Although tonight’s bout sheet from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, doesn’t exactly include a list of “who’s who” among elite level contenders, Golden Boy Promotions has put together a potentially explosive trio of crossroads match-ups that could lead to even bigger, more consequential pairings in 2015.
So, who is fighting on HBO tonight?
HBO Boxing After Dark time: 10pm ET
(-185) David Lemieux (32-2, 30 KOs) vs. (+150) Gabriel Rosado (21-8, 13 KOs) – Middleweights, 12 rounds
This terrific style pairing will pit the relentless, hard punching bull (Lemieux) against the more pro-experienced and fleet footed matador (Rosado).
The 25 year old native of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is one of the more avoided fighters within the talent enriched 160 pound division because of the awesome, explosive power David Lemieux carries in both hands. Combining speed with power, very few fighters have been able to withstand his two fisted assault to hear the final bell.
Even though his Philly born opponent has officially fallen short in three of his last four outings, Lemieux will have his hands full against a legitimate contender like Rosado. The chameleon from Pennsylvania has the greater experience competing against a higher level of opposition heading into tonight’s main event.
Currently trained under the tutelage of elite level coach Jesse Reid, the 28 year old contender has an impressive combination of physical and mental durability, coupled with deceptive power and an underrated skill set.
And while Gabe’s focus will be on maintaining distance, utilizing his jab and footwork to set traps for his aggressive minded opponent, his willingness to engage with the hard punching Canadian could prove to be his Achilles’ heel in this intriguing match-up.
As the shorter fighter, standing at 5’9″ compared to Rosado’s 5’11” frame, Lemiuex’s fight plan will be contingent upon his ability to get within punching range. It will be important for David to cut off the ring proficiently before attempting to close the distance against a good puncher like Rosado. Because Lemieux depends on being flat-footed when he fires off his explosive combinations, this could prove to be a very daunting task against an extremely nimble boxer/puncher.
Because of the heart and toughness of both men, look for this underrated match-up to be a clear fight of the year candidate and a genuine stand-out among the 2014 boxing calendar.
(-072) Thomas Dulorme (21-1, 14 KOs) vs. (+110) Hank Lundy (25-2-1, 12 KOs) – Junior Welterweight, 10 rounds
This even money match-up has the potential to be a real let down for the fight fans’ entertainment dollar. Although this intriguing contest seems enticing on paper, the style match-up potentially isn’t the most aesthetic in terms of action.
Since getting stopped on HBO’s popular Boxing After Dark series in October of 2012 by hard punching Argentine Carlos Abregu, Thomas seemingly has trouble getting comfortable in the ring whenever an opponent gets within firing range and attacks him from mid to short distance.
Because of his 5’10” frame, the Puerto Rican native understands that he’s at a severe disadvantage whenever a shorter fighter works his way underneath his long, rangy jab. Instead of continuing to use his feet to create distance between himself and his opponents, Dulorme now elects to tie up his adversaries, consequently breaking the flow of action within the prizefight.
Tonight, he’ll be facing a very crafty, 5’7″ puncher in Hammerin’ Hank Lundy. Because of the obvious disparity in height between the two fighters, Lundy will have no choice but to aggressively try to slip Dulorme’s jab while working his way within punching range. Expect the young tentative pugilist to merely lock arms with Lundy whenever the 30 year old fight veteran makes his way inside.
Although it’s a wise strategy for a tall fighter, the tactic isn’t a fan favorite and usually makes for a lackluster performance.
So unless the third man in the ring warns or takes points away from the taller, rangier fighter for excessive holding, expect to see Thomas Dulorme win a very awkward and grueling contest that will surely test the fans’ patience, and feature more clinches than punches landed.
James De la Rosa (23-2, 13 KOs) vs. Hugo Centeno Jr. (21-0, 11 KOs) – Junior Middleweights, 10 rounds
In a battle of hot prospects within the talent enriched 154 pound weight class, James De la Rosa will attempt to further his efforts at the expense of the extremely tall and rangy boxer, Hugo Centeno Jr. Although neither fighter is known for their respective punching power, the two hungry, young fighters possess a lot of heart and mental toughness in the ring. Both De la Rosa and Centeno like to engage when pressed, which should make for a very entertaining ten round war.
The 27 year old fighter from Texas opened many eyes within the boxing community by handing former WBO Junior Middleweight title holder Alfredo Angulo his third consecutive loss in the opening bout of the Mayweather/Maidana PPV presentation this past September. Was King James’ victory over “El Perro” Angulo several months ago the product of an over-the-hill and shopworn former champion, or is the Rio Grande Valley resident a legitimate contender in one of the most promising divisions in boxing?
Fight fans will find out when pitted against the almost 6’2″ Centeno this evening.
The undefeated, Oxnard born fighter is a proficient boxer who can use his height to his advantage by fighting behind a mixture of jabs while throwing in combination to the body and head. Although the courageous young fighter can also surprisingly bang on the inside, he would be wise to maintain distance in this outing.
Because he’s not the bigger puncher in this match-up, the California native should attempt to use his feet whenever De la Rosa tries to close the distance and engage. While a “stick and move” strategy would be optimal for Centeno, look for the gallant prospect to slug it out with the occasionally “chinny” James De la Rosa and excite the fight fans in attendance.
Expect an all out war in this intriguing battle of Junior Middleweight prospects!!
