This division is in a mess for many reasons. Multiple promoters, multiple belts, nothing unified, no one dominant champion, etc. However, the biggest reason is that most participants are fighting in other divisions as well. Paul Williams, Sergio Martinez, Manny Pacquiao, Ricardo Mayorga, and Shane Mosley are all dipping their toes in at 154, but not staying. Add to that the frozen position of many exciting contenders whose careers keep stalling. Alfredo Angulo is exciting, but has visa problems. James Kirkland was in prison, and who knows what he has left. Vanes Martirosyan is rotting on the vine. Cornelius “K9” Bundrage can’t get a fight, even though he has a belt, and his promoter is promoting a card this Saturday in his hometown! Sergei Dzindruk seems to have landed his big fight, finally, yet it may not be at 154lbs. No quick tournament could clean up this mess, but here’s a way to crown a real champion. This will make the stars either join the excitement, or run from the new pack leader. I will start with 2 fights that are already happening:
Sergio Martinez vs. Sergei Dzindruk - This fight only makes sense if it is held at 154 lbs. Both men are natural junior middles, and it will not likely be that exciting, but Martinez no longer has a belt at 160 (except the one that counts the most), and can win one at 154lbs. I believe he will win, by decision, albeit in a more difficult fight than many think. “Maravilla” will then be the champion in most people’s minds, after doing so.
Miguel Cotto vs. Ricardo Mayorga – Mayorga may just be a stepping stone, but only the very real fighters beat him, and the win will reestablish Cotto. It will also cement him as a belt-holder. I already picked this. Cotto by TKO.
Vanes Martirosyan vs. Cornelius Bundrage - Again, Don King, why is this guy not fighting?! You missed the Detroit boat already, but now K9’s not even on the card (yet anyway) underneath Cotta-Mayorga? Vanes needs a title shot. K9 has a title, and an optional defense. Let’s make this happen. Bundrage is also capable of pulling off upsets, and Martirosyan is vulnerable for one. In fact, even though Vanes is a better fighter, I would pick it. Bundrage by late TKO or close decision.
James Kirkland vs. Alfredo Angulo – Hold it in Mexico , near the Texas border. It doesn’t matter the legal problems of both men. That can be solved. The winner, if it’s half as exciting as people think it will be, is the new star contender of this division. I think chins will make the difference here… even if Kirkland can do more a bit more things offensively. Angulo is by far, the more durable, and has better stamina. “El Perro” by explosive mid-rounds KO.
Who this leaves out: Saul Alvarez – stay at 147. Kermit Cintron, Yuri Foreman, and Ryan Rhodes - prove yourselves again. You guys aren’t back yet. Erislandy Lara and Sechew Powell - face each other… we need more evidence that you’re worthy. Antonio Margarito and Cory Spinks - retire! Paul Williams, Manny Pacquiao, and Shane Mosley – pick a division.
What will happen? If Bundrage thought winning a belt from a southpaw was child’s play, wait until he faces one who can punch, too. Sergio Martinez boxes circles around him and stops him late. Angulo will be outboxed by Cotto for a time, but come through with a big KO. And Martinez will outbox Angulo easily, scoring a wide unanimous decision. This can all be done by the time the Pacquiao-Mayweather circus draws to a close at the end of 2011. The winner would be foolish not to take a fight with the king of 154lbs.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
