Always Leave Them Wanting More

In 2009 it seems like the boxing gods have taken the advice of the one and only Walt Disney.(I think it was Walt Disney who said that!) The end of the year seems like it could go out with a bang, and as the quote says leave us wanting more.(Well, I always want more, but I'm a bit of a boxing extremist.) I feel being a big boxing fan comes with quite a heavy burden to carry. The difference between Sox fans, or Bruins fans and a boxing fan is, I have to convince people my beloved sport is not dead. Instead of saying my teams better than your team, Yankees Suck, or talk about the bullpen needing more depth, I have have to inform/convince people my wonderful sport as a whole is alive and kicking. I am like a cheerleader, or salesman for my and I need to let you know there are some solid fights out there. So I am hear as a good boxing fan and cheerleader of fistic fury to let you know about some great match-ups that are going to close out 2009.

September 19th HBO PPV

Floyd Mayweather Jr.(39-0,25ko) vs. Juan Manuel Marquez(50-4,37ko)

In a perfect world, the winner of this fight would fight the winner of the Miguel Cotto vs. Manny Pacquiao fight.(I may be a fan, but even I know that boxing is not perfect, so keep your fingers crossed.) At first glance I thought this was just a way to hype up a future Mayweather-Pacquiao showdown. The closer we get the more interested I am in this fight. Not only are they two of the best pound for pound fighters on the planet, but they're also two of the slickest. People always refer to fights as a chess match, if that is true, this is the ultimate chess match. Both fighters are fast, smart, and can adjust as the fight goes on. Also, there is quite a bit on line, as I stated before, the winner could be in for a huge payday against the winner of Cotto - Pacquiao. Heck I'd love to see the losers fight! Last but not least, the undercards for this PPV is shaping up as well. A rematch between Chris John and Rocky Juarez, Zab Judah vs. Antonio Diaz, and all action brawler Michael Katsidis vs. Vincente Escobedo. For once a PPV that may be worth the money.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TOURNEY

October 17th SHOWTIME

Andre Dirrell(18-0,13ko) vs. Carl Froch(25-0,20ko)

It's Showtime's first official telecast with fighters from the tournament facing off against each other. Eventually all the included combatants will meet in the ring, with not one of the potential match-ups being boring. The first fight is a battle of the undefeated; Andre Dirrell, the former 2004 Olympic Bronze medalist will take on the heavy-handed straight ahead Carl Froch. On paper it looks as if Dirrell has all the tools to dispose of the British champ, but Dirrell has never faced anyone even close to caliber of Froch. On paper it looked like Jermain Taylor had the tools to dispose of Froch too, we know that didn't happen.

Arthur Abraham(30-0,24ko) vs. Jermain Taylor(28-3,17ko)

The second of fight of the tourney is one I thought I might have seen at middleweight(160) a few years ago. Taylor lost his last fight to Carl Froch via twelve round TKO, but was beating Froch for most of the fight, and may have won had he not faded down the stretch. Unfortunately for Taylor, Abraham is loosely similar to Froch, he has heavy hands, rarely stops coming forward, and has a solid chin.(Loosely-similar, I think it's an oxymoron, but you get it!) Unfortunately for Abraham, Taylor is a very desperate man, which in a tournament like this, is a very scary thing. No matter what both these fights, and the other look great. If you want more information on the tournament go to Showtime's website.

November 7th HBO

Chad Dawson(28-0,17ko) vs. Glen Johnson(49-12,33ko) II

Back in January I posted a blog that stated the fights I would like to see in 2009, this was one of them. Dawson walked away with a Unanimous decision over Johnson in 2008, but many fans and critics alike have been vocal about their feelings that Johnson took the fight. I thought Dawson did just enough to win, but Johnson did enough to get a rematch. It's finally here and it's not a minute too soon. This could be Johnson's last chance to be at the top, so expect him to throw everything but the kitchen sink at Dawson...... you know, the usual way he fights!

