In this week’s three punch combo I will first look back on Gabriel Rosado’s performance Friday night and examine a hypothetical matchup with “Canelo” Alvarez. Next, I will take a closer look at the issues surrounding the weight of Antwone Smith for his bout last Friday against Ronald Cruz. And finally, I will take a closer look at the bout between Luis Orlando Del Valle and Vic Darchinyan taking place this Saturday night.
The Rise of Gabriel Rosado
Gabriel Rosado scored his third straight impressive knockout victory of the year stopping Charles Whittaker in the 10th round on Friday night. The fan friendly Rosado scored knockdowns in the 5th and 7th rounds before referee Steve Smoger called a halt to the one sided affair after Rosado scored his third knockdown of Whittaker in the 10th. This was the 7th straight victory overall for Rosado and should earn him a well deserved title shot, as he moved into mandatory position for the IBF belt.
After the bout Rosado called out Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. This would certainly be an interesting fight and Rosado would represent the toughest foe to date for Canelo. Canelo would have the edge in punching power but Rosado is no slouch in that category. Both fighters possess very fast hands with not much difference in that area. Rosado is also a natural Junior Middleweight unlike some of the his opponents Canelo has faced.
As of today I still give the slight edge to Canelo. I believe his power will ultimately be too much for Rosado to overcome. However, Rosado would be a very live underdog and give Canelo some rough moments. The key for Rosado in any fight is to be able to work combinations off his jab. And if he does this throughout against Canelo, and can avoid getting hit clean with counter shots, he can pull the upset.
Ronald Cruz vs. Antwone Smith
Antwone Smith upset hometown favorite Ronald Cruz on the Rosado-Whittaker under card Friday night with a split decision victory. The fight itself was a very competitive fight throughout and easily could have gone either way (I had the fight a 95-95 draw). However, once again in boxing we have the issue of one fighter making the contracted weight (Cruz) and the other missing weight significantly (Smith) that potentially affected the outcome.
Smith officially weighed in at 150 pounds which was three pounds over the agreed upon weight. I know many fans are probably wondering why this is a big deal. The reason is there was one fighter who did everything possible to make sure to get to the correct weight. This sometimes means dehydrating oneself and sometimes eating very lightly if at all prior to the weigh in. And this can have an impact on the physical condition of the fighter on the night of the fight. The other fighter did not make such a commitment and thus can come into the ring much stronger having not taken the physical toll on their body.
I believe Smith did have a physical advantage in the fight for these reasons. I also believe he knew that under no circumstances would Cruz, would was fighting in his hometown and was responsible for the majority of ticket sales, pull out of the bout. So he decided to take full advantage and not drain himself to make weight in order to come into the bout much stronger. And in such a close bout there is no doubt this had an impact.
This practice has happened all too often recently. Though fighters are fined this simply does not discourage them from not making weight and in all reality purchasing a weight advantage. I believe the punishment needs to be more severe. For example, I hope that the television networks think long and hard before allowing Smith to fight on their air given what happened here. And if TV dates start falling through for these fighters and thus their paydays dwindle maybe that will send the message once and for all that such behavior will not be tolerated anymore.
Luis Orlando Del Valle vs. Vic Darchinyan
Luis Orlandito Del Valle faces Vic Darchinyan this Saturday night in what should be a very interesting matchup. The fighters are a contrast in a couple different ways. Del Valle is a pure boxer while Darchinyan is more of a slugger. Del Valle is a young prospect while Darchinyan is a former world champ and one time pound for pound entrant struggling to stay afloat at this point in his career.
Del Valle has faster hands and should be able to out box Darchinyan from the outside. Del Valle is also the naturally bigger man having fought as high as 133 pounds for this Super Bantamweight bout. Darchinyan fought the majority of his career at Flyweight and Junior Bantamweight. This will be a major factor as this will neutralize Darchinyan’s power which is by far his best asset coming into the bout.
Though I like Del Valle to win, I think Darchinyan will make things very tough at times for the young prospect. Darchinyan is the best and most experienced opponent Del Valle has fought to date. Each time in his career that Darchinyan has been written off he has come back with a big win. And I do expect at some time for Darchinyan to land his big punches and test Del Valle’s chin for the first time in his career.
But I think the younger Del Valle is very skilled and the punching power of Darchinyan will be lessened by coming up in weight once again. So in the end, look for Del Valle to out box Darchinyan and earn a decision victory.
