It is appropriate that at least one of Showtime?s ?Super Six? bouts take place during the World Cup, since the ?Super-Six?s? points system is taken directly from soccer?s tourney format. In Showtime?s round-robin, three points are given for a knockout victory, two points for a decision win, and one point for a draw. The format is perfectly suited for boxing, since it does not eliminate a fighter from winning the competition by virtue of a lone loss. Of course, it is unfortunate that Lucian Bute, perhaps the super middleweight division?s best fighter, is not a part of the tourney. It?s akin to the World Cup taking place without Brazil or Germany. Aside from the Showtime event, ESPN2, FOX Sports, and Telefutura chime in with their weekly shows.
Friday, June 18, 2010 At The Convention Center, McAllen, TX (Telefutura) Luis Ramos Jr. (15-0) vs. Joshua Allotey (16-9)
Joshua Allotey ? The powerfully-built Ghanaian enters most fights with a puncher?s chance, which he relies on too much, getting in trouble as he abandons any effort on defense. That lack of defense has becomes even more obvious against talented prospects, and it is beginning to wear on Allotey, having been stopped in his last three fights. Like many Africans, came up the hard way, losing his first two fights and went 12 rounds in only his eighth pro fight. Allotey had some success staying competitive when he fought in England, giving movers like Willie Limond and Dave Stewart tough bouts in distance losses. It has not been the same story in America, where Allotey has faced more potent punchers who take advantage of his aversion to defense. There is no mystery to him; Allotey bangs and relies on brute force to pressure his way to victory. A lack of lateral movement and syncing his fists with his feet leaves him exposed to accurate punchers. Hand speed is below average, but Allotey fights like he believes he has fast hands, getting caught in No Man?s Land, leaning in and getting caught when unable to reach speedier opposition. When Allotey strikes to the body, you can tell opponents take notice, as well as when his feet are set to load up and uncork hooks. Gets good sparring in New York City, but Allotey seems to be the type who has gotten used to being the punchee instead of puncher in the ring.
Luis Ramos Jr. ? Like most young blue-chip prospects, Ramos began boxing early in life, slipping on the gloves at age seven, and accumulated a 120-16 amateur r?sum?, mostly in talent-rich California. The ultimate goal of an Olympic berth fell short, so instead of waiting another four years turned pro in 2007, racking up 15 consecutive wins to start his campaign. Beside a lot of amateur bouts (a couple of national titles included), also got great sparring at the Espinoza Gym, where those with a lack of ambition or seriousness are soon weeded out. Fights out of a southpaw stance, which makes Ramos? intelligent movement and accurate punching all the more dangerous for opponents. Seems to hit equally hard with either hand. Has looked good in ?Nokia Fight Club? appearances, and is now taking that act to Telefutura to broaden his reach with Latino boxing fans. Speed is the key with Ramos, and is most evident on the defensive side for now. Despite smarts and defense, first approach can be an entertaining view when he puts combinations together, which Ramos does after feeling out an opponent to gauge incoming speed and power. Is being fed a steady diet of capable trial horses to improve his skills, but I would like to see him in with a fighter who has not just come out of a defeat (this is his tenth in a row). Does everything by the book and with great balance, seldom straying away from the basics. A good and focused kid as well, the 22-year-old defeated hardnosed Walter Estrada, despite interrupting his preparations when his mother had a minor stroke. That situation is more settled now, but it bodes well for his future if Ramos is able to compartmentalize outside distractions like that, if he become the kind of star Golden Boy Promotions believe he can be. A solid prospect with a winning past and gym rat reputation.
Verdict ? Ramos will not be untracked by a slow plodder, and the only question is whether he can best the third round stoppages John Molina and Michael Torres scored over Allotey. Given Ramos? penchant for observing before sniping, I believe this fight goes the scheduled eight-round distance, with lots of ooooohs-and-aaaaahs from the audience at Ramos? combinations in the middle rounds.
At The Northern Quest Casino, Spokane, WA (ESPN2) Maxim Vlasov (17-0) vs. Jerson Ravelo (20-4) (ESPN2) Sherzod Husanov (14-0-1) vs. Jhon Berrio (15-6)
Jhon Berrio ? 25-year-old power-punching Colombian (aren?t they all?) has fought outside of his native country twice, and lost on both occasions. So, perhaps, the one-year absence of ring activity Berrio enters with tonight will have done him some good. To date, has only defeated two opponents with winning records, but should be given credit for showing determination for going rounds in losses to quality opposition, according to fight reports. This is Berrio?s first bout in America, and I have not been able to find any footage or much information on the young man, other than he trains in Florida. There is a log of Berrio?s weight for his last three fights, which could be a concern given that he last made 154 pounds in 2008. Judging from a picture, most of his weight is in the upper body, with Berrio sporting nicely-rounded shoulders that produce much of his strength. If he is anything like other recently imported Colombians, we can look for a predictable and free-swinging sort who still can?t believe he is playing the role of sacrificial lamb. I don?t know how or who keeps importing these Colombian brawlers with built-up records, but a little finesse would go a long way to helping one of them break through against good competition.
