New York, NY– Boxing continues it’s extremely busy schedule starting on Thursday, followed by night of action on Friday, topped by three separate cards on Saturday! Fight fans; let’s get ready to throw down and set those DVR’s!
GOLDEN BOY’S FIGHT NIGHT CLUB RETURNS
Oscar De La Hoya’s Fight Night Club has produced tremendous fist flying pugilistic action showcasing up and coming talent in short distance affairs. It’s format is simple; standing room only crowds in a small room displaying competitive brawls in a small ring. Oscar awards cash bonuses to the fighters for fight, knockout, and fighter of the night.
UNBEATEN CHARGE FACES “STIFF” ON DE LA HOYA SHOW
Undefeated prospect Abner Mares (19-0, 12 KOs) takes on eight-time knockout victim Felipe Almanza (17-15-4, 8 KOs) in a proposed 10 rounder within the jr. featherweight (122 lbs) limit at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, California, Thursday at 9 PM ET, on Fox Sports Net.
WIN TODAY BECOME, A CHAMP TOMORROW?
A win for Mares against his limited foe pits him in a title bid against fierce newly crowned IBF champ Yonnhy Perez.
INTRIGUING CRUISERWEIGHT TILT HEADLINES ESPN
Former cruiserweight (200) champ Steve Cunningham (22-2, 11 KOs) looks to reclaim his place at the top when he challenges rough Matt Godfrey (20-1, 10 KOs) for the vacant IBF strap at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois, Friday at 10 PM ET, on ESPN 2.
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, AND DO’IN IT AGAIN
After losing his IBF crown in a war against Thomasz Adamek (L SD 12), seasoned veteran Steve Cunningham went on to look impressive by winning a decision over Wayne Braithwaite (W UD 12). With a move up north to the heavyweight ranks, Adamek vacated the cruiserweight championship. Steve now finds himself fighting for the chance at recovering his former title.
HIT ME AND I’LL HIT YA BACK
Having blasting out many hopefuls on their own turf, Matt Godfrey has proven he can punch. However, Matt’s no stranger at tasting the canvas. Despite taking such abuse, by getting up and returning the favor, Godfrey has shown he has what it takes to rise to the occasion.
HBO’S BOXING AFTER DARK LOOKS TO GO LIGHTS OUT
Welterweights (147) Marcos Maidana (27-1, 26 KOs) and Victor Cayo (24-0, 16 KOs) will swing for the fences over 12 rounds or less at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday at 10:30 PM ET, on HBO.
MAIDANA IS THE GUY WHO EXPOSED THAT GUY
In a “fight of the year candidate” for 2009, devastating puncher Marcos Maidana made a name for himself when he forced young prospect Victor Ortiz into committing Boxing’s biggest crime: quitting (W TKO 6). Since, Maidana has continued his campaign of violence by knocking out William Gonzales in three rounds.
CAYO LOOKS TO BE THE MAN
Mostly fighting against fighters with losing records in his homeland of the Dominican Republic, Victor Cayo has been perfect blasting out over 60 percent of his opponents by knockout. To his credit, Cayo has taken a step up in class and in his last two outings earning wins against Julio Diaz (W UD 10) and Julio Reyes (W TKO 3).
“SUPER SIX” TRUDGES FORWARD
BREAKDOWN OF THE SUPER SIX TOURNEY
Competition begins with a round robin phase where each of the six participants will fight three times. Fighters are awarded points based on their performance: three points for a win by knockout or technical knockout, two points for a win on points, one point for a draw and zero points for a loss. Four of the top scoring combatants from phase one will continue to the semi-finals and the two lowest scorers are omitted. The highest ranked scorer will compete against the forth ranked while the second ranked will battle against the third ranked. The winners of the semi-finals proceed to the final showdown.
Phase One of Stage One’s results: Arthur Abraham has earned three points for his explosive 12th round knockout win over Jermain Taylor, WBC champ Carl Froch was awarded two points for a decision win against Andre Dirrell, and Andre Ward picked up the WBA strap and two points with his one sided slaughter over Mikkel Kessler.
STAGE TWO BEGINS
Super middleweight (167) “Super Six” contestants “King” Arthur Abraham (31-0, 25 KOs) and Andre “The Matrix” Dirrell (18-1, 13 KOs) square off in a possible 12 rounder at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, Saturday at 10:30 PM ET on Showtime.
KING’S COURT
Fresh off his scintillating knockout win over Jermain Taylor (W KO 12), former middleweight champ Arthur Abraham enters the ring as a considerable favorite over Dirrell. Having whacked out seven of his last eight adversaries and boasting a knockout percentage of over 80 percent overall, Abraham, who processes a compact defense combined with power in both hands, has proven to be a rough task for anyone who has challenged him.
TOURNAMENT’S UNDERDOG LOOKS TO GET HIS BONE
Before losing to Carl Froch (L SD 12), Andre Dirrell had knocked out nine of his last 12 opponents and had been perfect in 17 encounters overall. Mostly known as a slick boxer, Andre has quietly disposed of his knockout victims within six rounds or less, showing that he can “pop” a bit too.
PPV FEATURES LEGEND IN THE MAIN
Mexican legend Erik Morales (48-6, 34 KOs) will return from a near three year absence form the sport when he battles rugged brawler Jose Alfaro (23-5, 20 KOs) over 12 scheduled rounds at welterweight from Mexico on Saturday at 9 PM ET, on Pay-Per-View.
MORALES MAKES ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT GLORY
Before winning his most storied victory in one the century’s most violently fought and highly entertaining affairs against Marco Anotnio Barrera (W SD 12), Morales was also perfect in his first ten years as a pro. After the huge win over Barrera, Morales continued his winning ways, earning wins over the best of the best in the division. However, Erik went on to lose to Barrera in their rematch (L UD 12). In Erik’s next bout, he surprisingly managed to win a blood bath against Manny Pacquiao (W UD 12). Most believed a win over Pacquiao had galvanized Morales to the upper echelon of the sport. That was not to be. Since his win over Pacquiao, Morales has lost 4 straight (most notably 2 by knockout [L TKO 10, L KO 3] in rematches against Pacquiao) and with a listless performance in his last effort against David Diaz (L UD 12), Erik has shown that it is possible that the his best days are behind him.
GO HARD OR GO HOME
Having recently been blasted out by Antonio Demarco (L KO 10) in his last bout, Jose Lafaro looks to redeem himself, a win over big named opponent Morales (even at this stage) could do so. Predominantly known as a “knock you out or get knocked out trying “ type of fighter, Lafaro has faced some tough opposition and by remaining committed to his passion of aggression, Jose has enjoyed mild success.
John Signorella