BoxingScene.com's Television Picks of The Week - March 16

by Cliff Rold

Pick It: TBRB #10 Jose Ramirez vs. Amir Imam (Saturday, ESPN, 8 PM EST)

The biggest boxing star in the California Central Valley since at least Hector Lizarraga, if not Mac Foster, takes his act to the Big Apple. 2012 Olympian Jose Ramirez (21-0, 16 KO) will attempt to win a vacant WBC belt at 140 lbs. against dangerous Amir Imam (21-1, 18 KO) in a fight that could answer big questions about both men.

Ramirez has been masterfully promoted to now but the opponent quality steps up here and Imam has a chance to erase the ghosts of a loss to Adrian Granados. It’s a quality main event on ESPN for the second week in a row.          

Additional Shows to Watch For

Friday – TyC (9 PM EST): Eniz vs. Cancino

This doesn’t sound all that appealing but it’s still boxing. Lightweight Jonathan Eniz (19-9-1, 7 KO) is unbeaten in his last five fights and upset an undefeated prospect his last time out. Opponent Fernando Cancino (6-2-1, 2 KO) has won three in a row.    

Friday – Telemundo (11:35 PM EST): Valentin vs. Arriaza

Welterweight Sammy Valentin (13-1, 10 KO) was knocked out in two rounds two fights ago. That’s enough for the WBO to have him rated twelfth at 147 lbs. Opponent Roberto Arriaza (15-0, 12 KO) isn’t ranked but could be very soon in this battle for a WBO regional belt.

Saturday – PPV (10 PM EST): O’Connor vs. Claggett

Fans who can never get enough boxing can fork up $24.95 for this one. Super lightweights Danny O’Connor (29-3, 11 KO) and Steve Claggett (26-4-1, 17 KO) face off for a WBC International Silver title…whatever that is.

Saturday – TyC (10:30 PM EST): Melian vs. Aristule

Two-time Argentine Olympian Alberto Melian (1-0, 1 KO) isn’t wasting any time as a professional. His first opponent had a record of 23-2. Julian Aristule (32-8, 16 KO) is even more experienced. Is Melian looking to make a splash at Jr. featherweight sooner than later? Tune in and see what you think.

Cliff Rold is a member of the Ring Magazine Ratings Advisory Panel, the Yahoo Pound for Pound voting panel, and the Boxing Writers Association of America.  He can be reached at roldboxing@hotmail.com