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Posted by Patrick Cassidy on 09.01.2009
Welcome back to the Showdown. We're only two weeks away from one of the biggest PPV cards of the year, when Floyd Mayweather makes his much, anticipated return against Juan Manuel Marquez. Two months later, we'll also be rewarded with Pacquiao/Cotto. Throw in Pavlik vs. Williams on HBO, and you have one of the best fall fight schedules in recent memory. However, not everyone is willing to throw down the 55 bucks to watch a fight that can be seen for free the next week. So we here at the Showdown are going to help you out. This week we're comparing the two cards and deciding which is the better deal.
Pacquiao vs. Cotto
If you are basing your choice on the main event than this problem becomes remarkably easy to answer. Pacquiao is the clear world's number one taking on a legitimate, top 10 p4p fighter who also happens to be young and considerably bigger than him. Pacquiao has made quick work of his opponents since moving above 135 but he has yet to face a true power puncher at these weights who are still in the prime of their careers. Hatton is adept at swarming opponents, but he clearly did not have the punch that could hurt Pacquiao. If Pacquiao is vulnerable to a bigger puncher, we're going to find out against Miguel Cotto, and that is what makes this fight so appealing. If Cotto can get to the Pac Man, then we're likely to witness a modern - day classic.
However, if you are like myself you want to get the most out of your money in the form of the under card. As enticing, as the main event is, the rest of the PPV is about appealing as a Rid**** Bowe comeback. It features Daniel Santos defending his WBA belt against Yuri Foreman. Yes, you read that correctly, two of the most mundane fighters will be squaring off in front of the largest-boxing audience of the year. I realize Bob Arum has a soft spot for Yuri Foreman but let's not punish the rest of the audience for one person's infatuation. Yuri works well on the Latin Fury cards because they're done on a smaller scale and less likely to offend millions of people. I do not understand this decision, and I can guarantee you the ratings of that Saturday's college football game will go up considerably during the time this fight is on.
The PPV card also features Humberto Soto against an unnamed opponent who will probably pose as much a threat as the swine flu, and that is little. Jesus Karass vs. Alfonso Gomez will open up the televised portion of the event, and that fight should be an exciting scrap that will be of interest to the Mexican audience.
If anything, this card reminds me of De La Hoya/Mayweather, in which you have a major main event and an under card that leaves much left to be desired. I understand what Arum's logic is the main event sells itself so why throw out large amounts of dollars on an under card that will go unmentioned in the promotional campaign. It's sound financially, but I wonder how smart it truly is. The UFC has earned a large following of fans by being fan friendly when it comes to its under card. Look at UFC 100, they had a main event that was worth at least a million buys and they still threw two very meaningful fights on the card. Maybe Top Rank needs to rethink its strategy and start thinking of the fan.
Mayweather vs. Marquez
Make no mistake about it, this is a major fight that is worthy of the attention it is getting. Just be forewarned, it is unlikely to produce the same fireworks of the previously mentioned fight nor does it figure to be as close. Floyd is a significant-betting favorite, and you would have to stretch yourself to find many outside the Hispanic community who is confident Marquez can beat Mayweather. He is too small and perhaps not quick enough for the fighter who once held the top spot in the sport with a vice like grip.
Regardless of how you like Marquez's chances, one can not say Mayweather does not make for compelling TV. He's become a superstar with a few exciting fights under his belt and that is a testament to the star qualities he possesses. So if the main event does not whet your appetite than the under card surely will. The most interesting bout on the under card is Vincente Escobedo's clash with Michael Katsidis. Escobedo, many believe to be Nacho Bernstein's next major star and for good reason. He's got the right size, a strong, technical base, and has faced some stiff competition in his early career. He will most certainly be tested by Katsidis who should not be overlooked. Sure he is a raw, all action fighter but he is coming off a year where he almost eked out a win against Juan Diaz and polished off the career of Jesus Chavez. This fight will be close and most importantly it is going to be a war. I will be shocked if this fight does not steal the show.
We will also see Chris John and Rocky Juarez square off in a rematch of their controversial draw. John is arguably one of the top 20 fighters in the world and is looking to gain revenge from Juarez who managed a draw during their last encounter. Expect John to avoid his previous mistake of not bringing the fight to Juarez from the onset. I think John is going to press him into submission but with a puncher like Juarez, it could very well end up in Ricky's first, world title.
Verdict: Pacquiao vs. Cotto is the fight of the fall and their's little debate in that. However, when I throw down 50 plus bucks I have every intention of getting the most **** for my buck. Foreman vs. Santos is more punishment than anything, and if I want to see a blowout I'd rather see Zab Judah doing it than Humberto Soto.
Mayweather vs. Marquez may not be the same as the above mentioned main event, but you will ultimately be getting your money's worth with every card on that card and I can not argue against that. Better yet, if you are tight on money this fall, go see Mayweather in theatres and invite your friends over Pacquiao/Cotto and have them throw down, but ultimately Mayweather/Marquez is the card to have.
