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Saturday, November 9, 2013

Breaking News: Two Arrested in Connection with Alexis Urbina Murder

Alexis Urbina

Dateline Phoenix ...Phoenix Police arrested two men in connection with the brutal murder of 17 year old aspiring 2016 Olympic boxing hopeful Alexis Urbina on Friday November 8.

Read more on Philboxing.com

Victor Ortiz takes on Luis Collazo on January 30th

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Golden Boy Promotions has pulled Victor Ortiz (29-4-2, 22 KO’s) from the December 14th Showtime card and moved him to January 30th...

Read more on Boxing News 

Friday, November 8, 2013

Micki Nielsen vs. Bjoern Blaschke on November 16

The full card for the Nordic Fight Night at Musikteatret Albertslund has been set, with Bjoern Blaschke (9-2, 5 KOs) confirmed as the new opponent for Micki Nielsen. The unbeaten Danish cruiserweight (10-0, 8 KOs) was slated to face Andreas Guenther, who pulled out on short notice. “I don´t care who I fight,” Micki Nielsen said. “Whoever gets in the ring with me in my hometown will get defeated!”
Read more at Boxing News 24

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Garcia, Donaire and Martirosyan Triple Header on November 9

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On November 9, on HBO, 9:30 pm EST, will bring on a triple-header that for me I can call not just a sure hit in terms of action but of course worth for your hard earned bucks. This weekend you'll be into a big treat. Rocky Martinez vs. Mikey Garcia, Nonito Donaire vs Vic Darchinyan (rematch), Vanes Martirosyan vs Demetrius Andrade will be in one event, one night, for your entertainment.

Nonito Donaire will face Vic Darchinyan and looking to get back into the winner's column in a rematch that takes several years in the making. Darchinyan had long been gunning Donaire for this rematch and it's exciting see how this two will fight again. They met before early on in their career. Who do you think will be the better man after their last meeting more than 5 years ago.

Meanwhile Mikey Garcia will face Rocky Martinez for another division north of 126 pound division. Garcia failed to make the featherweight limit on his first title defense against Juan Manuel Lopez in his last fight. Garcia is looking to make a statement at the super featherweight division. Will Garcia continue his rise to the elite level?

Vanes Martirosyan will face Demetrius Andrade for the vacant light middleweight title. It is exciting to see who will keep their ledger unblemished.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Top Ten Active Filipino Boxers (Revision 0) 11/'13

Pancho Villa


Although Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao lost his last two fights, a controversial decision to Timothy Bradley and a stunning knockout defeat against long time rival Juan Manuel Marquez, but there is no doubt that he's still the number one active Filipino boxer.

Transnational Boxing Rankings Board (where I'm a member) had ten Filipino boxers rated in their divisional rating.  Without further delay, check out my Top Ten Filipino active fighters.

Click the page number below.

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1. Manny Pacquiao, 54-5-2 (KO 38) Welterweight (147LBS) - The only fighter that won titles in eight weight divisions out of 17 current weight-class, from flyweight to junior middleweight. Pacman is scheduled to face the dangerous Brandon Rios, in Macao, in November, for his comeback fight after back-to-back losses.

Click the page number below.

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2. Nonito Donaire, 31-2-0 (KO 20) Junior Featherweight (122LBS) - Although he lost his first fight in 2013 against Guillermo Rigondeux, Donaire is still the top active Filipino boxers next to Pacquiao. He had a good run in 2012 and was named "Fighter of the Year" to most sports print and digital media. He is scheduled for a rematch with Vic Darchinyan also in November.

Click the page number below.

3. Donnie Nietes, 31-1-4 (KO 17) Junior Flyweight (108LBS) - Famously known as "Ahas" (snake), Nietes won title in the minimumweight and light flyweight division. He defended his minimumweight title from 2007 to 2010 and then captured the light flyweight title in 2011. He will defend his flyweight title against Mexican Sammy Gutierrez in Araneta Coliseum, Manila, Philippines on November 30.

