THIS IS A “SLEEPER” WEEKEND
As per usual, televised boxing action begins on Friday with an intriguing main event on ESPN, followed on Saturday with a pair of meaningful cards dealt out by independent Pay Per View providers. First, we’ll take a look at the featured bout of the weekend.
A KLITSCHKO TAKES ON ANOTHER HOPELESS CHALLENGER
Heavy handed WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (39-2, 37 KOs) will be in defense of his crown against unknown scrapper Albert Sosnowski (45-2-1, 27 KOs) over 12 proposed rounds at the Veltins Arena in Germany on Saturday at 3 PM ET on PPV.
ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST?
Having knocked out six of his last seven challengers and boasting the sports highest knockout percentage of active champions, Vitali’s ability to handle heavyweight hopefuls has been unparalleled. Just two months removed from his destruction over Cristobal Arreola, the six foot eight, two hundred and fifty-pound Klitschko beat up a ”clueless” Kevin Johnson (W UD 12). At 38 years of age, Vitali still continues his quest for ultimate recognition as the best heavyweight in the world. Predominantly unknown veteran fighter, challenger Albert Sosnowski, will look to reach outside of his established demeanor as an average banger and try to overcome the seemingly insurmountable task of slaying the giant that is Vitali Klitschko.
“OTHER” PPV CARD DELIVERS “SOMEONE’S O’S GOTTA GO” TILT
Undefeated lights out puncher Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (18-0-1, 15 KOs) battles unbeaten distance fighter Zsolt Bedak (15-0, 5 KOs) over 12 or less for the WBO bantamweight (118) belt from the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Puerto Rico, Saturday at 9 PM ET on PPV.
ANOTHER WARRIOR’S SON ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Son of former world champion Wilfredo Vazquez, in his last effort, Junior defeated former world champion Marvin Sonsosa by stunning forth-round knockout to win the WBO title.
IMPORT LOOKS TO MAKE HIS OWN NAME
After turning pro in 2006, 2004 Olympian Zsolt Bedak has built up an impressive record overseas. In attempt to display his somewhat “hyped” craft, Bedak will now venture outside of Europe for the first time to throw hands.
ESPN KICKS THINGS OF WITH A BANG
Come backing Libardo Andrade (28-3, 21 KOs) bumps up to the light heavyweight (175) ranks when he meets veteran Eric Lucas (39-7-3, 15 KOs) in a scheduled 10 round affair at the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec, Canada on ESPN 2, Friday at 9 PM ET.
REDEMPTION?
After a devastating forth round knockout loss in rematch to IBF super middleweight (168) champ Lucian Bute, highly regarded, revenge minded Mexican native Librado Andrade returns to the scene of his last lost. On the come back trail to capture a world title, Andrade’s first bid at world supremacy was back in 2007 when he was shutout by former WBA champion Mikkel Kessler, 120-108 on all scorecards. Against his current battle tested opponent, he’ll call upon his will imposing style to rectify his past disappointments.
IS THE TANK HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL FOR LUCAS?
Before and after (luckily) picking up the WBC super middleweight strap by way of “paper work”, Eric Lucas has fought and lost to several note worthy pugs during his lengthy career. After a near three-year absence from the sport, Lucas returned with a forth-round win against Journeyman Ramon Moyano.
SIGNORELLA WANTS TO KNOW!
Ring Talk readers: I want to know what you feel the best possible match up at heavyweight is.
I believe David Haye (24-1, 22 KOs) vs. Tomasz Adamek (41-1, 27 KOs) would be an incredible war and is the best fight possible above 200 pounds.
John Signorella