UFC event this Saturday, March 2nd from Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan free on FUEL TV (top ten world ranked fighters indicated in bold):

- 185 lbs.- "The Ax Murderer" Wanderlei Silva (Brazil; 34-12-1) vs. "All American" Brian Stann (Pennsylvania; 12-5)
- HWT - Stefan "Skyscraper" Struve (Netherlands; 29-5) vs. Mark Hunt (New Zealand; 8-7)
- 155 lbs.- Takanori "The Fireball Kid" Gomi (Japan; 34-8) vs. Diego "The Dream" Sanchez (New Mexico; 25-5)
- 185 lbs.- Hector "Lightning" Lombard (Cuba; 32-3-1) vs. Yushin "Thunder" Okami (Japan; 29-7)
- 170 lbs.- Dong Hyun "Stun Gun" Kim (Korea; 16-2-1) vs. Siyar Bahadurzada (Kazakhstan; 21-4-1)
- 185 lbs.- Riki Fuekuda (Japan; 19-6) vs. Brad Tavares (Hawaii; 9-2)
- 145 lbs.- Mizuto Hirota (Japan; 14-5-1) vs. Rani Yahya (Brazil; 17-7)
- 135 lbs.- Takeya Mizugaki (Japan; 16-7-2) vs. Bryan Carraway (California; 17-6)
- 155 lbs.- Kazuki Tokudome (Japan; 11-3-1) vs. Cristiano Marcello (Brazil; 13-4)
- 135 lbs.- Kyung Ho Kang (Korea; 11-6) vs. Alex "Bruce Leroy" Caceres (Florida; 8-5)
- 170 lbs.- Marcelo Guimaraes (Brazil; 8-0) vs. Hyun Gyu Lim (Korea; 10-3-1)

Man that is a great card. Not much in the way of "meaningful" fights but a lot of great match ups. Stoked about Lombard vs. Okami.

THEkungfoodude wrote: Man that is a great card. Not much in the way of "meaningful" fights but a lot of great match ups. Stoked about Lombard vs. Okami.

True. Some fan-friendly matchups on there. Yeah, Lombard vs. Okami should be really interesting. Tough matchup for both guys.

THEkungfoodude wrote:

wolfpack87 wrote: Cyborg was at the fight last night and it is rumored that she has agreed to cut to 135 to fight Rousey. We'll see.

She just signed a deal with Invicta, so I don't think you will see that for a year at least. I don't see her coming down to 135 nor do I think she should have to. Catchweight bout will be fine. Rousey is against a catchweight fight because she knows she will instantly be at a disadvantage.

Rousey has the belt at 135. Why would she fight at 140 or 145? Cyborg couldn't win the belt because she couldn't defend the 135 belt. If she could then she should drop to 135 and I have no doubt she would win.
Now should there be a 145 division, if they can find enough fighters for that weight class then yes.
Actually I'd like to see Urijah Faber go back to 145, that's where he held the WEC belt, and challenge Cyborg. I think she'd kick his butt.

slickrick00 wrote:

THEkungfoodude wrote: Man that is a great card. Not much in the way of "meaningful" fights but a lot of great match ups. Stoked about Lombard vs. Okami.

True. Some fan-friendly matchups on there. Yeah, Lombard vs. Okami should be really interesting. Tough matchup for both guys.

If Okami can avoid those hands and get him to the ground, I think he will win easily. But, considering Lombard's center of gravity is so low and the fact that he has that judo background.....I can't see Okami being able to get him to the ground from the clinch.

barelypure wrote:

THEkungfoodude wrote:

wolfpack87 wrote: Cyborg was at the fight last night and it is rumored that she has agreed to cut to 135 to fight Rousey. We'll see.

She just signed a deal with Invicta, so I don't think you will see that for a year at least. I don't see her coming down to 135 nor do I think she should have to. Catchweight bout will be fine. Rousey is against a catchweight fight because she knows she will instantly be at a disadvantage.

