Three big upsets took place in televised fights this weekend. Let's take a look at whether or not I think they are good for the overall boxing picture, and what is the likely outcome of each one of them.
Alejandro Perez W10 Art Hovhannisyan
This actually means little to the division, as it took place at the prospect level, but Hovhanissyan was in a hurry due to his age. Gary Shaw fighters do not always stay busy, as he has not been, and this loss could set him back quite a bit. Perez will likely move up to the contender level, only to lose and be right back down. For Art, he should take a confidence building fight, and then ask for a rematch. When confidence shifts, he can gain revenge, yet still be able to use the vulnerability of this loss to sneak into a title shot by early next year.
Ishe Smith W12 Cornelius K9 Bundrage
Bundrage wins title in opponents backyard, and then loses it in his own. Smith may carry on that tradition. This win was good for boxing as a feel good story, and with the Money team, Smith could be in a position to make more of it. However, his mandatory is no joke, and although a Carlos Molina - Ishe Smith fight is guaranteed to go the distance, there is one difference between the two hard-luck challengers. There has never been a wavering in Molina's desire/motivation, and that will probably make the difference. Still, the first Vegas born and bred champion deserves a hometown defense, and Bundrage deserves another big fight... however, even with the belt he was having a hard time finding it. It probably won't get easier now.
Tony Thompson KO2 David Price
This would be exciting if it was prospect vs. prospect. However, Thompson is nearly 40, and already can't win at the highest level. All he's doing now, is ruining prospects we were excited about. Tyson Fury could be next, and David Haye's personality is the only thing that has kept him relevant after his exposure. Plus all this win did was prove that British refs wave fights off after the wobbling is done, and not during... which we already learned in Haye vs. Maccaranelli. Price was simply caught behind the ear by an awkward shot. He can come back, but no one will be excited about him anymore, until he takes over the division, if he can. The world of heavyweight boxing has to stay exciting outside of the Klitschkos, until they retire at least. This fight did not help us get excited.
Audley Harrison winning Prizefighter
He should retire now. He can't win at highest (or even second-highest) level, and his Olympic Gold, plus two Prizefighter wins, prove what many have long suspected... Harrison is a 3 round fighter. No shame in that, if he had remained amateur. But take your trophies and medals, and spare us the spectacle of Fury, or anyone in the top 10 for that matter, knocking you out again.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
