Marco Antonio Barrera was supposed to fight Jesus Ch?vez on Saturday in a bid for his fourth world championship. But an injury to Ch?vez forced that fight to be scrapped, and left the boxing weekend dark.
Hard to remember a winter/spring that has been this slow. The only real fun this year has been Carlos Baldomir’s upset of Zab Judah and Manny Pacquiao’s destruction of Erik Morales in January.
But the future promises some excitement. Below is a look at the year ahead.
Heavies and Floyd
Lamon Brewster vs. Sergei Liakhovich, April 1: After last week’s championship fight between Hasim Rahman and James Toney failed to produce a winner (though it should have — Rahman won), the heavyweights turn to the powerpunching Brewster for salvation. Only question is, why is he fighting this guy? Liakhovich is OK, but isn’t it time Brewster fought someone more meaningful? Like Samuel Peter or Calvin Brock? We’d love to see either of those.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Judah, April 8: Judah deserves this fight about as much as the WBC deserves a parade. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be interesting. When was the last time Mayweather fought someone with Judah’s talent? Throw in the fact that “Super” is naturally bigger, and sure to be motivated after his loss to Baldomir, and you may have a possible upset in the making. But, probably not.
Jorge Arce vs. Rosendo Alvarez, April 8: So you don’t care much for Mayweather-Judah? Arce and Alvarez, who fight on the undercard, should make up for that. Arce is on a roll following back-to-back victories against tough Hussein Hussein, and Alvarez is the only fighter ever to get close to beating retired all-time great Ricardo Lopez. Adding some intrigue to this shootout is a national rivalry (Mexico vs. Nicaragua), and a strong personal dislike between the two.
Chris Byrd vs. Wladimir Klitschko, April 22: The only reason this is semi- interesting is that Byrd, the IBF champ, was handily defeated by Klitschko six years ago. But that was back when Wladimir was in his prime, and inspired (his brother, Vitali, had lost by TKO to Byrd a few years prior). Style-wise, Byrd always has been a horror to watch. His pity-pat punches and defensive posture have provided Byrd with a longevity that has been a boxing fan’s curse. Klitschko can make our year by knocking him out.
Return of Golden Boy
Acelino Freitas vs. Zahir Raheem, April 29: Why is Freitas taking this fight? Raheem, as he proved against Morales last year, is talented, fast and durable. And he’s bigger than natural 130-pounder Freitas, whose punching power likely won’t be a factor. Then again, Raheem isn’t a hard puncher, and Freitas won’t be in danger of being knocked out. But he is in danger of being dominated.
Oscar De La Hoya vs. Ricardo Mayorga, May 6: How good can 2006 be when one of the biggest fights of the year so far is between a fading superstar who hasn’t fought in 18 months and a former champ who probably also is past his prime? Still, Mayorga’s big mouth makes it a must-buy event.
Matthew Aguilar may be reached at [email protected]; 546-6166.
