A Look at Boxing's Welterweight Division: Part Two

My previous blog examined the major players in the welterweight division. Now I will take a look at the potential stars in the division and the “gate keepers” of the division.

Potential Stars

Andre Berto : I think Berto has the highest possibility of becoming a key star in this division. He is undefeated, carries power and speed that can give any fighter a run for his money. Some critics point to his chin and lack of experience, but time will soon tell if that will be any major factors in his development.

At the moment, he faces his biggest test in 2010 against Shane Mosley, which should be a great fight.

Possible Scenarios in 2010: Berto will kick off the year with a fight against Mosley. A win against Mosley sets him up for several options. He could follow up his victory with a fight against either Mayweather or Pacquiao.  If he were to lose to Mosley, then he could attempt a rematch against Collazo to build his momentum right back up.

However, the way he loses or wins could also determine what he does next. Let’s assume he does the impossible and knockouts Mosley! Ironically, he may set himself in a position Mosley was in when he did the impossible and knocked out Antonio Margarito. Berto might look so good that fighters like Pacquiao or Mayweather may avoid a fight with him.

Unfortunately, sometimes in boxing those scenarios happen. What if Berto were to lose by knockout? It would be a devastating loss for Berto. Talks would begin about being exposed or a frail chin he seems to have. It’s funny how the media will set you up as the next big thing, then one loss turns you into fringe contender...boxing is a tough sport!

Joshua Clottey : It must be frustrating to be Clottey. He’s had unfortunate luck throughout his career. He was beating the then feared Antonio Margarito until he “allegedly” broke his hand which forced him to lose a decision to Margarito. He had another chance to make himself a star with a fight against Cotto.

Many believe he won, while others believe he cruised too much in the final rounds which gave the decision to Cotto. After the fight he immediately told Bob Arum that he couldn’t take it anymore and wanted to retire.

However he took it back and was scheduled to fight Mosley (it was cancelled). No problem; he was re-scheduled to face Carlos Quintana (that was also cancelled). Poor Clottey....

Possible Scenarios in 2010: Let’s say this is the year Clottey can redeem all his misfortunes and shortcomings. He might be able to land a fight with the winner of Mosley vs. Berto, assuming they are not able to get a match with either Pacquiao or Mayweather. He has the skills and potential to defeat either Mosley or Berto in a fight of the year candidate.

One must also take notice that this would be Clottey’s last chance to set himself up into a major player in the welterweight division. So a loss would probably send him down the rankings with less meaningful fights that just wouldn’t grab his attention. Overall, Clottey is a very interesting fighter to look for in 2010.

The Gatekeepers

Kermit Cintron : Kermit Cintron revived his career with an upset of Alfredo Angulo in the light middleweight division. As a result, Cintron may decide to continue campaigning at light middleweight instead of welterweight. However, tempting fights may bring him down to the welterweight division.

Possible Scenarios in 2010 : I don’t know why but I have a sneaky feeling Cintron might fight Cotto in Madison Square Garden. It would be a great opportunity for Cintron to ascend himself into a major star in the division but this fight is a dangerous fight for Cotto as his ring return.

He could also fight Berto, Clottey or Quintana but I think either of these foes would give him trouble and beat him as a result. Who knows Cintron might improve, but I see him staying as a gatekeeper and not doing much in 2010.

Zab Judah : Awe...the most dangerous five round boxer in the sport. Well that may be an overstatement but Judah seems to have a problem with his psyche and as a result has lost many of his big fights. Judah is a very well known fighter with strong skills and is somewhat odd to have him labeled as a gatekeeper.

However, he hasn’t done much lately and seems to be at the end of his career. Furthermore, he plans to go down in weight and try his luck there.

Possible Scenarios in 2010 : More than likely, I see Judah moving down in weight to see if he can establish himself at the light welterweight division. He still carries a notable name that could get him a meaningful match to turn his career over. Plus, there isn’t much at welterweight for him anymore so this would likely be his move in 2010.

Final Note : Stay tune for Part Three, where I will examine the wild cards in the welterweight division (Cotto and Margarito) and potential prospects that the boxing world will soon buzz about. (www.fightfanforever.com)