Martinez (left) Barker (right)
New York, NY – A busy weekend of fistic action is on the horizon dealing out solid cards of “big time boxing” showcasing world-class fighters in separate bouts on different cable outlets. First, let’s delve into the featured bout!
BOARDWALK EMPIRE
“Pound for pound” elite WBC, WBO, and Ring Magazine middleweight (160 lbs) champion Sergio Martinez (47-2-2, 26 KOs) will meet undefeated pug Darren Barker (23-0, 14 KOs) over 12 rounds or less at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ on Saturday at 10 PM ET on HBO.
MARTINEZ THE BEST BOXER ON EARTH?
Having delivered one of the nastiest knockout blows in the history of the sport against Paul Williams (W KO 2), last year’s “fighter of the year” looks to close out a productive 2011 with a bang. Before “the shot heard around the world,” Martinez
captured the public’s imagination with a dazzling display of intestinal fortitude in his first contest with Paul Williams (L PTS 12). Thereafter, Sergio Martinez fought on and kept fans buzzing about his blistering style when he beat on former belt holder Kelly Pavilk like a Heavy Metal drummer beating on skins (W PTS 12). As showcased in his most recent slaughter against Sergei Dzinziruk (W TKO 8), highly avoided southpaw Martinez possesses speed and power in both hands that can cause fits and create problems for even the most decorated boxer. Before his first go with Williams, Sergio’s previous loss was over ten years ago against Antonio Margarito (L TKO 7).
Barker (right)
UNKNOWN BLOKE DARREN BARKER IN THE LIMELIGHT
Unbeknownst by even the most loyal fan, United Kingdom’s Darren Barker is a formidable boxer/puncher that usually enjoys a distinct height advantage over his opponent. Unbeaten in 23 contests, albeit against frivolous adversity; Darren handily defeated every foe that has crossed his path and should not be taken lightly by anyone. Come Saturday night, Barker will be fighting for a major title and in America for the first time of his career.
RUCKUS REMATCH UNDERNEATH
Up and coming rugged Irish middleweight (160) scrapper Andy Lee (26-1, 19 KOs) attempts achievement at redemption when he laces ‘em up for a proposed 10 rounder against the only man to have defeated him; dangerous veteran Brian Vera (19-5, 12 KOs).
“JUAN MA” LOOKS TO MAKE GOOD
After suffering a damaging upset knockout loss to Orlando Salido (L TKO 8), former featherweight (126) champion Juan Manuel Lopez (30-1, 27 KOs) returns to the ring against feather fisted Mike Oliver (28-2, 8 KOs) in a scheduled 12 rounds from the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Saturday at 9 PM ET on PPV.
Lopez (right)
LOPEZ IS A NATURAL BORN SLUGGER
Boasting a knockout percentage of 90 percent, free-spirited combination throwing Juan Lopez has shown “lights out” type power. Contrast to his barrage of terror, Juan has shown a multiplicity of craft and intestinal fortitude; attributes that 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 prizefighters, “Juan Ma” is a rare breed. Since his blistering epic with Mtagwa, and before being starched by Salido; by knocking out three straight top featherweights in Steven Luevano (W TKO 7), Bernabe Concepcion (W TKO 2), and the great Rafael Marquez (W TKO 8); Lopez had been nothing short of menacing. Only question that looms is how much of a beating did Lopez administer in his war against Orlando?
BEEN THERE DONE THAT, BUT WHERE IS IT GOIN’?
Mike Oliver’s career has seen many ups and downs. Even though his record suggests him to be somewhat of “a has been, never will be” type of fighter, it should be noted that most of his defeats came by way of getting floored by some descent scrappers.
Marquez (left)
RAFAEL MARQUEZ RETURNS
Former featherweight kingpin Rafael Marquez (40-6, 36 KOs) meets power punching current WBC super bantamweight (122) belt holder Toshiaki Nishioka (38-4-3, 24 KOs) in a slated 12 rounds for the crown at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada at 10 PM ET on FOX Sports Network.
SHOWTIME JOINT
The critically acclaimed series “Shobox” features on the rise perfect as a pro Ajose Olusegun (29-0, 14 KOs) taking on heavy handed Ali Chebah (35-1, 28 KOs) in a possible 12 rounder in the light welterweight (140) division at legendary Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California, Friday at 11 PM ET on Showtime.
John Signorella