WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO FIGHTS A NO-HOPER!
Showdown for the alphabet marbles
New York, NY– In what has been an incredibly busy few weeks in the ring of late; boxing action slows down a bit this weekend. However, rest assured recently spoiled fight fans; there are a few scraps on the horizon worth tuning into, let’s take a look!
EPIX NETWORK GOES “HEAVY” AGAIN
For the third straight week, the “new kid” on the televised boxing block brings you a heavyweight showdown. This time around, the man most media outlets consider to be the “baddest man on the planet”, “Dr. Steelhammer” Wladimir Klitschko (56-3, 49 KOs) will almost certainly defend his IBF, WBA and WBO titles against lightly regarded former cruiserweight (200 lbs) belt holder, now gone heavyweight challenger Jean- Marc Mormeck (36-4, 22 KOs) over 12 or less rounds of combat at the ESPRIT Arena in Germany, Saturday at 4:30 PM ET on EPIX.
Wladimir Klitschko (left)
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT. DOIN’ IT AGAIN?
Beginning his career with a perfect record of 24-0 with 22 whacks, Wladimir Klitschko showed tremendous promise as the “heir apparent” to win a heavyweight crown before being exposed of having a vulnerable chin against lightly regarded journeymman Ross Puritty (L KO 11). After the setback, (to his credit) Klitschko showed resolve as a competitor and won 16 in a row (15 KOs) against decent adversity and managed to pick up the WBO strap. However, the tables would turn again. In Klitschko’s 6th attempted title defense against rugged journeyman Corrie Sanders, another life altering moment of disgrace surfaced as Sanders punished a very complaisant version of Wladimir over just two rounds en route to a (glass jaw?) stoppage.
Again showing charismatic resilience, Wladimir regrouped after the loss and won two straight contests by KO. Although once again showing promise, in his next encounter; Wladimir was starched against a very spirited Lamon Brewster (L TKO 5). Since removed from numerous setbacks, albeit usually in boring affairs of late; Klitschko has blasted out nine of his last eleven opponents and appears better than ever. Hence, as a result, Klitschko; a 15 year veteran of the game, has proven to not only be one of the best fighters in the heavyweight division, but also in the world.
Mormeck (left)
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, BUT WHERE’S IT GOIN’?
Usually fighting against hapless scrappers at light heavyweight and cruiserweight rank, former WBA cruiserweight champion Jean-Marc Mormeck finally garnered some respect and notoriety when he fought in a series of entertainingly battles against the likes of Virgil Hill (twice: W TKO 8, W UD 12), Wayne Braithwaite (W UD 12), and O’Neil Bell (twice: L KO 10, W UD 12) to capture, defend, lose, and recapture his (and their) respective titles. Since his greatest triumphs in whipping the aforementioned formidable battlers, Mormeck lost his belts during his last stand at cruiserweight in an ugly affair against listless thug David Haye (L TKO 7). Postmortem the Haye encounter, Jean bulked up to the heavyweight division and has won three straight, knocking out none.
ESPN JOINT
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 features former WBO 122 & 130 lb. guy and ex-IBF lightweight (135) lightweight titleholder Joan Guzman (38-0-1, 18 KOs) against frivolous fighter Jesus Padon (17-2, 11 KOs) in a slated 10 rounds of pound from the Westin Diplomat Resort, in Hollywood, Florida at 9 PM ET, Friday on ESPN 2. As a side note, Pedro Fernandez has followed Guzman since the late 1990s, and says the Dominican is by far the most wasted boxing talent in that time span.
John Signorella