Vicente Escobedo: The battle between former U.S. Olympians Saturday in Southern California was a must-win for both fighters, Escobedo and Rocky Juarez. Escobedo, a member of the 2004 team, has been tripped up three times on his way toward a world title. His stunning split-decision setback against unheralded Daniel Jimenez in 2006 slowed his early-career momentum and shook his confidence, which he seemed to regain only recently. Then losses to Michael Katsidis (split decision) in 2009 and Robert Guerrero (one-sided decision) last year raised serious doubt about Escobedo?s ability to win a major belt. That?s why it was crucial he win the fight on Saturday. Well, he came through. He survived a late rally by Juarez to win a unanimous decision in a hard-fought, competitive fight and remain relevant. The same can?t be said for Juarez, who now has lost five consecutive fights. BIGGEST LOSER
Rocky Juarez: The 2000 U.S. Olympian?s silver medal apparently will turn out to be his greatest achievement in boxing. A lot was expected of Juarez coming out of the amateurs. He had an impressive combination of boxing ability, power and toughness, which enabled him to start his professional career 23-0 (with 17 knockouts). That included victories over capable Antonio Diaz, Zahir Raheem and Guty Espadas. Juarez is 5-9-1 since, including five failed attempts to win a world title. Juarez gave hell to some elite fighters, losing razor-thin decisions to Humberto Soto and Marco Antonio Barrera and fighting to a draw with Chris John. However, the Houstonian could never get over the hump. That, sadly for him, probably will be his legacy. He?s only 31, meaning it?s not too late for him. However, his chances of finding great success seem to dwindle every time he steps into the ring. BIGGEST WINNER II
Jorge Arce: Arce is as consistent as any fighter in the world in at least one regard ? when he fights, you get your money?s worth. That was the case again on Saturday, when the WBO junior featherweight titleholder was defending his belt for the first time and seeking to avenge a junior bantamweight loss to Simphiwe Nongqayi in 2009, Arce?s most-recent defeat. The popular Mexican got the job done and entertained us at the same time. The two slugged it out for most of the abbreviated bout, Arce trying to impose his will on the tough South African but receiving great resistance. Finally, 2:01 into the fourth round, Nongqayi could take the pressure no longer and the fight was stopped. Arce, who some believed was finished after he lost Nongqayi, is 6-0-1 (with five knockotus) in his last seven fights.
