by Cliff Rold
This is the week where everyone hopes it turns out ok.
When a fighter retires amidst news of a brain bleed, we assume it’s the end. When they return to the ring, no matter the doctor’s note saying it’s ok, the warning sign is glaring. Wednesday night, the former Middleweight Champion of World has a chance to win a belt again in the class.
It might be a good story.
Everyone is hoping it isn’t a bad one.
These are the picks of the week.
Pick It: #4 Sam Soliman vs. Jermain Taylor (Wednesday, ESPN2, 9 PM EST/6 PM PST)
Soliman (44-11, 18 KO) is an unlikely titlist. At 40 years old, after years as a fringe contender, he beat Felix Sturm for the IBF in his second try (the first time, he won only to lose the title to a failed drug test). Soliman hasn’t lost since a 2008 defeat to Anthony Mundine and hopes to keep his late career surge going. Taylor (32-4-1, 20 KO) reportedly suffered a brain bleed in his loss to Arthur Abraham in 2009. Electing to return in 2011, he’s won four in a row and been given a shot here despite no real notable victories in that’s stretch. Soliman isn’t a big puncher, but he throws in volume and Taylor’s punch resistance is iffy at this point. If Soliman starts to land a lot, can he get Taylor out of there or will the punishment mount? The latter is what worries many. Also on the card, 2004 US Olympic Middleweight Bronze Medalist Andre Dirrell (22-1, 15 KO) continues his return to activity and hopes for Super Middleweight Gold. He faces Nick Brinson (16-2-2, 6 KO).
Pick Feather: Robinson Castellanos vs. Ronny Rios (Friday, Fox Sports 1, 10 PM EST/7 PM PST)
This could be fun. Castellanos (19-10, 12 KO) had been on quite a run, winning eleven straight with a decision over Celestino Caballero before a stoppage loss earlier this year to Rene Alvarado. Rios (23-0, 10 KO) cut his teeth on the old Fight Night club shows and is still only 24. This is the sort of veteran step up that could let us know if Rios is ready to contend. Not a bad way to spend a late Friday evening if one is home.
Pick Tourney: David Carmona vs. Martin Casillas (Friday, Telemundo, 11:35 PM EST/ PST)
Carmona (17-2-4, 8 KO) and Casillas (14-3, 8 KO) aren’t household names but thus scrap at Jr. Bantamweight might be a nice nightcap for Friday. On a slow weekend, a decent fight is good enough to pass the time. Let the leather fly.
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Cliff Rold is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene, a founding member of the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. He can be reached at roldboxing@hotmail.com
