Middleweights to Slug it Out for the Fans

It's a great time for fight fans.  Today there is so much talent in the Middleweight divisions that some of the best fighters in the sport will have to fight in non-title matches on network television.  And these fighters don’t just win; they fight. Fewer tune-up fights will take place as everyone scratches and claws their way to the top.  Fans will want to stay home Saturday night when Mayorga and Mosely square off on HBO, and there are many more exciting matches to come.

    In recent years, many Widdleweight bouts were disappointments to fans.  Allthough Bernard Hopkins' knockout of De La Hoya put up big numbers, most of his fights were boring and predictable as he took few risks and out classed his opposition.  Before him, Roy Jones Jr. displayed his skills but never tested his heart.  Then finally a young raw talent, Jermain Taylor, took away Hopkins belt by taking advantage of his power and youth. Taylor lost his belt a year ago in an incredible fight with Kelley Pavlik, and there has been tremendous excitement in the middleweight division ever since. Give credit to Taylor, who entertained us during all of his defenses.

    The obvious big matches in the middle to light heavyweight divisions will include standouts such as Kelly Pavlik, Roy Jones Jr., Hopkins and Joe Calzaghe. But you won’t have to shell out 50 dollars to see the best fights in the near future.  Now there's a whole boatload of hungry thoroughbred phenoms looking for mainstream recognition. And before they earn a shot of glory on pay-per-view, they will have to get through some of the toughest fighters, who once had titles, and currently act as gatekeepers.  Meanwhile, these gatekeepers will be looking to rise to the top of the competition as well.  All of this makes for great match-ups.

Not to be overlooked, the middleweight division is filled with boxers who tore through opposition, but were de-throned or stopped in their tracks.  These are the current gatekeepers whom the contenders must pass in order to earn a title shot.  All are nitty gritty fighters willing to slug it out.  Mark your calendar for November 15th, when Jeff Lacy and Jermain Taylor duke it out on HBO.  The former Olympians both had spotless records until being exposed.  Jeff Lacy was completely dominated by Calzaghe, and Taylor lost two fights to Pavlik, one by knockout to lose his title.  Nevertheless, both fighters are loaded with power.  Expect this fight to be far more entertaining than Calzaghe-Jones, because both fighters are younger, more powerful, and more aggressive.  And two days before that fight, there’s an interesting bout between contender stars Sakio Bika and Peter Manfredo Jr. on Versus.  Other gatekeepers include Edison Miranda, who just lost his third fight, but has one punch knockout power.      

           A new generation of gifted fighters is gaining ground on these gatekeepers.  They include Andre Ward, a total package fighter, who won a Gold medal in the 04.  Don't forget about Arthur Abraham, who recently knocked out Edison Miranda with greater ease than Pavlik.  Julio Caesar Chavez Jr. should bring Mexican fans to their feet as he continues to grow.  He looks and fights as though he's a clone of his Mexican Legend father, only bigger.  Chavez jr. sports a 36-0 record with 29 wins by knock out, and is only 22 years old.  Paul Williams is another great fighter looking to make his mark in the division.   

     It sure is a wonderful time for fight fans, especially those who like middleweight clashes without

ridiculous viewing prices.  It's about time that the division redeems itself after ripping people off with

events like the 12 round pillow fight between Winky Wright and Felix Trinidad.  So order your free

trial for HBO and Showtime, because you’re in for a treat in the next few months.