Stardom Awaits: Abner Mares vs Jhonny Gonzalez Preview

By Peter Wells (twitter @boxingsaddler):

Already a Pound-for-Pound hit, Abner Mares is aiming for the highest mountain peak as he prepares to trade blows with friend and fellow Mexican, Jhonny Gonzalez. The fighter born in the poverty stricken area of Guadalajara has thus far swept world titles from three weight classes and with a growing reputation looks set to expand further.

His next challenge though will be no easier than his previous 7 world title opponents. Gonzalez's impressive record of 54-8 with an astonishing 46 knockouts indicates this former Bantamweight and Featherweight world title holder is nothing short of a menacing threat to Mares' unbeaten ledger.

Although Gonzalez looked a faded figure when dominated by Daniel Ponce De Leon last September, it was his first defeat for 12 fights since he was halted in a shoot-out vs Toshiaki Nishioka. In between those two defeats the Mexican tore through both Hozumi Hasegawa and Rogers Mtagwa - the latter almost shocked Juan Manuel Lopez in a close decision defeat - in 4 and 2 rounds respectively. Elio Rojas was another high profile victory in that short time frame for Gonzalez.

Jhonny has shared the ring with some of the top Bantamweights and Super Bantamweights of his era: Gerry Penalosa (L KO 7) - when ahead on the scorecards - Fernando Montiel (W SD 12), Marc Johnson (W KO 8) and Ratanachai Sor Vorapin (W TKO 7) as well as several more.

Gonzalez has been widely known as a boxer/puncher. For many Mexican fight fans he doesn't have the aggressive nature for them to take him to their hearts, but then again those that booed during his fight with Israel Vazquez have likely never stepped foot in a ring. Gonzalez's style has brought him success in boxing and no one can fault him there, and despite his ability to outbox some of his rivals he has sometimes unwisely elected to stand and trade with his more limited opponents.

Until he became careless vs Vazquez, Gonzalez was in control having already sent the gun-slinging warrior to the canvas twice. In the 10th round when needing a stoppage, Vazquez had Gonzalez in the perfect position and managed to stop him there and then.

Abner Mares (Right) knocks down Ponce De Leon (Left)

While tomorrow night Gonzalez will not be taking on an opponent with the power of Vazquez, he will be challenging a champion with many more threats in his arsenal.

Abner Mares - 26-0-1(14) - has begun to win fans over since the controversial low blows he issued out in his first encounter with the likeable Joseph Agbeko (W MD 12). Many believe that Mares should have at least had points deducted or even been chucked out for his persistent fouling.

Wins over Vic Darchinyan (W SD 12), Eric Morel (W UD 12), Anselmo Moreno (W UD 12) and Daniel Ponce De Leon (W TKO 9) and a convincing win in an ordered rematch vs Agbeko (W UD 12) have transformed this once raw fighter into a pound-for-pound star. Mares' only blemish on his record came when he was unfortunate to be denied victory against Yonnhy Perez (D 12).

Although not a devastating puncher, Mares did pull out a stoppage vs the durable Ponce De Leon, in a fight that was close until the referee's intervention.

Despite Gonzalez's stellar career, it does seem that the 31 year old has hit a roadblock. His work rate was practically doubled by Ponce De Leon, while Mares was the busier fighter when he twice floored the 49 fight veteran.

Expect Mares to swarm Gonzalez from the start only to be met by the occasional sharp right hand counter. Landing a knockout punch while Mares rushes in may well be Jhonny's only shot at victory.

The pick is for Mares to come close to stopping Gonzalez in the middle rounds, but if he fails to do so then he may tire in the latter stages. Gonzalez will finish with a flourish but it wont be enough. Mares will take the victory via a comfortable unanimous decision.



Leo Santa Cruz (Left) & Victor Terrezas (Right)

On the undercard just a few steps behind Mares is fellow Golden Boy Mexican star, Leo Santa Cruz. His style has drawn many comparisons to Mares as well as the much bigger Antonio Margarito. Santa Cruz works off an unbelievable motor, but has also shown weaknesses when charging forward.
Having already struck gold with the IBF Bantamweight title, Leo takes on WBC Super Bantamweight title holder, Victor Terrezas - 37-2-1(21). The Mexican won the vacant title last time out when narrowly outpointing Cristian Mijares (W SD 12). He also has a win over Fernando Montiel (W UD 12), while losing on his debut and was also halted by Rendall Munroe (L TKO 9), 3 years ago.
Although a very good and experienced fighter, Terrezas has not fought the highest level of opponents. His two biggest wins were both close against arguably faded opponents.

The taller Santa Cruz - 24-0-1(14) - who has stopped three of his last 4 opponents can do the same here, with a stoppage in around 9 rounds.