Sherzod Husanov ? Uzbekistan prospect, like most Eastern European boxers, was an excellent amateur boxer. Represented his country in two Olympic Games, and won a Silver medal at the 2003 and Bronze at the 2001 World Amateur Championships. Has confident management, who scheduled him to fight Sergiy Dzinziruk for the WBO title in May before passport problems prevented Husanov from making that appearance. He is in a hurry for that title since Husanov is already 30 years old, but speed and ring movement suggest he is still very sharp and ready for better opposition than given to him tonight. Enters off a two-fight grudge series against unbeaten (before Husanov, that is) prospect Timur Nergadze, who beat Ricky Hatton in the amateurs. In that series, Husanov showed an ability to learn from previous mistakes, comprehensively outboxing Nergadze after drawing with him in their first meeting. Not afraid to travel, as both Nergadze bouts were held in Russia. Other than Nergadze, has not fought good opposition, probably besting better amateurs than pros, to date. At 5?11?, has good size, and he uses his long arms in keeping his hands up on defense but has a habit of pulling that guard apart when jabbing. The jab is brisk and Husanov steps into it nicely, going back and forth between a range-finding jab and using it as a real weapon of impact that stops opponents in their tracks. It is the fast right hand behind the jab that does the most damage, and is hard to catch because of it straightness and quick approach. Always seems to be moving, especially his upper body on defense, when not punching, trying to force an opening from his opponent by working angles. Still retreats like an amateur, with hands high and going straight back. Is someone to watch and could be a potential ESPN2 opponent for Erislandy Lara since they can play the storyline of Husanov losing to the Cuban in the amateurs.
Verdict ? This fight was won before Husanov turned pro; the Uzbeki is just too well-schooled in the basics to allow a crude brawler to control the fight. Husanov will maintain distance and pick Berrio apart with his jab; as the Colombian?s frustration grows, his punches become wider and Husanov exploits the openings for a stoppage win around the fifth round.
Jerson Ravelo ? A decorated East Coast amateur boxer- New York – New Jersey area- who won a National Golden Gloves title but ended up representing the Dominican Republic in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games after losing in the USA Olympic trials. In the pros, has had an on-again/off-again career, and just as it looks like Ravelo has a head of steam, is untracked by a loss. Lacks speed and reflexes to compete with the elite, but has good power and a chin that allows him time to unleash that strength as opponents wilt. There is no in-between with Ravelo; he either wins impressively or loses just as badly. I described Ravelo?s loss to elongated David Lopez, in 2004, as his being “taken to school and robbed of his lunch money.” In that fight, he started well early, but consistently eating right hands after the fifth round was too much for him to absorb. At 6?2? has good size and chiseled body, but like a lot of punchers, has had recurring hand problems. This seemed to have helped his jab improve, and also given a bit more variety since Ravelo took some steam off the punches and concentrated on accuracy. But was disaster against composed fighters like Andre Ward and Allan Green, who both stopped Ravelo in eight rounds. Has been out of the ring ten months, which can be good or bad for a 32-year-old fighter. You can tell Ravelo wants to fight like his idol, Roy Jones, but lacks the reflexes to pull off those ring tricks. An honest fighter who puts in a lot of ring work to stay competitive, but not enough to win.
Maxim Vlasov ? The Russian likes the bright lights TV provides, registering solid wins over Julius Fogle on ESPN2 and Don Mouton on the defunct Versus shows. Is not as schooled as most Eastern European boxers since he turned pro at age 18, and was not a part of the old system that picked out and nurtured that older guard of fighters. That previous group trained and learned under the strict regimen of the communist system, which was bad for them, personally, but great for creating disciplined athletes. This shows in Vlasov, a volume puncher who is willing to brawl to get his way and employ a large frame (a tall but strong 6?3?, with 78-inch reach) to lean and wear opponents down. Is apparent in his body work as well, which he sometimes leads with and does not neglect, as more openings present themselves up top. Flicks out a pretty mean elbow as well. On defense, is still a bit awkward, keeping his right hand very high at ear level, while his left hangs low. From that dangling left hand, Vlasov throws a jab that starts low but straightens out fast and flies straight. Legs are spread a bit too much for an aggressive guy who likes to use shoulders inside, and it limits his contact with slicker guys who can create distance. At times, leaves the jab out too long, eating return punches that long arms do not counter fast enough. If his foe covers up, Vlasov will flurry, squaring up too much, at times providing a lot of target for a good counterpuncher. In a victory against Don Mouton, Vlasov went five rounds with a cut over his eye, but did not allow to affect him or outcome. Not sure I would call Vlasov a title prospect, but he will certainly entertain en route, as we find out.
