NBC Sports Fight Night: Which Rising Stars Are Worth Watching?

With all the excitement and chatter surrounding Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, it's easy to forget that boxing is much more than just a two-man sport.

At least, that's what the folks at the Peacock are banking on with the Saturday-night debut of NBC Sports Fight Night on the NBC Sports Network (i.e. Versus...and the Outdoor Life Network before that).

While the loss of the Eddie Chambers-Sergei Liakhovich bout has somewhat deflated the fight card, these three up-and-comers should provide plenty of intrigue in the ring while giving fans a glimpse into the future of professional pugilism.

Gabriel Rosado

The first fight at Asylum Arena in Philadelphia will pit Gabriel Rosado, a local product, against former middleweight contender Jesus Soto Karass. Rosado (14-4, 8 KOs) has had issues outside of the ring, including a run-in with authorities in Atlantic City following a knockout win over Ayi Bruce this past July.

Personal problems aside, "King" Rosado is still far superior to "El Renuente," sporting advantages in size, strength and speed, not to mention the support of the hometown crowd. Rosado's body has taken quite a beating over the course of several wars between the ropes, though at 26 and on a hot streak, Rosado should soon be ready to hit the peak of his career. 

Maurice Byarm

If power is what you seek, then Maurice Byarm is the fighter for you. This strong southpaw brings plenty of life to his punches, having knocked out nine of his 14 opponents on the way to a 13-0-1 record.

A native of the City of Brotherly Love, Byarm comes from a boxing family—his father Lionel once fought Evander Holyfield—though he didn't get into the act until the age of 19. Byarm may not have the ideal build for a heavyweight, nor is he as athletic as his challenger, Bryant Jennings, but his superior strength and quickness should still give him the edge as he continues to climb the ranks.

Sullivan Barrera

Of course, not all of Saturday's combatants hail from the City of Brotherly Love.

Sullivan Barrera is one such fighter. The 29-year-old Cuban defector is undefeated as a pro, with six knockouts among his eight previous wins. Barrera, who employs Ahmet Oner as his promoter, is a legitimate contender in the light heavyweight division, having pummeled the likes of Beibut Shumenov and Chad Dawson during his days as an amateur.

Damar Singleton will be no pushover for Barrera, though if Barrera wins, he'll be well on his way to competing for a world title.

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