This Saturday night on HBO Championship boxing fans will get to see the stepping-stone matches that both current and former world champion Super Featherweights, Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao will have en route to a highly anticipated rematch with each other slated for next year.
It has happened many times before; the “Tune Up” fights. In this case, these fights are created by two teams to have each opponent fight on the same night to inevitably, give the fans a view of themselves, win their respected matches, and meet approximately six months from then. In most cases, this strategy seems to work just fine. On September 10th however, there is no guarantee.
Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (39-3-2, 31 KO’s) will be facing Hector Velazquez, (41-10-2, 31 KO’s). Velazquez is coming off of five straight victories, four of which came by way of knock out. It is important to note that each of Velazquez’s opponents during that span can hardly be compared to the talent that Pacquiao possesses. However, the variable here are the lingering rumors that Manny Pacquiao did not start his training until late, thus some seem to think he may be taking this match far too lightly. Validation to that effect will come this Saturday night when the two square off in the co-main event.
For Erik Morales (48-2, 34 KO’s) he will be taking aim at Zahir Raheem, and Raheem is an opponent that can hardly be overlooked. With a record of (26-1, 16 KO’s) Raheem does not seem to have the power to harm a Morales type fighter, but having only sustained one defeat (by decision) he should not be ignored. This will also be Morales’s first fight at the 135 pound limit.
Why the tune up? Sure there are reasons that may justify taking a “simpler” match, for example coming back from injury or a long lay off from the sport. But when two active fighters are tuning up for each other to meet at a later date, this leaves very little incentive for fans to watch. Bottom line, fans will tune in to see if the underdog (tune up opponent) can pull off the upset and that is a possibility on Saturday night.
In one recent “Tune Up” scenario, boxing fans witnessed the upset take place when Vivian Harris battled a relatively unknown, but tough fighter named Carlos Maussa. The outcome of that fight was something that team Harris had not intended, watching the over trained champion run out of steam and lose by way of knockout. Harris came out aggressive from the opening bell, trying to dispatch Maussa with a furious attack. Maussa prevailed and gave Harris his first “wake up call” with a left hand that sent Harris to the floor.
The “Tune Up” as they are referred to, have a long history in this sport. Some do come with upsets, but most go as planned. Make no mistake about these two fights though, on this date, clearly, anything can happen.
Also on the card Light Flyweights, Eric Ortiz (24-4-1, 16 KO’s) and Brian Viloria (17-0, 11 KO’s) will battle for Ortiz’s WBC Light Flyweight title. This will be Ortiz’s first title defense since taking the belt in a match up against Jose Antonio Aquirre six months ago. Additionally, this will also be Ortiz’s first fight in the USA. For the undefeated Brian “Hawaiian Punch” Viloria, his last fight was at the Staples Center that had the Freddie Roach disciple winning that bout via a sixth round TKO against journeyman Ruben Contreras.
In a Bantamweight battle, Rey Bautista (16-0, 12 KO’s) will square off against winless Felix Flores Murillo (0-4). It is important to mention that Murillo’s last bought went the distance when he squared off with Fernando Beltran Jr. who is (25-1-1).
Lightweights will also be present in an eight round bout between Urbano Antillon (15-0, 10 KO’s) and Genaro Trazancos (21-7-1,12 KO’s). Trazancos has lost four of his last five as he tries to end the unbeaten streak of Antillon.
In a Light Middleweight fight, Vanes Martirosyan (3-0, 1 KO) will enter a six round contest against Gerardo Cesar Prieto (4-2-1,) KO’s).
Finally, Lightweight action, David Rodela (2-0-1, 2 KO’s) will fight Jose Montoya (5-1, 1 KO’s) in a bout scheduled for four rounds.
