When I first saw Jose Hernandez, he was an unexpected gem (a bit like the B-Balling Mormons in the above video). That was back in 2011, when “Loco” outfought and outhustled Mickey Bey, only to be ripped off with a draw. For a while it looked like that was going to be the story of the fun young Texan’s career, but he’s got things together under new management and is headlining an ESPN2 card. It warms the cockles of my heart, it does. Anyway, on to the schedule.
- Jose Hernandez vs. Rustam Nugaev, Friday, ESPN2, Cabazon Calif. This fight has “barnburner” written all over it. Hernandez (14-6-1, 6 KO) is a ton of fun, as I outlined above, but he’s also sloppy at times. You could describe his opponent, Russia’s Rustam Nugaev (24-6-1, 14 KO) exactly the same way. “El Loco” doesn’t have an ounce of quit in him. By the end of this fight, we’ll know whether Nugaev does.
- Deontay Wilder vs. Siarhei Liakhovich, Friday, Showtime, Indio Calif. There are still big questions hanging over the head of heavyweight Olympic medallist Deontay Wilder (28-0, 28 KO). Sure, he can punch – but is his technique up to scratch and can he take it as well as he dishes it out? Liakhovich (25-5, 16 KO) is without a doubt “The Bronze Bomber’s” best opponent to date, but that’s not saying much. The Russian has been stopped in both his last two fights, though he at least gave Robert Helenius and Bryant Jennings some rounds. That’s what will most likely happen again, which can’t be bad for Wilder’s development. On the undercard, junior middleweight prospect Jermall Charlo (14-0, 10 KO) fights Antwone Smith (23-4-1, 12 KO), which figures to be a good test. Finally, talented featherweight prospect Gary Russell, Jr. is having a bletchworthy bout against a guy who has lost nine of his last 10 fights.
- The Rest. Transnational Boxing Rankings Board #2 bantamweight Anselmo Moreno (33-2-1, 12 KO) fights William Urina (24-2, 20 KO) in Panama City on Saturday… Featherweight Gamalier Rodriguez (21-2-3, 15 KO) fights Jorge Pazos (14-5-1, 8 KO) in Bethlehem, Pa. the same night, to be broadcast on UniMas.
