Dec 4 - HBO 11:00pm
Fernando Vargas vs. Ronald "Winky" Wright
Fernando is a champions champion. Since winning the IBF Jr. Middleweight title by a
shocking 8 round stoppage of Yori Boy Campus last Dec, he has defended the title twice and
both to top flight opposition. In his last outing, he dismantled and then dispatched the
former IBF champ Raul Marquez. (as predicted)
Ronald is no exception. Ronald enters the fold as #1 ranked contender. Ron captured the
WBO title by an impressive points win to Bronco McKart in May of 96, defended the title 3
times then lost it to a tough Harry Simon in Aug of 98. Since losing the title he has
fought once in 99. Ronald's only weakness is inactivity. Since the beginning of 97, he has
only fought 4 times! twice in 97, once in 98 and once this year.
I don't believe Fernando's legal problems will take away any focus on the task at hand.
This is a valid matchup that will prove to be a barn burner. Don't blink!
When Fernando fought Raul (who also is a southpaw like Ron), it seemed he was proving he
can do rounds. When he fights Winky, he'll once again prove his validity as the best
Middleweight on the planet with his 18th KO in as many fights.
Vargas inside 10
Diego Corrales vs. John Brown
Diego in my opinion owns 1999's biggest upset of the year when he stopped Roberto Garcia
in 7 last Oct and took the formerly undefeated Jr. LW champs title away. He survived some
early bombs, weathered the storm then landed his own finishing blows. Prior to that, he
had no fights of recognition.
John has been around a while. He's been in the ring with some top flight opposition, but
comes up short to big punchers. He went the distance and lost to Angel Manfredy in Sep 98,
then on the heels of that loss, stopped former champ Gabe Ruelas in 8 the following Oct.
In his next fight, he gave Shane Mosley a run for his money until Shane turned the lights
out in the 8th round last April. This past Aug he took the distance nod to unknown
Francisco Cruz, and believe it or not, John still remains in the IBF top 10!
John will hold his own for a short while, then will succumb to the power of Diego.
Corrales inside 6
Dec 4 - Univision
11:30pm
Eric Morel vs. Oscar Arciniega
I've been watching Eric continue his quest for a real world title. He currently holds the
IBA Jr bantamweight title and continues to campaign against worthy opposition. Last Aug he
scored an impressive first rd KO over heralded KO artist and former golden gloves champ
Francisco Espitia (as predicted). Last Sep he fought
the unknown yet tough Miguel Granados to a convincing decision (as predicted).
Oscar will prove to be one of his most seasoned foes to date.
Oscar is a mexican champion that has much world experience. He has been in 15 title bouts
(lesser titles) and has faced some tough fighters. He even boasted to an unfazed Eric in a
press conference he was going to knock Eric out. Hmmm.
I don't believe for a second this is the man to stop Eric "little hands of
stone" Morel. He will give the future champion of the world a run for his money, but
will fall short of victory.
Morel by Decision
In Hannover, Germany. No US TV
Wladimir Klitschko vs. Lajos Eros
Just 3 weeks after a very impressive stoppage of Phil Jackson (as predicted), little brother Wladimir makes another
defense of his EBU Hw title against former WBU International champ Lajos Eros. Jajos has
won 5 out of his last six matches, but has not fought any named opposition lately. Lajos
has been stopped on 3 occasions, let's just say this will be 4.
Klitschko inside 6
In Retrospect:
Fernando Vargas vs. Ronald "Winky" Wright
Pretty much as expected. Ron proved to be a much more the pugilist than expected.
He stood up and traded with the heralded KO artist Fernando and took him the distance for
the first time. Albeit Fernando took the nod on a split decision, he proved he can go the
distance and win rounds. Ronald proved himself to be a marketable contender and count on
seeing him more as he proved his abilities. I stated that his main weakness was
inactivity. I didn't realize he has traveled the globe fighting. They must of been non
sanctioned bouts, because the are not recorded in his record. Fernando also proved he can
take some big bombs. In the 9th Ron came out and landed a a straight left that knocked
Fernando's mouth piece out. Fernando almost stopped him in the 7th, and from the 10th on
it was all Fernando. What a great fight by 2 world class pugilists!
None the less, Fernando proved he is a champion that will take all comers, and Ron proved
he is a world class contender. I'll keep my eye on Winky. . .
Diego Corrales vs. John Brown
Diego had a tougher time than I would expect from John. Being so small in stature, and
such a small reach, he managed to get inside and give Diego some trouble. Considering
Diego fought from the beginning with torn ligament in his right hand, he won the bout, all
rounds in my opinion, hands down!Just 3 weeks after a
Eric Morel vs. Oscar Arciniega
Eric Morel did as exactly as expected. He faced his toughest challenge ever, and
won convincingly. He tried like hell to stop Oscar in rounds 2 and 3, but instead settled
for a major lopsided victory. Expect more big things from the little hands of steel. I'll
keep an eye on Eric.
Wladimir Klitschko vs. Lajos Eros
As expected. What can I say, Wladimir walked through the poor unsuspecting Lajos,
and retired the poor boy after only 2 heats. I would like to see Wladimir rematch and stop
the big mouth Ross Purity. That in my opinion should be his main focus and prove to the
world that Ross got lucky in that 11th round stoppage. I also believe Wladimir needs to
fight ranked opposition.
