New York, NY- Another jammed packed weekend of pugilistic action is about to pop. Due to the massive amount of scraps, below is a “reader’s digest” style lay out of all the televised action. First, let’s delve into the featured attraction!
SOUND & FURY
Former champions Devon Alexander (22-1, 13 KOs) and Marcos Maidana (31-2, 28 KOs) collide in a “crossroads” type “must win” light welterweight (140) affair scheduled for 10 rounds of pound at Scottrade Center in Saint Louis, Missouri, Saturday at 10 PM ET on HBO.
Devon Alexander (left)
DEVON: ONCE WORKING AT PERFECTION, NOW WORKING HIS WAY BACK
It’s hard to believe that just a little over a year ago, Devon Alexander was unblemished in his record as a pro and had pretty much done everything asked of him on his quest to impress. Up until that point, Devon virtually dominated every foe that welcomed his challenge. Originally crafted as a boxer, during that win streak, (to the surprise of many) Alexander also seemingly acquired “lights out” type of power to add to his already established repertoire. That transformation of becoming more of a “complete” fighter was most apparent when he beat down durable former champ Juan Urango ( W TKO 8 ) to claim his seventh knockout in his last ten affairs. On the cusp of becoming a new star in the sport, Devon was to face another unbeaten talent at his weight in Timothy Bradley. In a fight where the stakes were high for their stock to raise, both contestants fought at a relatively nonchalant pace without much urgency. The judges
favored the busier Bradley handing Devon his first professional loss (L TD 10). In his last effort, Alexander earned a disputed split decision nod against rough and tough scrapper Lucas Matthysse.
Marcos Maidana (right)
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). In the aftermath of thrashing Ortiz, Maidana continued his campaign of violence by knocking out William Gonzales (W KO 3), Victor Cayo (W KO 6) and managed to outpoint durable ring vet DeMarcus Corley (W UD 12). He then went on to do battle in closely fought wars opposite of Amir Khan (L UD 12) and Erik Morales (W MD 12). After (barley) getting past the always game Morales, Marcos picked up his first major world title against lightly regarded thug Petr Petrov (W KO 4).
UNBEATENS TO OPEN THE SHOW
There is an intriguing co-feature on tap showcasing violently artistic WBO super featherweight (130) kingpin Adrien Broner (22-0, 18 KOs) squaring off against lightly tested, but hasn’t been bested pug Eloy Perez (23-0-2, 7 KOs) in a 12 round showdown.
Alexander Povetkin (right)
EPIX STAYS HEAVY
New cable network Epix returns for the second out a three week run of dealing out cards when WBA Heavyweight belt holder Alexander Povetkin (23-0, 16 KOs) attempts to defend his trophy against heavy handed challenger Marcos Huck (34-1, 25 KOs) in a proposed 12 rounds of pound at the Porsche-Arena in Germany, Saturday at 4 PM ET on Epix.
SHOBOX JOINT
Showtime’s critically acclaimed series “Shobox” returns for the second week in a row and looks to entertain with intriguing light welterweight (140) encounter when “up and comer” Jessie Vargas (17-0, 9 KOs) engages in combat with veteran banger Lynardo Tyner (25-6-2, 15 KOs) over 10 or less frames at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, Friday at 11 PM ET on Showtime.
ESPN CRACKS THAT FIRST BEER FOR YA
As per usual, the popular fight series “ESPN Friday Night Fights” kicks off the boxing weekend. Each installment of the decorated show features news, analysis of upcoming bouts, interviews, celebrity guests offering insight into the world of boxing, and competitive scraps. This week’s card presents a battle of super featherweight (130) Mexican warriors when Juan Carlos Burgos (28-1, 19 KOs) meets Cristobal Cruz (39-12-3, 23 KOs) in a slated 10 round showdown at the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Dover, Delaware, Friday at 9 PM ET on ESPN 2.
John Signorella