Rousey has the belt at 135. Why would she fight at 140 or 145? Cyborg couldn't win the belt because she couldn't defend the 135 belt. If she could then she should drop to 135 and I have no doubt she would win.
Now should there be a 145 division, if they can find enough fighters for that weight class then yes.
Actually I'd like to see Urijah Faber go back to 145, that's where he held the WEC belt, and challenge Cyborg. I think she'd kick his butt.

I think a catchweight bout fits the bill perfectly. No belts on the line, just a fight to see who will win. The UFC has done those fights before and I think it makes sense in this case.

There is no doubt that there is not enough talent at 145. They don't have enough talent at 135. As shallow is the talent pool is at the new 125 division, it's even worse with the women's division(s). 

I have long maintained that Cyborg could hold her own versus Evangelista. lol

I’m hearing the Aldo vs. Edgar fight last month supposedly did around 450,000 buys. That destroys the previous high for MMA pay-per-views headlined by fighters below the lightweight class (Cruz vs. Faber in June of 2011 did over 320,000). The strong undercard and Super Bowl Saturday slot had to have helped a lot. Incidentally, Dana White claimed at Saturday’s post-fight presser that Aldo is refusing to face Pettis. Don’t know how much truth there is to that but we should hear more soon.

slickrick00 wrote: I’m hearing the Aldo vs. Edgar fight last month supposedly did around 450,000 buys. That destroys the previous high for MMA pay-per-views headlined by fighters below the lightweight class (Cruz vs. Faber in June of 2011 did over 320,000). The strong undercard and Super Bowl Saturday slot had to have helped a lot. Incidentally, Dana White claimed at Saturday’s post-fight presser that Aldo is refusing to face Pettis. Don’t know how much truth there is to that but we should hear more soon.

He isn't refusing. Dana is being a jack*** again. Aldo's camp says Pettis doesn't deserve the shot.

barelypure wrote:

THEkungfoodude wrote:

wolfpack87 wrote: Cyborg was at the fight last night and it is rumored that she has agreed to cut to 135 to fight Rousey. We'll see.

She just signed a deal with Invicta, so I don't think you will see that for a year at least. I don't see her coming down to 135 nor do I think she should have to. Catchweight bout will be fine. Rousey is against a catchweight fight because she knows she will instantly be at a disadvantage.

Rousey has the belt at 135. Why would she fight at 140 or 145? Cyborg couldn't win the belt because she couldn't defend the 135 belt. If she could then she should drop to 135 and I have no doubt she would win.
Now should there be a 145 division, if they can find enough fighters for that weight class then yes.
Actually I'd like to see Urijah Faber go back to 145, that's where he held the WEC belt, and challenge Cyborg. I think she'd kick his butt.

THEkungfoodude wrote:

slickrick00 wrote: I’m hearing the Aldo vs. Edgar fight last month supposedly did around 450,000 buys. That destroys the previous high for MMA pay-per-views headlined by fighters below the lightweight class (Cruz vs. Faber in June of 2011 did over 320,000). The strong undercard and Super Bowl Saturday slot had to have helped a lot. Incidentally, Dana White claimed at Saturday’s post-fight presser that Aldo is refusing to face Pettis. Don’t know how much truth there is to that but we should hear more soon.

He isn't refusing. Dana is being a jack*** again. Aldo's camp says Pettis doesn't deserve the shot.

Pettis is a badass, if I were Aldo I'd keep trying to dodge him too

THEkungfoodude wrote:

slickrick00 wrote: I’m hearing the Aldo vs. Edgar fight last month supposedly did around 450,000 buys. That destroys the previous high for MMA pay-per-views headlined by fighters below the lightweight class (Cruz vs. Faber in June of 2011 did over 320,000). The strong undercard and Super Bowl Saturday slot had to have helped a lot. Incidentally, Dana White claimed at Saturday’s post-fight presser that Aldo is refusing to face Pettis. Don’t know how much truth there is to that but we should hear more soon.

He isn't refusing. Dana is being a jack*** again. Aldo's camp says Pettis doesn't deserve the shot.

You're correct. I figured White might just be running his mouth. Aldo says the fight is a go. This will be his last fight at 145, if what I read is correct.

Zhuge1 wrote:

There is a 9pm card from Detroit televised on Showtime.

