June 11 ESPN2
Danny Romero vs. Enrique Jupiter
There was a time about 4 years ago when I would of without a doubt picked Danny. I've been
leery of him every since a nobody named Willy Salazar stopped him on Sep 8, 1995 (my
birthday, and it costed me a 12 pack!!!). One punch, and his eye swelled up like a
softball. His fait in my opinion was sealed that July 1997 night when he faced the
toughest challenge of his career, Johnny Tapia, and lost. His third loss was at the hands
of Vuyani Bungu last Oct, but did fight last month and got the decision to David Vazquez.
What Danny needs is an opponent that is on a downward spiral to look good against. He
found him in Enrique. Enrique has never been more than a club fighter with no promise of
super stardom. When given the opportunity last Aug to fight for a Jr. world title (NABO
LW) he was stopped in 8. Remember this name? Enrique was the opponent of choice for Kevin
Kelly, but changed at the last moment to Hector Velazquez. Perhaps Kelly figured Enrique
wouldn't be a believable opponent for his come back. Obviously, Danny isn't as choosy.
Romero inside 5
Eric "Butterbean" Esch vs. Russell Chasten
I'm not even going to include this fight in my record, because it's a joke. But it
couldn't go without mention. Butterbean, although entertaining to watch, could never be a
champion, so why take him seriously? He fights an undefeated boxer with all wins by KO,
but how can you take that guy seriously for stepping in the ring with Butterbean? More
than likely, the king of the 4 rounders, Butterbean will stop him.
Who Cares!
June 12 Showtime
Frankie Liles vs. Byron Mitchell
Frankie is a well disciplined and well schooled pugilist. Since winning the WBA super
middleweight crown in Aug of 1994, he has successfully defended the title 7 times. Frankie
has held this coveted world title for 5 years! The guy has beat Steve Little (for the
title), beat him again by stoppage in a rematch, Michael Nunn and Segundo Mercado just to
name a few. All icons in the middleweight division. Albeit he's no big KO artist, he wins
rounds and bouts.
Mitchell on the other hand is more of a banger. Undefeated, and with 15 of his 19 wins by
KO (11 in the first round!), he's shot up the rankings since turning pro 3 years ago. He's
the WBA's #1 contender, and is ranked #4 by the IBF. Most recently, he dismantled
Carlos Sanabria in 3 rounds in his last bout this past March.
The classical boxer versus puncher. In most bout like that, the boxer prevails. Frankie
has the experience against fast starters, and if he can make it through the first 4
rounds, will box his way to a decision.
Liles by Decision
John Ruiz vs. Fernely Feliz
I tell you, this John Ruiz guy is a hot up and coming prospect. Remember him on the
Holyfield-Bean undercard last Sep? He SMOKED a tough and ready Jerry Ballard in 4 to win
the WBA North America HW Title. He is ranked in the top 3 by all major world organizations
(#1WBC, #2WBA, #3 IBF). Last March, in his first title defense, he dispatched Mario Cawley
in another 4th round stoppage. With wins to the likes of Tony Tucker, Ray Anis and
Steve Pannel (all by KO), he's a heavy I've been watching.
Fernely is no slouch either. He has dangerous KO power, but limited world experience. His
only loss was at the hands of Oleg Maskaev in Aug of 96 by decision. His last bout
(Oct98), he won an 8 round decision to Badara M’Baye (who?). Fernely hasn't the world
experience, or the ring experience to take Ruiz's title away. The majority of his fights
have been 8 round bouts. Now he's going to step in the ring with a much rated and powerful
fighter like Ruiz and take is title? This is a 12 round fight Fernely. For a title
Fernely. Does he really think you has a chance?
Expect John to take him into deep water and drown him!
Ruiz inside 9