Click the page number below.

4. Milan Melindo, 29-1-0 (KO 12) Flyweight (112LBS) - Although he dropped a UD loss against Juan Francisco Estrada in his last fight in Macao. Melindo at 25 is still one of the rising stars in Philippine boxing with high potential. A rematch with Juan Francisco Estrada is possible down the line. He is scheduled to fight on November 30.

Click the page number below.

5. Johnriel Casimero, 19-2-0 (KO 11) Junior Flyweight (108LBS) - After back-to-back losses fighting outside his native Philippines, Casimero had been 3-0 (KO 1) on the road, stopping hometown favorite Argentinean Luis Alberto Lazarte in Round 10, capturing the light flyweight title.  The fight resulted into chaos after Lazartez fans threw chairs in the ring, right after the official announcement. Casimero is unfazed of the previous fight experience, and instead traveled to Mexico and Panama and successfully defended his title.

Click the page number below.

6. Arthur Villanueva, 24-0-0 (KO 14) Junior Bantamweight (115LBS) - He is undefeated in 24 fights and is only 24 years old. Villanueva has the potential to be the next generation star in Philippine boxing. He possessed a decent power in both hands and sound technical skills. He is fresh from a first round TKO victory against Mexican Edgar Martinez in October.

Click the page number below.

7. Denver Cuello, 33-5-6 (KO 21) Junior Flyweight (108LBS) - Last fought in Dubai for his long been waiting world title fight but dropped to a majority decision loss, over minimumweight titlist Xiong Zhao Zhong in a hotly contested fight. Prior to his lost, he has a good run in the division tallying 12 consecutive victories, 10 by stoppage.

Click the page number below.

8. Merlito Sabillo, 23-0-0 (KO 12) Strawweight (105LBS) - He is undefeated and stopped his last five opponents. Sabillo's last five fights were all by stoppage including a ninth round KO victory against Colombian Jorle Estrada for the world minimum weight title.

Click the page number below.

9. Rocky Fuentes, 35-6-2 (KO 20) Flyweight (112LBS) - A veteran of 43 fights winning 35 of them, Fuentes at 27 years old is quite an experience guy on this list next to Pacquiao and Cuello. Although Fuentes had already six losses in his ledger but all were early on his career. After his last defeat in 2007, he amassed 15 wins, from 2006 till date.

Click the page number below.

10. Malcolm Tunacao, 33-3-3 (KO 20) Bantamweight (118LBS) - After losing his flyweight title in 2001, Tunacao was nowhere headlined in the Philippine boxing scene. Tunacao, now 35 years old, took another shot for the world title, after 12 long years, stopping Christian Esquivel in Japan. It was a huge comeback win for Tunacao, but only lost the title on his first defense.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Pacquiao vs. Rios: Face-off with Max Kellerman, Brandon is all business


Face Off: Pacquiao/Rios (HBO Boxing) by HBO

Brandon Rios will face Pacquiao on November 23 and he's damn serious on this episode of Face-off with Max Kellerman. At some point Pacquiao tried to joke around but Rios is all business with his answers. He showed his enormous desire to win and be on top of the boxing world.

Rios told that boxing to him is "better than sex". Really Brandon? Come on! What do you think is it better than sex? Well, that's his opinion.

On the other hand Pacquiao insisted that he's boxing career is not "done yet" and that he's still young at age 34. He wanted to proved that he can still fight.

"My time is not done yet" said Pacquiao and that he wanted to give back the fans trust and confidence on him.

Pacquiao vs. Rios will live on HBO PPV on November 23 in Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort, Macao China.

More articles and videos on SPB's Pacquiao vs. Rios Coverage

Friday, November 1, 2013

Golovkin vs. Stevens: Final Press Conference

Watch the Gennady Golovkin vs. Curtis Stevens final press conference held on Thursday on this video from The Boxing Channel TV via youtube.

