Paul Williams (left)
New York, NY– An array of fights await us this weekend, below is a short chronological “Reader’s Digest” style lay out of the action.
FRIDAY NIGHT ACTION
ESPN 2 at 9 PM ET: the popular fight series “ESPN Friday Night Fights” kicks off the boxing weekend. Each installment of the decorated series features news, analysis of upcoming bouts, interviews, celebrity guests offering insight into the world of boxing, and competitive scraps. This week’s card showcases super middleweight (168) southpaw pug Jesus Gonzales (26-1, 14 KOs) pitted against power punching thug Francisco Sierra (24-3-1, 22 KOs) in a scheduled 10 rounder from the US Airway Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
SATURDAY’S JOINTS
Showtime kicks it off at 10 PM ET with trash talking WBA lightweight (135) belt holder Brandon Rios (27-0-1, 20 KOs) facing battle tested seasoned former strap carrier Urbano Antillon (28-2, 20 KOs) over 12 proposed rounds of championship throw down for the crown at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.
Brandon Rios (right)
SHOW US WHAT YA GOT KID
By turning the lights out of 9 of his last opponents; youthful power punching charge Brandon Rios has dazzled his audience. Possessing a highly entertaining “TV friendly style” accompanied by a controversial personality, success on Saturday at the “big show” against a formidable opponent such as Antillion could result in major notoriety for Brandon.
SHOW STOPPER?
Having fought solidly as a consummate professional for the better part of ten years, Urbano Antillion has faced and often beaten some of the best scrappers in his division. In his last contest, a “fight of the year candidate” against Humberto Soto, Antillion showed moments of brilliance in a very commendable effort which resulted in Urbano losing a very close decision.
HBO joins the party at 10:15 PM ET featuring the return of former middleweight (160) title holder Paul “Punisher” Williams (39-2, 27 KOs) matched against undefeated rising star Erislandy Lara (15-0-1, 10 KOs) in a slated 12 round affair at Broadwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Erislandy Lara (right)
PROOF BE IN THE PUNISHMENT?
Before his brutal knockout loss against Sergio Martinez, Paul Williams was one of boxing most celebrated and feared fighters. Prior to his humbling experience against Sergio, Williams compiled a stacked resume of wins against the “who’s who” in two weight classes. After a near 8 month lay off for Paul going into Saturday, obvious concerns loom about “ring rust”. However, the biggest concern should be if Williams has recovered from being a victim in one of the most devastating knockouts that has ever happened, not just in boxing; but in life in general.
BRING THE PAIN
In just three short years as a professional, Erislandy Lara has already fought fifteen times. Lara’s feverishly paced assualt usually results with his victims being floored in highlight reel fashion. Since his biggest win to date against Grady Brewer (W TKO), Lara’s has garnered mainstream appeal by whacking out four of his last five opponents.
John Signorella