November 14th HBO PPV

Manny Pacquiao(49-3,37ko) vs. Miguel Cotto(34-1,27ko)

I wrote about this fight not too long ago, so I won't beat you over the head with it. This has fight of the year written all over it. Over the past few years Cotto and Pacquiao have repeatedly given fans what they want, solid entertaining fights. This is just one more quality fight for both guys. Let's hope that we get a few decent fights on the under-card.

November 28th HBO

Lucian Bute(24-0,19ko) vs. Librado Andrade(28-2,21ko) II

Last but not least, is this rematch of their exciting, but controversial fight in October 2008. Bute got away with a unanimous decision after, either some hometown cooking, or perhaps just some awful refereeing. Bute was out on his feet in the 12th when the Ref took his sweet time getting to the count. Early in the fight Bute pulled out to a pretty good lead, but Andrade broke him down as the fight went on. The rematch will be interesting; Will Bute pace himself? Will Andrade start faster? Will memories of the first fight haunt Bute? I can't wait to find out.

I'm sure you notice I left a certain Heavyweight fight off my list, it's on purpose. No matter how good a heavyweight fight has looked over the past few years, it always lets me down. Could this one be different? Sure, but I'm not going to waste my time talking about it until the division as a whole rebounds.

If that isn't enough for you HBO has also started up the Emmy winning 24/7 series again for the Mayweather - Marquez fight, and I would hope they would do another for the Pacquiao - Cotto fight as well.

With a packed Fall fight schedule 2010 has quite a bit to live up to, but I think that's a good thing, since we'll probably want more.

WHY I LOVE THE SPORT OF BOXING

Last night I got home after a normal day of working, cracked a beer and chilled on my couch, as most normal people do.  I then decided to check my Facebook, again, as most normal people do.  I saw an update from a boxer I had "friended"  about a year ago;

Emanuel Augustus:  "Well yesterday I had a bad dream.  I dreamt I had got KO'd in the ninth round....ooh yea it wasn't a dream, it really happened.  BOOO-HOO-HOO  looks like it is either time for me to stop boxing and start training fighters!!!"

I will give you a little background on just who Emanuel Augustus the boxer is, but I suggest after reading this, you-tube him.  Augustus was a true fighter, he was ready to get in the ring anytime, anywhere.  Late in his career Augustus took on a bit of a different style that can only be described as "the drunken master".  It is hard to put into words, so I once again suggest you youtube it.   These days it seems most fighters are taken through the ranks so carefully to protect that shiny undefeated record, they are never in a real fight.  That was not the case with Emanuel Augustus.  It seemed as if he never had an easy fight, and at times no real time to prepare for one. Augustus has a record that reads 38-31-6. If you looked strictly at his record you would say he was no good, but you would be very wrong!  At the end of his career we have to look a little closer at his sheet:

Jesus Chavez

Ivan Robinson(Augustus was 8-5-2 when he took on the 22-0 Robinson)

Teddy Reid

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Mickey Ward(ESPN + Ring fight of the year, Nominated for ESPN fight of the decade)

Leonard Dorin

Leavander Johnson

Carlos Wilfredo Vilches(Augustus took the fight on 2 days notice)

David Diaz(undefeated at the time)

Courtney Burton(controversial SD lose, he would KO Burton in 8, two years later.)

Ray Oliveira

Kelson Pinto(undefeated at the time)

He has fought in 22 different states, 9 countries, and many of those places were the other fighter's home turf.  

The best fight I saw involving Augustus was against Lowell's own Mickey Ward, which would end up being Ring Magazines Fight of the Year.(Ward won a unanimous decision, in NH.)  That may have been the best fight, but it is not my strongest memory.   

 

On July 8th, 2005 Augustus took on veteran Ray Oliveira at Hampton Beach Casino in New Hampshire.  Ray Oliveira was a never quit, never give up type of boxer.   The type that would probably continue fighting even if the building started to cave in.  During the 8th round of that fight Oliveira grabbed the back of his head as if he had taken a rabbit punch, but none were thrown.  It was a strange reaction that had many people watching imagining the worst.  In typical Oliveira fashion, he said he was fine, refused the doctor, and the fight continued with 1:30 still left in the round.  Augustus never threw another head shot, he barely even threw a body shot.  Augustus could see the same as everyone else, that something was wrong.  He decided to take the high road and not worsen the situation, or the saftey of the other fighter.  Referee Steve Smolger didn't let the fight continue after that round. 

