Get ready for a weekend that delivers an excellent mix of old and new faces. Experienced headliners Vic Darchinyan and Juan Urango will be hard-pressed to outshine eager upstarts like Leonardo Zappavigna, Rico Ramos, and Wilton Hilario. Mexican war horse Martin Honorio, doubly so, since he is paired against one of those young guns. Juan Urango has the toughest challenge, facing a potential star who plans on making this weekend a coming-out party on HBO. Showtime and ESPN2 counter with similarly intriguing matchups, with only the Darchinyan bout having an obvious outcome, if the combatants are judged on paper alone. But that is why they square off on canvas…Let the fists fly.
March 5th (Friday), 2010
At the Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula, CA (ESPN2) Martin Honorio (27-4-1) vs. Wilton Hilario (12-0-1) (ESPN2) Rico Ramos (14-0) vs. Cecilio Santos (24-12-3)
Cecilio Santos – Over the last three years, Santos has only had two easy fights, in nine ring appearances, and traveled to the hometown of the majority of his opponents. This is why Santos’ record does not have the sparkling zero that his adversary sports, but also makes him a dangerous opponent in the later stages of his career. Liked what I saw from Santos on Telemundo shows and he has had four title shots. Would have been an IBF beltholder if given just one more round by a judge in his majority decision draw with Dimitri Kirilov in 2008. That was a nip-and-tuck affair, where Santos fought through a badly cut eye in the championship rounds. At 31, his hand speed is waning, but Santos has relied more on guts and guile for two years now. A big part of that is a consistent body attack, and Santos’ feet are still good enough to reach the ribs of most opponents. Has short, muscular arms, which are not conducive to pretty boxing from the outside. Was giving Canadian prospect Olivier Lontchi a real battle before a body shot, seemingly out of nowhere, felled Santos in the seventh round. Was knocked out by Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. and AJ Banal in two of his last three fights, a clear indication that Santos is slipping. At his best when coming forward, throwing a wide array of punches, but with a tendency to loop them. While Santos has been competent against great opposition, he has not really pushed an elite foe since 2008. Is a veteran in the best sense of the word.
Rico Ramos – An experienced amateur boxer, who hooked off the jab before his tenth birthday. The 2006 PAL champ and silver medalist at the 2006 Golden Gloves and 2007 Nationals. Was considered a favorite for the Olympic team, but there was a lot of depth on the west coast below 126 pounds and he lost in the finals to Raynell Williams. Has made the transition to the pros easy for himself with a combination of speed and well-chosen aggressiveness. The Los Angelino displayed crisp, zipping punches against Alejandro Perez on “ShoBox.” Ramos’ accuracy and willingness to stay in the pocket and trade made me take note. Seemingly, never throws less than three punches at a time, but does not get greedy and remain stationary too long. Displayed maturity by not letting Perez’s headbutts get to him, and dropped his determined foe in the second round. Maintains sharpness by staying in the ring- eight bouts in 2008 and six in 2009- which keeps the 22-year-old youngster fresh and focused. In only his 12th bout, won a six-round decision over former two-weight champ Kermin Guardia, but had some problems with the southpaw failing to stop his older and smaller rival. Maintains a 57% kayo ratio, but has not dispatched his best opponents in his last two bouts. Is said to be a hard worker in the gym, so he is sure to work on those finishing skills. Has the managerial backing of Al Haymon and is promoted by Goossen-Tutor, a team that will accentuate Ramos’ positives, if the wins continue to mount.
Result – Santos was at his best at 118 pounds and this fight will be staged at junior featherweight where Ramos will have a natural size advantage. The other factor is speed, which Ramos has in abundance and has been slowly draining away from Santos. The movement of Ramos will open up Santos, who is not quick enough with his hands or feet to keep Ramos’ body close to him. Ramos creates space and rips combinations upon Santos until the fight is stopped around the fourth round.
