The last 24 hours in Boxing - 28/11/11

Another new feature for my blog, which sees me sum up a few big stories that have been happening in the last day, as the title suggests. Interaction is key here, so if you have any views about any of the stories, post a comment or tweet me @DragonBoxing.


Firstly this story from Fighthype.com, regarding "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather Jr.


May 5th looks the date for his next fight, who's the opponent going to be? Will it be Martinez? Canelo? Berto? Bradley? Khan? Or finally that long awaited showdown with Pacquiao?


I am a huge Mayweather fan and cant see anyone beating the guy, he is a tactical genius and one of the most skilled fighters to ever lace a glove up.


The Alvarez and Martinez fights dont look likely as they are bigger guys than Floyd, and I'm pretty sure Floyd will be desperate for Pacquiao after his last fight, which would be great for Boxing as the fight just has to happen, especially as it will prove how good Mayweather is.


Will you be buying Box Nation is what Danny Flexen asks on the Boxing News site?


I have watched a lot of the channel so far and been very impressed with how they've presented their shows and also the new commentating voices of Enzo Maccarinelli and Paul Smith.


It's fair to say that there have been one or two bad bills as mentioned in the piece, but overall the standard has been excellent and having recently picked up Chavez and Alvarez fights, it's certainly a positive for Boxing fans who crave some US action.


£10 a month is a reasonable price and I really do hope it's successful. What I have also recognised is they've shown a lot of live undercard action and for me this has been a great move as I love to follow upcoming prospects.


Fightnews report that Erik Morales will return in January.


Morales looked good in his last fight against an unknown Mexican called Pablo Cesar Cano, and although clearly doesnt have the speed anymore, the old saying is "form is temporary, class is permanent".


For me Matthysse, whom he was supposed to fight for that world title last time out, is the realistic option, and down the line I would love to see a unification bout with Khan.


The fight of the weekend will have a British fighter involved.


The bill at MSG is absolutely awesome and this fight between two of my favourite boxers is one I really cannot wait for.


It's going to be an absolute war and kind of brings back memories of our own Ricky Hatton's trips to America.


I can see a big response from Murray, his head is back screwed on since getting back with Joe, and this is going to be a really interesting fight. Find out on Friday who I think is going to win!


Robert Helenius is back on home soil.


Another massive fight for a British boxer, as Dereck Chisora travels to Helsinki, four months after losing his unbeaten record to Tyson Fury.


I really do fancy an upset in this fight, I dont have a specific reason, but if Del Boy has trained and taken it seriously, he could be well worth a few quid down the bookies to win.

Prospect watch #2 - Review

Michael Roberts - Super Featherweight


On the Crollla v Limond undercard, this kid continued to showcase fine boxing skills, outpointing Dan Naylor over four for the second time in two weeks.


Although the guy isnt knocking people over at the moment, he landed some sharp shots in a 40-37 verdict.


Scottish boxing is buzzing and Glasgow man Roberts could be a big player in coming years with a bit more work.


Felix Diaz - Welterweight


This skilled fighter now has the look of fellow countryman Joan Guzman about him after his bout was scratched having failed to make weight. The bout was at light middle and he still came well over, which is massively disappointing and a huge opportunity lost for this kid, a big thumbs down from Dragon Boxing.

Russell Jr was definitely my prospect of the weekend

Gary Russell Jr - Featherweight


I got the weight wrong with this guy in Prospect Watch #2, but he's a featherweight, who stepped up for this 10 rounder and my oh my did he impress.


Knocked out Heriberto Ruiz of Mexico, who's gone 12 rounds with Steve Molitor and Eric Moreal in the past, in a mere round and even though it was over quickly, showcased his super hands and great skills.


Up 13 places already after that win to #25 in the world and could be set for some massive fights.


Erkan Teper - Heavyweight


The German was given a bigger role on the undercard in Turkey after Odlanier Solis pulled out and gave late replacement Cisse Salif a nightmare two rounds.


Salif hadnt been stopped since an 8-1 Ray Austin KO'ed him in the fourth round of their October 1999 bout, his only previous stoppage defeat in a 45 fight pro career.


Big win for Teper, who's out against on the 27th of January, fighting for the vacant IBF East/West Europe title, no I dont know either.


Who else impressed on this weekend's undercards?

Is Ramirez Sanchez another Mexican star?

Gilberto Ramirez Sanchez - Middleweight (20-0, 18 KO's)


Could this be the new Canelo? 6ft2 20 year old Ramirez Sanchez secured another stoppage win, beating previously unstopped Colombian Samuel Miller in four.


Considering Miller has gone the distance with now world #10 Marco Antonio Rubio and recent WBA world title challenger David Lopez, the win looks a top one on paper for "Zurdo".


