Sep 03 - ESPN2 6:00
Ivan Robinson vs. James Crayton
The original matchup here was supposed to be Ivan Robinson vs Golden Johnson. Apparently,
it was announced on Wed that Golden pulled out of this matchup, and cites inability to
make weight as a reason. Hmmm.
Instead, Ivan is now lined up to fight James Crayton. In Ivans last outing, he was out
hustled by Angel Manfredy last Apr (as predicted), and before that fought Arturo Gatti to
2 epic and well deserved decisions.
James didn't fare so well in his last outing this past July against John John Molina, who
scored a distance win against James in 10. May before that he scored an impressive win
against an overmatched Jorge Lopez in 9 who moved up from super feather to fight at light
weight.
The interesting part is Golden Johnson beat James Crayton by decision in Jan 98.
If Ivans people can't get a match with Golden . . . well then how about someone Golden has
beat? Perhaps, but none the less, expect Ivan to win rounds and a decision
Robinson by Decision
Sep 4 - Duesseldorf,
Germany - No USA TV as of yet.
Sven Ottke vs. Thomas Tate
This match will be the fight of the week. Sven attained the title via a split decision
against Charles Brewer last Oct. Sven owns a 15-0 record with 2 KO's. Very light hands for
a world champ. He hasn't faced the caliber of a Thomas Tate, and this will prove to be his
toughest matchup ever. Tate is a banger from Houston who now fights and trains out of the
Motor City. In his last outing, this past Oct, he won a unanimous and convincing 12 round
decision against Demetrius Davis. Thomas owns 2 wins over the much heralded KO artist
Joseph Kiwanuka, one of which was a 11th round stoppage in Oct of 97. Tate is ranked by
ALL 3 major world organizations, and will have a tough time trying to score a decision in
Sven's back yard (just ask Charles Brewer).
Expect Tate to turn up the heat and bomb the german boy.
Tate inside 8