Curtis ("Showtime" Stevens fights Gennady (GGG) Golovkin’s WBA and IBO Middleweight World Championship. Golovkin is rank number 1 according to the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board middleweight ratings. The fight card is presented by K2 Promotions in association with Main Events, GGG Promotions and Madison Square Garden. Don’t have tickets for the fight? It’s available here at ticketnetwork.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

What the facts say about Curtis Stevens?

Curtis Stevens

We all heard and read about Gennady Golovkin. About how powerful his punches are, how he bulldozed every opponent put in front of him and blah… blah… blah! Now, let's see what the facts say about his opponent on Saturday, Curtis Stevens.

Curtis Stevens, 25-3 (KO 18) turned pro on September 30, 2004 knocking his debut opponent in Round 1. He added another 12 consecutive wins after his debut fight, stopping 11 of those opponents; six were stopped inside the very first round.

"Showtime" Stevens then added another four consecutive wins after his only knockout defeat against Marcos Primera in 2006. He also dropped a decision against highly regarded Andre Dirrell in 2007 and rebounded by knocking out three opponents out of four consecutive victories before dropping again a shocking upset against Jesse Brinkley for the USNBC super middleweight title.

The bomber from Brownsville New York, last four fights were wins against the likes of Saul Roman, for the vacant NABF middleweight title, Derrick Findley, Elvin Ayala and Romaro Johnson.

As an amateur, Stevens was the National Amateur Light Heavyweight Champion in 2002 and as a pro Stevens has been featured several times on ESPN Friday Nights Fights.

Stevens is a short middleweight who stands 5'7" compared to averaged fighters in this division.

Stevens fights Golovkin’s WBA and IBO Middleweight World Championship. Golovkin is rank number 1 according to the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board middleweight ratings. The fight card is presented by K2 Promotions in association with Main Events, GGG Promotions and Madison Square Garden. Don't have tickets for the fight? It's available here at ticketnetwork.

Will Stevens stand out against Gennady Golovkin on Saturday night?

Stats source: Boxrec.com

Monday, October 28, 2013

Cut keeps Gabriel Rosado away from world title

Gabriel Rosado

Gabriel Rosado is a bleeder. He easily gets cut in a fight that keeps him away from the world title.

It's very frustrating for a fighter if he is stop to fight because of a cut. It becomes more frustrating especially if he still feels that he can still continue to fight, but the referee and ringside physician says he can't.

This is what Gabriel Rosado felt after he was stopped by the ring physician in his fight with undefeated Peter Quillin for the WBO middleweight title.

Rosado pleaded to referee Allan Huggins and ringside physician not to stop the fight. And that he is able to continue. This is the second time Rosado was stopped due to cut out of his last three fights. And the sad thing, these were all world middleweight title fights.

Although it's not the ringside physician who stopped Rosado -- it's actually his corner -- against Gennady Golovkin in January, but then again the main reason is due to cut he sustained on the course of the fight.

Rosado was still fighting and was very game against Golovkin but he took a lot of beating. Rosado didn't bother to protest although he expressed suspicion on Golovkins gloves lately.

Against Guillen last Saturday, Rosado out of disappointment screamed at the Showtime commentary team saying that the decision was "bullshit" and he ask for a rematch.

Vitali Klitschko was in the same frustration when he was also stopped in Round 6 against Lennox Lewis, due to a cut, for the heavyweight world title in June 2003.

I think Rosado need to work more on his defense and avoid getting hit more in the face or simply start knocking out opponent early.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Hopkins vs. Murat statistics comparison by BoxStat

[caption id="attachment_523" align="aligncenter" width="400"]BoxStat: Hopkins vs. Stats comparison BoxStat: Hopkins vs. Murat Stats comparison[/caption]

If you notice, more and more boxing websites and blog sites are using BoxStat. It is a widget that you can get from Boxstat.co developed by Mr. John Williams. This blog is carrying this widget and you can find it in the sidebar. By default it will show the upcoming bouts that are covered by BoxStat. If you click any of the bout listed on the widget, it will give you the statistics of each fighter -- just exactly the image I provided above.