In a sport where a cut is pounced on like a shark to food, and swollen eyes are target practice.   Where Antonio Margarito thinks it's ok to put Plaster of paris on his hand wraps (last January he and his trainer were caught putting pads laced with paster of paris in his hands wraps.)  In a sport that sometimes is dirty, dangerous, and downright inhumane, Augustus did the unthinkable, he backed off. 

After reading his Facebook update I wrote on his wall:  "It has been fun watching you throughout the years.  It's not often you get to thank an athlete you admire, but because of Facebook I can.  Thank you!"

This morning he wrote back to me  "My pleasure, and I'm glad you liked some of the things I did in the ring."

No one would have blamed Emanuel Augustus if he had gone for the knockout that night, and he certainly didn't have to respond to me on Facebook, but he showed honor, class, compassion and most of all, reminded me why I love boxing.

  

MANNY PACQUIAO VS. MIGUEL COTTO

             

In other sports such as football or baseball fans know what months are big.  October is MLB playoffs, and the Super-bowl happens every February. Boxing fans have a bit of a revolving door, Hagler-Hearns was in April, Duran-Leonard was in June, then again in November. My point is most sports fans can mark the calender, while boxing fanatics have to endure rumors, failed contract negotiations, and less than stellar match-ups before a super-bowlish fight comes along. To paraphrase Forrest Gump; boxing is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get.

Well, in this case I know what we are gonna get, a great fight! So if you aren't a boxing fan, at least be happy for those of us that are.(A chest bump when you see me would be nice.)  Now we have the date and the fight we wanted.  Something big to look forward to, hype up, and toil over the outcome. 

Bob Arum announced on Monday that Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto will square off on November 14th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.  This is a fight fans fight.  This year boxing's  Superbowl, World Series,  Stanley Cup, lies in November.

Pacquiao is coming off of a career best performance, knocking out Ricky Hatton in two rounds. Pacman went up to 140 pounds to stop the reigning ring champion. Now the man at the top of the pound for pound rankings will again go up in weight to 145 pounds to lock horns with another pound for pounder in Miguel Cotto.

One thing that you can say about Miguel Cotto is that he has been doing what many fighters in the boxing haven't lately: putting on entertaining fights.  Cotto has put some solid names on his ledger the past few years, Paul Malignaggi, Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Antonio Margaritto, and Joshua Clottey. Now you can add the multi-division champion to that list.

WHY SHOULD YOU BE EXCITED?

Unlike some fights, this one guarantees to pay off. It pits two very exciting fighters against each other, one of which is arguably the most exciting in all combat sports(Pacquiao). Yes, I said it, even if you are one of those "MMA is way better than Boxing" kinda guys, you must admit a Manny Pacquiao fight is different. He has a power, as he proved with Ricky Hatton, he has guts, which he proved with Eric Morales, and he has become one of the best all around fighters in the game, as he proved by moving up several weight divisions to crush the likes of Oscar DeLahoya and David Diaz. Win or lose you get your money's worth with Manny. 

Cotto is coming off a razor thin decision to the sturdy Joshua Clottey, who probably could have taken the fight had he not stopped punching in the late rounds. Unlike DeLahoya, Cotto will not be draining himself to make 145lbs. Cotto has fought the past few years at 147lbs, so the 2 extra pounds shouldn't be anything to worry about.  Cotto is also a sturdy guy with a hell of a punch himself, and he really enjoys going to the body.(Except against Margarito, which I will never understand).  Anyway, he will no doubt be a solid foe for the Filipino icon, and will not make for a boring fight. 

 These are two proud combatants that seem to fight for more than money.  They fight for the fans, and they fight to prove they are the best.  That my friends, is why you should be excited.  So set the DVR, start preparing the wings, and put November 14th on your sports calender.  

