Boxing

"Night of the Young Heavyweights": Meet the Future

By Wes Moore

26.08 - On September 27th HBO will present its Night of the Young Heavyweights. The last installment brought us looks at Ruiz vs. Tua, Golota vs. Nicholson, and Briggs vs. Wilson. Of course no true champions emerged from this group but there are several from the lot that have made some kind of impact on the division. The current group that will show their wares on HBO has a chance to impress fans and influence promoters. They also have a chance by fighting other quality prospects to climb higher in the ratings while past chumps and champions refuse to step aside.

This night is exactly what fans of the heavyweight division should desire. The current scene is being muddied with comebacks such as those of Michael Moorer, Ray Mercer, Andrew Golota, and Joe Hipp. There are others who really have no true value in the ring but continue to fight on the marquee value of their name which complicates the title picture. It is unlikely that there has been any other period in recent boxing history that there were this many journeyman and gatekeepers that stunted the progress and growth of the division. Any fan of the division knows that on any given night that Tyson or Holyfield could turn back the clock but the odds are long and their presence prevents other upcoming fighters from getting the good fights, the money, the titles, and the chance to build a legacy.

This HBO promotion should not really be billed as a night of young heavyweights as many of the competitors are not young in terms of boxing prospects but still have lots of time to make their mark. However, they are all solid prospects and you can expect many to achieve top-flight status in the division. They can be proud of the lineup they have put together, as four of the six competitors are undefeated with fair opposition (for a prospect). What can you and I expect to see from Buffalo on the 27th? Let's take a look.

First you get Duncan Dokiwari vs. Dominick Guinn

Dokiwari, 29 years old, 22-1
Key Wins: Dokiwari has scored wins over perennial stepping stones such as David Vedder and Otis Tisdale and also bested Andy Sample and Mike Sedillo.

Question Marks: A lengthy layoff leaves question marks on Dokiwari's commitment but he has probably worked off the ring rust by now. A loss to Fres Oquendo early in his career was his best opponent to date. His lack of quality opposition is also a worry.

Guinn, 28 years old, 22-0
Key Wins: Guinn scored his most significant win versus Michael Grant in which he floored him four times. He also has beaten Garing Lane, Charles Hatcher, and Otis Tisdale.

Question Marks: A split decision victory over "Freight Train" Lane might have led some to believe that he wasn't ready for game opposition but the win over Grant should silence those fears.

Outcome: Expect a slugfest with these two heavies but the more tested Guinn will most likely impose his will upon Dokiwari. Either way it is unlikely that this one will go to a decision.

Second on the card is Sinan Samil Sam against Juan Carlos Gomez

Sam, 29 years old, 18-0
Key wins: Won the European Heavyweight title by beating Przemyslaw Saleta and has defended successfully against Julius Francis and more impressively Danny Williams. He also beat dangerman Willie Chapman early in his career.

Question Marks: The Bosphorus Bull had limited opposition until he claimed the Euro strap but he has responded very well with KO's over Francis and Williams. He might be susceptible to a combination and power and skill that Gomez possesses.

Gomez, 30 years old, 36-0
Key Wins: This former cruiserweight titleist claimed all of his important wins at the lower division with wins over Al Cole, Marcelo Dominguez, and Immamu Mayfield. He has scored a win over Ken Murphy since he began his heavyweight campaign.

Question Marks: Gomez has yet to face any tough competition at the next level and has recently come under the wing of Angelo Dundee. His vast experience at cruiser is a plus but can his pure skills and deceptive power carry him to a winner versus a banger.

Outcome: This one really could steal the show and I believe it really is up for grabs. The skill of Gomez would carry him to wins versus most heavyweight journeymen but Sam has proven to be a legitimate threat to one and all. In the end, Gomez combination of technique and power may prove too much for Sam if he can carry it the distance but it should be a great one to watch.

Finally, Joe Mesi vs. Davarryl Williamson

Williamson, 35 years old, 18-1
Key Wins: Williamson has scored impressive wins over Corey "T Rex" Sanders, Kevin McBride, Dale Crowe, and Robert Wiggins. His tenacity makes up for any technique issues.

Question Marks: Touch of Sleep is a slugger who has been accused of poor defense and other deficiencies. He suffered a loss to Willie Chapman, which still gets brought up to this day. He suffered a broken jaw in his fight versus Wiggins but came through to win the fight. How will he react fighting a hometown favorite?

Mesi, 29 years old, 26-0
Key wins: Baby Joe has scored wins over faded versions of David Izon and Bert Cooper. He has also beaten Keith McKnight and Robert Davis.

Question Marks: Mesi is believed by many to have been fed a steady diet of nobodies and faded opposition to build for a big money fight. This is the big one for Mesi. He has a date with HBO in his toughest fight to date in front of his hometown crowd. I expect him to come out and put on a good show but will it be enough.

Outcome: Neither of these guys will back up and both will throw big shots. I really can't see this one going deep into the night. Williamson, at a more advanced age, is probably willing to take more chances to score the win. This victory is huge for either guy but I would lean toward Williamson in this one.

Even if none of these guys go on to illustrious heights in the division it should still be a nice glimpse at some solid competitors for years to come. It'll be a fun night. . You can reach me at largedog@bellsouth.net and until next time watch out for the upper cut behind the jab.


September 27
(HBO) Joe Mesi (26-0) vs. DaVarryl Williamson (18-1)
(HBO) Juan Carlos Gomez (36-0) vs. Sinan Samil Sam (18-0)
(HBO) Dominic Guinn (22-0) vs. Duncan Dokiwari (22-1)

0 comments
 


Bookmark and Share

 

If you detect any issues with the legality of this site, problems are always unintentional and will be corrected with notification.
The views and opinions of all writers expressed on eastsideboxing.com do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Management.
Copyright © 2001- 2015 East Side Boxing.com - Privacy Policy