Boxing: May 22, 2009

[H2O Man]

FRIDAY - at Miami (ESPN2) - 10 rounds, welterweights: Richard Gutierrez (24-2-1, 14 KOs) vs. Antwone Smith (15-1-1, 8 KOs); 8 rounds, light middleweights: Erislandy Lara (5-0, 3 KOs) vs. Jessie Nicklow (19-1-1, 7 KOs).


Boxing fans are eagerly awaiting the ESPN FNF card – not for the fights listed as the main event and co-feature, but rather, for a match on the undercard. Former Cuban amateur sensation Guillermo Rigondeaux will be making his pro debut. I strongly recommend that DU sports fans watch this event.

Rigondeaux, a two-time Olympic Champion, is scheduled to meet Juan Noriega. As ESPN’s Teddy Atlas noted, he "isn’t fighting King Kong, and he may not even have Pee Wee Herman" facing him in the ring. Actually, Juan "Dos Bombas" Noriega is reportedly 3-0, with 3 KOs. But there is a huge difference in over-all experience in the ring.

Rigondeaux is considered to be the best amateur boxer of his era. Besides the Olympics, he won two other amateur world titles, along with a lengthy list of other regional titles. His amateur record is a matter of dispute, but the most conservative estimate is 243-4. Earlier reports had indicated up to 200 additional wins, though no other loses. The disputes have to do with Rigondeaux’s attempts to defect from Cuba, and the harsh response taken by the island nation’s government. Rigondeaux, who was heavily favored to win a third Olympic title in 2008, has not been allowed to box since 2006.

That extended lay-off is one of the things that makes his pro debut interesting. Can this 28-year old can regain the level of skills he had, and translate them into the very different professional ranks?

I’ve watched him in the amateurs, and have seen film of him preparing for this fight. He brings to mind the great Willie Pep’s saying, "You couldn’t hit me with a handful of pebbles!" Add to his uncanny ability to avoid punches – and not by "running," but as a result of an internal radar system that is at a level that very few fighters have – solid punching power.

On an added note: over the last few years, I’ve spoken of a youngster from NYC who I’ve watched a number of times in the Silver Gloves. I’ve seen him compete in the semi-finals and finals of the northeastern region, before going on to the national championships (there are four regions in the US). As I’ve told my good friend Trumad, now that this fellow is 16, and moving from Silver to Golden Gloves, I’m confident that he will be representing our country in the Olympics. He’s that good. I told Trumad that this kid reminds me of Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather in the ring. An interesting part of the recent Dawson vs Tarver rematch was that this kid’s father was in Dawson’s corner. Dawson and Mayweather are, of course, close friends. I’d bet that Floyd’s Uncle Roger will train this kid when he turns professional. More on this later.

[H2O Man]

1. Tonights the night.

Enjoy the fights.