Monday, March 23, 2009

Fight nights

Both Vitali Klitschko and Roy Jones Jr. were in action in the ring this weekend. It's a fun week in boxing — if they were fighting six years ago.

Klitschko pummeled overmatched mandatory challenger Juan Carlos Gomez to retain his WBC Heavyweight Title. Jones destroyed Omar Sheika to get some light heavyweight alphabet soup belt.

Omar who?

Exactly.

Heavyweights
Klitschko is heads and shoulders above everyone in the heavyweight division with the exception of one man — his 32-year-old brother Wladimir — but don't look for the two to ever battle. Britain's David Haye, a former cruiserweight champ, has been looking for a fight with one of the brothers for months now and he looks like he may get his chance as Wladimir's camp says they're getting close for a June 20 bout.

And while that's all fine and dandy, there aren't many American prospects who look like they can challenge them. 28-year-old Chris Arreola has size (6'4", 255) and power, but hasn't fought anyone with world-class ability yet. John Ruiz, Hasim Rahman and Lamon Brewster are all in their mid- to late-30s.

Junior Welterweights
This is one of the most exciting division in boxing today. And it's all for one reason: Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton in May. Hatton's a hard-nosed brawler who tries to bully his opponents. Pacquiao's quick on his feet and has tremendous power. Both like to punch. This'll be fun.

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