Memories of a fighter

Over the past couple weeks people have seen how they can be affected by the passing of strangers.  It's funny how someone you don't really know can come into your life through television, music, movies, or sports and really connect with you.  I was old enough to know what Ed McMahon had brought to The Tonight Show, and wasn't around for the glory days of Farrah Fawcett.  I remember how good Micheal Jackson was in the 80's, but was just getting into music when he started getting destroyed in the tabloids.  I understand how these passings can feel for most, but to me they are just celebrities who went too soon.  Alexis Arguello had his second fight with Aaron Pryer in 1983,  when The Bryguy was only 4 years old, that was well before Bryguyboxing.  

Arturo Gatti on the other hand came through my TV as he did most of his fans, and touched me with his grit, guts, and heart.  In the ring he had the tools that we all hope, and wish we had in everyday life: the ability to never give up, never give in, never be bullied, and the courage to push through seemingly insurmountable odds.  When I think of Arturo Gatti though, the first things that come to mind aren't his fights, it's the few memories I have of actually interacting with the true life gladiator.

In 2003 I had the chance to meet Arturo Gatti for the first time at Micky Ward's annual Golf Tournament in Andover Mass.  The thing that shocked me was how nice both he and Mickey Ward were.  They were both ferocious inside the ring, but kind people outside of it.  I got a picture with the two former rivals.  It was nice to meet someone that I had so much respect for and they took the time to be courteous back to a fan.  

A year later I would bump into Arturo again at a movie premier for the boxing film Black Cloud.  I was simply a camera guy covering the event and my reporter John and I wanted to get a few of his thoughts in an interview.  I remember being taken aback by how gentle and nice he was with us.  This was a guy who beat people up for a living, a guy who was being swarmed by fans at the event, and he couldn't have been more laid back and patient with us.

A year ago this December I found myself taking a vacation in the Bahamas with my lovely girlfriend Jayme.  During our stop at Atlantis(a giant water park in Nassau) I was enjoying a Daiquiri poolside when I noticed Gatti chilling on the other side of the pool.  Seeing as how he had retired recently I felt I had to approach him and let him know what a fan I was and thank him for the memories.  I remember walking over to him and wondering if it was appropriate to bother him when he was obviously on vacation, but being a fan I couldn't help myself.  I thought, how many times do you bump into a guy you admire so much when you are on vacation?  Arturo was even cooler than he had been in past experiences!  I introduced him to my girlfriend, and he introduced me to his wife, and baby son.  He told about heading to baptise his son in Florida, and stopped in the Bahamas on the way.  He was gracious and even though I was probably bothering him, he never showed it, he was happy to talk to a fan.  I think he knew just chatting with me would make my day and wouldn't really affect his.  These are memories that will last with me forever.  

The picture I got at the golf course has been hanging in my kitchen since 2003, and continues to be one of my favorite possessions.  Arturo Gatti gave me many great memories from his altercations in the ring, but more importantly didn't tarnish those memories when I had the chance to meet him outside of it.  Thank you for those memories Arturo. 

PACQUIAO VS. HATTON

This is my favorite time of the year, no not spring-time, not baseball season, not draft day, and definitely not Alcohol awareness month! It's big fight time! The Bryguy is ready to hunker down and watch arguably the biggest boxing event of the year.( I say arguably only because if Pacquiao wins there could be a Mayweather-pacquiao showdown later in the year.)

Does it get better than this? I love the hype of a big fight, especially when the fight looks like it could live up to it.(Not like Delahoya-Mayweather, although I enjoyed that hype as well.) For most people all they have to do is go to the bar or call a friend to talk about their favorite sport. Baseball fans have at least a game a day, Fox shows a National game every Saturday afternoon, ESPN has Sunday night baseball, and of course in New England, Red Sox games are always available on NESN(shameless plug).  Football fans have every Sunday and Monday night to bunker down and devour game after game. Boxing fans get one or maybe two big fights a year that will attract casual fans. This means more interest in the sport and more people to talk boxing with.  A fight like this to a boxing fan is like the playoffs to a football fan. Can you tell I'm excited?!

