24.12.06 – By Ted Sares: 5) Bernard Hopkins vs. Oleg Maskiev in the kind of fight Hopkins wants for his legacy; namely, one that everyone says he can’t win. But he will win. Unless Oleg fights Klitchko (in which case he will be dispatched summarily), he would be the perfect foil for a heavier and smarter BHOP in what will be one of the most boring fights in recent history. Still, because of what it represents, it would be an highly intriguing one and makes my list, albeit last..
4) Joe Calzaghe vs. Mikkel Kessler: Let’s get it on. This is the one Europe wants; its own mega-fight. A bona fide unification. Hey forget Manfredo.This fight would define J.C.’s career and give Kessler the chance at making history as well. Both are unbeaten, both are double world champions, and the victor takes it all. This IS the fight for serious boxing fight fans…..whether in the US or abroad. It has to be made. Let’s see if Kessler peaks and catches Joe at just the right time, or if Joe rises to the occasion and turns in another Lacey-like performance. If Joe beats Manfredo (which he should) and does not make this fight, his legacy will begin to get tarnished. Time to put up or shut up.Pick em.
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3) Alan “Sweetness” Green, 23-0, vs. Kelly “Ghost” Pavlick, 29-0. Back in the day, guys like this would fight each other to take the next step up. Time for these two guys to do the same. An American box-off with the winner facing the winner of number four above. What’s not to like? Both are heavy handed but Green’s defense remains somewhat pourous while Kelly continues to improve.
2) Joan Guzman vs. Juan Manuel Marquez for the right to meet Manny Pacquiao. The slickster/puncher vs. the technique puncher. Mexico vs. the Dominican Republic. Guzman is on the rise; Juan may have peaked….Manny watches (after his destruction of Barrera).
1) Jorge Arce vs. Vic Darchinyan: A mini-Raging Bull throwing punishing lead rights vs. an incoming brawler throwing menacing Mexican type-hooks. Don’t go to the refrigerator; don’t blink.These two guys bring pure entertainment and excitement into the ring. Both have heavy hands and this could be one of the most explosive fights of 2007. It has the potential to be another Garza-Meza. Too close to call, but I am leaning toward the Armenian in one for the ages.