Sorry if this a bit long, but I wrote myself, so check it out if your at all interested in this fight.
In less than a week, Sat July 16, there will be a very compelling boxing card on ppv. The main event is Bernard Hopkins defending the undisputed world middleweight title against Jermain Taylor.
Hopkins (46-2-1, 32 kos) has had a piece of the middleweight title since April 1995 when he kod Segundo Mercado (who was never the same afterwards) for the IBF title. He unified the middleweight division in 2001 with wins over Keith Holmes (WBC) and Felix Trinidad (WBA). The Executioner added the inherantly meaningless WBO belt by knocking out Oscar de la Hoya las September.
For 10 years he has reigned as king of the middleweights. He has defeated an incredible list of opponents (de la Hoya, Trinidad, Holmes, William Joppy, Howard Eastman, Robert Allen, Antwun Echols, Glen Johnson, etc etc). He hasnt been defeated since losing a decision to Roy Jones Jr way back in 1993. Most anyone would agree that he is the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world. His huge test this Saturday will be a fighter who is young, talented, and very hungry.
Jermain Taylor (23-0, 17 kos) won a bronze medal at the 2000 Olympics and has been running over his opponents so far as a professional. He stepped up his level of opposition as early as just his seventh pro fight when tkod veteran Undra White in 4 rounds. White had been in 33 fights at the time including 10 round points losses to Otis Grant and Eric Lucas as well as losses to Rocky Gannon and Vinny Pazienza. In 2003 he kod Marcos Primera and Nicolas Cervera in a span of 6 weeks before fighting his first 12 rounder in August of that year (a decision over Alfredo Cuevas for a minor belt). In January '04 he destroyed one-time world title challenger Alex Rios in 1 round. Two months later he kod Alex Bunema (who beat Vince Phillips a few months ago) in seven rounds. The remainder of last year saw Taylor scoring wins over former world champions Raul AMrquez and William Joppy. In his last fight, in February, he kod previously undefeated Daniel Edouard in the third. Jermain Taylor feels that now is his time to be king. "Bernard Hopkins is a great champion and I have a lot of respect for him, but I will not respect him once the bell rings. I have waited for this moment for my entire life, and I won't be denied on July 16. If Bernard won't pass the torch, I'll just take it from him."
In my opinon, this fight has alot of similarities to Chavez-Taylor back in the day. A long reigning, highly respected, extremely talented champion meeting a young prospect with star potential at a crossroads. Some people have long complained that Hopkins style is 'boring' but I disagree. He is one of the most intelligent boxers ever and always finds a way to beat any opponent, no matter who. I dont find scientific boxing to be boring..but also, B-Hop has been in many exciting scraps over the years (Echols and Tito come to mind immediately). Taylor is always exciting, has definite ko power, and has proven that he can become champ. Can Taylor put all the pieces together and take the crown from the true reigning king? Will age finally catch up to the Executioner? Will Hopkins long road of greatness continue for another defense?
My prediction - This fight really can go either way and thats what makes it so interesting. Hopkins will be tested like he hasnt been in years. He might even get knocked down. This fight will prove itself to be a worthy ppv headliner, I really think it should be a great match. I just dont think Taylor has been tested enough or seen enough challenges in the ring. Taylor will prove his heart but he will not win the world middleweight title. Hopkins by close (but clear) decision or late round stoppage.
The undercard:
-Oscar Larios (53-3, 35 kos) will defend his WBC super-bantamweight title in a rematch against Wayne McCullough (27-5, 18 kos). Their fight in February was a war and I think this fight will be equally entertaining. I think Larios will retain with a stoppage on cuts this time.
-Fernando Montiel (30-1-1, 24 kos) defends his wbo super-flyweight belt against late-sub Evert Briceno (21-2, 17 kos). The original opponent was going to be Eric Morel but he has been suspended for being a little piece of shit. Briceno cant do any worse. Im sure Montiel will retain though.
- Former world welterweight champion Vernon Forrest (35-2, 26 kos) returns to the ring for the first time in almost two years against the very inexperienced Segio Rios (6-1). This is scheduled for 10 but I dont think Rios is going to even get to the 5th.
A free preview (I have no idea what the channel is for what cable/dish/digital systems) will feature live fights of 2004 Olympians Abner Mares and Vicente Escobedo.
Anyone here going to watch this? Predictions? The main event is really good and the undercard should be pretty fun.
