THE IDEC INDEX
Here is boxing writer Keith Idec?s inside look at the sport:
FEATURED FIGHT: Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter. Organizers this week postponed the official announcement of this intriguing fight for Thurman?s WBA welterweight title, which was tentatively scheduled for Dec. 12 in San Antonio. Thurman (26-0, 22 KOs), of Clearwater, Fla., and Porter (26-1-1, 16 KOs), of Akron, Ohio, have agreed to terms for one of the best bouts that can be made at 147 pounds, but the date and site have not been solidified. NBC is expected to televise it in prime time when it occurs.
LOCAL LOOK: Hasbrouck Heights? Julian Rodriguez (11-0, 9 KOs) expects to return to the ring sometime in December. His opponent hasn?t been chosen, nor has the date. Rodriguez, 21, beat Mexico?s Alvaro Ortiz (7-5-1, 5 KOs) by unanimous decision in a four-rounder Saturday night in Omaha, Neb. Rodriguez won easily (40-36, 40-36, 39-37), yet showed some rust in his first fight since the highly regarded junior welterweight prospect had shoulder surgery in June to fix a slight tear to his left labrum. ? Tickets ($85) to the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame?s 46th annual dinner and induction ceremonies, scheduled for Nov. 12 at The Venetian in Garfield, can be purchased by contacting NJBHOF president Henry Hascup at [email protected] or 973-471-2458. The 14-member class includes Micky Ward and former Wayne resident Mark Taffet, HBO?s senior vice president for sports operations and pay-per-view. Oscar De La Hoya is expected to attend the event.
THE FINAL BELL: Manny Pacquiao?s adviser, Michael Koncz, has indicated Terence Crawford isn?t Pacquiao?s first choice among opponents under consideration for Pacquiao?s probable April 9 return to the ring. That?s understandable, considering Crawford?s development into one of the best boxers in the world. But if a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. or a fight against Amir Khan cannot be made, a Pacquiao-Crawford fight should happen. It?d be relatively easy to put together because Crawford (29-0, 17 KOs) and Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KOs) are promoted by Bob Arum?s Top Rank Inc. And unlike Pacquiao?s three opponents between losses to Juan Manuel Marquez and Mayweather, Crawford would have a legitimate shot to win.
