By Cliff Rold
Get those DVR’s ready…
…and then accept even that useful tools limitations.
With four televised cards on Friday, two more on Saturday, and multiple “let’s hope they see YouTube” encounters going on around the globe, the weekend ahead is hardcore fight fan heaven.
It’s a little bit of everything from rematches to crossroads encounters to the grooming of a hoped for megastar. With all the options ahead, the question is what are the must-see bouts and what could be lived without in a pinch?
That’s what we’re here for.
These are the picks of the week.
Pick B.A.D.: #5 Amir Khan vs. #8 Paulie Malignaggi (Saturday, HBO, 9:45 PM EST/PST)
If one likes their divisions more than a couple of fighters deep, then the race for best division in boxing comes down to just a few. Jr. Welterweight is one of them. Saturday’s impending “Boxing After Dark” card should provide ample evidence as to why. Featuring three of the division’s ten best fighters, and a talent just on the outside of contention, the chance for intrigue is high. What about the chance for fireworks? They might not come in the main event but the WBA titlist Khan (22-1, 16 KO) didn’t pick a pushover for his U.S. debut and could find himself in a tight game of chess. Former titlist Malignaggi (27-3, 5 KO) has looked renewed, bouncing back from an ugly loss to Ricky Hatton with a split against Juan Diaz which could have favored him both times. It’s no secret what Khan’s weakness is; the knockout numbers for Malignaggi are a clue for those who don’t know. The question is can he be outboxed? The supporting bout for the night will be a more physical encounter with a set of questions. Does #6 Nate Campbell (33-5-1, 25 KO), at 38, have the legs to best the faster Victor Ortiz (26-2-1, 21 KO)? And if he does, will Ortiz have the stuff to endure a dogfight? The answer last year versus Marcos Maidana appeared to be no. If Campbell can ask him again, this could be a barnburner.
Pick Friday…but What?: Four to Choose From…Dilemmas Abound
It’s the sort of lineup built to frustrate with four shows set to start within 90 minutes or so of each other. For those who rely on DVR, it might be a night to go all in on Spanish broadcasts. Telefutura and Telemundo kick off at 11:30 and 11:35 respectively. ShoBox, for those with digital cable, will replay overnight. ESPN2 replays Wednesday/Thursday at 2 AM EST/11 PM PST. That’s if one wants to sample a little of everything. Personally, this scribe is most interested in ShoBox and the U.S. debut of WBO Jr. Middleweight titlist Sergiy Dzinziruk (36-0, 22 KO). He might be one of the best kept secrets in the game. At 34, that statement could also be past tense. Daniel Dawson (34-1, 24 KO) will try to find out. ESPN2? They’ll have former Lightweight titlist Julio Diaz (36-6, 26 KO) and former Jr. Welter challenger Herman Ngoudjo (18-3, 10 KO). Diaz has lost two straight; Ngoudjo three of his last six. This could be blazing as both look to stay relevant.
Pick Global: Cruisers, Lightweights, Feathers and Blood
Apart from U.S. broadcasts, three outstanding fights abroad promise arguably superior action. In Poland, last year’s entertaining Cruiserweight draw is this year’s sequel as #4 Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (42-2-1, 31 KO) locks horns with #7 Giacobbe Fragomeni (26-2-1, 10 KO) for the second time. Into the drink, the U.K. will host what could be a Fight of the Year candidate at Lightweight. The interim WBO ‘honors’ are at stake as #3 Michael Katsidis (26-2, 21 KO) and local favorite Kevin Mitchell (31-0, 23 KO) touch ‘em up. Finally, closer to home in Mexico, #3 Cristobal Cruz (39-11-2, 23 KO) defends his IBF Featherweight belt against the man he defeated to win it when last it was vacant. Orlando Salido (33-10-2, 22 KO) forced a split decision in 2008. This time around, in fact all three of these, will be well worth seeking out if they make YouTube in their aftermaths.
Back in seven.
For BoxingScene’s latest full divisional ratings, log on to: https://www.boxingscene.com/forums/view.php?pg=boxing-ratings
Cliff Rold is a member of the Ring Magazine Ratings Advisory Panel and the Boxing Writers Association of America. He can be reached at roldboxing@hotmail.com
