SHOWTIME AIRS FROM KESSLER FROM EUROPE
New York, NY– Returning to the ring for the first time in almost a year, Mikkel Kessler (41-1, 31 KO’s) of Denmark will defend his WBA super middleweight (168 lbs) title on Saturday against Gusmyr Perdomo (16-2, 10 KO’s) over 12 rounds or less at the MCH Messecenter in Herning, Denmark. Kessler’s 11 month layoff from the sport shouldn’t be an issue here seeing just about every advantage he has over journeyman Perdomo.
SHOWTIME AIRS WARD FROM CALIFORNIA
Fresh off his best win to date defeating Colombia’s Edison Miranda, Oakland, California’s rising star Andre Ward (19-0, 12 KO’s) will face off against seemingly over matched Shelby Pudwill (22-3-2, 9 KO’s) in a 10 round super middleweight affair at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California. These bouts are seen by many as nothing more glorified infomercial for the “Super Six Tournament” commencing in November.
PRESSURE NOT AN OVERWHELMING DILEMMA
There are plenty issues to consider in these bouts. Each man needs to not only win, but also remain healthy enough to lace ’em back up just a few short months away on November 21st where Kessler and Ward will be fighting each other in Oakland. Alternates for the super middleweight tournament such as Allan Green wait on the sidelines just in case an injury or loss for either Mikkel Kessler or Andre Ward occurs.
ARUM’S “WORK IN PROGRESS” CHAVEZ ON LATIN FURY
Super welterweights (154 lbs) Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (39-0-1, 29 KO’s) and Jason Lehouliller (21-1, 8 KO’s) will collide in a 10 round main event from Mexico. The two were to meet earlier this summer, however a rib injury sustained by Chavez postponed the contest. Despite what seems to be a better then advantage record for a Chavez opponent, Jason seems to be a safe bet for Julio to trounce on with ease. Light handed Lehouliller hasn’t fought in over a year, and is 0-1-1 and his last two fights. What this means is that Julio will be feasting on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for as long as wants! The co feature will showcase the always game Fernando Montiel (39-2, 29 KO’s) vs. Alex Valdez (21-3-2, 15 KO’s) in a bantamweight (118) 12 rounder. The televised opener features Donnie Neitas (24-1, 14 KO’s) vs. Manuel Vargas (26-3, 11 KO’s) in a 12 round strawweight (105) scrap.
PUERTO RICO HAS PPV CARD AS WELL!
Light flyweight (108) champ Ivan Calderon (32-0-1, 6 KO’s) headlines a 12 round bout against WBO #1 ranked challenger Rodel Mayol (25-3-1, 19 KO’s) in a rematch for Calderon’s WBO strap. Their first encounter ended in a six round technical draw with Calderon being unable to continue from an accidental head butt. Both participants have faced solid opposition, and provided intrigue in their first meeting with Mayol landing the crisper shots while the talented Calderon utilized his exceptional boxing ability. In a 12 round co-feature, WBO junior lightweight (130) belt holder Roman Martinez (22-0-1, 13 KO’s) will make his first title defense against Michael Lozado (31-5-1, 24 KO’s). Super flyweights (115) Juan Mercedes (23-2, 16 KO’s) and Jesus Martinez (18-6, 11 KO’s) will open the show.
John Signorella