Looking Ahead at the Fights This Week

By Grey "We Need a NATIONAL Commission!" Johnson

01.07 - Well, there were not any huge surprises in the last seven days. Wlad took out Mercer just as I thought, but I have to admit, I didn't think he would pull it off as quick as he did. Wlad is a few fighter away from fighting Lewis, but I'd like to see him defend against the jab a lot better than he did before I give him a shot at becoming the next heavyweight champion.The pace that he was fighting at was excellent. He didn't look like he was slowing down at any time during the fight. As for Mercer, he did what he wanted to do, hang around for another nice payday, and I think he should retire, going down as once of the best recent heavyweights to never win a true title.

There was some controvesy last week, too. The scoring of the Espadas-Velazquez fight was amazing. I was stunned to see a 98-94 card for Velazquez....I think Guty would have won the fight if he had fought in any other state except freakin' WISCONSIN. Now, Espadas is nowhere as good as he was when he fought Morlaes, but I thought he did more than enough to get the decision. Also, how about the referee's actions during the Teddy Reid-Germain Sanders fight? Sanders gets drilled TWICE after the bell, while he is down, and all the ref does is give him a count. Just amazing. He did so many things wrong, and again, Sanders would have at least lasted a few more rounds if almost any other ref was involved with the fight. Ir is a referee's job to look after the saftety of both fighters, and this guy failed miserably at it.

Oh yeah, how about that Echols knockout? Nice matchmaking, ESPN.

Heading on to this week....and there isn't much:

Sharmba Mitchell (48-3) vs. Frank Houghtaling (17-7-5)

Mitchell is continuing his comeback since his loss to Tszyu. Many people forget that the fight was close before Shamba quit. Houghtaling is nothing more than a decent journeyman, and Sharmba should easily pass the test by winning his first televised fight in a loooong time.

Emmanuel Lucero (20-0) vs. Angel Chacon (27-4-1)

Lucero is an upcoming prospect at 122, and has fought on ShoBox three times, defending a minor title twice. Chacon provides a step up for Lucero in terms of experience, and has only lost to very good fighters (Erik Morales, Oscar Larios). Lucero has shown quick hands and fast movement around the ring, but his defense has been questioned. I don't think Chacon will answer it for us, but it will at least be an entertaining fight with Lucero coming out on top.

Yosam Choi (24-1) vs. Jorge Arce (29-3-1)

This is for the a title at 108 pounds. Arce was supposed to fight Choi a long time ago, but this fight has been cancelled around three times. I have never seen any of these guys fight before, but on paper, it seems compelling. They both have the same amount of experience, with Arce having more power. The fight is also on Choi's turf, so who knows what will happen. I would like to see Ricardo Lopez fight the winner of this bout, just so he can stay active! :)

Michael Grant (33-2) vs. Thomas Williams (26-11)

Thomas Williams is best known for taking a dive against the immortal Richie Melito. With that information, and the fact Grant is trying to build himself back up, I think we both know Grant will have a quick and easy night.

ALSO IN ACTION THIS WEEK: Juan Diaz, DaVarryl Williamson, Malcolm Tunacao, Tontcho Tontchev

Well, that's it for this week. If you are from the USA, have a happy July 4th. If you're from another part of the world...well....have a excellent Thursday. Everyone, adjust that there is no Max Kellerman on television this week.