If you want to know how Mr. Williams come out with those statistics, you may visit BoxStat website. You can also follow BoxStat on twitter @box_stat and send in your questions regarding the stats he provided or you can drop your questions on the comment section. If you're lazy to touch your keyboard but your microphone is ready, simply click the "send voice mail" on the right side of your screen, record your voice comment and send.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Bernard Hopkins vs. Karo Murat Weigh-in Live Streaming

Hopkins vs Murat Live streaming

Looking for the Live Streaming for the Bernard Hopkins vs. Karo Murat weigh-in on Friday? You can watch it here at BLH. It will start at 3:30 PM ETD on Friday, October 25, 2013.

Bernard Hopkins vs. Karo Murat will be brought to you by Showtime on October 26, Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City for the light heavyweight title.

The 48 years old Hopkins will be facing Murat, which 18 years younger. Hopkins is the oldest fighter to defend a title at light heavyweight. Hopkins is 5-1-1  since losing to Joe Calzaghe in 2008.

The under-cards features Guillen vs. Rosado and Wilder vs. Firth.

Bernard Hopkins retires "The Executioner" moniker, says "I'm an Alien"

Bernard Hopkins retires the excecutioner moniker says hes an alien

Hopkins said that he is an "alien" during the final presser for his fight with Karo Murat on October 26 at the boardwalk hall, Atlantic City, for the light heavyweight title.
"I'm an alien, I don't get old if they're waiting for that." Hopkins said, "because I am of this world, but I'm not from this world."

Hopkins was famous being "The Executioner" in boxing for the last two decades of his career, especially in the middleweight. He wears a mask during his ring-walks portraying as a verdugo to his opponent.

He's indeed an executioner who defended his middleweight title a record 20 times before losing the title to Jermain Taylor in 2005.

I just don't know why Hopkins wanted to replace "The Executioner" moniker. How do you think an alien fights? Is he really an alien? But who knows -- maybe he is indeed an alien? Imagine at 48, he's the oldest fighter to defend a title. Oh come on he's better than that.
"I'm coming to show you all that not only am I different and I don't get tired of doing what I do. I love winning opportunities and situations to win."

I believed that Hopkins lives a clean and discipline life inside and outside the squared circle. This is what made him stay for so long in a sport that is also called "young-man's-sport".

Will Hopkins, at 48 years old, again could defy father time and win against 18 years younger opponent? Will Hopkins fight like an alien this time?

Press Release: Tomasz Adamek vs. Vyacheslav Glazkov

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National Network Television Boxing Coming to Turning Stone for NBC Fight Night, in the Afternoon, November 16

Heavyweight Bout in the Main Event as Tomasz Adamek Defends IBF North American Heavyweight Title Against Vyacheslav Glazkov

For the fifth time in 2013, Turning Stone Resort Casino will host nationally televised professional boxing, as NBC’s Fight Night will originate, live, in the afternoon, Saturday, November 16 from the Turning Stone Event Center.

Presented by Main Events and co-promoted by Ziggy Promotions and Pushka, the feature bout will be a heavyweight matchup as Tomasz "Goral" Adamek, (49-2, 29 KOs) will take on Vyacheslav "Czar" Glazkov, (15-0-1, 11 KOs).

The veteran Adamek, a native of Poland who makes his home in Jersey City, NJ, will put his IBF North American Heavyweight belt on the line in this 12-round battle, against the up and coming Ukrainian. The IBF has designated this bout as a heavyweight voluntary eliminator fight for the #2 position in the rankings.

"This fight cannot help but be a non-stop action brawl," said promoter Kathy Duva of Main Events. "A classic 'crossroads' fight, it is exactly the kind of signature launching pad matchup that we like to present on NBC. The winner of Adamek-Glazkov will put himself in a position for much bigger things in 2014."

