Las Vegas, NV-Here’s a look at this weekends action.
SHOBOX RETURNS AND ESPN TOURNEY BEGINS!
Friday February 21st
SHOBOX(SHOWTIME NETWORK)
7:45PM PST
Angelo Santana (14-1, 11KOs) vs. Hank Lundy(23-1-1, 11 KOs) 135lbs
Odds:9-5 Lundy
Inconsistency is the standard for Lundy. Looked great in his last fight against once beaten Olusegun Ajose(31-2). That fight was at 140lbs and he seemed rejuvnated. Not sure if the same Lundy shows up at 135. Santana coming off a stoppage loss, and Lundy appears to be the more experienced and better boxer of the two. Would pass on any bet here, as although Santana can punch,he was exposed in his last bout by a relative novice and now 15-1 Bahodir Mamadjonov, and Lundy just doesn’t always show up in proper condition.
Amir Iman (12-0, 11 KOs) vs Jared Robinson(14-0, 6 KOs) 140lbs
Odds:3-1 Imam
Don’t know know much about either fighter, but Iman’s KO record stands out. Hype machine should win against non puncher. Both have fought nothing but cream puffs and is a step up for both. Robinson has faced only three fighters with a winning record, building up a glossy record fighting in the south. Betting 20 dollars to win 60.
ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS(ESPN2)
6PM PST
Boxino Tournament
Edgewater Casino, Laughlin Nevada
A who’s who of “who” splattered with foreign fighters, who have yet to receive any American exposure. If you can find a line on any of these fights or have even seen any of these guys fight, more power to you! A worthy watch to see if any real talent can develop or emerge from this tournament structure.
Fighters on the broadcast:
Yakubu Amidu 135 vs. Chris Rudd 135.5
Fedor Papazov 135 vs. Petr Petrov 134.5
Miguel Gonzalez 134 vs. Miguel Angel Mendoza 135
Fernando Carcamo 135.5 vs. Samuel Neequaye 135
ZOU SHIMING BACK ON HBO2
Saturday, February 22nd
Macau, China
5PM EST/5PM PST
MAIN EVENT
Miguel Vasquez (33-3 13 KOs) vs Denis Shafikov (33-0-1 18 KOs)-IBF lightweight (135lb) championship.
Odds: Even
Vasquez is the typical spoiler. Can move well and box. Shafikov is left-handed that in itself make this an interesting fight. It is assumed that the Russian has a good amateur pedigree, but expect the taller and longer Vasquez to control the fight from the outside and win a decision here. Don’t expect fireworks unless the Russian can get on the inside and impose his will. Vasquez is trademark for having a negative boxing style that makes for boring fights.
Co-Main
Zou Shiming (3-0, 0 KOs) vs. Yokthong Kokietgym (15-3, 11 KOs)
Odds:Shiming 2.5-1
Not impressed much with Shiming, however he will be fighting in front of thousands of fans and hundreds of millions possibly on television in China. The 2 time Olympic Gold medalist and national hero is on the fast track to a world title, but does he have the ability to learn the pro game at age 31? I will give him this much; his slap and move style is somewhat entertaining to watch and while he has no power, he does throw a lot of punches. I don’t expect this to be a tough opponent, but his 11KO’s is eye opening and Shiming isn’t Floyd Mayweather when it comes to defense. Pass on the bet!Top Rank matchmakers rarely make a miscalculation, but just don’t think high enough of Zou to lay a wager, even considering the quality of opponnent.
-Kevin Perry