Prediction:

This is a tough fight to call, both guys are very good and looked like world beaters in their last fights. Ricky Hatton dismantled the usually slick Paulie Malignaggi, and Manny Pacquiao tore apart Oscar Delahoya as if he were nothing but a club fighter. There are many things to consider when talking about the outcome of this fight:

1. Hitman has never lost at 140lbs and Pacman has never fought at 140lbs

2. Hatton has only been with his trainer for 1 fight, Pacquiao has been with Freddie roach since 2001.

3. It's been a while since Hatton has fought a guy his own size(Ricky is small for 140lbs.)

4. Paulie Malignaggi has zero power, so Ricky had nothing to fear with him.

5. Delahoya was a shot fighter by the time Manny got to him.

6. Most importantly, Ricky can't wear his thong into the ring(check out the first 24/7 on demand if you don't get the joke).

So after thinking about all that, forget it because none of it matters! Yes Pacman is stepping up in weight; Yes Hitman is with a new trainer; Yes Hatton is a great body puncher; Yes Delahoya was shot; What I see more than anything is, Pacquiao has much greater hand speed and is the all around better fighter. Ricky, no matter what Floyd Sr. says is still the same fighter he was before. Hatton is the underdog going into tomorrows main event, but he is about as live an underdog as you're going get. He lost one fight to the pound for pound best fighter on the planet, of course in this fight he is taking on the guy who replaced Mayweather as number 1 on that list.

My pick is going to be the same as most, Manny Pacquiao. Although I think this will be a solid fight, worth the money spent on the PPV, I just feel that Manny is too good a fighter. Hatton will bring the fight to Pacquiao and force the Phillipino icon to dig deep, I just don't think Hatton can pull off the upset.  I think The Hitman will have his moments, perhaps even hurting Pacman in the middle rounds, but Pacquiao will recover to bring home the victory.  One of the problems is, as I just stated Hatton will bring the fight to Pacquiao, David Diaz did the same thing and Pacman ate him up with ease. I am not saying Diaz is as good as Hatton, but they both come straight forward and don't get too cute. Pacquiao has most famously had trouble with Juan Manual Marquez, a counter-punching wizard that throws punches from all angles. Hatton does have a tremendous body attack, but I don't see Pacquiao sitting on the ropes the way Jose Luis Castillo did when he fought Hatton.(The Hitman stopped Castillo in four rounds with a body shot). In the end Pacquiao will be too fast and surprisingly I think stronger than most think, Ricky Hatton will fall in the 11th of a tough fight.

PPV Plans:

When shelling out cash for a boxing event, it is always best to get a group to split it, and use it as an excuse to party.  I will be watching this fight at my brothers place, having some Delicious Bud Lights and perhaps some wings(I recommend Wings Over Brookline).   The last Hatton PPV was a great time at my place and I am hoping tonight will be just as good.  Sadly we will be missing one from the party, Boom-Boom made the last Hatton PPV an event to remember.  Boom-Boom has moved on to a better place, his presence and picture taking skills will be sorely missed tonight.     

Welcome Back!

Last Thursday I had the day off and did what most lazy people do with their free days, I slept late, lolly-gagged, and told everyone on Facebook what I was doing as I did it.(I know I'm that guy that updates you that I'm eating a Boston Creme donut in my underwear while watching Maury Povich, sorry!) Anyway, on this particular day I noticed that my friend HBO boxing has updated their status to; HBO Boxing wonders what you think: will Floyd Mayweather come back to boxing?

I immediately put down the Boston Creme, and did some research. Dan Rafeal of espn.com was reporting that Floyd was indeed making a comeback and an HBO date of July 11th had been bandied about for a tune-up fight. The Sweet Science.com and Maxboxing both had similar reports, saying that Floyd wanted to return and was looking to take on all comers.