The southpaw is already ranked #23 in the world and like Canelo has been very active in 2011, this was his fifth fight.


Leo Santa Cruz - Super Flyweight (18-0-1, 10 KO's)


This is a guy who I know quite a bit about, but didnt feature him in my prospect watch, mostly because he was a late addition, but his fight was a bit of a joke.


He's been in with some good fighters in the last year, but here he had a massive step down in class, facing 0-1 fighter Jorge Romero.


Obviously he won in three rounds, but not much can be taken from the fight.


Ranked #11 in the world and has potential to be multi-weight world champion.


Kash Ali - Heavyweight (1-0, 0 KO's)


Made his debut on the excellent Magna show in Rotherham this weekend against fellow debutant James Oliphant, and showcased some nice skills for a 40-36 shutout victory in 4x2's. 


Trains at the Ingle gym and scaled a pretty healthy 16st3 at the pre fight weigh in, which is always good to see a heavyweight in decent shape.


The heavyweight scene is buzzing domestically at the moment and being only 19 this kid has plenty of legs in him and should be confident after his pro debut.


Chris Pearson - Middleweight - (1-0, 1 KO)


If you were watching Box Nation's coverage of the Mexican and Cincinnati cards on Saturday, you would have seen this ex World Series Of Boxing star, kick off his pro career with a fine first round stoppage win.


Looks heavy handed and picked his shots beautifully, beating 0-2 Steven Chadwick. The journeyman had lost two, but had gone the distance two 1-0 prospects.


Plenty to learn, but is backed by some hugely respected figures and definitely looks like someone to keep an eye on.


Craig Whyatt - Light Welterweight (1-0, 0 KO's)


Another prospect who made his debut this weekend and kicked off with a 40-36 points win at the Coronet Theatre, Elephant & Castle, against tough veteran Robin Deakin.


Was aggressive, but still picked some nice shots as he closed out his win.


He was also cut in the fight, but carried on like it didnt even matter, showing there could be a fair bit of heart there as well.


Stephen Simmons - Cruiserweight (3-0, 1 KO)

Simmons is part of the Scottish boxing revolution

Another fighter who featured on the bill in Motherwell on Friday and hit experienced opponent John Anthony with everything in a six round points win.


Trained by Billy Nelson, a positive in itself, to step up to 6 rounds in just you're third fight is impressive and credit has to be given to promoter Frank Warren.


The Cruiserweight division is starting to come alive in the UK and Simmons, who seems to do a lot of things well, could be challenging for the British title in the next 12 months.

Prospect watch #2

Michael Roberts - Super Featherweight (5-0, 0 KO's)


In action on Friday 25th November at Ravenscraig Leisure Centre, Motherwell.


Ranked #18 in the UK.


Late addition to the Crolla v Limond undercard, this Glasgow fighter is an under-rated boxer coming through, who could be part of some big bills featuring Ricky Burns in the future.


Not been tested too much yet as a pro and faces the same opponent he fought two weeks ago in Dan Naylor tonight.

Diaz with his Olympic Gold

Needs to improve his power, but has got nice Boxing ability.


Felix Diaz - Welterweight (10-0, 6 KO's)


In action on Saturday 26th November at U.S Bank Arena, Cincinnati.



Ranked #137 in the world, #1 in Dominican Republic.

Serious Dominican fighter to look out for, superb amateur pedigree, which saw him win the Gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.


Been in with some tough fighters already, and comes into this fight on the back of a solid eight round UD points win over the tough Larry Smith.


No opponent been picked yet for his upcoming fight, but it will be a treat to see this 5ft5 southpaw in action, demonstrating terrific boxing ability.


Gary Russell Jr - Super Bantamweight (18-0, 10 KO's)


In action on Saturday 26th November at U.S Bank Arena, Cincinnati.


Ranked #38 in the world and #3 in the USA.


Hottly tipped Golden Boy prospect, who has been very active in 2011, fighting five times already.

Russell Jr is tipped for big things

I watched him on the Amir Khan v Judah undercard, easily outpointing Eric Estrada over eight rounds, showing very quick hands.


Had a tough looking fight last time out against 32-3 Leonilo Miranda, but didnt drop a round on two of the three judges scorecards in winning a UD against then tough Mexican.


Moves up to 10x3 this weekend and faces experienced ex IBF bantamweight challenger Heriberto Ruiz, who's won three of his last four.


Erkan Teper - Heavyweight (6-0, 4 KO's)


In action on Saturday 26th November at Spor Salonu, Trabzon, Turkey.


Ranked #149 in the world and #7 in Germany.


6ft5 heavy who's being moved along quite quickly by his promoters, and has already had one scheduled 12 rounder.


That was last time out as he stopped 9-2 Jakov Gospic to win WBC Mediterranean title, which may not mean a lot, but already gives him a decent world ranking.


