June 16 - ESPN2 7:00 pm
Antonio Diaz vs. Omar Weis
(For the IBA Jr Welter Title)
Antonio is a solid 140 pounder and sticks out of the crowd in an over populated super
light weight division. With names like Kostya Tszyu, Randall Bailey, Zab Judah and Sharmba
Mitchell it's hard to rise to the top in a division of such talent. Antonio DOES rise to
the top. In his last bout he did the impossible, and stopped the heralded Ivan Robinson in
the 11th round this past Apr (as predicted). Top flight
opposition continues to avoid him, but Antonio still stays busy. He fights against a tough
banger in Omar.
Omar is the Argentinean Jr. Welter champ. He comes off his best fight in which he stopped
formerly undefeated Cesar Leiva. Omar is taking a huge leap in competition against
Antonio. This marks only the second time Omar has fought out of Argentina.
I expect a cautious Antonio to press the attack, and box for 12 clean rounds. He will out
hustle and beat Omar to the punch all night, but won't be able to finish off the tough
Argentinean. Look for a 12 round slug fest, with Antonio the aggressor, and Antonio having
his hand raised in the end.
Diaz by Decision
June 16 - Showtime 11:00
pm
Andrew Golota vs. Orlin Norris
The Foul Pole is back, and continues his campaign for a title shot. He comes off his 1
round devastation of Marcus Rhode this past Apr. (as
predicted) He continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division
and was the first to expose Michael Grant for the pretender to the throne he was. Andrew
has good form, fast hands, works well behind the jab and has excellent power. He continues
his ascent against recent Tyson victim Orlin Norris.
Orlin comes off his 90 second destruction by Tyson, a fight in which he quit on his stool.
A hit by Mike after the bell rendered Orlin unable to continue. I can't really say Orlin
lost, because officially, the fight was ruled a no contest. None the less, a weak arm
punch did all this damage!! Orlin is a former world champion, and at one time showed
promise as a cruiser weight. Orlin's main enemy now is inactivity. He always come to the
game ready to play, but the Foul Pole is on a roll. Andrew packs one punch stopping power
and can get you in the first or last round. I expect him to make a statement and press the
attack early. If Orlin survives the first 5 heats, he may hear the final bell. But I
suspect this won't be the case.
Golota inside 5
In Retrospect:
Antonio Diaz vs. Omar Weis
As expected. Antonio admitted after the fight that he knew nothing about Omar, and didn't
know what to expect. What he found was that Omar was a little tougher then he anticipated.
Omar did more than hold his own against the much favored Antonio. The point deduction in
the 11th made an extremely close fight a little more decisive. According to the score
cards, it appeared that Antonio dominated. With scores of 117-110 twice and 116-111, you
would think. Antonio slipped by this one, and is scheduled to fight Mickey Ward in August.
I hope Antonio studies up on some Ward tape and come ready to rumble.
Andrew Golota vs. Orlin Norris
Almost as expected. Orlin showed grit and determination, and was out to prove that the
Tyson thing was only a fluke. In my estimation, he did just that dealing with some of
Andrew's big shots. Orlin is not an easy target to hit, and at times you could see the
frustration on the Foul Pole's face. Orlin scored some pretty good shots himself, but
Andrew just walked them down. Not as impressive as I figured it to be, but an exciting
match none the less.
