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By Jake Donovan - As their 2008 season came to a close, the folks responsible for presenting us ESPN2’s Wednesday and Friday Night Fights series had plenty for which to be proud. In a year marred by poorly attended events, declining ratings and pay-per-view sales, The Deuce became the place where you could always count on the unexpected occurring.
There was a stretch where it seemed like an upset was occurring every week during the spring and summer. From undefeated prospects to top-rated alphabet contenders to former champions on the comeback trail, nobody was safe – except for the trial horses who waited their entire careers to advance from steppingstone to spoiler.
In 2008, their dreams came true. One broadcast last March was supposed to be all about Andy Lee; the evening ended with Brian Vera in line for a career-high payday, one that would come later in the year on HBO.
Chris Byrd dropped 40 pounds in efforts to rebuild at a weight class more natural to his body frame; nine rounds later, it was Shaun George who was being discussed in potential future light heavyweight matchups.
Sechew Powell was biding his time waiting for a mandatory alphabet title shot against Verno Phillips, before running into an inspired Deandre Latimore, who will now contend for that very same belt against Cory Spinks this upcoming March. [details]
There was a stretch where it seemed like an upset was occurring every week during the spring and summer. From undefeated prospects to top-rated alphabet contenders to former champions on the comeback trail, nobody was safe – except for the trial horses who waited their entire careers to advance from steppingstone to spoiler.
In 2008, their dreams came true. One broadcast last March was supposed to be all about Andy Lee; the evening ended with Brian Vera in line for a career-high payday, one that would come later in the year on HBO.
Chris Byrd dropped 40 pounds in efforts to rebuild at a weight class more natural to his body frame; nine rounds later, it was Shaun George who was being discussed in potential future light heavyweight matchups.
Sechew Powell was biding his time waiting for a mandatory alphabet title shot against Verno Phillips, before running into an inspired Deandre Latimore, who will now contend for that very same belt against Cory Spinks this upcoming March. [details]
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