The definition of necessary evil is an unfavorable thing (This Fight) that someone (The WBC) believes must be done or accepted because it is necessary to achieve a better outcome — especially because possible alternative courses of action or inaction would be worse. Yep that pretty much defines this unnecessary bout that even Showtime didn’t want to broadcast originally.
Chris Carlson
Sky’s The Limit for Anthony Joshua
Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Sports posses arguably the biggest star in boxing (especially worldwide) a rarity for a fighter whom resides in the United Kingdom. Of course an argument could be made for Canelo Alvarez who fights in the states where the PPV cost is 3 to 4 times more expensive. Either way Anthony Joshua has that ‘IT’ factor written all over him. He’s got the looks, the power, and in his last outing showed how big of a heart he has. That’s not to say AJ doesn’t have any weaknesses he surely does.
Jermell Charlo vs. Erickson Lubin: High Risk Rarity
A tantalizing junior middleweight championship matchup between Jermell Charlo and Erickson Lubin might as well be the main event on Showtime’s Tripleheader this Saturday. Both Americans are undefeated, Charlo entering his prime and Lubin isn’t far off considering Erickson just turned 22 at the beginning of October. Nowadays (generally speaking) it’s a rarity for young fighters to risk losing their ‘0’ this early in a promising career. It’s a breath of fresh air so let’s hope the media and fans appreciate it instead of downgrading one of them at the end. Especially if it’s Erickson, a phenom who is taking a major step up in class challenging Jermell for his 154-pound strap.
Anthony Crolla and Ricky Burns in a Manchester Mash-Up
My first reaction when hearing about the matchup between Ricky Burns and Anthony Crolla brought a smile to my face as I nodded in approval. The fight just made so much sense for both men at this stage of their careers and of course the venue selection was perfect. A world championship belt isn’t on the line but it doesn’t matter and that’s the beauty of it all. What matters is the next step for these guys and what better motivation then money and pride.
Dorticos vs. Kudryashov & Parker vs. Fury Highlight Busy Boxing Weekend
The Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov & Joseph Parker vs. Hughie Fury standout in a busy boxing weekend that includes cards on ESPN, HBO, YouTube, and a variety of available (legal) streams.
Let’s begin this preview and predictions piece with another installment of the Top Rank on ESPN series. The televised tripleheader opens up with Micheal Conlan and is headlined by Oscar Valdez’s making a mandatory defense of his 126 pound WBO belt. Let’s hope the main event is at least entertaining style-wise and that Conlan puts on show. The best matchup on paper is Gilberto Ramirez (35-0) vs. Jessie Hart (22-0) in the co-feature.
Canelo vs. Golovkin: Money and The Power
Much is at stake when Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez meets Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin this Saturday night live on HBO PPV from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Middleweight supremacy and PPV king status is on the table for either man that walks away the victor. Will the power of Golovkin overwhelm the Mexican superstar? Or will Canelo’s overall skill & boxing politics be too much for Triple G to overcome?
For about two and half year’s this Canelo vs. GGG fight marinated on the back burner for Oscar De La Hoya. Oscar took the time to allow his fighter to build his body up to the middleweight division. Most of the boxing world grew impatient after Amir Khan led to Liam Smith as Canelo’s next opponent last September to make matters worse it was on PPV.
Flyweight Wars 2.0
This Saturday night the rematch between Roman Gonzalez and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai at the super flyweight division along with the rest of the HBO tripleheader could be the spark that ignites round two if you will of the Flyweight Wars. Several years ago a plethora of fights took place at the flyweight division sparking a round-robin feel amongst 7 or 8 fighters. It was a wonderful thing to witness as many hardcore fans got a taste of what boxing use to be like in its heyday.
Mayweather vs. McGregor: The Definition of Rachet
Barring a draw on Saturday night history will be made from the outcome of this super fight when Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor clash in the ring. If Floyd is victorious he will break Rocky Marciano’s career record of 49-0. If Conor does the impossible his legacy will live in infamy as the best combat sports fighter ever, although Bruce Lee would argue that fact and rightfully so. Is this a real fight or a figment of the imagination? (Translation to the youth, Real or Rachet AF)
Crawford vs Indongo: Sovereignty at 140
When Terence Crawford and Julius Indongo step in the ring this Saturday night on ESPN history will be on their side. A quality matchup on paper gets majorly upgraded by being the first chance to crown an undisputed champion at any weight in over 12 years. Former middleweight lineal champion Jermaine Taylor was the last undisputed in boxing while Kostya Tszyu accomplished that feat at junior welterweight.
Lomachenko vs. Marriaga: The Matrix Returns on ESPN
Vasyl Lomachenko defends his WBO junior lightweight belt against Miguel Marriaga in what on paper is a showcase fight on ESPN. Top Rank is banking on this main event being stylistically an entertaining matchup for television.
Saturday nights co-feature is Raymundo Beltran versus Bryan Vasquez.