By Grey Johnson
06.08 - I was checking out the internet last week, and I noticed that collinspromotions.com is having a free webcast of their boxing card on Saturday. I was kind of surprised to see any promoter show off his card for the public to see for free, but it sounds like a good idea. I think local promoters would benefit by putting their fights on webcast, so the public could see little-known fighters in action. The fan could like what they see, and they would go to the next live boxing card. I'm not sure why more promoters try this; it would generate a larger fan base and interest for their future cards.
The major boxing show last week featured no surprised. Echols and Freitas got the job done. For Echols, he won impressively against an average fighter, and he is now the manditory for Ottke. I hope Echols can pull off a surprise in Germany (where of course, the fight will be held), but I see Ottke winning an easy twelve round decision. For Freitas, he won easily against Attah, who didn't look like he wanted to be ko'd. I wouldn't worry that Freitas has gone the distance in each of his last three fights. He'll grab a knockout once they put somebody who isn't defensive-minded in front of him. I still believe Mayweather would have an easy time beating Freitas...possibly even knocking him out.
Props of the week go to Scott Pemberton. He really took me by surprised at how he responded against Brewer after almost being knocked out. Pemberton showed a lot of guts by pounding on the former world champion for two brutal rounds (both with 10-8 for Pemberton), before inexperience took over in round six, and Brewer got the win. Pemberton may have lost the fight, but he did win the war. Brewer had to be taken to the hospital, and now boxing fans may wonder how many more wars could he have left?
Quiet week for boxing, let's take a look:
Jean-Marc Mormeck (27-2) vs. Dale Brown (28-2-1)
I guess this is the "main event" for this week. It's for a title in the always-boring cruiserweight division. I don't know much about Mormeck, other than he beat an old Virgil Hill. Dale Brown is a decent contender, and I think he had enough skills and experience to beat Mormeck in France. Brown has decent power, and has improved on his defense in past fights. I think Brown will join Eric Lucas on the list of current Canadian champions.
Mamadou Thiam (39-2) vs. Santiago Samaniego (35-6-1)
Mamadou Thiam has a chance to capture a "title" at 154 pounds...even though there is NO SUPERCHAMPION! Thank you, WBA. So basically, the winner of this fight will have to wait more than a month for the DLH-Vargas result, and then he will get his title. I'd take Thiam by knockout, he has excellent power, and the fight is in his familiar turf.
George Jones (17-1) vs. Demetrius Jenkins (21-7-1)
Minor light heavyweight fight that will be broadcasted on ESPN, I like Jenkins due to his experience and power...Jones hasn't been tested, other then the Harding fight.
Roberto Leyva (21-0-1) vs. Miguel Barrera (18-0-2)
Maaaaan, cruiserweight and minimumweight titles fight in the same week! When was the last time that happened??? I'm going with the upset, Barrera will become the new champion...he gave Leyva a lot of problems in their first fight.
Tokunbo Olajide (16-0) vs. Gary Jones (19-1)
Olajidge is an excellent prospect, and I believe he will give us a solid performance against the durable Gary Jones. I like Olajide by knockout.
OTHER FIGHTERS IN ACTION THIS WEEK: Duncan Dokawari, Michael Stewart, Ener
Julio, Saul Duran, Fabio Oliva, Omar Adorno, Travis Simms, Demetrius Hopkins, Dante Craig
