BEST REMATCH Credit to both Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley for agreeing to clash again in April. The American won one of the most controversial decisions in history in 2012, a result that provides bad memories for both. Pacquaio, eager to get back to winning ways, was then knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez, whereas Bradley was forced to stomach incessant criticism that he did not deserve the decision. Everything will be on the line when they meet again, and when the stakes are that high, good fights generally follow.
TALKING POINT There was some criticism of David Price?s comeback opponent, Istvan Ruzsinszky, after the former British champion obliterated him in two minutes. What did people expect? Price was coming off two shocking losses to wily old southpaw Tony Thompson, the second of which was the result of over-zealous matchmaking. Price needed to be eased back this time, and when you consider the Sauerlands had just two days to react when original opponent Konstantin Airich pulled out, Ruzsinkszky was perfectly acceptable. The Liverpudlian is gifted and could still have a big future ahead. But, for now at least, the steps must be small ones.
MOST IMPROVED Marco Huck showed his class when he halted Firat Arslan in six rounds. The German notched the 12th successful defence of his WBO cruiserweight title with this rematch, and performed significantly better than their opening 2012 encounter. Back then, Huck struggled to an unconvincing decision. The 29-year-old is making a habit of impressing in sequels ? the mark of a good fighter ? after beating Ola Afolabi last year following their 2012 draw. One suspects that Huck will soon permanently move to heavyweight and when that happens, he?ll leave behind one of the best cruiserweight careers in history.
PAPER CHAMPION Lamont Peterson rebounded from a crushing, non-title, loss to Lucas Matthysse when he decisioned Thierry Jean to keep his IBF light-welterweight title. The belt he won by beating Amir Khan and was allowed to keep despite failing a drugs test. Whatever the reasons for synthetic testosterone being in his system, the bottom line is that he broke the law. Can you think of another sport where you can fail a drugs test and still compete at the top level for top bucks? It has to stop.
END OF THE TUNNEL With Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora set to rematch in the summer, Malik Scott and Deontay Wilder looking likely to meet in the States, Bryant Jennings? good form, the emergence of Anthony Joshua, and David Price showing signs of recovery, the heavyweight division is worth watching again. Wladimir Klitschko could soon have a challenger capable of creating a fight the weight class has needed for a long time.