Adamek said, "I'm excited to be fighting at Turning Stone for the first time. I've spent time with friends and family in that area so I know there will be a big Polish crowd to cheer me on."

The event will mark the first time NBC has produced a televised boxing event at Turning Stone. The undercard will be announced soon, and all bouts are subject to change.

Doors open at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Event Center at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 16. The first undercard bout starts at 12:30 p.m. The special afternoon broadcast presentation of NBC Fight Night begins at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $25 to $70 and are on sale now at the Turning Stone box office, by calling (315) 361-7469, or visit www.Ticketmaster.com

Note:Professional media can apply for credentials online at www.MainEvents.com and click on the media tab.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Pacquiao-Rios and Ariza's VADA's drug testing accusations?

Pacquiao-Rios and Ariza Vada Drug Testing Accusations

I tried to connect the events that lingers on Alex Ariza's accusations on VADA's drug testing to Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios for their upcoming fight on November 23 for the WBO International title in Macao.

Alex Ariza said on his twitter on October 23:

Ariza also added, also in twitter that, "just spoke to Filipino media in Gen. San, Vada hasnt even arrived." I tried to ask him to which particular media men in General Santos he spoke to, but up to the time of writing I've got no reply.

In the meantime, a post written by Lem Satterfield on Ringtv Craveonline, Margaret Goodman, founder of The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), said that Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios "have been" randomly tested by VADA.

However, in this post there is no date mentioned as to when the testing for both fighters will commence.

Ariza told Boxing Scene's Edward Chaykovsky that "Brandon has his second test on Tuesday".

I think, Ariza's concern here is the commencing date of each fighter drug testing by VADA. Why is it that both fighters were not tested in the same date or at least having the same number of tests.

I understand that the protocol is random at that no announcement that will come from VADA when to conduct. Results well then submitted to China commission, the promoter and each fighter camp. It is up to these three to announce or not the results.

In another article by Jake Donovan of Boxing Scene, Goodman said,
That is a balatantly false and unsubstantiated story. Pacquiao and Rios have been tested by VADA...

Well. I don't know why Ariza was accused about his statement wherein he confirm this to VADA representative that tests Rios? I think Goodman should ask her representative if they indeed confirmed to Ariza that Pacquiao is yet to be tested.

If VADA representative would come out and say no, then Ariza is simply a liar.

Meanwhile this is Ariza's latest tweet.

@Seckbach @Brandon_Rios1 Funny how Vadas Rep saying Mannys not tested and won't be until "Maybe China" turns into my accusations.



Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Brandon Rios says, ‘…**** everybody… counting me out’

Brandon Rios seems very upset at Max Kellerman and to everybody that counted him out against Manny Pacquiao on November for the WBO international title in Macao. I’m quoting below Rios’s words from Luis Sandoval of Boxing Scene.
Fuck Max Kellerman, that motherfucker and fuck everybody that's talking about Pacquiao-Ruslan, they're already counting me out! Everybody is counting me out. Everybody thinks I'm a tune up fight for Pacquiao. So Max Kellerman thinks that too so fuck that motherucker. He's always talking shit, saying stuff in my face like ‘Oh Brandon, you're this, this and that. You've won this and that.' He's a fucking pretender. I don't give a fuck if HBO makes you say shit or not, you don't say [that type of] shit. Nobody makes me say shit but me. So at the end of the day that's fucking bullshit.

I can’t help but liked the way Scott Christ from bad left Hook sum it up it up here.

I think Rios have the reason to be upset to people that writes him off or counted him out against Pacquiao. For me, he is definitely a live opponent against recent version of Pacquaio -- a Pacquiao that suffered brutal knockout defeat last year.

I’m even surprised when I first learned that the comeback fight of Pacquaio is Rios.

After Pacquaio defeated David Diaz in 2008 for the lightweight -- from that point forward -- he was fed to stronger and bigger lions except Marquez.

