By Harley Burke
Take away the 5 minutes 37 seconds it took for Juan Manuel Lopez to destroy Bernabe Concepcion and we pretty much have had a dull past three weeks in the world of boxing. The last time we saw Max Kellerman and the HBO crew was June 5th when Miguel Cotto knocked out Yuri Foreman in nine at Yankee Stadium. It seems as if we’re all in need of a great fight weekend. Well boxing fans your in for a treat as seven fights over the next two days will all consist of names worthy of mention. But with so many fights in only two nights, you better know what your watching before hand, right?
Your options for Friday night starts in the UK with Matthew Hatton vs. Yuri Nuzhnenko, for Hatton’s European welterweight title. With a less than intriguing undercard and Hatton in the shadow of his brother ex world welterweight champion Ricky Hatton, this should be your favorite if you live across the pond in the land of crooked teeth, constant fog and bloody tea. For fans in the USA, Showtime presents a stellar card. In the ShowBox main event, rising prospect Fernando Guerrero takes on veteran Ishe Smith. Smith has faced the likes of Danny Jacobs and Sergio Mora, losing to both. On the undercard, Ohio native Shawn Porter battles undefeated Ray Robinson. He may not be the old Ray Robinson but he’s a tall southpaw and those have been the ingredients to give Porter problems in the past.
Not subscribed to Showtime? Not a big fan of the telecast? No problem, tune into ESPN2’s Friday Night Fight’s where Zab “Super” Judah returns from a eight month layoff to take on Jose Armando Santa Cruz. Most people you talk to will say Zab Judah was in his prime during his reign at 140 but when he made the change to 147 he started getting bullied by bigger opponents. With Zab not having fought below 144lbs in six years, yesterdays weigh-ins were a shock. Zab looked in tremendous shape weighing in at 141. Although this may be a step towards 140lbs, his opponent is not to be looked as a stepping stone.
I will be ringside so my remote wont be necessary, but I find the bout’s result to be the intriguing part. If Judah looks sharp in a win over Cruz, he may be matched up against Timothy Bradley, who fights tomorrow night, making it even more interesting.
Saturday night depends on you. Most will watch HBO’s undefeated Timothy Bradley vs. undefeated Argentinian Luis Carlos Abregu. Few will dish out $24.95 to see David Tua fight Monte Barret. and some will tune into Fox Sports to see Fernando Montiel battle Rafael Concepcion. The only card supporting a good feature bout is HBO with the co-main event being Alfredo Angulo vs. Joachim Alcine.
I will be watching the HBO telecast, as I think quality boxing will be on display and Bradley being one of my favorite fighters, watching his HBO debut is a must. If I wasn’t subscribed, I’d buy the Tua – Barrett fight. If this is the case for you, don’t expect a long fight, as Barrett is known to get blown out early by big punchers and David Tua is a VERY big puncher. Montiel-Concepcion doesn’t get my attention, especially on a night like this.
Whatever channel your tuned into this weekend, your guaranteed to have something to fuss about Sunday morning.
