Dec 11 - Showtime
11:30pm
John Ruiz vs. Thomas Williams
John is another promising up and coming hw contender. I personally like John's fighting
style. He has good balance, sets up well with the jab and has good foot placement. He is
ranked in the top 5 by ALL major sanctions and has proved his ability with wins over major
names in the HW division. He stopped Steve Pannell in 3 (Oct 95), decisioned Jimmy Thunder
in 12 (Jan 97 to win the NABF hw championship), Ray Anis by 1st rd KO (Jun 97) and a big
11th rd KO of Tony Tucker (Jan 98). The biggest scar on his record is his 1st round KO
loss to David Tua in Mar 96.
Thomas Williams is an 11th hour replacement for Jade Scott, who never showed up for the
match! Thomas is a tomato can who has been stopped many times. They do share a common
opponent, Dannell Nicholson. Both lost to Dannell, only John went the distance to a split
decision and Thomas was stopped in 2.
Thomas stands NO chance and is considerably overmatched against the up and coming Ruiz.
Ruiz inside 6
Byron Mitchell vs. Bruno Girard
Byron is currently riding a 6 round KO streak, and puts his title on the line against #1
ranked Bruno. This is what I like to see. The champ taking on the #1 contender. The way it
should be =) I was most impressed, when much to my chagrin, the unheralded Byron stopped
Frankie Liles in 11 last June. He should have NO problem with light handed Bruno. Bruno is
the current European super mw champ, a title he acquired last April. He takes a MAJOR step
up fighting Byron. Will he survive? NOT!!!!
Bruno sports a 36-3 record with 5 KO's. The boy has no power!
Byron hold a 20-0 record with 16 KO's. Naw, make that 17. Enough said . . .
Mitchell inside 10
Same day rebroadcast on Showtime.
Vitali Klitschko vs. Obed Sullivan
Vitali continues to continue his campaign and fight named opponents. Although Obed has
seen better days, he is about to be stopped like never before. Vitali is the HW of the new
millennium, and will continue his undefeated all KO streak. At 6' 7 and fighting at a
ready 245 pounds, the Ukrainian will prove to be more than the one time contender can
handle.
Can Vitali continue to 27-0 with 27 KO's? Naturally.
As always, Vitali will waste no time, go after and stop the unsuspecting Obed fast and
fiercely!! I see Obed announcing his retirement.
Klitschko inside 4
Dec 12 - FSN 7:00pm
Bernard Hopkins vs. Antwun Echols
Bernard has consistently proved his validity as a world champion. He was hurt in
the first outing with Robert Allen and in the rematch stopped him in seven. Bernard's 2
losses were his pro debut in Oct 88 against Clinton Mitchell, and a decision loss to Roy
Jones in May of 93. I was surprisingly impressed in his losing to Jones, because he was
VERY over matched and still managed to go 12 rounds with the now undisputed LH champ.
Bernard has never been stopped, and has always been a dedicated and disciplined champion.
He has impressive wins over middle weight icons like Andrew Council (12 rd decision Nov
97) Simon Brown (KO in 6 Jan 98) and Robert Allen (KO in 7 Feb 99). He has been the IBF mw
champ since winning the via 7th rd KO of Segundo Mercado in April 95.
Antwun is a competent and proven contender. He will be no cake walk for Bernard. Atwun
owns some impressive wins over Kevin Tillman (8th rd KO Apr 98), and Brian Barbosa
(9th rd KO Feb 98). He has 22 wins (all by KO), 2 losses and has been stopped on one
occasion. I believe this will be the second time for Antwun. He has the ability to take
the fight to Bernard, and I expect him to do so, but he won't win. World class experience
and survivability will be the winning factors in a busy bout.
Hopkins inside 8
In Retrospect:
John Ruiz vs. Thomas Williams
As expected. John went in and took care of business. He's just staying active looking for
bigger paydays. He should get a break this year I would expect.
Byron Mitchell vs. Bruno Girard
Sort of as expected. Boy did Byron get more than he bargained for. Bruno proved to be a
steel jawed boxer that wouldn't go down. Byron was lucky to get away with the nod. The
question will be how will Byron do in his next outing? Only time will tell.
Bernard Hopkins vs. Antwun Echols
As expected. Bernard got off the canvas in the first round to go the distance for
the nod in a tough fight of attrition. As I stated, Antwun was no walk in the park.
Bernard had to box and box clean to score the victory. Antwun proved his ability to
survive and I tip my hat to him for seeing the closing bell against the one called the
executioner. A great fight this was indeed.