The main event is an IBF light middleweight title fight.  Cornelius Bundrage (32-4) defends against Ishe Smith (24-5).  Bundrage is 39 and has really improved in his career over the past couple of years as he began working with the late Emmanuel Steward.  In his last three fights, Bundrage has beaten Cory Spinks twice and also avenged an earlier defeat to Sechew Powell.  While Bundrage has looked good, he's been largely inactive as he has only had three fights in the past three years.  Smith is best known as a contestant on the first season of The Contender and originally came on to the scene as the chief sparring partner for Fernando Vargas.  Smith lost controversially in The Contender and has mismanaged his career since then, turning down good money fights because he felt they weren't for "enough" and then losing fights against better opponents by simply going through the motions during the fight and not being busy enough with his punches.

Ishe must mean crying in Swahili, I can't recall seeing a fighter that emotional after a win.

BlackRazor wrote:

barelypure wrote:

THEkungfoodude wrote:

wolfpack87 wrote: Cyborg was at the fight last night and it is rumored that she has agreed to cut to 135 to fight Rousey. We'll see.

She just signed a deal with Invicta, so I don't think you will see that for a year at least. I don't see her coming down to 135 nor do I think she should have to. Catchweight bout will be fine. Rousey is against a catchweight fight because she knows she will instantly be at a disadvantage.

Rousey has the belt at 135. Why would she fight at 140 or 145? Cyborg couldn't win the belt because she couldn't defend the 135 belt. If she could then she should drop to 135 and I have no doubt she would win.
Now should there be a 145 division, if they can find enough fighters for that weight class then yes.
Actually I'd like to see Urijah Faber go back to 145, that's where he held the WEC belt, and challenge Cyborg. I think she'd kick his butt.

I'd take Rousey over Cyborg at 135.

slickrick00 wrote:

THEkungfoodude wrote:

slickrick00 wrote: I’m hearing the Aldo vs. Edgar fight last month supposedly did around 450,000 buys. That destroys the previous high for MMA pay-per-views headlined by fighters below the lightweight class (Cruz vs. Faber in June of 2011 did over 320,000). The strong undercard and Super Bowl Saturday slot had to have helped a lot. Incidentally, Dana White claimed at Saturday’s post-fight presser that Aldo is refusing to face Pettis. Don’t know how much truth there is to that but we should hear more soon.

He isn't refusing. Dana is being a jack*** again. Aldo's camp says Pettis doesn't deserve the shot.

You're correct. I figured White might just be running his mouth. Aldo says the fight is a go. This will be his last fight at 145, if what I read is correct.

I hate Dana. As much as he has done that is really good for the sport, I can't stand his overwhelming pettiness. Oh well.....I guess it could be worse, he could be as petty as the typical Top Rank vs. Golden Boy nonsense....

42wolfpack wrote:

BlackRazor wrote:

barelypure wrote:

THEkungfoodude wrote:

wolfpack87 wrote: Cyborg was at the fight last night and it is rumored that she has agreed to cut to 135 to fight Rousey. We'll see.

She just signed a deal with Invicta, so I don't think you will see that for a year at least. I don't see her coming down to 135 nor do I think she should have to. Catchweight bout will be fine. Rousey is against a catchweight fight because she knows she will instantly be at a disadvantage.

Rousey has the belt at 135. Why would she fight at 140 or 145? Cyborg couldn't win the belt because she couldn't defend the 135 belt. If she could then she should drop to 135 and I have no doubt she would win.
Now should there be a 145 division, if they can find enough fighters for that weight class then yes.
Actually I'd like to see Urijah Faber go back to 145, that's where he held the WEC belt, and challenge Cyborg. I think she'd kick his butt.

I'd take Rousey over Cyborg at 135.

I would too but not at 140 or 145.

From what I hear, early indications are that Rousey-Carmouche achieve 450,000 buys. That is incredible, in my opinion.

---------------------------------------------
--- THEkungfoodude wrote:

42wolfpack wrote:

BlackRazor wrote:

barelypure wrote:

THEkungfoodude wrote:

wolfpack87 wrote: Cyborg was at the fight last night and it is rumored that she has agreed to cut to 135 to fight Rousey. We'll see.

