Sep 10 - ESPN2 6:00
Jason Papillon vs. Bronco McKart
Bronco continues to campaign for a title shot in a weight class overflowing with top rank
contenders. With champions like David Reid, and Fernando Vargas and contenders like Emmet
Linton, Carl Daniels and Rodney Jones (just to name a few), he wouldn't stand a snowballs
chance in hell against such noted pugilists.
Bronco is ranked 4th by the IBF, 5th by the WBO and 20th by the WBC. He MUST remain active
to maintain these rankings, and needs to look impressive in his wins. That shouldn't be
too difficult against Jason. Just who the hell is Jason? He apparently was the former WBU
jr middle champ . . . . and?
Jason has NO fights of notoriety, and hasn't even fought a top ten contender. Jason is
just another fringe contender that will lay down. By the way, I think Papillon is greek
for TOMATO CAN! Look for the not so active Bronco to establish the pace then end it quick.
McKart inside 5
Sep 11 -
HBO 9:30 WBA featherweight title
Freddie Norwood vs. Juan Manuel Marquez
This is a tough fight to call. All the odds makers have this fight listed as a "pick
'em" fight. Freddie beat Antonio Cermeno to win the vacant title in Apr of 98,
defended it twice in Jun and Jul, was stripped in Sep (for not making weight before
matchup with Koji Matsumoto . . a fight he won by 10th rd KO) and reclaimed the title by
fighting and beating Antonio Cermeno AGAIN this past May!
Freddie Norwood is defending his 126 pound title against the 9th ranked challenger Juan
Manual Marquez. Marquez is a banger in his own right. He dispatched Wilfredo Vargas in 2
last May and stopped Jose De Jesus Garcia in 1 round this past Feb (as predicted) . I make this prediction with guarded
optimism and a heavy heart, because I believe in both these boxers abilities. I believe
that power will NOT play a major factor in this bout, but guts, tenacity and determination
will prove to be the necessary ingredients. This will be an all out war, but the boxing
skills and experience of the cagey southpaw Norwood will prove to be the winning
combination.
Norwood by Decision
WBC junior lightweight title
Floyd Mayweather vs. Carlos Gerena
Floyd is a dominate force in the 130 pound division. With lightning fast combinations and
stunning power, he overwhelmed the much acclaimed Angel Manfredy in 2 rounds last Dec.
Since the Manfredy fight, he scored a stunning 9th round KO over Justin Juuko last May (As predicted).
Carlos is a banger in his own right. He is ranked 7th by the WBC, 6th by the WBA and is
ranked 3rd by the IBF at 130 pounds. He has power and speed, but can he catch Floyd?
Probably not. In a world title bid, Carlos fought and lost a 12 round decision to Genaro
Hernandez in May 98. On the heels of that victory, Genaro fought Floyd in Oct 98, and was
stopped in 8 rounds, losing his WBC crown to Floyd. Carlos' only other loss was via a 3rd
round stoppage by Orlando Soto in Sep 95.
Expect Floyd to start fast and end early.
Mayweather inside 3