Rios is young, naturally bigger and just fought eight months ago during the fight in November whereas Pacquiao almost a year since last fought.

Only crazy will count Rios off. For me, this is a 50/50 even fight.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Provodnikov batters hometown-favorite Alvarado, captures title

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Denver Colorado -- Ruslan "Siberian Rocky" Provodnikov unloads heavy bombs to "Mile High" Mike Alvarado making the hometown hero to quit from his stool after Round 10. Provodnikov (23-2, 16 KO) stalks relentlessly towards Alvarado (34-2, 23 KO) throughout the fight. It is the body shot that really workout for Provodnikov, although Alvarado's eyes are almost swollen shut.

It is very obvious that Alvarado has a great respect in terms of power to his shorter and smaller challenger. Alvarado comes out with a perfect game plan, which is to use his boxing skills. In the get-go he moves around looking to counter-punch the stalking challenger.

The game plan is effective in the early rounds as Alvarado, for me, is comfortably ahead of the scorecards somewhere until Round 6.

Alvarado would even shifts from orthodox to southpaw stance to confuse the pursuing challenger from Russia, which is effective from the distance. Alvarado connects more jabs from the southpaw stance, that at times halted Provodnikov's from his track.

However, Provodnikov adjusts very well to the southpaw stance of Alvarado, especially at close quarter battle. Provodnikov would slide his right foot towards Alvarado's back foot while preparing his left hook and fires upstairs.

Every single round Provodnikov -- although Alvarado tends to fight from the outside -- would lure Alvarado to fight toe-to-toe. Alvarado would lean forward giving up his height and reach advantage to engage Provodnikov in a hit-me-I'll-hit-you-back type of action, which don't help against his favor because of Provodnikov's clear advantage in power.

In Round 8 Alvarado hit by a thunderous shot to body that eventually put him to the canvas as Provodnikov relentlessly unleash more powerful bombs upstairs and downstairs. Alvarado almost can’t beat the count, his legs are totally wobbly.

Several minutes later, again Alvarado takes a knee, for the second knockdown in the same round. I think, from that point it should have been stop, but the referee decides not to stop as Alvarado with all his heart stands up, but with very unstable legs.

In Round 9 it seems Provodnikov tires and slows down a bit because of the amount of energy he used in the previous round. Alvarado survives the round but still shaky, and still wiping the cobwebs.

In Round 10 Provodnikov picks up what he left in Round 8 and again started to pressure and unload more powerful right hand to head and body. Alvarado would eventually finish Round 10, but when ask directly by Tony weeks if he can continue, during the break. With spirit broken and physically battered, Alvarado decides not to continue.

Provodnikov's failed near knockout performance against Bradley finally realized against Alvarado. And Provodnikov really won big time on Saturday night. A possible showdown with Pacquiao-Rios winner looms in the horizon.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Alvarado vs. Provodnikov: Weigh in result, Alvarado one pound over



Mike Alvarado vs. Ruslan Provodnikov weigh in result: Alvarado comes in one pound over the junior welterweight limit and weighs in at 141lbs. And has two hours to shed that excess baggage.  "No problem" says Michael Buffer -- referring to Alvarado's initial weigh in. Alvarado then returns to the scale after an hour and registers in at 139.8lbs.

The challenger Provodnikov tip the scales in the initial weigh in at 139.8lbs. Bottom line both fighter make the same weight. And after everything has been said and done -- we are now set to watch the war on Saturday night. Stay tuned for SPB's post fight report.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Mike Alvarado vs. Ruslan Provodnikov: Weigh In Live streaming on Top Rank TV

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Watch live streaming for Mike Alvarado vs. Ruslan Provodnikov weigh in on Top Rank TV, Friday, October 18 - 5p ET/2p PT. Alvarado and Peovodnikov will meet on October 19, 2013 Saturday night for the junior welterweight championship bout. A fight that many expect to be a "Fight of the Year" contender.

