While there aren?t any marquee fights on the schedule this weekend. There are a ton of fights and I?m going to touch briefly on a slew of them.
The biggest name in action is Juan Manuel Marquez as he faces Likar Ramos with a shot at Manny Pacquiao on the line. Marquez will be fighting in Mexico for the first time in almost seventeen years and taking on a rough and tumble Colombian that is not beyond bending the rule book. I think that is the biggest worry for the current Lightweight Champion as a bad cut from a head butt could compromise his multi million dollar payday against the Filipino star in November.
While it?s risky, I do think it?s smart for Juan to acclimate himself to the higher weight class, with this bout taking place at 140, and get in some work to avoid facing Manny on the heels of a year layoff. Expect Marquez to work on some things early, before putting away Ramos in six or seven rounds.
Top Rank will be offering the card free via stream on their website and it?s worth a look if you?re home. Rafael Marquez, Juan?s younger brother, returns from shoulder surgery in what looks like a tune up against Eduardo Becerril. While I haven?t seen Omar Salado fight, the man he challenges for the WBA Jr Flyweight title, Roman Gonzalez, is among the most exciting little men you will ever see. That?s worth tuning in on its own.
Ricky Burns defends his WBO Jr. Lightweight belt against Nicky Cook to headline a big card in England. Burns throws a ton of punches, with very little power, while Cook has the ability to change the course of a fight with one shot. But Burns has exhibited a solid chin and you have to expect him to win an entertaining decision.
On the undercard there, unbeaten John Murray takes on once beaten Kevin Mitchell in a bit of a grudge match at Lightweight. Mitchell has been inactive since being knocked out by Michael Katsidis last year and I?ll back the reliable Murray by late stoppage.
In what may be the weekend?s most compelling fight, Brian Viloria challenges Julio Cesar Miranda for his WBO Flyweight belt. Miranda is a rugged champion with solid power, while the former US Olympian has the odd package of one punch power and a sometimes passive nature. Viloria should be motivated by his hometown fans and I?ll take him via close, and maybe controversial, decision for the upset of the week.
Friday Night Fights on ESPN has what should be a very entertaining scrap tonight when Pawal Wolak takes on Delvin Rodriguez in a nice mesh of styles. Wolak is full speed ahead while Rodriguez is a sound counter puncher that has never shied away from action. Wolak should be too strong and active, most likely by a clear decision.
On Tuesday, Antonio Tarver, yes the one and the same, treks down under to tackle local draw Danny Green in a Cruiserweight spectacle. I have to admit I?m intrigued by this one and will probably get up early and catch a stream. Tarver is well past his best days at 42 years old, but Green is no spring chicken himself and he presses a fast pace. I want to take Antonio here, but the smart money is on Green outworking him over 12.
Diego Magdaleno also headlines Showtimes Shobox series on Friday night and Marco Huck should have an easy defense of his WBO Cruiserweight title, in Germany, against faded former Light heavyweight belt holder Hugo Garay.
Like I said, nothing jumps out at you. But in a sport where the shocking can be common place, you never know when something memorable is going to happen.
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