While rumors of dissention have been swirling amidst the Golden Boy promotional banner, HBO has been busy securing their fight calendar with ?must see? bouts, pitting some of boxing?s biggest stars in the ring on the grandest stage of the sport.
April 12th – Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley II – HBO PPV
The only eight division world champion this sport has ever seen will once again test his mettle against the current undefeated WBO Welterweight Champion. At age 35, can Manny Pacquiao silence all of his naysayers who insist that the Flipino icon is well past his prime? According to Bradley trainer Joel Diaz, Part II of their current fight saga is a moral imperative, due to the controversy that shrouded his split decision victory in 2012.
The eventual winner of this highly anticipated and dramatic showdown will not only face either Mexican fight legend JMM or former WBO 140 pound titlist Mike Alvarado during the Fall of this year, but also be able to finally put the controversy surrounding their 2012 fight to rest once and for all.
May 17th – Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Mike Alvarado – HBO
In an era that has consistently featured fighters who have favored cautious and sensible business decisions, Mexican ring legend JMM has chosen to continue his illustrious career for glory and legacy.
After turning down a career high payday to immediately jump into a fifth meeting with future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao, the counter punching technician has elected to secure a shot at the coveted Welterweight title rather than conceding to the highest bidder.
To a warrior like Marquez, the opportunity to become the only Mexican fighter in the history of the sport to grab a major world title in five different weight divisions is priceless.
While ultimate glory is the obvious motivation, could an interim fight with former WBO title holder Mike Alvarado prove to be a costly mistake and spoil his chance to face the eventual winner of Pacquiao/Bradley II this Fall?
June 7th – Sergio Martinez vs. Miguel Cotto – HBO PPV
In another great example of legacy over money, three division world champion and future Hall of Famer Miguel Angel Cotto turned down a 10 million dollar payday and a PPV date with Canelo Alvarez earlier this year for the opportunity to become the first Puerto Rican fighter to hold a major world title in four different weight classes.
The Boricua proud pugilist will be facing the universally recognized Middleweight Champion, Sergio ?Maravilla? Martinez, in front of the Puerto Rican faithful at Madison Square Garden in NYC.
Because the Argentine sharp-shooter is coming off of knee and shoulder surgery, is the hard charging Caguas native catching Sergio at the perfect time, or should fight fans expect to see a vintage ?Maravilla? performance on June 7th?
(Unofficial) July 12th – Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Gennady Golovkin – HBO PPV
Although this fan friendly match-up isn?t official, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum and K2 Promotions director of operations Tom Loeffler have recently stated that both respective fighters love this fight for an HBO PPV in July.
Courtesy of Round by Round Boxing In this terrific pairing, fans will finally get to see the irresistible force collide against the immovable object as one of the hardest pound for pound punchers in the sport takes on one of the sturdiest chins in boxing.
This bout is a potential career changer. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will put everything on the line as he takes a huge step up in competition and faces one of the most feared men in and around the Middleweight division.
Even though this contest will be taking place in the 168 pound weight class, Triple G is considered by many to be the best fighter currently campaigning at 160 pounds.
Can Chavez Jr. win back his Mexican fan base by defeating the destroyer from Kazakhstan? Hopefully boxing fans will find out on July 12th!!
Read more at http://www.fightsaga.com/news/item/4294-HBO-Boxing-Back-schedule#1JB73GKLCOEOsl3V.99