Most impressive in April when outpointing Robert Hawkins over six, putting the America down twice. Hawkins has only been stopped three times in 42 fights and has taken a lot of good heavies the distance.


Teper has a good fight here as he faces the higher ranked world #109 Olekskiy Mazikin of Ukraine in an eight round fight.

Broner looks too good for Argentine visitor

Adrien Broner (21-0, 17 KO's) has his dream fight on Saturday as he goes for the vacant WBO super featherweight title in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, against visiting Argentine Vicente Martin Rodriguez (34-2-1, 19 KO's).

Fighters at this week's presser

Not a terribly exciting fight, it's only got two stars on boxrec and I dont think there's any doubt that the American will be the champion come the end of the night. Broner is exciting a lot of people, but not me to be honest. He looked very good in his last fight stopping the very tough and experienced Jason Litzau in a round, but before that I saw him sneak a controversial unanimous decision win over Daniel Ponce de Leon. He is regarded as the #1 fighter in this very weak division, and that's fair comment as I really dont see much else below him in the rankings. I'm definitely not ruling out becoming a fan of this guy as he has got plenty of potential and a world title win will bring him on nicely.

His opponent from Buenos Aires has a good record on paper, but has only once fought outside of his homeland and he was completely outclassed in a 10 round UD loss to then 11-0 Aussie William Kickett in New South Wales. Considering Kickett was stopped in a round by nine months later and then was stopped in six by Rodriguez's opponent here, it's a worrying looking form guide for him. If you respect boxrec's rankings like I do you can see this fight is not worthy of being a world title as this kid is ranked #63 in the world and has two fellow countryemen ahead of him. Here he faces someone with 427 boxrec points, the best guy he's beaten had 60 boxrec points at the time and was back in May 2007.

This is going to be about class, if Broner can stop Litzau, who beat Celestino Caballero, in a round, then he really shouldnt have any problems in getting rid of this kid. Argentinian fighters are tough and this guy has never been stopped, but if Broner is all he's cracked up to be, expect this to be done by round six or seven.

No easy night for Canelo

Who's hands will be on the belt come Saturday night?

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (38-0-1, 28 KO's) is one of the most exciting fighters in world Boxing and this weekend he has his fourth world title fight of the year, defending his WBC light middleweight belt against Kermit Cintron (33-4-1, 28 KO's).

Alvarez on paper is a pretty small guy for light middle, standing only at 5ft9, but the amount he puts on after a weight in is massive and he shows his strength in the ring come fight night. There is talk that he may not be able to go up many weights, but I can see him going up to at least super middle. In his last fight he simply proved too strong for fellow Mexican Alfonso Gomez in six, but it was a close fight before then and it looked a better match than people thought. This kid is a terrific fighter, I am starting to become a real fan, but I do think he's still a bit rough round the edges and if guys like Lovemore N'Dou, Matthew Hatton and Ryan Rhodes (stopped in final round) can go into the 12^th round with him, I believe Cintron has the experience to hear the final bell.

I do think the Puerto Rican will come to win, this really is his last shot at the big time and being a hot and cold fighter, this could be the time he just puts everything on the line and goes hell for leather for a world title. I watched him fight an improving guy called Carlos Molina in July and he was absolutely shocking in losing a 10 round decision, but he came back into the ring just a month after and claimed a 10 round UD over Antwone Smith. He had been out of the ring for 14 months before the Molina fight and needed some rounds, so I'm giving him another chance. He did throw some nice combinations in that Smith fight and the only guy who's really outclassed Cintron is Margarito, whi's stopped him twice, and like Manny Pacquiao, a Mexican might just be his bogeyman.

The bookies heavily fancy a Canelo stoppage and I dont blame them as the kid is an absolute machine, but I just fancy Cintron to turn up and make a real fist of it in Mexico City. This really is his last chance and on his day he can match the best, so despite Alvarez being on his way to elite level, he's not there yet!

Murphy to edge Owen live on Eurosport

At the Coronet Theatre in Elephant & Castle, Southwark, a Southern area lightweight scrap headlines a bill screened live on Eurosport as champion Ben Murphy (7-4-1, 3 KO's) faces the unbeaten Tony Owen (12-0, 1 KO).

Unbeaten Owen challenges the champ

I'm not going to do a huge write up for this fight, just a short little summary of what I think is going to happen. It's a tough fight for Murphy on paper as he's been out of the ring for just over a year, since losing to Choi in the Prizefighter, a fight he done pretty well in. He's a really tough guy and looked good in winning this title in January last year, outpointing Lee Cook over 10 and that shows he's got the stamina for this kind of fight. What could give him the edge here is that he's mixed at a higher level and has a win over now British super featherweight champion Gary Buckland, who he beat by a point in June 2008.