Welcome back to the Showdown. We're only two weeks away from one of the biggest PPV cards of the year, when Floyd Mayweather makes his much, anticipated return against Juan Manuel Marquez. Two months later, we'll also be rewarded with Pacquiao/Cotto. Throw in Pavlik vs. Williams on HBO, and you have one of the best fall fight schedules in recent memory. However, not everyone is willing to throw down the 55 bucks to watch a fight that can be seen for free the next week. So we here at the Showdown are going to help you out. This week we're comparing the two cards and deciding which is the better deal.
Pacquiao vs. Cotto
If you are basing your choice on the main event than this problem becomes remarkably easy to answer. Pacquiao is the clear world's number one taking on a legitimate, top 10 p4p fighter who also happens to be young and considerably bigger than him. Pacquiao has made quick work of his opponents since moving above 135 but he has yet to face a true power puncher at these weights who are still in the prime of their careers. Hatton is adept at swarming opponents, but he clearly did not have the punch that could hurt Pacquiao. If Pacquiao is vulnerable to a bigger puncher, we're going to find out against Miguel Cotto, and that is what makes this fight so appealing. If Cotto can get to the Pac Man, then we're likely to witness a modern - day classic.
However, if you are like myself you want to get the most out of your money in the form of the under card. As enticing, as the main event is, the rest of the PPV is about appealing as a Rid**** Bowe comeback. It features Daniel Santos defending his WBA belt against Yuri Foreman. Yes, you read that correctly, two of the most mundane fighters will be squaring off in front of the largest-boxing audience of the year. I realize Bob Arum has a soft spot for Yuri Foreman but let's not punish the rest of the audience for one person's infatuation. Yuri works well on the Latin Fury cards because they're done on a smaller scale and less likely to offend millions of people. I do not understand this decision, and I can guarantee you the ratings of that Saturday's college football game will go up considerably during the time this fight is on.
The PPV card also features Humberto Soto against an unnamed opponent who will probably pose as much a threat as the swine flu, and that is little. Jesus Karass vs. Alfonso Gomez will open up the televised portion of the event, and that fight should be an exciting scrap that will be of interest to the Mexican audience.
If anything, this card reminds me of De La Hoya/Mayweather, in which you have a major main event and an under card that leaves much left to be desired. I understand what Arum's logic is the main event sells itself so why throw out large amounts of dollars on an under card that will go unmentioned in the promotional campaign. It's sound financially, but I wonder how smart it truly is. The UFC has earned a large following of fans by being fan friendly when it comes to its under card. Look at UFC 100, they had a main event that was worth at least a million buys and they still threw two very meaningful fights on the card. Maybe Top Rank needs to rethink its strategy and start thinking of the fan.
Mayweather vs. Marquez
Make no mistake about it, this is a major fight that is worthy of the attention it is getting. Just be forewarned, it is unlikely to produce the same fireworks of the previously mentioned fight nor does it figure to be as close. Floyd is a significant-betting favorite, and you would have to stretch yourself to find many outside the Hispanic community who is confident Marquez can beat Mayweather. He is too small and perhaps not quick enough for the fighter who once held the top spot in the sport with a vice like grip.
Regardless of how you like Marquez's chances, one can not say Mayweather does not make for compelling TV. He's become a superstar with a few exciting fights under his belt and that is a testament to the star qualities he possesses. So if the main event does not whet your appetite than the under card surely will. The most interesting bout on the under card is Vincente Escobedo's clash with Michael Katsidis. Escobedo, many believe to be Nacho Bernstein's next major star and for good reason. He's got the right size, a strong, technical base, and has faced some stiff competition in his early career. He will most certainly be tested by Katsidis who should not be overlooked. Sure he is a raw, all action fighter but he is coming off a year where he almost eked out a win against Juan Diaz and polished off the career of Jesus Chavez. This fight will be close and most importantly it is going to be a war. I will be shocked if this fight does not steal the show.
We will also see Chris John and Rocky Juarez square off in a rematch of their controversial draw. John is arguably one of the top 20 fighters in the world and is looking to gain revenge from Juarez who managed a draw during their last encounter. Expect John to avoid his previous mistake of not bringing the fight to Juarez from the onset. I think John is going to press him into submission but with a puncher like Juarez, it could very well end up in Ricky's first, world title.
Verdict: Pacquiao vs. Cotto is the fight of the fall and their's little debate in that. However, when I throw down 50 plus bucks I have every intention of getting the most **** for my buck. Foreman vs. Santos is more punishment than anything, and if I want to see a blowout I'd rather see Zab Judah doing it than Humberto Soto.
Mayweather vs. Marquez may not be the same as the above mentioned main event, but you will ultimately be getting your money's worth with every card on that card and I can not argue against that. Better yet, if you are tight on money this fall, go see Mayweather in theatres and invite your friends over Pacquiao/Cotto and have them throw down, but ultimately Mayweather/Marquez is the card to have.