HBO USES SHOWTIME SUCCESS MODE
New York, NY– With the current success of the Showtime produced super middleweight (168 lb) ‘Super Six’ tournament, it appears that HBO also has plans of offering a tournament of its own in March. Four of the best jr. welterweights (140 lb) are in talks to compete in a four man tournament which will include Devon Alexander (19-0, 12 KOs), Amir Khan (21-1, 15 KOs), Victor Ortiz (24-2-1, 19 KOs) and Marcos Maidana (27-1, 26 KOs).
AMIR KHAN HAS A LOT TO PROVE
Khan, a former lightweight (135) may be the most experienced, seeing his vast amateur background. Khan’s lone loss came at the hands of a relatively unknown Colombian puncher Breidis Prescott. Knocked out in the first round, Khan has since been seen as smoke and mirrors to some. A new addition to Khan, who has beaten Marco Antonio Barrera, is now under the tutelage of Manny Pacquiao’s famed trainer Freddie Roach. Amir has to first get by Dmitriy Salita (30-0-1 16 KOs) in December but winning big in this tournament will make believers out of his detractors.
DEVON ALEXANDER WANTS TO BE “GREAT”
Alexander, currently the WBC 140 lb. king after besting Junior Witter, is the only one of the bunch who is undefeated. Witter, who was taking a beating resigned on his stool in the eighth round of their August 2009 bout. Alexander’s goal is to be considered great, to be thought of like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. If he should emerge from the tournament victorious and undefeated, he will be well on his way.
MAIDANA: UNLIKELY STAR LOOKS TO SHINE ON
Marcos Maidana of Argentina is the most dangerous puncher out of the four and holds the ‘interim’ WBA version of the 140 lb. title. He won the belt after the pummeling he gave to the favored Victor Ortiz. Ortiz dishonorably quit against Maidana stating something like, “I’m too young to be taking this kind of punishment.” Maidana will be the only man who has beaten one of the combatants coming in. This should prove a solid mental advantage which makes him one to watch.
CAN VICTOR ORTIZ LIVE UP TO VICIOUS?
Ortiz was being positioned to be the next Oscar De La Hoya until he performed against Maidana in a manner that questions his boxing desire and intestinal fortitude. Early on it appeared Victor was on his way to another solid victory against a stellar opponent. But he proved himself ineffective in stopping the will of Maidana, who came back and forced Ortiz into submission. Although times got rough with Maidana, Ortiz, a favorite of the HBO suits, will now have a chance at redemption. Victor Ortiz is certainly the sleeper in the tournament. But the question is, will he wake up?
PREDICTION TIME
At this point the man with no losses, Devon Alexander should remain that way throughout the tournament. Devon appears to have the loftiest long term goals, in addition to being the most determined. Not to mention Alexander is a solid boxer. If his chin can hold up to the power of his tougher opponents, he shouldn’t have many problems. Devon is the man to watch at 140!
Jarrad Woods
.