Owen is unbeaten, but he's only beaten solid journeymen, guys that will have taught him how to handle himself, however not tested him from a Boxing point of view. He won the International Masters 140lbs title last time out, proving he can do the 10 round distance, but the pace with Murphy will be a lot harder and I think it's where he could struggle. With the Brighton man being out of the ring for so long many people will fancy the unbeaten Owen, but I just think Murphy will outclass him in the stretch after some close early rounds.

Crolla to look a Million Dollars

Tonight at the Ravenscraig Leisure Centre in Motherwell, Manchester's Anthony “Million Dollar” Crolla (22-2, 9 KO's) makes the first defence of his British lightweight title against home favourite Willie Limond (34-3, 8 KO's).

Expect a great, fan friendly war tonight

Crolla is a big favourite here with the bookies, but when you consider this is his first defence, and the company Limond has mixed in, this is certainly no gimme. I'm a massive fan of Crolla, people who read my stuff know that I like Joe Gallagher fighters and I love how dedicated this guy is. Winning the Lonsdale belt was a big thing for him, and I'm pretty sure he will want one for keeps, so like we saw in his superb 9^th round TKO of John Watson in February, expect plenty of fire from Crolla. He's looking strong at lightweight and although he's not a renowned puncher, he certainly has got plenty of power, and also picks his shots well. I think this guy is destined for bigger and better things and this could be a real breakthrough night for him.

Limond has got great heart and in 12 year career to lose to only Alex Arthur, Amir Khan and Erik Morales says a lot about how good this guy is. The 32 year old has boxed a 105 more rounds than Crolla and although people will say he's got the experience, for me he may just be a bit too long in the tooth. His last big fight was Morales in Mexico in September and he did really well early on in that fight, only to get KO'ed in six, that having been put down three times. What he really struggled with in that fight was body shots and although Morales is a great fighter, I think it's a sign that Limond is an ageing fighter with not a huge amount left. The problem I have with Limond is that although he's a real warrior, he's never really beaten anyone of note and when stepped up in class he's ended up getting stopped, mine and the bookies opinion suggests this is a big step up in class and he will find it hard.

Both guys love a tear up and I think that is going to suit the champion from Manchester. In his last fight he fought on the undercard of Mayweather v Ortiz at the MGM Grand, great experience for him and that will have definitely matured him as a fighter. It's going to be a war and this will be a proper fan fight, but I fancy Crolla by a stoppage in round nine or ten.

Prospect watch #1 - Review

A quiet, but decent weekend of Boxing, here's how the prospects I featured in Prospect Watch #1 featured.

Buglioni was very impressive at York Hall

Frank Buglioni – Light heavyweight

Has to be prospect of the weekend after moving to 2-0, 2 KO's with a great showing at Bethnal Green, stopping Paul Morby in a round with some excellent finishing shots.

What was so impressive about Buglioni's display was that Morby was in there to give him some rounds, but the heavy handed Buglioni was simply too strong and too good.

With Box Nation going from strength to strength, expect Buglioni to be very active, although as mentioned by trainer Mark Tibbs he does need some rounds under his belt.

After those two first round wins, Buglioni is already up to #15 in the UK rankings, above the likes of recent Commonwealth title challenger Jeff Evans and unbeaten prospects Luke Blackledge and Callum Johnson.

Paul Fleming – Super featherweight

The Australian remained unbeaten with a 2^nd round TKO win over Indonesian fighter Sonny Manakane on the undercard of Billy Dib's farcical IBF featherweight title fight against Alberto Servidei.

A hard night was never in question for Fleming, but he continues to impress and a big fight with headliner Dib could be on the cards if both continue to win in the next 12-18 months.

This southpaw has a touch of the Naseem Hamed about him and before facing Dib, a battle of the unbeaten Aussie super featherweights against #1 Will Tomlinson could be a big one Down Under.

Fleming is scheduled to be back in action on the 2^nd of December in Sunshine, Victoria.

Wale Omotoso – Welterweight

Nigerian Omotoso had a tough looking bout in Houston Lanardo Tyler and had to work hard for an unanimous decision over eight pretty close rounds.

Omotoso used good footwork and his skills to come through the fight and with that victory has moved to 23^rd in the world, meaning he's quickly becoming a contender in this hot division.

More top sparring at the Wildcard gym will bring him on further, and it wont be a surprise to see him figuring on some big bills in the next 12 months.

Unfortunately Tony Pace didnt figure on the undercard in Aberdare.

Who else starred on this weekend's undercards?

Using Boxrec's great watch list tool I will add prospects who impressed me this weekend, therefore expect these guys to figure as this feature continues to progress.

Magomed Abdusalamov (12-0, 12 KO's) – Heavyweight

This Russian based in the fighting town of Oxnard California moved to 12-0, 12 KO's, by beating Rich Power in three rounds on Sunday at the Texas Station Casino.

