the bout as scheduled. Pedro Fernandez is of the opinion “Garcia got paid more money and that’s why he didn’t pull out.” Since Morales hasn’t had got his results from his B, C, D, E F G, H & I sample results, I will give him the benefit of the doubt, but this in my opinion sets a bad precedent. That being said, I still expect Garcia to win, this time more impressively and inside the distance. GRADE D.
QUADRUPLE CARD OF FOUR TITLE BOUTS & TWO BROOKLYNITES
Paulie Malignaggi (37-4, 7 KOs) defends his WBA welterweight (147) title against limited Pablo Cesar Cano (25-0-1, 19 KOs). Cano has done nothing to earn this opportunity and has never fought above 140. I view this both as a homecoming and showcase for Malignaggi who’s a better boxer. Cano’s claim to fame is a stoppage loss to a well past prime Morales. Malignaggi wins this with ease.
GRADE C.
Bomber Randall Bailey (43-7, 37 KOs) is coming off his upset “knockout of the year” candidate victory over Mike Jones (26-1, 19 KOs), a vacant IBF welterweight title winning effort. He faces former champion (140) and top ten contender Devon Alexander (23-1, 13 KOS). Bailey is 38, and Alexander is the better boxer with the quicker hands. Bailey has dynamite in his right hand and is dangerous for the full 12 rounds. Randall’s last defeat was in a 2009 slugfest Juan Urango. Alexander won impressively in his welterweight debut in February over Marcos Maidana (32-3, 29 KOs). In his last outing Bailey pulled a rabbit out a hat to score an 11th round KO in a bout he was far behind in on the scorecards. Expect Alexander to to not get caught asleep and win a decision.
GRADE B.
In the opener, top middleweight contender Peter Quillin (27-0, 20 KOs), faces WBO middleweight (160) beltholder Hassan N’Dan N’Jikam of France. All of the French fighters bouts have been in his homeland, and the former Olympian representing Cameroon will be in hostile territory seeing Peter’s from Brooklyn. Tough prediction to make as little is known in regards to the quality of N’Jikam’s opposition. However research shows he should be a handfull for Quillen who’s mostly been feasting on either older or past prime opponents or limited fighters. Haven’t seen any of his fights so can only speculate that on his ability. Defeated a serviceable top contender in Giovanni Lorenzo(31-5, 23 KOs) in 2011 by wide decision. Should be a close fight as the athletic Quillin at times gets sloppy and lacks technically. However it’s tough to pick against the Brooklynite who will have the hometown advantage. Quillin by decision.
GRADE B.
Kevin “KP” Perry