by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg
The past weekend offered very little in boxing other than Johnny Tapia edging out a decision over a journeyman. The coming weekend, however, is going to be very exciting. The action starts at Caesar's Palace on Friday with St. Paul prospect Jason Litzau (13-0, 13KO) featured as an appetizer to the pay per view event on Saturday.
Juan Diaz had to pull out of his title defense against Ebo Elder due to a cut he received while sparring. Although this fight was sure to be a good one, the card will live on and still offers 3 great matchups. Calvin Brock vs. Jameel McCline is a heavyweight fight that will either turn McCline into a journeyman or give him another possible title shot. For Calvin Brock the fight means either a position as the next hot prospect, or a spot in the long line of heavyweight bums. Both fighters have plenty to lose so it should be action packed and has a chance to push either fighter into a top spot among the contenders. Either Calvin Brock or McCline will have their day in the sun.
Shane Mosley has to look impressive against prospect David Estrada or he will be in danger of losing his HBO slots and a spot amongst boxing elite. Estrada is looking to upset and has beaten two straight fighters. Estrada's lone loss is to Ishe Smith from the NBC show The Contender.
The main event for Saturday is still set and I feel it is a candidate for fight of the year if cuts don't get in the way. Antonio Margarito vs. Kermit Cintron is the kind of matchup boxing fans love -- two ruthless punchers going to battle is guaranteed when a Mexican fights a Puerto Rican. This fight is for the WBO Welterweight strap and very well may decide the top dog in the division. Zab Judah is the undisputed champ, but Margarito's claim to the throne is legit as well. The winner may have a plate full of options including Zab, Mosley, De La Hoya and maybe down the road Kostya Tszyu.
Doc's has done diligent homework and analysis on these fights, so don't miss out on which underdogs are 100 percent guaranteed. Doc's has won seven of its last eight and this card will be no different. There is a lot of value in the lines this week and Doc's is ready to take advantage.
On The Contender this week Juan De La Rosa left the show due to injuries. He sure didn't seem like a Mexican fighter, but it was probably a good thing. De La Rosa showed no defense and would have been easy pickings for any of the remaining fighters.
The fight this week was Joey Gilbert against Jimmy Lange. Gilbert came into the fight w/a pulled hamstring and was not even close to 100 percent. Gilbert, however, dominated the first two rounds until he stepped on his leg strangely. Lange then dominated rounds three and four. The fifth round was everything and Gilbert sucked it up and won the round.
It was a very impressive win for Gilbert and if he is healthy, he is a live pick to do some damage, although he probably doesn't have the experience to handle Manfredo or Smith.
Due to the loss of De La Rosa the fighters had to pick a fighter to bring back. Next week's highlights seemed to show Ahmed Kaddour knocking down Alfonso Gomez, which is shocking that Kaddour would be picked. Babyface Kaddour is perfect for ratings. Next week's episode will have 2 fights, so it might be the best episode yet.
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