With a solid upcoming fight schedule set for the next few months, new fight rumors continue to pop up. If all, or even most, of the rumors become reality, boxing fans should be in for an entertaining time.
Here are the top five rumored fights:
Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Zab Judah (Junior Welterweight)
Marquez, the Mexican future hall of famer, is a star without a major fight. However, the only major money fight for him is a fourth bout with Manny Pacquiao that may or may not ever happen. At 38 years of age, Marquez will likely have to settle for a small handful of good fights rather than one or two mega-fights. Judah has once again become a force in the junior welterweight division with his recent win over Vernon Paris and remains a marketable name. Marquez-Judah would be an intriguing clash of styles and personalities that could produce a very entertaining fight. Marquez has an open date on July 14, so a decision has to be made soon if this rumor is to become reality.
David Haye vs. Dereck Chisora (Heavyweight)
There’s so much bad blood with this one that the bout may have to take place in some darkened back alley..literally. The British Boxing Board of Control has withdrawn Chisora’s license over his disgraceful conduct before and after his February bout with Vitali Klitschko. If Haye-Klitschko happens, it may need to be an off-the-record books, unsanctioned bout. Still, after their post-Klitschko press room brawl, the heat generated by this fight would be tremendous.
Chad Dawson vs. Andre Ward (Light Heavyweight / Super Middleweight)
Normally, a bout between the top dogs of two separate weight classes would be welcomed. In this case, Dawson-Ward would be a bit of a letdown, considering both fighters have plenty of quality fight opportunities in their respective weight classes. Dawson, who just beat Bernard Hopkins for the WBC light heavyweight title, has a high-profile rematch with Jean Pascal within his reach, provided Pascal beats IBF champ, Tavoris Cloud later this Summer. Young champions, Nathan Cleverly and Beibut Shumenov, would also be very viable opposition. Ward, the undisputed top dog at super middleweight after winning Showtime’s Super Six tournament, would be ill-advised to move out of his 168 lb. comfort zone. Lucian Bute is the most obvious opponent for Ward, but the Romanian-Canadian will be busy with Carl Froch for, likely, the rest of 2012. Other then Bute, there is still some solid competition to be had at super middleweight. Most of all, though, Ward has the potential to earn recognition as the best super middleweight of all-time by simply staying active and picking apart the remnants of a still-solid division.
Rafael Marquez vs. Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (Junior Featherweight)
More than one expert has described the 37-year-old Marquez as “shot” and, after a tough 17-year career and some truly memorable wars, that description is hard to refute. Vazquez has lost two of his last three, but at 27 years of age, is still a quality fighter in his physical prime. Marquez-Vazquez would be a “must win” bout for two fighters being pushed out of the main stage picture.
Orlando Salido vs. Jhonny Gonzalez (Featherweight)
Aside from being a title unification bout, this featherweight clash would pit two of the best active Mexican fighters against one another. WBO champ, Salido, is a crafty former street thug who learned the ins and outs of the game on the tough Mexican club circuit. WBC champ, Gonzalez, is the talented, well-schooled veteran with Hall of Fame trainer, Nacho Beristain, in his corner. There is no way that Salido-Gonzalez could be anything but an entertaining battle.
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Paul Magno was a licensed official in the state of Michoacan, Mexico and a close follower of the sport for more than thirty years. He is also a contributor to Fox Sports. In the past, Paul has done work for Inside Fights, The Queensberry Rules and Eastside Boxing.