If you want a fan-friendly fight -- then you should not miss this fight. You can find my preview and prediction of Mike Alvarado vs. Ruslan Provodnikov here.

 

Mike Alvarado vs. Ruslan Provodnikov Preview and Prediction

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Here I am again giving you my preview and prediction. This time will be between Mike Alvarado and Ruslan Provodnikov. Let me begin with question: Why Alvarado vs. Provodnikov is considered to be a potential "Fight of the Year" candidate?

Boxing fans, media, writers, and bloggers expect this fight to be a strong candidate for "Fight of the Year" award (as early as even before the fight was signed), based on each fighter's previous performance. And I do agree.

If you look at Mike Alvarado's fight against Brandon Rios here, on March 30, which is also a strong fight-of-the- year contender. And so with the first fight last year here, that cost Alvarado's precious "O" in his ledger: you'll probably agree that indeed this could be a potential 'Fight of the Year" candidate. Alvarado  34-1 (KO 23) fought like there is no tomorrow in the first fight and got knocked out in the seventh round, but adjusted well in the rematch to win a unanimous decision.

But, if you're still not in agreement, then what about taking a look back at Ruslan Provodnikov's fight here, with Timothy Bradley on March 16? The fight would take you to the edge of your seat. And if you're a Bradley fan, Provodnikov 22-2 (KO 15) is breaking your heart. He wobbled Bradley and almost knocked him out several times.

Now, imagine these two meet in the squared circle, Ruslan Provodnikov having in mind Alvarado's WBO light welterweight belt. But not only that, he is also aiming for more recognition that he fell short against Bradley. In the opposite corner -- Mike Alvarado, a fighter determined to defend his title and seeking for higher glory. A win could mean a fight of the winner between Pacquaio-Rios on November.

Ruslan Provodnikov I believed has what it takes to knock out Mike Alvarado. I think he has the power needed to finish the job. If the same punch that wobbled Bradley would land on Alvarado -- I think that would be the end of the story.

Alvarado, based on his fight with Rios wasn’t able to clinch when he was hurt, which was the wise thing Bradley did in the same situation. Provodnikov should follow through more once he feels that he hurt Alvarado. He should step up his killer instinct.

If Alvarado will box more from the outside, Provodnikov should double up and work on the jab and lure Alvarado for a slug-fest. Provodnikov's ability to take a punch will be tested here, which wasn't against Bradley.

Stylistically Alvarado is more of a boxer-puncher. But can be easily lured into a hit-me-I'll-hit-you-back kind of action, which is of course a fan-friendly style, which is a big factor, I believed, for Fight of the Year selection.

Alvarado said that he will use his boxing skills. This is the adjustment he made for the Rios's rematch. He stuck to the game plan, which is to move and box around, looking for more angles before throwing combinations to avoid direct counter-shots.

If Alvarado can execute the same game plan, and finish the entire fight, I think he will win on points in a very close decision that could go either way. I'm afraid what boxing called a "hometown decision" might play a part here -- I hope not.

Provodnikov will be dealing with the hometown favorite Alvarado in 1STBANK Center, Broomfield, Denver, Colorado, on October 19.

My prediction:

Don't get me wrong, maybe you're thinking that what I mean above is that: Alvarado's chance to win is to finish the fight. No. Anything can happen to this fight. I think real time adjustment is the key to win for each fighter.

I put my prediction this way:

If Provodnikov can’t take Alvarado's power especially that vicious uppercut, then it's Alvarado by TKO.

If Provodnikov could handle Alvarado's power and can land his own I think he will win via knockout somewhere between Rounds 8 to 11.

If the fight will finish till Round 12 due to adjustments made by both fighters to avoid each other's power, then I am inclined to favor Alvarado to win on points.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

ESPN: "30 for 30 No Mas"



If you’re a boxing fan -- you should watch this documentary that features the fight between boxing legends -- Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard.

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