She just signed a deal with Invicta, so I don't think you will see that for a year at least. I don't see her coming down to 135 nor do I think she should have to. Catchweight bout will be fine. Rousey is against a catchweight fight because she knows she will instantly be at a disadvantage.

Rousey has the belt at 135. Why would she fight at 140 or 145? Cyborg couldn't win the belt because she couldn't defend the 135 belt. If she could then she should drop to 135 and I have no doubt she would win.
Now should there be a 145 division, if they can find enough fighters for that weight class then yes.
Actually I'd like to see Urijah Faber go back to 145, that's where he held the WEC belt, and challenge Cyborg. I think she'd kick his butt.

I'd take Rousey over Cyborg at 135.

I would too but not at 140 or 145.

---------------------------------------------

Cyborg is a hermaphrodite so it's not really a fair fight.

BlackRazor wrote:

Zhuge1 wrote:

There is a 9pm card from Detroit televised on Showtime.

The main event is an IBF light middleweight title fight.  Cornelius Bundrage (32-4) defends against Ishe Smith (24-5).  Bundrage is 39 and has really improved in his career over the past couple of years as he began working with the late Emmanuel Steward.  In his last three fights, Bundrage has beaten Cory Spinks twice and also avenged an earlier defeat to Sechew Powell.  While Bundrage has looked good, he's been largely inactive as he has only had three fights in the past three years.  Smith is best known as a contestant on the first season of The Contender and originally came on to the scene as the chief sparring partner for Fernando Vargas.  Smith lost controversially in The Contender and has mismanaged his career since then, turning down good money fights because he felt they weren't for "enough" and then losing fights against better opponents by simply going through the motions during the fight and not being busy enough with his punches.

Ishe must mean crying in Swahili, I can't recall seeing a fighter that emotional after a win.

No doubt -- it was very odd for a guy that came off like an arrogant prick in the first season of The Contender.  I can't see him holding the belt for very long.  While he was more active and looked a bit sharper against Bundrage, I am just not a believer in Smith.

slickrick00 wrote:

Zhuge1 wrote: From Liverpool today, Tony Thompson (37-3) knocked out British prospect David Price (15-1) in a heavyweight fight in round 2. Thompson landed a quick uppercut and a shot to the ear and although Price got up, he was on rubbery legs and could not continue.

Very impressive by Thompson. Called out Tyson Fury.

I think that's a good fight for both guys, but I guess Fury is going to be on NBC Sports later this year against Steve Cunningham (which will be a tough test).

Aldo decides not to dodge Pettis after all. They will fight. 

Dana White shoots down a Ben Henderson/GSP fight. That sucks.

Zhuge1 wrote: No doubt -- it was very odd for a guy that came off like an arrogant prick in the first season of The Contender.  I can't see him holding the belt for very long.  While he was more active and looked a bit sharper against Bundrage, I am just not a believer in Smith.

You are not kidding, I've seen guys get emotional after a big win but then pull it together, he kept it up & appeared to get more & more emotional.

I agree, if he fights Molina or Cotto, his reign as champ is over.

To recap other results from Saturday:

From Detroit (Showtime card), as discussed, Ishe Smith (25-5) defeated Cornelius Bundrage (32-5) for the IBF light middleweight title by split decision.  Scores were 116-111, 116-111, and 113-114.
Also, J'Leon Love (15-0) defeated Derrick Findley (20-9) by unanimous decision.  Scores were 100-90, 99-91, 99-91.

From Huntington, New York (NBC Sports Card), Malik Scott (35-0-1) and Vyachaslav Glazkov (14-0-1) fought to a draw.  Scores were 96-94 (Glazkov), 98-92 (Scott), and 95-95.  It seemed Scott did enough to win, but I will say the commentary from BJ Flores was very, very one-sided for Scott.  Anyone watch this?  If so, thoughts on Flores as a commentator?

On the undercard, Chris Algieri (16-0) defeated Jose Peralda Alejo (10-2) by unanimous decision in a very entertaining fight.  Scores were 97-93, 96-94, and 98-92.