Power had won three on the bounce before this fight and took Tyson Fury the full eight round distance in a bout at York Hall in September of last year.

This kid is based in the same gym as world middleweight king Sergio Martinez and has been getting high praise from the Argentinian.

He was a Russian amateur champ and although he may need some rounds, his performances so far have been excellent.

Abdusalamov is scheduled to fight at the Mandalay Bay on the 16^th of December.

Cletus Seldin (5-0, 3 KO's) – Welterweight

The “Hebrew Hammer” was on the Nonito Donaire v Omar Andres Narvaez undercard last month, and impressed in picking up an easy two round TKO win over Jose Segura Torres.

He was in his home state of New York again this weekend, not at MSG, but at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington.

On paper he faced the hardest opponent of his career in 3-2-1 fighter Rashad Bogar, but had no problems once more in getting a 3^rd round TKO victory.

He's got a big following in New York and has a fan friendly style.

Luis Zarazua (2-0, 1 KO) – Featherweight

“El Caballero” comes from Edinburg, Texas and started his pro career with an impressive one round TKO of Jorge Flores in October.

This weekend he was on the Chavez Jr v Manfredo undercard and dominated his opponent Ricardo Avila in a four round fight.

Zarazua won all the rounds and it was a really entertaining fight, with this kid's style reminding me a lot of Brandon Rios.

He does need to learn not to waste so many punches, but he's got a great work-rate and will definitely come on in the next 12 months.

Tony Conquest (8-0, 2 KO's) – Cruiserweight

Conquest will now eye Leon Williams' Lonsdale belt

Conquest claimed the Southern Area title on Friday night by easily outpointing the very experienced Toks Owoho over 10 rounds.

With that victory Conquest becomes the #1 challenger for Leon Williams' British title and although he's friends with the current champ, he will desperately want the fight.

This was the best win of his career and he lasted the 10 round distance well, a real positive for his future title chances.

Now ranked #6 in Britain and there are plenty of decent cruisers coming through like Matty Askin, Menay Edwards (who won on the same card), Stephen Simmons and Jon-Lewis Dickinson.

Prospect watch #1

First part of a regular feature I'm hoping to bring to my blog, where I will be tipping up some prospects to watch in action the weekend coming up. Here are four to watch this weekend -

Frank Buglioni (1-0, 1 KO)

Light heavyweight

Buglioni is many of rising stars under Tibbs guidance

In action on Friday 18^th November at York Hall.

Comes from the in form #TeamTibbs camp and this guy, who was an excellent amateur, looked very impressive in dispatching the tough Sabie Monteith in a round two weeks ago on the Burns v Katsidis bill.

Faces Portsmouth's Paul Morby, a very awkward fighter, who has gone the distance with the likes of Tony Jeffries and Rocky Fielding recently, but was stopped in three by Kenny Anderson in his most recent fight.

Paul Fleming (11-0, 8 KO's)

Super featherweight (#111 in the world and #2 in Australia with boxrec)

In action on Saturday 19^th November at Homebush Sports Centre in Syndey.

A guy who I saw fighting on the Rios v Antillon undercard in LA, where he easily despatched Juan Jose Beltran in a round.

Classy fighter, big puncher, and is one of the hottest prospects in Oz, shown by his connections with Top Rank and Cameron Dunkin.

Faces Sonny Manakane (14-10-3, 8 KO's), an experienced Indonesian, who has shared the ring with the likes of Poonsawat and Z Gorres.

Tony Pace (1-3, 0 KO's)

Welterweight

In action on Saturday 19^th November at Sobell Sports Centre in Aberdare.

Dont look at this guy's record and underestimate, very talented 18 year old fighter, who came to my attention a month or so ago, playing his part in a cracking six rounder with hot Oldham prospect Ronnie Heffron.

Picked up his first pro win three weeks ago, beating journeyman Carl Allen over four rounds, knocking his opponent down in the first.

Faces pro debutant Liam Ellis here in search of his second pro win in the Welsg valleys.

Wale Omotoso (19-0, 17 KO's)

Welterweight (#36 in the world and #2 in Australia)

In action on Saturday 19^th November at Reliant Arena, Houston.

Nigerian born but now fighting for Australia, although seems to be forging a career over in the US now.

Super talented and super strong guy, who has come through some hard learning fights already.

Omotoso faces Tyler in Houston

Put down in US debut last time out against Calvin Odom, but came back to win with a fifth round stoppage.

Been one of Amir Khan's chief sparring partners for Peterson fight.

Faces the very tough Lanardo Tyler (25-4-2, 15 KO's) who beat Vivian Harris last time out and went 12 rounds in December 2009 with Saul Alvarez, plus going 10 with the mentioned Lamont Peterson in November 2008.

