The boxing scene is really heating up, all the way from prospects to high profile pay per views as we come to the end of February. Paul Malignaggi and Peter Manfredo each looked impressive recently on ESPN to raise their status as potential champions. Fres Oquendo even made a comeback after two years to win a boring ninth round technical knock out. I decided to do a little review of a few of the upcoming championship caliber fights.

Feb. 24: Glen Johnson (43-10-2, 29 KOs) vs. Richard Hall (27-5, 25 KOs), 175 pounds

These two lightweight contenders definitely won't have a hard time finding each other. Johnson is legitimate and this might end up being entertaining, but it hardly belongs on PPV. Former champ Joel Casamoyer will appear on a weak undercard.

Feb. 25: Fernando Vargas (26-2, 22 KOs) vs. Shane Mosley (41-4, 35 KOs), 154 pounds

The battle of California minus Oscar De La Hoya, though he does make an appearance as the promoter. Both fighters have enough left in the tank to make this a great battle, and each has pride and plenty to prove.

Mar. 4: IBF champ Jeff Lacy (21-0, 17 Kos) vs. WBO champ Joe Calzaghe (40-0, 31 KOs), 168 pounds

Showtime is kind enough to offer this legit unification bout for free. Considering that Antonio Margarito and Glen Johnson headlined against fringe contenders, this may be the best value of the year. Lacy and Calzaghe both may be fighting for the opportunity to face off against Roy Jones in a PPV extravaganza. Showtime is currently in negotiations with the brash ex-champion.

Mar. 4: Chris John (36-0-1, 20 Kos) vs. WBA champ Juan Manuel Marquez (44-2-1, 33 KOs) 126 pounds

This long awaited and frequently rescheduled bout has the potential to be a classic. The problem is that no one is going to see it. Marquez has let the ignorance of his manager ruin his budding career and this may be the nail in the coffin. For some reason Marqeuz chose to go defend his title in Indonesia, the homeland of the challenger. Nacho Beristain has to go down as one of the worst managers in the history of the sport. John is a big puncher who should test the fantastic boxing skills of Marquez.

Mar. 11: Macelino Masoe (26-2, 25 KOs) vs. Felix Sturm (24-1, 11 KOs), 160 pounds

This fight will sadly only be shown in Europe. Sturm is looking to take the WBA middleweight title, which will be at stake. Masoe is no easy feat and it is strange Showtime didn't jump on the opportunity to show this live.

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