Once I caught my breath I finished the donut and starting thinking about all the possible great fights Floyd could get into. It's not that I am the biggest "Pretty Boy" fan, or that his fights are overly exciting, it's just that fact that he is the best boxer in the game, and I want to see if he can be beaten. Here are the five I want after his tune-up:

1. MANNY PACQUIAO (48-3, 36ko)

This is the most obvious fight, and seems to be the fight that has brought "Money May" out of retirement.  This is a great match-up between the former pound for pound champ and his replacement. This fight will happen, I just hope Mayweather doesn't pull a Bobby Fisher and go back into hiding after beating the number one guy, there a few number two's I would like him to face as well.

2. JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ (50-4, 37ko)

Juan Manuel Marquez is arguably the second best fighter on the planet, and the only argument you could give for that statement would be, he's actually the best. Jimbobaroo once told me "Juan Manuel Marqeuez is the essence of dodge and punish".   I will be honest, I don't know what Jimbob was talking about, but I think it meant that JMM is a smart, solid fighter that shouldn't be doubted against anyone, even the pound for pound best.  If you saw his fight with Juan Diaz he looked as if he was getting pushed around by the younger man, but he was landing pin point punches(Alliteration!) the whole time. If he did miss it was almost like he did it just to set up a better punch.  I would like to see how Mayweather matches up with this counter-punching wizard. Would Mayweather seem as fast if he was being timed? Does timing really beat speed? Who is the best fighter in the world, Mayweather, Pacquiao, or Marquez? I don't have the answers, but I sure would like to find them!

3. SHANE MOSLEY (46-5, 27ko)

This would be such a good match-up between the guy who didn't think Antonio Margarito was anything special, and the guy who proved it. After watching Mosley put on a clinic against Margarito, it seems like he hasn't lost much off his fast-ball(that's for all you baseball nerds reading this). I would love to see how Mayweather would handle Sugar Shane's speed and power. Zab Judah looked like he gave Mayweather some fits early on in their fight, and I don't see Mosley fading or getting knocked out.

4. MIQUEL COTTO (33-1, 27ko)

If these two fighters were military weapons Miquel Cotto would be a tank, and Mayweather would be a Ninja.(OK, I know a Ninja isn't a military weapon, but come on, Ninjas are cool.) I personally think Cotto is a guy with the perfect style to beat Mayweather. He is a relentless, powerful fighter who chops his opponents down until they crumble. I would love to see if the vicious body puncher could slow down the slick defensive dynamo.(Another alliteration, where do I get these?!)  I have a feeling that this is one guy that "Money Mo" will avoid.

5. PAUL WILLIAMS (36-1, 27ko) 

I'm not sure if I really even want to see this fight.  I respect Paul Williams. but am just not that big a fan. I do enjoy that the guy moves up and down he weight classes to fight, but I just don't find him all that entertaining for some reason.(I really can't figure out why!) I just want to see Mayweather square off with a guy who has a 5 inch height advantage and a 10 inch reach advantage, talk about David vs. Goliath.   After this one I would then put him in with Valuev!

Let's admit it, Mayweather will never please everyone in the boxing world, but he sure can try a little harder.  I think he needs to fight at least 3 of these 5 to quiet the critics and not end up like Roy Jones, chasing the fights he should have had in his prime.

LOCAL UPDATE:

I found out that a few good local fighters will be filling out the April 25th Jermain Taylor-Carl Froch card, both Edwin Rodriquez and Danny O'Connor.  Edwin is coming off of an impressive outing, last Thursday he stopped veteran Patrick Thompson(15-13-1) in the second round, Rodriquez is only the second fighter to stop Thompson.  O'Connor's last victory was a first round TKO of Charles Wade(4-7-0) in Dorchester on March 14th.  There are still $50 and $75 seats available, and this is turning out to be a solid card.

LOCAL LEATHER

Over the next month New Englanders have a chance to see three full fight cards, two of their best up and comers, and one title fight that could be a pretty good brawl. Seeing as how I am a true fan of the sport and try to recruit new fans as well as make other fans aware of fights in the area, I am going to tell all about the local leather flying over the next month.


