New York, NY – Fists will fly over the next couple of days as another busy weekend of fistic action commences tonight! First, let’s delve into the card of the weekend which is highlighted by a solid double header featuring two colorful bangers.
HBO LOOKS TO GET B.A.D.
In an attempt to recapture the magic of the legendary series, Boxing After Dark goes back its roots by presenting an action packed twin bill featuring crowd pleasing rising stars and battle tested veteran pugs putting it all on the line this Saturday night. In the main event; hyped Mexican young blood Saul Alvarez (35-0-1, 26 KOs) engages in combat against highly experienced scrapper Matthew Hatton (41-4-2, 16 KOs) in a scheduled 12 rounds for the vacant WBC light middleweight (154 lb.) strap. Televised coverage from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California begins on HBO at 10:30 PM ET.
CANELO (CINNAMON) POUNDING HIS WAY TO THE TOP
Having an unheard of 36 contests at just the tender age of 20, (amazingly) Saul Alvarez is able to boast a perfect record. More impressively, as shown by turning lights out of eight formidable opponents in his last ten affairs, Alvarez continues to improve on his craft.
“OTHER” HATTON LOOKS TO TAKE CENTER STAGE
Younger brother of popular British boxer Ricky Hatton; Matthew Hatton, for the better part of his career; has been in the shadow of his more charismatically known sibling. However, by keeping busy and remaining unbeaten against descent opposition over the past three years, Matthew has enjoyed mild success, improved his game, and has established himself as a respectful challenger to the crown.
UNDER CARD HAS SOME POSSIBLE FIREWORKS
In a battle of devastating punchers who both possess a knockout percentage of about 80 percent, short circuiting power puncher Daniel Ponce De Leon (41-2, 34 KOs) squares off against heavy handed unbeaten brawler Adrien Broner (19-0, 16 KOs) over ten rounds or less rounds in the lightweight (135) division.
ZAB JUDAH PPV
Former multi division champ Zab Judah (40-6, 27 KOs) meets journeymen Kaizer Mabuza (23-6-3, 14 KOs) in a proposed 12 round affair for the vacant IBF light welterweight (140) belt at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Saturday at 9 PM ET on PPV.
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 brilliance, 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.
KAIZER WHO?
Riding an eight fight win streak (6 KOS) and now performing on the biggest stage of his career; unheralded thug Kaizer Mabuza looks to play spoiler to Zab Judah’s attempt at grandeur and claim a title.
ESPN STARTS OFF THE PARTY WITH A BANG
As per usual, the popular fight series “ESPN Friday Night Fights” kicks off the pugilistic weekend. Each installment of the decorated series offers news, analysis of upcoming bouts, interviews, celebrity guests offering insight into the world of boxing, and competitive scraps. This week, light heavyweight (175) prospects put their respective unblemished records on the line when Ismayl Syllakh (14-0, 12 KOs) throws hands with Yordanis Depagine (8-0, 4 KOs) over 10 scheduled rounds of throw down.
John Signorella