Wilton Hilario – Born in the Dominican Republic, but moved to Minnesota in his teens. Flashy ring style has given him a solid following in his adopted home state, and he has good amateur grounding, winning regional Golden Glove tourneys. Mentors his little brother (their father died a few years ago) who recently turned pro, and with whom Wilton spars regularly. Enhanced his reputation by stopping in-state rival Allen Litzau, and followed that up with a solid win over southpaw amateur standout Leon Bobo. Featured as a “Prospect of the Month” by Boxing Digest, one of America’s few surviving boxing print publications. Registered a win over totally shot former champ Juan Polo Perez and similarly used-up world title challenger Luis Bolano. Though it is hard to totally discount those victories, given the disparity in experience, at the time they fought. Adapted to the pros by changing his slap-and-move style to a more confrontational mode, which nickname of “Pretty Warrior” reflects. Speed remains Hilario’s main asset, but he uses it to go to the body really well. From clips I have seen, can switch his stance, but he remains square for too long, following the switch. Displays good balance pivoting into his punches, which would create more kayos, if he had natural power. Has still managed to stop nine of 13 foes, and goes for the finish when the opportunity presents itself. Has been training for seven weeks, and moved his camp to Las Vegas for better sparring. Has a legitimate rivalry with fellow Minnesotan Jason Litzau brewing (getting into a scuffle at a press conference), which would be a natural for ESPN2 to exploit if Hilario can get by Honorio.
Martin Honorio – Last time out, Honorio caused a minor upset by outworking and outthinking Goossen-Tutor prospect John Molina on Showtime. Is now gunning for his second straight win over a prospect, and should probably be favored given his recent form. Has a 27-4-1 record, but a closer look reveals he has not lost since 2004 when Honorio walked into a devastating left hook (less than a minute into the first round) that has falsely altered people’s perception. Some of that has changed in his last fight, dominating inexperienced banger John Molina, and more can be done with another nationally televised win. Earned his bones sparring Humberto Soto. Used that experience to knock out Cristobal Cruz and decision Steven Luevano before they became champions. Came up through the tough Mexico City gym circuit, fighting four years to escape it and move into the American circuit. Honorio’s win over Rogers Mtagwa was a war, but in other fights, has shown more boxing ability and lateral movement. Best weapon is a pesky jab. It does not sting or halt, but constantly disrupts and frustrates an opponent’s offense, leaving holes for Honorio to exploit. Has an accurate right hand that follows the jab. Probably enjoys banging too much, but his volume and stamina allow Honorio to get away with it. A bit surprising, given his lean frame and lack of upper-body musculature. Is 30-years-old, but the many wars might have aged him over that, in terms of ring years. Has only fought three times since 2008, which has seemingly recharged his batteries. At his age, has one last legitimate charge at the title left in him, or face taking the short end of paychecks against upcoming prospects.
Result – I like the style of Honorio, and think he can become another Verno Phillips (who took time off from the ring to recuperate), and believe this could be a case of “too much, too soon” for Hilario. I would not be shocked to see Hilaro squeak out a win, but Honorio is a more intelligent boxer than given credit for. Hilario takes the early rounds, but is slowly worn down and overtaken by Honorio as he begins to time and counter his faster-but-less experienced foe. If this were ten rounds, I give Hilario a better chance, but think Honorio scores a late knockdown to get the decision.
March 6th (Saturday), 2010
At the Agua Caliente Casino, Rancho Mirage, CA (Showtime) Vic Darchinyan (33-2-1) vs. Rodrigo Guerrero (13-1-1) (The Ring Magazine #1 junior bantamweight vs. unranked) (Showtime) Leonardo Zappavigna (22-0) vs. Fernando Angulo (22-6)
Fernando Angulo – A tough Ecuadorian, who has learned the hard way, fighting hometown kids in his base of Venezuela. Started boxing at age 16, and had some amateur bouts (20-5 record) solely for the purpose of turning pro and the money that brought. The 29-year-old brawler has logged twice as many pro rounds as his adversary, 213 to 88, and gained a reputation upsetting former champion Eloy Rojas on the road. That reputation was actually enhanced in a world title loss to Juan Diaz in 2006, where Angulo’s grit and determination won many admirers. That never-say-die characteristic was instilled in Angulo after he ran away from home at age ten. He picked coffee and cacao bean at farms to survive, and foraged on the outskirts of the jungle for anything that could sustain him. After the Diaz loss, Angulo outhustled undefeated two-time Olympian Patrick Lopez, and scored a win over Damian Fuller before winning an IBF title eliminator against Filipino toughman Ranee Ganoy. Does enter the fight on a two-fight losing streak, but against quality guys and one was a stick-and-move runner that is always going to trouble a brawler like Angulo. Remains a stiff test for anyone outside of the top-20 at lightweight. However, a third straight loss might remove him as a TV gatekeeper . Juan Diaz described Angulo as “a Ricardo Mayorga-type of fighter. He is real strong, and he is a little awkward.” An apt analogy.
