If you’re a fight fan, then you’ve probably had a pretty bare TV schedule for the last month or two. Solo Boxeo Tecate, Fight Night Club and the occasional ShoBox are all very well and good as an entree, but by now you’re hungry for the main course.
Luckily, you know it’s coming. Boy, is it coming. The November/December schedule is juicy, meaty and full of significant fights. Not just important fights, but fights that promise to be barnburners. It’s enough to make your mouth water.
Sadly, some of these fights are scheduled at the same time as others. Even sadder, you might have a real life and could be forced to choose which Saturday nights to leave the house and which to stay in and enjoy your premium cable subscription (or Sunday mornings in my case; such an inappropriate time for violence).
So before you make up your mind, have a look at this. All the best nights of November and December are conveniently planned out for you here:
Lopez is a crazy puncher with a questionable chin. Marquez is a skilful veteran, who happens to be as tough as old boot leather. Together, they could make something special. Marquez should be able to land on Lopez, the question is whether he’ll be able to handle what the Puerto Rican throws back. After a longish rest and some easier fights, I think he will ? at least for a while. Expect swapped knockdowns, blood, sweat and tears. Bring your popcorn.
On the Undercard: Glen Johnson takes on super middleweight Alan Green as part of the Super Six tournament. This would almost make the list on its own. While Green’s last performance was pretty poor, you just can’t deny that Glen Johnson makes great fights. You throw Johnson’s crazy activity and come forward style with Green’s power and I don’t see how you can have a bad fight.
Don’t Forget to Tivo: Zab Judah vs. Lucas Matthyse, junior welterweights, on HBO. The Argentine is tough and Judah’s got skills and power. Could be good…
Nov. 13 ? Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito, junior middleweights (HBO)
You might hate it (I sure do) but this is going to be one entertaining bout. With both men’s high energy level, it should play out like a highly skilled version of Bart Simpson’s windmill technique, at least for as long as it lasts. Both men have finishing power, even if Margarito’s is more of the grinding variety, so I don’t see this going the distance. Add to that the mega fight atmosphere, Cowboys Stadium and the out of the ring drama, and you’ve got yourself a fairly good case for FOTY.
On the Undercard: Kelly Pavlik is having a comeback fight at super middleweight against Brandon Vera. Vera’s been dangerous before, but I think we’ll be looking at another Pavlik highlight reel KO. Junior featherweight Guillermo Rigondeaux is taking a huge step up against Ricardo Cordoba, but if we can see another crazy bodyshot it might add to the PPV value. Welterweight Mike Jones is pretty cool too.
Don’t Forget to Tivo: David Haye vs. Audley Harrison, heavyweights. Just kidding!
Nov. 27 ? Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Michael Katsidis, lightweights (HBO)
What happens when and immovable object meets an unstoppable force? We may find out on November 27. The object, Marquez, is one of my favourite boxers in the game today ? with just the right mix of toughness and skill. The Force, Katsidis, is a warrior who never stops coming. He has an incredible personal story; his brother died during training camp, and Michael has chosen to fight on in his honour. I don’t even know who to go for ? I wish they could both win.
On the Undercard: Welterweight Andre Berto is taking on Freddy Hernandez, which should be pretty enjoyable. Hernandez has got some power and Berto has got some hussle, so it might be nice. Celestino Caballero is taking on Jason Litzau two divisions north of where he normally fights at junior lightweight, which might be alright.
Don’t Forget to Tivo: Carl Froch vs. Arthur Abraham and Andre Ward vs. Sakio Bika. These two fights are so close to edging out the HBO card, which is about as big a compliment as you could give. I can’t even begin to imagine how Froch/Abraham will go. But I know it will be awesome. Ward/Bika will be a gritty brawl between of the super middleweight division’s toughest guys. Bika’s tendency to hit you one the back of your head (and while you’re down) will enrage Ward into something special.
You’d Skip Your Firstborn Child’s Christening/Bar Mitzvah/Wedding On:
Nov. 20 ? Sergio Martinez vs. Paul Williams, middleweights (HBO)
We saw the first one. We know what’s going to happen. Kind of. We at least know that the fight is going to be crazy thanks to Williams’ freaky ass style and Martinez’ power boxing. What we don’t know is who will win. Martinez got screwed by a lone judge last time, so this could go either way. I may never write on this blog again for saying it, but I like Martinez, possibly by KO.
On the Undercard: Nothing on TV
Dec. 11 ?Bantamweight Tournament (Showtime)
Four of the best bantamweights in the world fighting on one night. Yes please. Yohnny Perez and Joseph Agbeko are having a “not very much defence but about 100 punches a round” party and everyone’s invited for the first fight. Then compulsive trash talker and mini Neanderthal tough guy Vic Darchinyan is taking on Mexican phenom Abner Mares in the second. Perez/Agbeko has crazy written all over it and the Darchinyan/Mares has a great chance of a knockout, either by the sharper Mares or thanks to the caveman power of Darchinyan.
Don’t forget to Tivo: Amir Khan vs. Marcos Maidana, junior welterweights, on HBO. Watching Khan jab Maidana into a steaming pile of mush might not sound like fun, but the Briton’s shaky chin means it could be an edge of the seat affair.
You Think About Volunteering Yourself To Go Shoe Shopping With Your Wife/Girlfriend/Partner On:
Dec. 18 ? Jean Pascal vs. Bernard Hopkins, light heavyweights (Showtime)
There are no two ways about it, Hopkins’s fights suck to watch. Even a young, athletic champion like Pascal has little chance of saving this from being anything other than a Turkish massage in the middle of a Quebec ring. If you can appreciate Hopkins’ defensive and dirty mastery, lucky you I guess.
Nov. 12 ? Evander Holyfield vs. Sherman Williams, heavyweights
I don’t even need to say anything about this.