Verdict ? This is a case of mirror images, in terms of physique and style, fighting each other. I like the younger and faster Russian to get the best of it because of those two advantages, and Vlasov is the fresher of the duo, not having absorbed the punishment that Ravelo has, facing top-flight opposition. There is a chance Vlasov gets drilled coming in, trying to exploit his advantages with his usual flurries, thus revealing if he has the determination to go further in his career than Ravelo has. Vlasov could win on volume as well, since Ravelo is sometimes too patient and looks to load up on one big punch. The Ravelo of 2004 to 2006 might have beaten this Vlasov, but I like Vlasov by wide decision or last-round stoppage in 2010.
Saturday, June 19, 2010 In San Juan del Rio, Mexico (FOX Sports) Rodel Mayol (26-4-2) vs. Omar Nino (28-3-2) (The Ring magazine #2 junior flyweight vs. #10) (WBC junior flyweight belt)
Omar Nino ? In his fifth pro fight, knocked out future champion Jorge Arce, and continued coming up the hard way, losing for the first time to future title challenger Gilberto Keb Baas in his 15th outing. Is now 34 years old, and looking at what might be his last title fight opportunity. Came to attention of American boxing fans by pulling a major upset against Brian Viloria on the Versus network, but had his roll stopped by testing positive for amphetamines (supposedly a false positive, which Nino stated the Nevada State Athletic Commission apologized for) after a draw with Viloria in his first title defense. Served a one-year suspension, and lost a close split decision to Juanito Rubillar in his first fight back. Bounced back with three consecutive wins, including a rematch victory over Rubillar. Has been a pro for 15 years, with over 200 rounds of boxing, and is slicker than his forward-moving style implies. Has slowed, but is still a threat with his big right hand and unremitting tactical moves. Is a thinking fighter, whose varied arsenal allows him to go after openings from head to hip. Wins because of accuracy, not wasting many punches, despite high output. Only has a 33% kayo ratio, mostly because Nino even picks his shots when opponents are hurt and does not swarm in combinations. There is a five year age difference in favor of Mayol. However, the one-year suspension might help Nino out in the long run, as he was in the midst of a lot of tough fights and the break did his body good.
Rodel Mayol ? The Filipino has gained a reputation as a dirty fighter, with headbutts featuring prominently in fights with Ivan Calderon and Edgar Sosa. I never saw Mayol as a top-five guy; The Ring has him rated at number two in the flyweight division, but he?s more along a bottom top-ten or just-outside-a-ranking fighter. Lack of a world-class chin prevented him from breaking through earlier in his career against world-class opposition, but he has improved his defense to compensate for the flaw. On offense, Mayol has a very good mix of speed and power, preferring to use his power to move straight at opponents. This, despite a very good amateur career (a five-time National champion), which grounded Mayol with an accurate but underutilized jab. Might have had his best performance in a loss for an alphabet title against Eagle Kyowa/Akakura/Den Junlaphan, repeatedly rocking the champion before faltering in the late rounds to lose a split decision. That fight took a lot out of Mayol, and he lost two of his next three fights via stoppage (to very good opponents, including Ulises Solis). Had a hectic 2009, losing twice to Ivan Calderon (clearly the best flyweight in the world) and controversially won the WBC title after a headbutt prevented Edgar Sosa from continuing. At age 28, is near his physical prime, and reportedly looking good in sparring sessions at the Wild Card Gym. Mayol always has the proverbial puncher?s chance, hitting equally hard with either hand and has faced elite competition. Has displayed a lot of confidence, born of having to face his toughest test on the other man?s home turf. Over the last two years, Mayol has turned himself from an afterthought to a battle-hardened veteran no top-ten boxer wants to face, unless an alphabet title is on the line.
Verdict ? Mayol just has a way of ending up in controversial bouts. In this pair?s last meeting, four months ago, he was turning away from a low blow when he was hit by an unintentional and reflexive punch from which Mayol was judged unable to recover from. Still, overall, Mayol held the advantage in the three rounds of their first meeting. There are a lot of ?X? factors in this fight, with Mayol hard to judge from performances in 2009 and Nino?s hometown edge but age disadvantage. In the end, it comes down to which fighter has more overall ability. That goes to Nino, who also enters with a lot of confidence from interviews I have read. I do not have as high an opinion of Mayol as most, and see him abandoning amateur tendencies for overly-aggressive slugging, as a negative. Nino will have to rally; I give the edge to Mayol early, but the combination of Nino?s pressure and Mayol?s tendency to fade late will make for interesting championship rounds. A knockdown in Nino?s favor in the final round seals a tight split decision win.