From California (UniMas card), Trevor McCumby (10-0) defeated Ricardo Campillo (7-6-1) by unanimous decision in another entertaining fight.  Campillo took a helluva beating early and was still swinging in the final round amazingly.  Scores were 60-54, 60-54, and 60-53.

Non-Televised, notable fights:
Patrick Majewski (21-1) defeated Jamaal Davis (14-9-1) in Atlantic City. Scores were 98-92, 99-91, 99-91.

Jhonny Gonzalez (53-8) defeated Eusebio Osejo (21-13-2) by unanimous decision in Ixtapa, Mexico.  Gonzalez was down in round 3.  Scores were 115-111, 116-113, and 116-110.

Giovanni Segura (29-2-1) defeated Omar Salado (23-6-2) by TKO in round 9 in Hermosillo, Mexico.

Also in London, Audley Harrison (31-6), a former Gold Medalist, won the 2nd Prizefighter International Heavyweights tournament.  Harrison is now 41 and beat American Derric Rossy (26-6) in the final round.  This is Harrison's second time winning a Prizefighter tournament.

Saul Alvarez has removed his fight against Austin Trout from the Mayweather-Guerrero undercard. He wanted Floyd to sign an agreement to fight him in the Fall. Mayweather refused. Alvarez is a big draw and has decided not to help boost Floyd's business on the May 4th card. He's now headlining a show in the Alamodome in San Antonio on SHOWTIME on April 20th.

slickrick00 wrote: Saul Alvarez has removed his fight against Austin Trout from the Mayweather-Guerrero undercard. He wanted Floyd to sign an agreement to fight him in the Fall. Mayweather refused. Alvarez is a big draw and has decided not to help boost Floyd's business on the May 4th card. He's now headlining a show in the Alamodome in San Antonio on SHOWTIME on April 20th.

That really sucks.  The PPV was looking to be very good with Floyd-Guerrero; Canelo-Trout; and Broner-TBA.

In other news, Chris Arreola pulled out of his heavyweight HBO fight against Bermaine Stiverne.

MMA Mayhem talks with Invicta FC Fighter Michelle Michelle (voted hottest fighter in MMA), President Shannon Knapp, and Ring Girl Natasha Wicks.

LINK

There are four boxing cards this weekend.  Here's a quick preview of what's on for Friday for those interested.

At 9pm, ESPN2 has two good fights scheduled from Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut.  The headliner is an IBF world title fight in the featherweight division.  Champion Billy Dib (35-1), from Australia, defends his title against Evgeny Gradovich (15-0) of Russia.  Dib is one of the primary anchors in 50 Cent's new boxing promotional stable, but he's pretty unknown in the U.S. as most of his fights in recent years have been in Australia.  The last time he fought in America, he lost to Steven Luevano in a world title try.  Dib won his title over the Jorge Lacierva and has defended it three times against fringe contenders.  Gradovich is pretty untested in his career.  His best wins are against Aalan Martinez (who has a Telemundo main event in a couple of weeks) and journeyman Francisco Leal.

The co-feature is an NABF light middleweight title fight between champion Willie Nelson (19-1-1) and Michael Medina (26-3-2).  Nelson had his first major step up four fights ago on Showtime against Vincent Arroyo.  Unfortunately, he lost a close decision.  Since then, he's rebounded well getting a win against a solid journeyman and then beating two undefeated fighters who were both well thought of.  Medina presents a solid challenge.  He's been in with some good fighters with mixed results.  He's lost to guys like John Duddy and Vanes Martirosyan, but he does hold wins against solid fighters like Bladimir Hernandez and Grady Brewer.

Also, Telemundo has a card on at 11;35 from Mexico City.  The main event is for the vacant national, Mexican flyweight title and it features Omar Soto (23-9-2) versus Ulises Lara (11-13-2).  Both guys have regional titles and are coming off upset wins.  Soto beat Glenn Donnaire in an upset last time to win the NABO title and Lara upset Ivan Menesis for the WBC CABOFE title.  On paper, this doesn't look like a terribly interesting fight -- both guys are D+/C- level fighters.  But the great thing about Telemundo fights is that they are always even matchups and are almost always very entertaining.  Soto should be the favorite as he's fought for a world title three times and he's also lost a close split decision to world champ Brian Viloria, but Lara can fight if he chooses to.

