Batten down the hatches baby, the premier club fight touring cable network ESPN
is going PPV - the date April 23, so circle the calendar in caution yellow
before signing on.
The listed billing when last seen is WBO Welter champ Antonio Margarito
defending against Kermit Cintron in the main event. Underneath is WBA
Lightweight champ Juan Diaz facing Ebo Elder, welters Shane Mosley vs. David
Estrada and heavies Jameel McCline vs. Calvin Brock.
PPV stuff? I think not.
Margarito (31-4, 22) - Kermit Cintron (24-0, 22)
Deserves top billing since it is only pairing on the card with a challenger
having the puncher’s chance. Cintron never as yet tested, but is the bigger
banger of the two.
But PPV? Not a chance. This one qualifies as a very interesting HBO, Showtime
level feature attraction.
Juan Diaz ( 27- 0, 13) - Ebo Elder ( 22-1, 14)
Only ESPN could consider this one a title fight … in one corner a quality
titleholder that has been improving with each outing and more complete than Elbo
in all departments, and much the superior puncher. Whoever is guilty of putting
these two together would have really enjoyed them yesteryears when picnics in
the park included lynching in the town square.
PPV? Strictly a no-brainer.
Shane Mosley ( 39-4, 35) - David Estrada ( 18-1, 9)
Another slap in the face for buying into this one. Mosley has clearly lost a
step or three but is still heads and shoulders in skills and experience over
game David - did I leave out much bigger puncher as well? Estrada is your
stereotype club fight tough guy that walks forward with game plan to outlast the
other guy. Unfortunately, works from southpaw stance without having an edge …
made to order and will be well cooked.
PPV? Oh, hum. On its own, this pairing has trouble buying into HBO-Showtime
regular hours. Designed for "HBO After Dark" or ShoBox "New Generation."
Jameel McCline ( 31-4-3, 19 KO) - Calvin Brock ( 24-0, 20)
Big Mac at 260-270 lbs range has too big an appetite to return to past potential,
and unless he surprises at the scale and comes in at reasonable weight, he won’t
get by Brock. The undefeated Brock has some boxing skills and quickness … but
the neat resumé more result of putrid dance partners than authentic power.
PPV? Try "After Dark" - as in early morning hours.
*** Buy into this card and it’s nobody but yourself to blame, and a good
likelihood there will be more to follow down that proverbial pike.