Leonardo Zappavigna – Comparisons will be drawn between Leonardo Zappavigna, Australia’s newest junior welterweight sensation, and Tszyu for more than a shared hairstyle. But they have a different attacking philosophy. Where Kostya Tszyu was a selective destroyer, making every punch count like a bazooka, Zappavigna swarms with machine gun flurries. Displays power in both hands, and the 22-year-old should improve as the maturing process impacts his strength and mind. Stylistically, Zappavigna seems easy to categorize at first glance, but has underlying skills that are not seen in YouTube knockout compilations. Mostly a volume puncher who could be called a brawler if it were not for clever footwork in coming forward. Commits to his punches more than the average volume guy too, but does not limit himself in the body attack the way pure power-punchers do. Kayo percentage should be higher, but swarms at any hint of vulnerability instead of taking a step back to better evaluate finishing options. Chin could be a question mark, twice dropped by winless Junmar Dulog in his fourth fight and also by Ryan Langham in their Australian title fight. Is a big junior welterweight, with a lot of his bulk centered on broad shoulders (is shaped like Kermit Cintron). Uses that strength to enhance forward momentum, and channels his entire body into punches. A big right hand is coup de gr?ce of choice. Could develop into a major attraction.
Result – The last time Angulo moved up this high in weight, he was not able to bully slick-boxing Anges Adjaho, and Zappavigna will not seek to avoid Angulo. Zappavigna will come straight at Angulo and, unless the South American can get his respect with a punch early, this could turn into a truck vs. Volkswagen situation. “Zappa” is just too big, and also moves his feet better to situate himself for an aggressive and sustained body attack. In fact, I think this fight ends with a body shot before the sixth round, securing the win for Zappavigna.
Rodrigo Guerrero – I know virtually nothing about Guerrero and have gotten similarly quizzical replies from people I have contacted about this Mexican import. This is Guerrero’s first fight outside of Mexico, and the 34-year-old has only had 15 pro fights. However, the southpaw did beat competent former title challenger Luis Maldonado eight months ago, and defeated hard-punching countryman Juan Rosas over 12 hard rounds. I consider the Rosas victory to be quality but, otherwise, Guerrero has done nothing to merit championship consideration. He seems confident enough, describing himself and stating in a Showtime press release, “I’m a brawler. I come to fight. You’re not going to see me box too much. I think the biggest key for a fight like this is not to be intimidated. You go in the first round and show him that you can bang with him, but you have to fight smart. I’ve prepared very well and feel that I can win this fight. I know it’s a difficult fight – it’s a difficult task, but it’s not an impossible one. I’m ready.” The same press release states Guerrero is a natural right hander turned southpaw, and that he can fight from both stances. How well is to be determined on Saturday. American fight fans have learned to never underestimate Mexican imports.
Vic Darchinyan – It is nearly impossible not to admire Darchinyan for his resoluteness, selecting world-class foes (Guerrero seems the exception) to challenge, but his ego and over-the-top verbal attacks make that possible. The brash Armenian’s rise to fame, were it not for two high-profile setbacks, can almost be seen as Showtime’s answer to Manny Pacquiao. Darchinyan is best known for overly aggressive assaults, grounded in brute force and malice, which are barbarous in their raw straightforward intensity. Darchinyan is a more fundamentally sound boxer then given credit for, or else he would not have been able to win a couple of European amateur championships and participate at the 2000 Olympics (158-18 record, with a reported 105 stoppages). His punch does not seem to be losing steam as he progresses up weight classes, despite fighting only elite boxers in a rise from the ashes after a brutal kayo loss to Nonito Donaire. The first man to unify the junior bantamweight titles, when he knocked out Cristian Mijares, and is Armenia’s first world champion boxer. In a span of five fights, Darchinyan won three titles, in two weight classes, and for a short period, earned a place in most people top ten pound-for-pound boxer lists. Most fans would probably put him in their favorite-to-watch category as well. Moved up in weight and lost a competitive bout to talented Joseph Agbeko, which is forgivable, then returned to defend his junior bantamweight title with a kayo of tough Tomas Rojas in his last bout. Still, one has to wonder how far the 34-year-old is removed from his prime.