Bellator on tonight at 10 on Spike TV

Great fights except for the main event. I really have no idea what M'Pumbu's game plan was. Frankly, I question whether or not he even had one.

THEkungfoodude wrote: Great fights except for the main event. I really have no idea what M'Pumbu's game plan was. Frankly, I question whether or not he even had one.

True. It's weird how impossible it is to predict ratings in combat sports. The event with King Mo last week averaged around 737,000 viewers (a pretty good rating for them). This event averaged 900,000.

slickrick00 wrote:

THEkungfoodude wrote: Great fights except for the main event. I really have no idea what M'Pumbu's game plan was. Frankly, I question whether or not he even had one.

True. It's weird how impossible it is to predict ratings in combat sports. The event with King Mo last week averaged around 737,000 viewers (a pretty good rating for them). This event averaged 900,000.

I think Bellator being on a new station for this season will probably have some strange results. It will settle out over time and probably begin to make more sense. Let's be honest,  a large amount of their ratings are probably people that stick around from the "wrasslin" that leads into it. Sad but true.

I wish them nothing but success because I don't think it is great for the sport if the entire MMA universe revolves around the UFC. Competition will be good for a combat sport, IMO.

THEkungfoodude wrote:

slickrick00 wrote:

THEkungfoodude wrote: Great fights except for the main event. I really have no idea what M'Pumbu's game plan was. Frankly, I question whether or not he even had one.

True. It's weird how impossible it is to predict ratings in combat sports. The event with King Mo last week averaged around 737,000 viewers (a pretty good rating for them). This event averaged 900,000.

I think Bellator being on a new station for this season will probably have some strange results. It will settle out over time and probably begin to make more sense. Let's be honest,  a large amount of their ratings are probably people that stick around from the "wrasslin" that leads into it. Sad but true.

I wish them nothing but success because I don't think it is great for the sport if the entire MMA universe revolves around the UFC. Competition will be good for a combat sport, IMO.

Definitely.

Here's a preview of Saturday's fights:

At 10pm, Showtime has a card on from Las Vegas (undercard fights start at 8 on Showtime Extreme)

The main event is Richard Abril (17-3-1) defending his WBA lightweight title against Sharif Bogere (23-0).  Abril is probably best known for his last fight in which he performed far better than expected against Brandon Rios.  He lost the fight, but it was a split decision loss that many felt he was on the wrong side of.  Prior to that fight, Abril was not highly thought of given his losses to fringe guys like Breidis Prescott and Henry Lundy.  Overall, Abril is a solid boxer and he does have a solid win against Miguel Acosta, but few other notable victories.  On the other side, Bogere is undefeated, but also largely untested.  His best win is over Raymundo Beltran, which was a disputable decision.  He also put the first loss on the record of Francisco Contreras.  The most notable thing about Bogere is his ring entrances in which he wears an actual lion skin.

The co-feature is a featherweight fight between Gary Russell Jr. (21-0) and Vyacheslav Gusev (20-2).  Russell is incredibly talented, but he's not making major strides in his career.  He was first on a major fight card a year and half ago when HBO aired his fight with Leonilo Miranda -- a decent test at that time.  Since then, he's fought similar opposition (fringe guys in that top 11-20 contender range like Miranda).  Gusev is in that same category.  He's been in with one notable guy, Juan Carlos Burgos, and he lost that fight.  Last time out, he beat an undefeated Thai fighter for a regional belt.

Prior to the Showtime main telecast, undercard fights start at 8 on Showtime Extreme.  There's a middlweight fight between Jorge Melendez (25-2-1) against Ryan Davis (24-9-3).  Davis is a solid C fighter that's usually matched up with upcoming prospects, former champs, or fringe contenders who need a win.  Melendez is the latter.  He's rolled off a number of solid wins against similar C fighters, but earlier in his career, he was KO'd twice by similar C level guys who had losing records.

Also, there's a light heavyweight fight between prospect Thomas Williams Jr. (12-0) and Kevin Engel (20-7).  Williams has been on Fox in his last two fights and won solid wins.  Engel will be his biggest test, however.  He's a durable guy that's beaten other undefeated fighters.

