Anthony Mundine vs. Sergey Rabchenko: Fight Time, Date and TV Info
It seems as if Anthony Mundine (46-6, 27 KO) has been fighting forever. On Wednesday night, he'll try to add another title to his resume as he takes on WBC silver light heavyweight champion Sergey Rabchenko (25-0, 18 KO) at Hisense Arena in Australia.
Mundine will be fighting in his home country, but that may not be enough to spur him to the win.
He is coming off a unanimous-decision loss to Joshua Clottey in his last fight. At 39 years old, it's clear Mundine's days as a serious contender are numbered. Some might suggest they have already come and gone. He was floored seven times in his defeat to Clottey. This seems like it could be a classic case of an aging fighter not knowing when to call it a career.
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How he fares against a 28-year-old, undefeated champion like Rabchenko will tell us how much Mundine has left in the tank.
Rabchenko last fought in Nov. 2013 when he easily defeated Bradley Pryce by unanimous decision. He could have an easy night ahead of him if Mundine can't improve upon the performance he delivered against Clottey.
However, Rabchenko has never faced an opponent as experienced and cunning as Mundine. There's also the matter of a year-long layoff to consider. This could turn out to be an interesting scrap. Here's the viewing information.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 3:30 a.m. ET
Where: Hisense Arena in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
TV: Main Event Pay-Per-View in Australia
Something Left to Prove
Despite the fact that he was beat soundly on Saturday night, Bernard Hopkins is still fighting—and so is Roy Jones Jr.
Mundine is younger than both of them, and he has referred to Hopkins in the past as an example of a fighter being successful past what most believe is his prime.
The thing is: Hopkins never looked quite as bad as Mundine did against Clottey—not even in Saturday night's one-sided defeat. Jones Jr. has been separated from consciousness on more than one occasion, but he isn't challenging fighters on Rabchenko's level these days.
Mundine is taking risks and reaching high because he still obviously yearns for more in-ring greatness, but perhaps he's also chasing the type of big payday that Hopkins and Jones Jr. have seen on several occasions.
From this tweet, it's easy to see Mundine has his sights set high:
It may be an impossible mission, but step one begins on Wednesday night.
Rabchenko's Ring Rust
Being out of the ring for a year is nothing to dismiss. That's especially the case considering Rabchenko is traveling to his opponent's hometown. Being vastly inexperienced as it compares to Mundine's wealth of time in the sport should also make Rabchenko's people a bit nervous.
However, that isn't the case. Former world champion Ricky Hatton—who is also Rabchenko's current promoter and trainer—expects the Belarusian to win. Hatton told Grantlee Kieza of The Courier-Mail:
"Mundine is something of a celebrity in Australia, so there will be a huge crowd and an intimidating atmosphere, but I think Sergey will come through the fight with flying colours. This is easily [Rabchenko's] toughest fight so far. Mundine has been in with the best and he has said he can’t afford to lose this fight. I just think Sergey will have too much for him.
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For what it's worth, Rabchenko says he's ready, and he certainly looks in proper shape heading into the bout.
Looking the part won't get the win. On Wednesday, he'll need to stare down Mundine in his home country to retain his title.
Prediction
Against Clottey, Mundine showed the signs of a fighter who simply couldn't make his body do the things he wanted it to. He was consistently beaten to the punch, and his defensive instincts have dulled. The falloff caused him to take more shots than he normally would have.
That trend will continue on Wednesday, but Rabchenko will really make him pay. Mundine was able to survive and finish against Clottey, but he won't be as fortunate against Rabchenko. The Belarusian is hungry, fresh, powerful and motivated to use Mundine as a stepping stone.
Rabchenko has an opportunity to ascend up the 154-pound ranks and challenge a big name for a more prestigious title.
On Wednesday, he will take the first important step. Mundine's time competing on a high level is over. Rabchenko will win by TKO.
Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter. I dig boxing and MMA.
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