The fight is scheduled for 8 rounds and is a very intriguing bout on the Chavez Jr v Manfredo bill.

Little Chavez is due a stoppage win

Not the best of world title fights but I'm starting to be won over by Julio Cesar Chavez Jr (43-0-1, 30 KO's) as he defends his WBC middleweight title against Peter Manfredo (37-6, 20 KO's).

Chavez and Manfredo face each other in Houston

When Chavez turned pro he was a bit of a joke, nobody really expected this kid to do as well as he has done, but credit has to go him and now that he's with Freddie Roach, he will get better. Obviously we dont know how much Roach had worked with him in the buildup to this fight because of Pacquiao, but the sparring will have been great. He looked pretty strong last time out in winning the title against unbeaten German Sebastian Zbik and what really impressed me in that fight was his body shots. Chavez Jr has got some good rounds under his belt recently, he's still learning, but he will have gained a lot last time out and I think he's due a stoppage.

Manfredo does look a stronger fighter at middleweight, but the worry I have about this guy is that when he's stepped up in class, he's struggled. The Calzaghe fight was a joke, he got absolutely hammered and although many said the stoppage was premature, it was fair enough as more punishment was on the way. He then was involved in a stinker over 10 with the on the way down Jeff Lacy, and in his last loss, Sakio Bika dismantled him in his hometown, like Calzaghe in three rounds. He's beaten some ok contenders recently, but the best win of late, which was in May last year, was against Angel Hernandez, a light middle by trade.

For me Chavez is getting better, he's not up to fighting the top five or six in this division at the moment, but I think he's due a stoppage and it could very well come sometime after nine rounds against a guy who's been outclassed when fighting at world level.

The Macc is Back

Enzo Maccarinelli (32-5, 25 KO's) makes his light heavyweight debut at York Hal on Friday night as he faces unbeaten Hungarian Gyorgy Marosi (12-0, 8 KO's).

Big Enz is back, this time at light heavy

A lot of people are wondering why is Enzo making a comeback after some horrendous defeats in the last two years or so, most recently at the hands of Alexander Frenkel in September last year, where he boxed very well, until the German got in with some huge shots. Having a shot at light heavy is well worth it though, there are some big fights domestic wise and he does have the KO power to really get into the mix. We have to remember he looked superb in April 2010 going to Russia to win the European title in a round, that shows how strong he is.

I dont think many people will know much about this kid Marosi, but he's just 5ft11 and is facing a 6ft4 fighter, which says a lot. Looking through his record he's beaten absolute nobodies and the worrying thing is that in January this year he had a fight at middleweight, which makes this fight sound ridiculous, especially as he struggled for a split decision win over six against a countryman at this weight last time out.

Good chance for Enzo to make some kind of statement, he's made the weight nicely, and I expect him to be far too strong for this kid, it really shouldnt go past the first six rounds, and that's taking some ring rustyness from Enzo into consideration.

Conquest to claim Southern Area title

Conquest in his impressive win over Ghanaian Akrong

Big chance for two cruisers as they face off for the Southern Area title as unbeaten Tony Conquest (7-0, 2 KO's) faces Toks Owoh (20-5, 11 KO's) live on Box Nation, Sky channel 456.

I dont know a lot about neither of these guys as Conquest has come through quietly, while Toks was at his best a bit before my time. Conquest is unbeaten and has boxed well against some tough journeymen recently. He really hasnt beaten much and two of his wins have been against Hastings Rastani, but in March he did have a good six round stoppage of Ghanaian champ Prince George Akrong.

Owoh is now 39 years old

Owoh has got a load of experience and the only times he's been stopped have been against genuine class fighters in Omar Sheika, who was a hot unbeaten prospect at the time, and the “Road Warrior” Glen Johnson, who any Boxing fan will know about. Since coming back from a five year break he's been in with similar guys that Conquest has been in with such as John Anthony and the aformentioned Rastani. He was on Buncey's show on Monday and said he felt strong, but I dont think he's been that good since coming back.

Owoh is 39 years old, he says he feels solid at cruiser, but I think the younger and fresher Conquest will get a great experience here and will take the title on a 10 round decision. I'm all for backing the youngsters coming through, sometimes it costs me, but I dont think it will in this fight.

Pacman to finally stop Marquez

The third meeting between Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO's) and Juan Manuel Marquez (53-5-1, 39 KO's) takes centre stage in Vegas this weekend as they meet for the Pacman's WBO welterweight title.

The first contest was a draw and the second Pacman won, but looking at the two fights, for me it's clear Pacquiao is the stronger guy, having put Marquez down in both fights. Pacquaio hasnt stopped his last three opponent and was very disappointing in his last fight with “Sugar” Shane Mosley, but for me styles make fights and this fight will suit Pacquaio down to the ground. What I've heard he looks incredibly strong ahead of this fight and this is a catchweight of 144lbs, so for me Pacquiao's strength will show in what could be another great battle.

