May’s biggest event is the Ring Kings, Mayweather-Cotto pay-per-view on May 5, but there are also plenty of other shows that promise to provide boxing fans real bang for their buck.
Here’s a look at seven must-see fights for boxing fans this month:
Floyd Mayweather vs. Miguel Cotto (May 5)
This bout has been in the making since 2007 and, although both fighters have some added mileage, this one still promises to be an intriguing contest between the all-offense Cotto and the defensive wizardry of Floyd Mayweather. As expected, “Money” Mayweather is the betting favorite, but Cotto is an elite fighter and always makes for a good show. The Puerto Rican battler should be revved up for this fight, especially since a loss could likely end his run as a big ticket attraction.
Saul Alvarez vs. Shane Mosley (May 5)
The chief support to Mayweather-Cotto, on paper, looks to be a mismatch. The 21-year-old “Canelo” Alvarez is just reaching the prime of his career while the 40-year-old Mosley has looked poor in recent showings and, in fact, hasn’t won a bout since 2009. However, Alvarez is vulnerable and relatively untested while Mosley still carries legitimate one-punch power in both fists. An upset is unlikely, but definitely within the realm of possibility.
Deandre Latimore vs. Carlos Quintana
A real “do or die” bout between struggling junior middleweight fringe contenders. Also on the Ring Kings PPV, the loser of Latimore-Quintana will be pretty much finished as a viable 154 lb. contender. This battle between two southpaws could be a stinker, but it could also turn into a desperate battle to stay relevant.
Brian Viloria vs. Omar Ni?o Romero (May 12)
Actually the third bout between the two battlers, this one will be for Viloria’s WBO flyweight title. If their two 2006 battles are any indication of what’s in store on May 12, then we could very well see a Fight of the Year candidate. In their previous encounters, Romero scored a unanimous decision victory over Viloria and, in the rematch, a majority draw was changed to a no contest after Romero tested positive for a banned substance.
Mikkel Kessler vs. Allan Green (May 19)
The “Viking Warrior” is back and facing his first real test since beating Carl Froch in 2010. Kessler-Green was originally scheduled to be part of the Super Six World Boxing Classic, but an injury to Kessler’s eye forced his withdrawal from the tournament. For the hot-and-cold Green, this will likely be his last chance to make a good impression on fight fans.
David Price vs. Sam Sexton (May 19)
This battle for the vacant British heavyweight title will be the well-regarded David Price’s biggest fight to date and a true test at this stage of his career. Sexton, who is actually a year younger than Price, has a better resume with two fights against both Dereck Chisora and Martin Rogan on his record.
Lamont Peterson vs. Amir Khan (May 19)
Fans may be treated to a fired up Amir Khan as he battles to win back the WBA and IBF junior welterweight titles he lost to Lamont Peterson last December. The defending champ, Peterson, is all heart and will be looking to prove that his controversial split decision win was no fluke. Expect fireworks.
