As you can see by the headlining names, it’s not a big week of professional boxing. I guess boxing promoters and television executives, despite not realizing that counterprogramming each other is a bad idea, realize that counterprogramming the Olympics is a bad idea. Good on them for at least getting that right. As for the video above – future Olympic sport? Could be more entertaining than amateur boxing (at times!).
- Darley Perez vs. Bahodir Mamadjonov, Friday, ESPN2, Cabazon Calif. Colombian lightweight Darley Perez takes a step up and a step into the spotlight on Saturday night against Uzbekistan’s Bahodir Mamadjonov. From what I’ve seen, Perez (15-0), a former Olympian and teammate of Yohnny Perez (they like the name in those parts), seems to be a well-schooled orthodox boxer with a pumping jab. Perez was originally slated to fight Michael Katsidis in what would have been a much bigger step up than his Uzbek opponent on Saturday. Mamadjonov (11-0) seems to be a sharp southpaw and usually fights at junior welterweight. With this fight being the first step into actual competition for both fighters, it’s very difficult to predict what will happen. But you can be sure that both men will be highly motivated.
- Brian Vera vs. Sergio Mora, Saturday, TeleFutura, San Antonio. This middleweight rematch of last year’s upset pits contender alum and underachiever Sergio Mora against rough and ready Texan Brian Vera. Mora (23-2-2) has an unfortunate reputation as one of the worst fighters to watch in the sport, despite his intelligence and charming personality. He’s consistently failed to rise to the occasion, with his 2010 draw with Shane Mosley and the aforementioned loss to Vera being cases in point. Vera (20-6), on the other hand, always gives his all, even when it’s not quite good enough. The Austin resident stalks his opponents, winging wild shots from the first bell to the last. Several opponents, most recently Andy Lee in their rematch, have shown that Vera can be outboxed, though. I’d say that a more motivated Mora can do that, but I’m not sure that a more motivated Mora exists.
- The Rest. Mexican junior flyweight veteran Hugo Cazares (36-7-2) faces Nicaragua’s Daniel Diaz(19-3-1) in Mexico on Fox Deportes Saturday… 2008 Olympian Shawn Estrada (14-0) fights at light heavyweight off-television Saturday.