It's tough for Marquez going up near enough two weight divisions and the last time he did that, he was pretty much hammered by Floyd Mayweather over 12 rounds. Floyd put him down and although Marquez showed great heart to stay in, it was just a pure dominant performance. In his last fight he showed great ticker again, but Michael Katsidis (beaten by Ricky Burns last week) put him down in the 3^rd with a stunning left and that aspect just remains with Marquez, he is just a little bit too open and at this weight, I dont think he's big enough to deal with the machine that is Manny Pacquiao.

Like I've said Pacquiao hasnt stopped any of his last three, but two of them were big guys who had fought at light middle in Margarito and Mosley, while Joshua Clottey is a really tough guy. This fight he is the stronger and I think he'll get to Marquez late on to complete this trilogy.

Ugly 12 rounds in prospect

Chief support for Pacquiao v Marquez III as Top Rank's newest signing, Timothy Bradley (27-0, 11 KO's) defends his WBO 140lbs title against 40 year old two time world champion Joel Casamayor (38-5-1, 22 KO's).

Bradley is regarded as the #1 in the 140 division, but hasnt fought for 10 months because of promotional wrangles. That last fight was a big unification bout with Devon Alexander, which was a terrible, and typical ugly Bradley fight. He is a good fighter Bradley, but I hear people talking about him fighting Pacquiao, and you think he's not a really great Boxer and his KO% isnt very high either. This is a big chance for him to shine and it's a good opportunity to get a name on his record, but I'm really not convinced by his style.

It got a bit heated at the press conference

Casamayor really was a great fighter a few years ago, but he is 40 years old now and looked every bit that age when sneaking a split decision 10 round win over Manuel Leyva last time out. Only a year and a bit ago he did go 10 rounds with Robert Guerrero though, putting him down in the last round, and that shows he could be able to test Bradley. He is a southpaw and he is known for using some rough house tactics, which he may have to rely on here.

This really could be an ugly clash, Casamayor could prove to be way over the the hill and Bradley kills him inside the first six rounds, but he's only been stopped once, which was by Juan Manuel Marquez, and his experience could see this go 12.

Prescott can take Alvarado's unbeaten record

Breidis Prescott (24-3, 19 KO's) makes a quick return to UK television screens as he faces Mike Alvarado (31-0, 22 KO's) on the Pacquiao v Marquez III undercard.

Alvarado is ranked #17 in the world, but when you consider he's had 31 fights, it's clear that he's not been beating anyone. I'm looking at his last five fights and I see nobody with any real hunger or quality. He was on a big tv card in May against Ray Narh, and that looked like a tough test, but the Ghanaian just didnt want to know, so still not much is known of him. He's aggressive and the worry is that might not suit this fight as he faces the extremely strong Prescott.

Prescott is a big betting underdog v Alvarado

It's been just two months since the “Khanqueror” visited Britain to face Paul McCloskey, which he lost in a very close 12 round fight. In America or anywhere else bar Belfast, he could very well have won that fight, but a lack of stamina cost him as he really faded. I think he needs to step up to welterweight , but he clearly fancies his chances taking this fight so early, and at this weight he is still a serious puncher, who actually has very under-rated skills.

The 10 round distance will suit Prescott better and I think the style of this fight could really help, so I think he's a great looking underdog against a guy who's very untested.

Burgos to upset Cruz

Great fight to kick off the televised part of the Pacquiao v Marquez III, as two super featherweights Luis Cruz (19-0, 15 KO's) and Juan Carlos Burgos (27-1, 19 KO's) go head to head.

Cruz and Burgos should provide great entertainment

This is going to be a war, both fighters love a tear up and with this being a Puerto Rican v a Mexican, all the ingredients are there. Cruz is being tipped up as a real potential star, and he comes into this fight on the back of his two best career wins, over ex world title challengers Martin Honorio (UD10) and Antonio Davis (TKO6). He is a talented fighter, but I've seen a lot of fights like this in previous big PPV bills and the young, up and coming prospects have really struggled when making the step up in class.

Burgos is a serious step up in class, he's lost just once, and just two fights ago challenged for a world title. He went the full 12 with Japan's Hozumi Hasegawa in his own back yard, and did hurt the champ. Ok Hasegawa did lose his world title afterwards, but I think Burgos is a stronger fighter now at super featherweight. He was a very big featherweight, this is a great weight for him, he's a big puncher, and has had a couple of wins recently at the weight.

Like I've said expect a war, but although Cruz is a talented guy, Burgos' experience could really help, especially as these 10 rounders are decided early on.

