The Last Third of 2012: Can the Year Be Saved for Boxing?
2012 has been one of the worst years in recent memory for the sport of boxing. There has been a lack of marquee fights, bouts called off, a growing problem with PED’s, and just a general dull vibe that has blanketed the sport. But just like a horse at the back at the pack coming around the quarter-pole, fans are still looking for signs of life–a possible spurt that can put our horse in the money.
In the last 4 months of 2012, the sport has a chance to make some people forget about the last 8 humdrum months, or at least build some positive momentum to begin 2013 with a bang. There are enough fights involving some of the bigger stars in the sport, and if these fights deliver, things could be looking up.
While it won’t do much for the sport in the USA, the last third of the year begins in Germany on September 1, with middleweight titlists Felix Sturm and Daniel Geale fighting in a unification match. With the middleweight title so splintered, it would be nice to get some clarity. The winner becomes the best or at least most accomplished non-U.S. middleweight and a natural challenger for the winner of Martinez-Chavez, Jr.
The next weekend sees the best super middleweight and light heavyweight meet in the ring on September 8, as Andre Ward takes on Chad Dawson. Neither fighter is particularly known for being exciting. Nevertheless, if the fight is entertaining and reaches a controversy-free ending, it will be a good night for the sport. Look for WBC Lightweight Champion Antonio DeMarco and hard-slugging California contender John Molina to put on a corker on the undercard.
Vitali Klitschko makes an appearance also on a packed September 8, taking on Manuel Charr. Maybe Charr can make it interesting, but don’t count on it. A better bet is the Randall Bailey-Devon Alexander IBF welterweight title fight later that night on Showtime. Exciting contender Lucas Matthysse takes on Ajose Olusegun in the supporting bout. Look for something interesting to happen on September 8–an important day for the sport.
The following weekend follows suit, with some highly-anticipated match-ups that will put boxing center stage.The key fight of the night is Sergio Martinez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. A fight that a few years ago had fight fans rolling their eyes in dismissal of Chavez, Jr. is now a compelling fight where the likely winner is not so crystal-clear. A sizzling middleweight title bout where the winner is the real champ can only be good for the sport.
On the same night, Saul Alvarez takes on Josesito Lopez. Alvarez is an exciting fighter, one of the best young stars in boxing. If Lopez can duplicate his thrilling performance against Victor Ortiz or even come close–it could be a fan-friendly shootout. On a dynamite undercard, Jhonny Gonzalez defends his WBC Featherweight Title against tough Daniel “Ponce” De Leon. In addition, punching machine Leo Santa Cruz defends his IBF Bantamweight Title against veteran Eric Morel and fan-friendly slugger Marcos Maidana takes on the scrappy Jesus Soto-Karass.
Though this has already been discussed, maybe the sport can avoid shooting itself in the foot by refraining from scheduling big events on the same day. Fans shouldn’t have to make a choice. Sometimes, we see weekend after weekend sail by with no meaningful boxing action to speak of. So why schedule fights on the same day? Jeez.
On September 29 in Germany, the heavyweight division will achieve a little more clarity. Alexander Povetkin defends his WBA title against ex-champ Hasim Rahman. While not many expect the aging Rahman to be competitive, the chief support features two unbeaten heavyweights, as well-regarded Kubrat Pulev (16-0) takes on Alexander Ustinov (27-0). Again, it’s nothing to get terribly juiced-up about, but it’s good to see the sport thriving worldwide.
The same day at the Home Depot Center in Carson, a potentially-explosive flyweight unification match between Brian Viloria and Hernan Marquez should entertain fans. The bout will be for the WBA/WBO 112-pound titles. More action in the lighter weight classes takes place on October 6–with Ivan Calderon trying to recapture a 105-pound belt against Moises Fuentes, with Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr. taking on Rafael Marquez in a potentially exciting bout.
Rising British heavyweight David Price takes on Audley Harrison on October 13, as the world searches for a possible heir-apparent to the Klitschko run of dominance. The same day in Carson, HBO brings us a doubleheader that should deliver, with Nonito Donaire taking on the esteemed Japanese world champion Toshiaki Nishioka. On the undercard, Brandon Rios takes on Mike Alvarado in a sizzling junior welterweight battle featuring contenders with a combined record of 63-0-1.
On October 20, rising 140-pound star Danny Garcia, fresh off his upset knockout of Amir Khan, fights a rematch with Erik Morales. On the undercard, WBA Welterweight Champion Paul Malignaggi takes on challenger Pablo Cano. On the undercard, long-dormant Danny Jacobs makes his return, Peter Quillin sees action, and other Brooklyn and New York fighters take center stage. The headline fights might be lackluster, but the depth of the card and the general premise of top flight boxing back in Brooklyn is promising.
Not yet in September, it is unclear what other fights can be made before the year is out. Manny Pacquiao seems set to be in action in either November or December, and it’s still possible, although unlikely, that Floyd Mayweather returns to the ring as well.
But the sport at least has a chance to pump some wind into its sails at a time when the boat is just stagnating on still water. If some of these fights deliver on the action that is anticipated, it could go a long way to getting fans fired-up again. Let’s hope for the best.