Saturday March 14th
The National Guard Armory
70 Liberty Ave.
Dorchester,MA

I will be honest, I only know about one fighter on this card, Framingham's Danny O'Connor. You may remember Danny from his stint on Friday Night Fights a couple weeks ago or Danny's pro debut which was featured on NESN.com. Danny has been busy since he turned pro in September, going 4-0 with one knockout. He should have a crowd rooting for him Saturday, since he's close to home, and it could be a fun night to see him perform.

There are several other locals on the card and many are making their pro-debuts:

Dan Conway - pro debut
Super Middleweight
Dorchester, MA

Alexis Santos - pro debut
Cruiserweight
Lynn,MA

Eddie Caminero (5-0, 5ko)
Super Middleweight
Lawrence,MA

Mike Reyes - pro debut
Light Middleweight
Roslindale,MA

Derek Sylveria (1-0, 1ko)
Light Middleweight
Byfield,MA

Jimmy Leblanc (12-15, 4ko)
Welterweight
Boston,MA

I will be honest other than Danny and maybe Jimmy Leblanc,who I saw lose once, I don't know much about anyone on the card. I do know that it's a pile of local kids and if you can you should show them some love. You never know, one of these guys could be the next Mickey Ward.


Thursday March 19th
Mechanics Hall
321 Main St.
Worcester,MA

Another up and comer I have blogged about before will be lacing up the gloves in his home town Thursday night for his first fight with his new promoter. Worcester native Edwin Rodriquez(9-0, 6ko) just signed a contract with Lou Dibella (Dibella Entertainment) and looks to be ready to do some big things in the next couple years. Edwin has fought 9 times in the past year is facing his biggest test yet, Patrick Thompson(15-13, 5ko) who despite his record is a solid fighter. His 13 loses have come against solid competition like John Duddy, Joe Greene, Vanes Martirosyan, and Alfonso Gomez. Thompson has a sturdy chin and doesn't lose to soft competition, so Rodriquez should be in for a pretty good fight.

Other locals on the card:

Dustin Rinehold - pro debut
Welterweight
Providence,RI

Valar Boise - pro debut
Light Heavyweight
Providence,RI

Ryan Kielczewski (3-0, 0ko)
Lightweight
Quincy,MA

Of course don't hold me to this as all bouts are subject to change.


Saturday April 25th
Foxwoods MGM Grand
Ledyard, CT

Here is the grand daddy of all the cards within driving distance. Jermain Taylor and Carl Froch will be facing of for a the WBC Super Middleweight title at the brand new MGM Grand-Foxwoods casino. Jermain Taylor(28-2, 17ko) is coming off a near shutout performance against former Olympic teammate Jeff Lacy. Froch(24-0,19ko) has decided to come over to the United States for only the second time(he fought in Cali once in 2005) to defend the belt he won via Unanimous decision against Canada's Jean Pascal(21-1,14ko). Many who saw that fight believed to be in contention for fight of the year.(Me, I youtube'd it, it's a pretty good scrap). The fight between Taylor and Froch should be good one, both guys have something to prove, Froch is looking for his first exposure to an American audience, and Taylor needs let everyone know he can compete with the elite 168 pounders. Taylor has only two losses, both at the hands of Middleweight titlist Kelly Pavlick and Carl Froch hasn't lost yet in his career. No matter how you cut, this could be a fight you want to be at.

The only other fight announced for this card is also a good one. another Super Middleweight bout, Allen Green(27-1,19ko) taking on Carlos Deleon Jr.(21-2,14ko). From what I've been reading on the numerous boxing message boards I check daily,(I'm a boxing nerd, what can I say?!) it sounds as if Green needs to impress and then could land some bigger money fights. He is line to take on former gold medalist Andre Ward(18-0,12ko) or maybe even the winner of the Taylor-Froch fight.

These are the only two fights announced so far, but with a month left before the fight, I'm sure a pile of others will be added. Fight cards like these are usually filled out with local guys who can sell tickets, so I'm sure there will be a few locals you've heard of filling out the night. I will be sure to keep you up to date.

Well, there you have it, if you are feeling a bit frisky(please don't take that the wrong way) go check out a fight, and support your local boxing community. You might even catch the Bryguy there(that's me, by the way).