It's Monday. Welcome back for another edition of Observe and Fight, The Boxing Observer's compilation of observations and random thoughts from the week that was in boxing. Get caught up on some of the most recent events you may have missed out on, including the best idea for a mega-fight in 2013, an update on Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, a preview of the first big fights of 2012, and much more. Without further ado, check out the latest observations from The Boxing Observer.
- The first mega-fight of 2013 should take place in New Orleans on the eve of the Super Bowl. I have always wondered why no promoter has ever decided to place a big fight in the city of the Super Bowl on the night before the big game. The entire week is focused on the host city, movie stars and celebrities galore flock in from all over the world to attend the week's events, and fans from all over the country come into town to experience the glitz and glamour. It makes perfect sense to stage a big fight the night before to be the premier event on Super Bowl Eve. Think about it Mr. Haymon and Mr. Arum. It makes dollars and sense.
- Speaking of the potential Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao clash, here's the latest update. It still isn't happening and doesn't seem likely to happen in 2012 no matter what anyone says. I'm sick of all the BS. Moving on now.
- This Saturday marks the first big fight card of 2012. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will have his hands full against Marco Antonio Rubio. Rubio has won 10 straight, 9 by knockout, since his 2009 loss to Kelly Pavlik and has clearly been very active. Chavez, though most have not been impressed, will have a serious size and reach advantage against Rubio and should rehydrate to almost 180 pounds on fight night. Top Rank has been pushing Chavez along slowly, but cannot keep him protected forever. Rubio is a legitimate opponent whom Chavez can build some more credibility on his resume. Expect him to look very impressive under the continued guidance of Freddie Roach and look for a late-round stoppage by the Mexican legend's son.
- Nonito Donaire on the undercard is a great idea for fans, but not for Donaire himself. The Flilpino Flash is considered a top-5 pound-for-pound fighter, yet he isn't a name attraction to boxing fans. While he headlined his last fight in New York City against Omar Narvaez, the fight was a stinker (to no fault of Donaire's), and his promoter hasn't thrown the big money behind him as with other fighters. Part of the reason may be due to Donaire's attempt to leave Top Rank for Golden Boy last year. That just proves one thing...You Don't cross The Bobfather!
- Brandon Rios vs. Yuriorkis Gamboa? Let's do it! I'm really glad the fight card fell through in March with Gamboa as the co-feature and Rios in the main event and opened the door for a clash between the two fighters. While I don't know if Gamboa can pull it off due to the serious size difference, the fight should be action-packed from beginning to end. Gamboa may try to actually box around Rios due to the size disparity, but his fighting spirit may get the better of him, opening up the door for Rios to get the knockout. Rumors also have undefeated jr. middleweight slugger Mike Alvardo on the card. Either way, it should be fun. I can't wait for April. Please make this happen Top Rank...PLEASE!
- Andre Berto looks more focused for his rematch with Victor Ortiz than he has looked in a long time. Though Berto may not have improved his skill set or endurance, he has that look in his eyes saying, "I'm a killer." Couple that with the fact that nobody knows where Victor Ortiz's head is going to be and we have a close decision victory for Berto setting up a possible trilogy.
- So did anyone realize Cory Spinks defeated Sechew Powell this past Saturday night to become the mandatory for IBF jr. middleweight champion Cornelius "K9" Bundrage? Yeah, me neither until I read about it. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
- Last week I wrote an article with a list of the best dream fights currently in the sport regardless of weight. While most of you responded with lists of the top dream fights of all time, such as Ali vs. Ray Robinson, Mike Tyson vs. Aaron Pryor, and Ray Leonard vs. Floyd Mayweather, one response from Matt J. made me laugh the most:
"How bout any of these 3? Arthur Abraham, Joshua Clottey, Winky Wright. Pair each with each other, which would be the best and worst? Or would there be a difference?"
Thinking of making these fights actually made me cringe and gave me a stomach cramp. I'm not taking anything away from these fighters. They are all very decorated athletes who achieved great things due to their difficult styles for opponents, but the combination of any of these three fights happening would cure anyone's insomnia.
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