Vassell and Colomban to share a war

Commonwealth champ Vassell

Denton Vassell (18-0, 9 KO's) makes the second defence of his Commnwealth welterweight title this Saturday night against tough Australia based Cameroonian Samuel Colomban (20-3, 10 KO's).

Vassell is an exciting fight to watch as shown by his April 2010 contest with Lee Purdy for this title, which was a truly magnificent bout. Since then the Manchester man hasnt really kicked off, he's made just one defence, against Namibian hard man Bethuel Ushona, who he beat on a 12 round UD. I like Vassell's style, he's got great work-rate as you'd expect from a Bob Shannon fighter, and he throws plenty of hard shots. This is a tough fight, but I think he's a hungry kid with an eye-catching style.

Colomban is a hard man

Colomban is really tough, he's a tall Boxer, with good amateur experience, and a solid style. He's not lost in over three years and that was to one of the hottest prospects in Boxing in Nigerian Wale Omotoso, who's one of Amir Khan's chief sparring partners for the Peterson fights, is unbeaten and is making waves over in America. He's beaten a lot of punch bags recently and despite being a WBO Oriental champion, this is a big step up from what he's faced recently.

This has the potential to be a great war, both guys love a fight, and that's what I expect it to be, with Denton taking another points victory.

Fury could be in for a tough night

Fury is back in Manchester

Tyson Fury (16-0, 11 KO's) returns home to Manchester for a big grudge clash against Canada based Bosnian Nevan Pajkic (16-0, 5 KO's) for the Commonwealth heavyweight clash.

I am a fan of Fury, he's a really good Boxer in my opinion, but still has plenty of work left. He's had a couple of great learning fights recently with Dereck Chisora (UD12) and Nicolai Firtha (TKO5), with Firtha really hurting him in his last fight. What I worry about Fury is that if he cant get guys out there early, he does struggle a bit afterwards, so if Pajkic can get out of the early rounds unscathed, he could be well in this fight. There's not much chance of Pajkic hurting Fury like Firtha did, but he's an intelligent Boxer, with an unbeaten record.

Pajkic is also unbeaten

Pajkic's last six fights have gone the distance, and like Fury he was given problems by Firtha in April 2009, edging a close UD over eight rounds. He's a good few inches shorter than Fury, but what's evident about him before this fight is that he's got himself down to the lowest weight in his pro career, which shows he's trained hard for this one. This guy isnt an explosive puncher, but I think his ringcraft will help him.

I fully expect Fury, ranked #9 in the world, to be too classy for Pajkic, but he has a new trainer for this fight, showing he's still a work in progress, and I believe it could very well go the full 12 rounds.

Purdy to be the top boy in Essex

Tonight at the home of British Boxing, York Hall, Lee Purdy (16-2-1, 9 KO's) makes the second defence of his title against fellow Essex boy, Colin Lynes (35-9, 12 KO's).

Purdy and Lynes at the weigh in

Purdy comes into this fight on the back of two great stoppages of Craig Watson, both times in the 5^th round, and both times as an away fighter in Manchester and Oldham. This guy has always been known to have a great workrate, shown by his fight with Denton Vassell, which was amazing, but clearly he's really upped his power now and is hitting very hard. People can look at his record and say he has been beaten twice by Peter McDonagh and Vassell, but this kid is one of the most improved fighters in the game and the Lonsdale belt has really helped him bring that maybe 10% extra to his camp and the fight itself. Only Kell Brook is ranked above him in the British welterweight rankings and he's now at #21 in the world with boxrec, which is massively impressive in probably the hottest division in world Boxing.

Lynes is very experienced, he's been IBO, British and European champion at light welterweight and has also boxed abroad in France and Italy, showing that he's a true warrior. He himself is ranked #51 in the world with boxrec, showing that this is a really quality fight on paper, but you have to say he has very much had the best days of his career. His last outing was in the Prizefighter, where he lost to the eventual winner El Maachi in the semis, with the Moroccan's style not at all helping Lynes, but to be fair it was pretty clear to me that he was the better over three rounds. His last title fight was in April of last year and he was massively disappointing in losing to Ajose Olusegun in eight, and the reason for that was he just couldnt make the weight. For him to go eight rounds with a guy now the WBC's #1 contender, dead at the weight, shows what a solid chin he has got.

Lynes definitely looks more comfortable at welterweight and being with Team Tibbs his confidence does look up. Purdy however really is the man to beat at the moment, he's really bucked up his ideas and is giving this a real go. Two guys now very comfortable at the weight, I do fancy Purdy, but I was reading Ed Robinson's Sky Sports column today and he said that Purdy is learning on the job having had “limited amateur experience”, Lynes' experience should see him take this 12 rounds, but I think Purdy will do enough to nick what could be a great fight.