At The Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA (Showtime) Andre Ward (21-0) vs. Allan Green (29-1) (The Ring magazine #2 super middleweight vs. #8) (WBA super middleweight belt)
Allan Green – The late entrant to the ?Super Six? tourney, taking the place of the more well-known but shopworn Jermain Taylor. Was a regional amateur star in Oklahoma, but broke out to win a National Golden Gloves at light heavyweight and handled himself well in other competitions, finishing with a 55-6 record. I always looked upon Green as a bit overrated, especially given lapses in which he was stunned against inferior opponents and lacked consistency in ESPN-level bouts. Not to mention that he was beaten by a one-dimensional Edison Miranda, whom other top 168-pounders exposed and had little problem overcoming. Perhaps I have just grown tired of Green claiming to be overlooked by the Showtime and HBO. Well, now is put-up-or-shut-up time. Green?s one great dimension is power; he has an eraser of a right hand that can hurt any opponent. However, his setup of that power seems more instinctual than elaborate or premeditated. What makes up for that is the straightness of his punching, and an offensive mindset that drives him down the middle of foes? guards and puts Green?s defense in a secondary position. Since the loss to Miranda (in which Green cited legitimate medical issues before entering the fight, but were not the only thing to blame for the loss), has looked a lot better with his feet, cutting off the ring and showing more effort in body punching. Level of opposition has been suitably beatable, so it is hard to gauge his readiness for Ward. Green does not keep his hands high on defense consistently, but has shown good reflexes swatting away or blocking incoming punches. Because of his natural power, Green is always a threat, but is like a missile without a proper guidance system whose payload does not find the target with consistency.
Andre Ward ? It seems like Ward and Showtime?s combined hard work is beginning to pay off, and that Showtime?s faith in Ward could be rewarded with a victory by the California native in the ?Super Six? tourney. That star potential was evident back in the amateurs with Ward, a two-time USA amateur champ who won one of the few Gold medals for America in the last two decades. Finished with a 114-5 record, and after an uninspiring start to his pro career, his prestige was raised tenfold by a dominant win over Mikkel Kessler seven months ago. In order for Ward to become a real headline attraction outside of his native Oakland, he will need to expound on that victory and continue to show that offensive flash, which was lacking in previous performances. I hope the saying that a fighter becomes better and more confident after winning a title holds up with Ward, because the kid is only 26 and showed a maturity that could be frightening, if he continues to improve. Before Kessler fight, looked more skilled and refined on defense, which he gave preference too over the objections of many boxing writers, fans, and industry insiders. Now looks to be melding that with a potent offense, based in speed and the ability to get in and out of punching range in the blink of a black eye. Is not a powerful puncher, despite 62% kayo ratio, but his blows sting and have a demoralizing effect since they slice an opponent?s defense with such authority and clarity to the fans and judges. Showed smarts too, along with physical ability against Kessler, and I have a feeling Ward is the type who has the tendency to fight up or down to a foe?s ability. The great boxers fight the same way, no matter the opposition, which Ward has yet to master but is clearly capable of learning. Aside from all his talent in the ring, Ward is a soft-spoken religious man who overcame much to become a credit to his city, family, and the sport of boxing. This tourney came along at just the right time for the potential Showtime star, who you just know HBO is eyeing in hopes of making a lucrative fight with Lucian Bute.
Verdict – I hate to blow the tension by giving away the plot, but Ward just possesses too many options and tools for Green to overcome. I am rooting for a Green win, since that would put the whole tourney up in the air with every boxer able to advance to the knockout stage with a victory in their last fight. Can anyone think of one advantage Green possesses entering this fight, besides an unfounded confidence? Perhaps there is a danger of Ward not asserting himself early, allowing Green to get brave and establish a forward movement that will be hard to swing the momentum against, without the aid of a big punch. What it comes down to is if Green?s one overwhelming tool, his power, is of such consequence as to nullify all Ward can do. I don?t think so, and Ward has shown in the past that he is not averse to slowing or boring a fight down to get a win and advance. I don?t look for Ward to take many chances or get drawn into leading with anything other than a stiff jab to set up other options. Even if Green does land a punch that rocks Ward, I think that the combination of the hometown boy?s experience and Green?s lack of exceptional finishing skills will allow Ward to get off the hook. Ward by an easy unanimous decision of nine points or more.
Prediction record for 2010 to date: 81% (116-27)
