By Jackie Kallen
Another interesting fight weekend. If I were still living in the LA area, I know where I’d be this weekend. I’d be first in line at the Sports Arena for the Golden Boy fights on Saturday night.
Firsts of all, I am curious to see how Amir Khan is going to do against undefeated Carlos Molina. At 26 and coming off a 4th round KO at the hands of Danny Garcia last July, this is a must win for the popular fighter from the UK. Last year at this time, he lost to Lamont Peterson. He hasn’t won a fight since July 2011.
On the other hand, 27 year old Molina has never lost in 18 fights. He turned pro in 2007 and the road his been uphill ever since. To be fair about it, none of his wins have been over anyone the average fan has heard of. He is actually not yet at the level of an Amir Khan, who is a former world champion. But he is willing to bank on the fact that Khan is shot.
Photos: Gene Blevins – Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions
If Amir Khan can’t beat this kid, he is probably near the end of the line. And if he does beat him, it will be dismissed as an easy comeback fight. But it makes for a bout worth watching.
I am also curious about Shawn Porter’s welterweight fight against 32 year old former champ Julio Diaz. Diaz has been stopped five times in his career, so it is not too daunting a task for the 25 year-old Porter who has KOed 70% of his opponents so far. This will be a great win for him and a major step up in class. I feel confident that he will get his 15th knock-out.
On the same card, undefeated heavyweight Deontay Wilder faces Kelvin Price, who is also boasting an 0 in the second column. Though he is a hulking 6’7″, Price may be diving into some seriously deep water here. Admittedly neither man has fought anyone of note, but Wilder has KOed every one of his 25 opponents so far. That is scary.
IBF bantamweight champ Leo Santa Cruz puts his title on the line against Mexico’s Alberto Guevera. Both men are undefeated. Guevera is 16-0 and Santa Cruz is 22-0-1. The defending champ has the heavier hands, however, and should dispose of his foe rather easily.
The card also features 30 year old Alfredo Angulo who got knocked out last year at this time by James Kirkland. He managed to bounce back last month with a 1st round KO over Raul Casarez. But he was off for a full year. He will be facing Jorge Silva who is 19-2-2. Silva has decent power and is hoping a win over Angulo would be a good notch in his belt. I don’t see it happening.
There are eight other fights scheduled on this card for a total of 96 possible rounds. Not all will go the distance, most likely, but if they did, this card could go on for over six hours. A boxing marathon. Something for everyone from bantamweights to heavyweights.
Jackie Kallen is a boxing manager who has been in the business for over three decades. Her life inspired the Meg Ryan film “Against the Ropes” and she was a part of the NBC series “The Contender.” www.JackieKallen.com, www.facebook.com/JackieKallen