Result – It would be foolish not to go with the known commodity here, and somehow Guerrero’s list of opponents does make me afraid of this unknown. My only question is how good Guerrero’s chin and survival skills are. I am going to give Guerrero the benefit of the doubt, and say the fight goes five rounds. I apologize for the lack of insight, but it is hard to judge or have faith in something you have not seen.
At The Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT (HBO) Devon Alexander (19-0) vs. Juan Urango (22-2-1) (The Ring Magazine #4 junior welterweight vs. #6) (WBC and IBF junior welterweight belts)
Juan Urango – In his last fight, Urango’s toughness and determination shone through, overcoming a jarring knockdown by Randall Bailey to knock out his tormentor in the 11th round. Previously, Urango had moved up to welterweight for a payday, losing a lopsided decision to Andre Berto on HBO, but the Colombian is back at his natural weight class for this fight. At junior welterweight, Urango uses his impressive physique and attacking style, imposing his will on opponents and consistently pushes them back on their heels. No matter the weight, Urango moves forward, but not always with a plan other than to throw looping punches. Has proven he can get guys out of there with one punch; if not, he breaks them down with a consistent and unrelenting punch output. Chin is rated “A,” having only been dented twice only to return unflinchingly to the fray. Urango is unique in that he is a southpaw (converted, he is a right hander) pressure-fighter, which tends to negate the natural advantage lefthanders have in the angles that punches come at their opponents. Despite being a burly guy, with a lot of his musculature on his torso and upper body, Urango has long arms that carry a 71-inch reach. Does not use this advantage either, and if he had a good jab, Urango would not take as much punishment. Urango is what he is. A straight-ahead get-in-your-face guy, who pressures and mauls his way to wins over all, but the elite. Is probably just removed from his physical prime, age 29, but could fade at any time since he is never in an easy fight.
Devon Alexander – A young, enthusiastic 23-year-old champion, who is one of the few Don King boxers whose star is on the rise. Has not put 100 rounds into his pro cache yet, but shown plenty in terms of skills, reflexes, and style points. Turned pro before leaving high school, and I am excited to get another look at Alexander. Last time out, won a title by defeating Junior Witter, which the English spoiler turned into an ugly affair. Before turning his attention to world-caliber boxers, Alexander stopped limited opposition with few problems, using superior speed alone. However, a lack of offensive imagination showed itself in distance wins against the more experienced DeMarcus Corley, Miguel Callist, and aforementioned Witter. Nothing wrong with that, to tell the truth, but it should be a warning to the southpaw and others not to overinflate his stock just yet. This is Alexander’s 20th pro fight, but he was an outstanding amateur since age seven. Came up in the celebrated St. Louis amateur system, a three-time national PAL champ, U.S. National champ, and represented America in many international tourneys. Went 300-10 as an amateur and lost a controversial decision (via tiebreaker) to Rock Allen in the U.S. Olympic trials. A thinker, in and out of the ring, whose speed is accentuated by smart movement and great vision of the target. Can develop into a boxer along the lines of Andre Berto or fellow St. Louis native Cory Spinks. There is much to like about “Alexander the Great,” who could quickly develop into a challenger to Timothy Bradley. Boxing purists should salivate at the thought of that matchup.
Result – Speed, it is Alexander’s greatest asset, and the inability to offset it is Urango’s greatest weakness. That is where this fight begins and ends. Urango is the proverbial freight train, unstoppable when he gets a full head of steam and coming forward, but useless once it is asked to move off the tracks. The question is, can Alexander go 12 hard rounds with an angry fighter in his face? Everything in his past suggests Alexander can, and if he has defensive lapses, Urango will punish him. Alexander might take a couple rounds off from pivoting, ducking, and moving to get on his bike and backpedal, but enough to bother the judges or fans. I see the kid snapping out his jab and combinations to win a comfortable decision. Perhaps, even a late stoppage on swelling or cuts.
Prediction record for 2010 to date: 79% (34-9)