Another fight that may make the telecast is a 6 round lightweight fight between prospect Jeffrey Fontanez (10-0) and former world title challenger Daniel Attah (28-13-1).  Fontanez is a big puncher and has a couple of solid wins.  Attah is getting long in the tooth at 34, but he's a durable guy.

Fox Sports also has a card on tomorrow night at 10pm from San Antonio.

The main event is a light welterweight fight between Omar Figueroa (19-0-1) and Henry Aurad (14-6-1).  Figueroa is a solid prospect coming off a good win against Dominic Salcido.  Aurad is a journeyman fighter that has lost 4 of his last 6 fights -- all by knockout.  Also on the card is Jermall Charlo (11-0) versus Gilbert Venegas (12-8-3).  Charlo has not been quite as good as his twin brother (Jermell), but is a solid fighter in his own right coming off a win on Fox late last year against Edgar Perez.  Venegas is 35, but has always been a solid journeyman fighter with some decent power.  Many of his losses are close majority or split decision losses.  In addition, 2012 Olympian Erroll Spence Jr. (3-0) fights Luis Torres (4-2-3) at light middleweight.

Well, Curtis "Fitty Cent" Jackson, welcome to boxing. One of his two world champions, Billy Dib, lost last night against Evgeny Gradovich by split decision on ESPN Friday Night Fights. I'm glad for Gradovich. He actually lived here in North Carolina for quite awhile.

slickrick00 wrote: Well, Curtis "Fitty Cent" Jackson, welcome to boxing. One of his two world champions, Billy Dib, lost last night against Evgeny Gradovich by split decision on ESPN Friday Night Fights. I'm glad for Gradovich. He actually lived here in North Carolina for quite awhile.

Interesting! His nickname is the Mexican Russian & he was born in Siberia.

Diego Sanchez missed weight for tonight's fight.

BlackRazor wrote:

slickrick00 wrote: Well, Curtis "Fitty Cent" Jackson, welcome to boxing. One of his two world champions, Billy Dib, lost last night against Evgeny Gradovich by split decision on ESPN Friday Night Fights. I'm glad for Gradovich. He actually lived here in North Carolina for quite awhile.

Interesting! His nickname is the Mexican Russian & he was born in Siberia.

True. A world traveler. His manager set him up at a camp in Arapahoe, NC for a while. I think Don Turner's fighters (Hoyfield, etc..) used to use it as well.

wolfpack87 wrote: Diego Sanchez missed weight for tonight's fight.

He still will probably beat Gomi. I am certainly not much of a Sanchez fan but the Fireball Kid's best days appear to be pretty far behind him.

slickrick00 wrote: Well, Curtis "Fitty Cent" Jackson, welcome to boxing. One of his two world champions, Billy Dib, lost last night against Evgeny Gradovich by split decision on ESPN Friday Night Fights. I'm glad for Gradovich. He actually lived here in North Carolina for quite awhile.

It should have been a unanimous decision.  Although Dib was claiming to have a more fan friendly style, I certainly didn't see it.  Also, Willie Nelson was pretty impressive in knocking out Michael Medina in the first round.

Also, last night from Mexico City (Telemundo card), Ulises Lara (12-13-2) scored a mild upset when he knocked out Omar Soto (23-10-2) for the Mexican flyweight title. Soto was stunned in the first round and got put down three times in round 2, choosing not to get up the last time. Also, Pedro Melo (10-5-1) defeated Angel Rezago (9-11-1) in a bantamweight fight.

Zhuge1 wrote:

slickrick00 wrote: Well, Curtis "Fitty Cent" Jackson, welcome to boxing. One of his two world champions, Billy Dib, lost last night against Evgeny Gradovich by split decision on ESPN Friday Night Fights. I'm glad for Gradovich. He actually lived here in North Carolina for quite awhile.

It should have been a unanimous decision.  Although Dib was claiming to have a more fan friendly style, I certainly didn't see it.  Also, Willie Nelson was pretty impressive in knocking out Michael Medina in the first round.

that was nasty the way Medina went down from the 1st KD.