Weekend Preview: Judah, Clottey, Darchinyan, Direll

Like usual we have to choose between an HBO and Showtime broadcast, although the last couple of times it ended up working out due to the timing.

HBO

Zab Judah (36-5, 25 Ko's) vs. Joshua Clottey (34-2, 20 Ko's) Welterweights

At age 30, Zab Judah is rapidly approaching the latter half of his career. This weekend will most likely be his last shot at headlining major events if he can't find a way to come out victorious. Since putting up a tough showing against Miguel Cotto and suffering an 11th round KO, Judah has handily defeated his last two opponents. He was slated to fight in a PPV event against top 5 ranked Sugar Shane Mosely until he put his arm through a glass door in the shower that caused the cancellation of the bout. Now he has one more shot to prove that he still belongs among the top names of the division. 

His opponent Joshua Clottey is no spring chicken himself, and at age 31, is facing similar circumstances as his counterpart. The difference between the two fighters is that Zab is used to fighting top fighters and competing at a high level - Floyd Mayweather, Kostya Tszyu, Miguel Cotto, Carlos Baldomir, Cory Spinks, and was schedule to fight Shane Mosely. Whereas Clottey has only faced three truly upper echelon fighters in Antonio Margarito, Carlos Baldomir, and Deigo Corrales - only coming out on top in one of the fights (Corrales). 

Clottey is actually favored in the fight, because he hasn't lost since his defeat at the hands of Margarito a few years back. With that said, look for this to be a pretty good (not great) fight - Judah takes a decision.

Showtime

Dimitri Kirilov (29-3-1, 9 Ko's) vs. Vic Darchynian (29-1-1, 23 Ko's) - IBF Junior Bantamweight Title

Vic Daychinian was not so long ago one of the most feared men in boxing. His awkard fighting style and reckless abandon in the ring made him one of the toughest fighters to square off with - that was until he ran into Nonito Donaire's left hook and was knocked cold. Since that fight he hasn't carried the same allure with him, finishing with a decision and a draw in his last two bouts. 

Kirilov is the current title holder, but has not faced too many sound opponents before claiming the vacant belt. He may be in over his head with the cagy Armenian. Look for Darchinyan to make a strong comeback on his first mjor TV appearance since suffering the KO defeat - Darchinyan KO win in under 7 rounds.

Undercard: Andre Dirrell (15-0, 10 Ko's) vs. Mike Paschall

Filippino Flash Signed to Top Rank

The Filipino Flash, Nonito Donaire, is bringing his two flyweight belts to Bob Arum's team at Top Rank.

Donaire (and James Kirkland) recently severed ties with the crossover Elite XC/boxing promoter Gary Shaw, after he felt that his career was being mishandled.   

"[Shaw] was behind on fights for both fighters and they were not staying busy," said Dunkin, Donaire's manager. "One is a world champion and one is very hot prospect and they need to fight... They both wanted to fight an they were both unhappy."

We know that Shaw has his hands full with mma stars Kimbo and Gina Carano (see photo gallery; trust me it's good), but he really blew this one. Nonito Donaire will be a name that everyone knows in the near future.  He is skilled, charismatic, and is above all else very exciting to watch in the ring.  

Donaire is coming off three straight KO victories, including a stunning  5th round upset knockout over the previously undefeated and super flyweight champ, Vic Darchinyan (see below).  It seems he will follow the same path as his Filipino counterpart, Manny Pacquiao, moving up through weight divisions and competing with the best. 

The 25 yr. old champ's next fight is scheduled for July 26th, on the under-card of the Margarito-Cotto superfight. If you haven't seen him yet, there is your chance - you won't be disappointed.