With that said, there should be a mandate that forbids HBO and Showtime to hold major boxing events that fall on the same day of the lunar calendar. Space em' out a little, so every weekend we can enjoy a good match or two instead of just crammin' it all in to one. You would think that two of the largest television companies would have this worked out to prevent them from having to worry about competition from the other guy.
Anyway, I think HBO wins this battle and, it seems this weekend's under-cards may be more exciting than the main events - here is this weekend's preview.
HBO
Kelly The Ghost Pavlik (33-0, 30 Ko's) vs Gary The Pocket Rocket Lockett (30-1, 21 Ko's) - The Pride of Youngstown, Kelly Pavlik, is currently the undisputed, undefeated, middleweight champion of the world. He is coming off a huge KO victory over #1 middleweight contender (at the time) in Edison Miranda and back-to-back dominate performances against the former undefeated, undisputed, best middleweight in the world, Jermain Taylor (not anymore; see Pavlik KO video here).
Gary Lockett is coming off a fight against Kai Kauramaki, who is 13-15 with 9 of his losses coming by way of knock-out. Some seriously stiff competition there Lockett, excellent tune-up before getting in there with the best middleweight in the world.
Lockett's record looks pretty on paper but it does not carry a single win of any significance.
- Pavlik KO's Lockett within 6 rounds-
The real story line in this fight lies in the identity of Lockett's trainer - one Enzo Calzaghe. You can bet Joe will be sitting ringside to see one of his training 'mates' getting his clock cleaned by The Ghost, setting up a possible super-fight between the two down the line.
On Wednesday, Kelly discussed his thoughts on the current light heavyweight and super middleweight champ Joe Calzaghe with Max Kellerman. He was seemed as confident as I am about the outcome of a potential mega-fight with Joe C., another victory for Youngstown's finest.
Daniel Ponce De Leon (34-1, 30 Ko's) vs Juan Manuel Lopez (21-0, 19 Ko's) - The two meet on the under-card of the Pavlik/Lockett fight for the WBO super bantam weight title. Ponce De Leon will try to fend off up-and-coming Lopez in a high action, exciting, and closely matched bout -possibly the most interesting fight of the night. Do not miss this one.
Showtime
Vernon Forrest (40-2, 29 Ko's) vs. Sergio The Latin Snake Mora (20-0-1, 5 Ko's)
Don't expect to be writing home after this WBC light middleweight title bout. Vernon Forrest is coming off a long layoff due to an injury and, at age 37, isn't getting any younger. Sergio Mora is coming off a few recent fights that were mediocre at best, one of which he should have lost but was awarded a mercy decision (against Elvin Ayala). And the begging for a shot at a title then turning down a championship bout against Jermain Taylor a few years back caused him to lose the little credibility that he once had.
Neither fighter is a big puncher and both will be looking to go the distance for a decision. If you have to pick one to DVR, you're looking at it.
Paul The Punisher Williams (33-1, 24 Ko's) vs. Carlos Quintana (25-1, 19 Ko's) - Paul Williams will attempt to reclaim the WBO welterweight championship from the man who took it from him and handed him his only loss.
Before the somewhat stunning upset at the beginning of the year, Williams was considered by many to be the top welterweight in the division and a direct threat to Floyd Mayweather (he was obviously overrated). Coming off a win against the always tough Antonio Margarito, Williams looked ready to sit atop the division until Quintana exposed the lengthy boxer's weaknesses and took the belt from him. Quintana is no slouch though, his only loss came when he managed to get his face beat in by Miguel Cotto in a 5th round stoppage.
If Williams overlooked Quintana the first time, it will not happen again on Saturday. Look for him to come out fighting for his life to regain his belt. Should be a good one.
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