Is this Cleverly's 'Lacy' Moment? Nathan Cleverly vs Sergey Kovalev Preview

By Peter Wells (twitter- @boxingsaddler):

It's not often that a fighter goes into the lions den having the expectation of returning home with the lions scalp. Then again its not usually a dragon entering the den! That is indeed the case this Saturday when Nathan Cleverly 26-0(12KOs) will trade blows with his visitor - the Russian beast, Sergey Kovalev 21-0-1(19KOs).

The hype surrounding the unbeaten Kovalev is growing, and most believe the challenger will rip the WBO Light Heavyweight title from Cleverly's grasp. The big punching Eastern European has fought exclusively in his land of residence, USA and ventures across the Pacific to tackle the new Welsh Dragon.

While some sceptics may point to the fact that Kovalev has yet to challenge his unquestionable power against any of the heavyweights of the 175lbs division, just as easily the same can be said of the champion.

To their credit though they both have at least one well recognisable name on their records. Kovalev demolished the durable Gabriel Campillo in 3 rounds - who pushed world champions, Tavoris Cloud and Beibut Shumenov close and drew with Karo Murat.

Before becoming a world champion, Cleverly defeated Murat via 10th round TKO, now Murat is set to challenge fellow 175lbs title holder Bernard Hopkins. Then inbetween a few unknown defences Cleverly squeezed past rival Tony Bellew. Since then Bellew took two attempts to set up a WBC title shot vs the winner of Adonis Stevenson-Tavoris Cloud.

When it comes to styles clashing, this is undoubtedly a clash that is sure to provide nervy excitement. Kovalev is a patient knockout artist, his style drawing many comparisons to that of Middleweight banger Gennady Golovkin.

While his power has brought great success, it has also brought a tragedy no fighter ever wishes to be involved in. On December 8th 2011, Roman Simakov died in hospital, just three days after he was halted in 7 rounds by Kovalev. Hollywood would no doubt use this sad episode to further glorify Kovalev's fear factor, but in boxing we can only write it down as an unfortunate and tragic event.

Thankfully unlike many boxers before him Kovalev has not lost confidence and hasn't showed any signs that he is holding back on his own punches. Four knockout wins have followed and not one has exceeded the 3rd stanza.

Cleverly meanwhile has built his reputation as an exciting fast-handed boxer. Despite a lack in one punch knockout power, he has a solid chin and has become willing to engage against lesser challengers.

For Cleverly to be victorious he cannot afford to be dragged into exposing his macho side. The Welshman must remain calm throughout and dominate where he can - on the outside.

Cleverly's fans are hoping this fight will replicate the night when Joe Calzaghe schooled the feared favourite, Jeff Lacy. But lest we forget Kovalev's mindset is far from similar to Lacy's. Kovalev has already faced terrible adversity when Simakov passed away, and the way in which he has resumed his career shows their are no mental frailties in this Russian machines armour. Cleverly will not be able to break Kovalev mentally, like Calzaghe did to Lacy.

Yet this could still be Nathan's breakout fight, a chance to prove most of the world wrong. My own confidence in a Cleverly win has diminished slightly, as it's very hard to see him being able to avoid the inevitable bombs.

The pick though is still for Cleverly to pick his moments and outbox Kovalev for most parts of the fight. But if Kovalev can land enough significant punches then the visitor will likely rip away the title while injecting further fear into the Light Heavyweight ranks. With Kovalev at 175 and Golovkin at 160, there doesn't seem much place to hide for those locked in this small field of weight classes. Right now there may be no scarier place to be.

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The undercard also packs a good punch, with plenty of sizzling match-ups to look forward to before the main attraction.

 

Ovill McKenzie 21-11(10KOs) will rematch Enzo Maccarinelli 36-6(28KOs) in a defence of the formers Commonwealth Light Heavyweight title. The first encounter was just beginning to live up to expectation as a slugfest when Ian John Lewis intervened prematurely, handing McKenzie a 2nd round win.

 

After a terrible start to his career McKenzie has only lost twice to Tony Bellew since winning the Prizefighter. A 3 round destruction of Tony Dodson suggested he'd do the same to the aging Enzo.

 

Still expect fireworks and a few knockdowns but the pick is for McKenzie to continue his good form, stopping Maccarinelli in 5 rounds.

 



In a fight expected to provide just as much excitement, Gary Buckland 27-2(9KOs) defends his British Super Featherweight title against one of the famous Smith brothers, Stephen Smith 16-1(9KOs).

Everything was going to plan for Smith before he ran into the improving Lee Selby who halted the Liverpudlian in 8 rounds. With confidence renewed Stephen is ready to step back up to the level where he was knocked off of nearly two years ago.

Buckland has only lost to Ben Murphy and one time world title challenger, John Murray, while wins over Paul Truscott, Stephen Foster and Gary Sykes (twice) show he is no easy obstacle for Smith.

The pick is for Smith's better boxing skills to prevail in a nip-and-tuck affair. Buckland's energy and punching power will keep him competitive, but in the end he'll narrowly miss out.