New York, NY – One week removed from a very uneventful month in the world of pugilism, the sport returns with a multitude of meaningful and potentially explosive cards this weekend. First, let’s delve into the story of the weekend.
PUERTO RICO VS. MEXICO USUALLY EQUALS FIREWORKS
In what is sure to be an electrifying affair, undefeated WBO featherweight (126) champion Juan Manuel Lopez (29-0, 26 KOs) throws hands with battle tested warrior Rafael Marquez (39-5, 35 KOs) over 12 rounds or less at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, live, Saturday night at 9 PM ET on Showtime.
TWO MARQUEZ’S: ONE BEFORE AND AFTER VAZQUEZ
Best known for his dramatic display of fistic brilliance against Isreal Vazquez, before thrice waring with Vazquez, Marquez was 35-3 with 32 KOs and had won 15 in a row (12 KOs). Since, Rafael has knocked out over matched opponent Jose Francisco Mendoza in three short rounds and is coming off a win against a very faded Isreal Vazquez in their forth (and hopefully final fight) against one another.
NATURAL BORN SLUGGER
Boasting a knockout percentage of about 90 percent, fierce, the free-spirited combination throwing Juan Lopez has proven devastating “lights out” type power. Contrast to his barrage of terror, Juan has shown a multiplicity of craft and intestinal fortitude, aforementioned attributes which were highlighted by answering the final bell in his “life and death” battle with Rogers Mtagwa (W Lopez, UD 12). By displaying “heart”, which is a scarce trait of many of today’s prize fighters, “Juan Ma” is a rare breed.
NOT SO SUPER “SUPER SIX” TOURNEY OPENS THE SHOW
Once billed as marquee match ups, this time around the super middleweight (168) tournament finds itself billed in a supporting role to the smaller, albeit better known combatants. Tournament alternates Allan Green (29-2, KOs) squares off against Glen Johnson (50-14-2, 34 KOs) over 12 scheduled rounds. NOTE: Johnson replaces Mikkel Kessler who withdrew from competition due to severe eye injuries.
BREAKDOWN OF 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 while 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.
Stage one results: Arthur Abraham earned three points for his explosive 12th round knockout win over Jermain Taylor. WBC champ Carl Froch was awarded two points for a split decision win against Andre Dirrell. Andre Ward picked up the WBA strap and two points with his one sided slaughter over Mikkel Kessler.
Stage two results: Andre Dirrell was granted a victory and two tournament points against Arthur Abraham by way of disqualification in the 10th round in their encounter. In a “barn burner” type affair, Mikkel Kessler earned a victory via unanimous decision and two points against Carl Froch. Andre Ward retained his WBA title and was awarded two points with a win against Allan Green over 12 lopsided rounds.
IS THE ROAD WARRIOR NEAR THE END OF THE ROAD?
Battle tested veteran Glen “the Road Warrior” Johnson has gone to war on many occasions against the likes of Antonio Tarver (W PTS 12, L PTS 12), Roy Jones (W KO 9), Bernard Hopkins (L KO 11) and Chad Dawson (L, PTS 12, twice). Although Johnson hasn’t fought at 168 pounds since the economy has been prosperous, Glen will call on his vast ring experiences in attempt to make some much needed noise for a once great tournament that is now losing it’s steam.
SHOULDN’T BE ANYTHING “GREEN” ABOUT GREEN, BUT IS HE?
Since being floored and out pointed by the always-dangerous gladiator Edison Miranda (L UD 12), Allan Green has compiled an impressive six straight wins with five skull-crushing knockouts. At 6’2, Green’s stature, and knockout percentage of almost 70 percent, has imposed its will against most of his foes. Once dubbed as an outcast of the glorified tournament, by way of Jermain Taylor’s exit from the tournament, Allan got his chance to prove himself on a global stage of relevance against champ Andre Ward. In a bout in which Ward hit green with everything but the kitchen sink, Alan was spanked from pillar to post for 12 non competitive rounds. Green now looks to salvage his reputation and restore his name.
BOXING AFTER DARK RETURNS TO HBO
Once considered among the elite fighters in the world, returning former welterweight champion Zab Judah (39-6, 27 KOs) takes on unknown, but powerful banger Lucas Matthysee (27-0, 25 KOs) in a scheduled jr. welterweight (140) 12 rounder at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, live on HBO, Saturday at 10:45 PM ET.
DESPITE ACCOLADE, ZAB STILL SEEKS DEFINING MOMENT
Always the competitor, Zab Judah has fought the best of the best over the past ten years. During that span, Zab had moments of grandeur, but has fallen short of victory in his most important fights. As a result, Judah hasn’t held a significant title in years, prompting most “experts” to believe that Zab may have already peaked, and questions loom as to what he has left in the tank. Nonetheless, a defiant Judah continues his quest of proving his once well regarded talents.
UNBESTED, BUT UNTESTED THUG LOOKS TO PLAY SPOILER
Fighting mostly in his home land of Argentina; blasting out opponents with considerably high losing records, heavy handed Lucas Matthysee finally makes the trip state side to take a step up in class.
NOTE: I will be covering the action live from ringside, be sure to check back Sunday morning for results, photos, exclusive interviews, and more!
SHOBOX STARTS OFF THE WEEKEND
Showtime’s critically acclaimed series kicks off the action with a super middleweight triple header of “up and comers” from the Scheels Arena, in Fargo, North Dakota. Live coverage begins at 11 PM ET, televised bouts are as follows:
Edwin Rodriguez (16-0, 12 KOs) vs. James McGirt Jr. (22-2-1, 11 KOs)
Marcus Johnson (19-0, 14 KOs) vs. Kevin Engel (18-3, 15 KOs)
Dyah Davis (18-1, 9 KOs) vs. Aaron Pryor Jr. (14-2, 11 KOs)
John Signorella