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The lightweight division has one classic encounter to call upon this year, the Diego Corrales-Jose Luis Castillo fight. As HBO presents the real heavyweight night of boxing this Saturday, another lightweight classic may evolve between former WBA super featherweight champion Joel Casamayor and undefeated contender Almazbek Raiymkulov. This fight pits Raiymkulov’s youth and brute strength against Casamayor’s southpaw technique and ring intelligence. Having already lost to champions Corrales, Castillo and Acelino Freitas, Casamayor may be indulging his final chance at a world championship. Raiymkulov however, can become a very viable lightweight contender with an impressive win over the former champion. Yes, Mike Tyson is fighting on the same night as this fight occurs, but believe me, this is where the big hits are going to happen, and between Casamayor and Raiymkulov is where the fight of the night might happen.
Check in with our continued coverage of this great fight card coming to you from New York City’s Madison Square Garden this Saturday night.
Lee Bellfield: Wow, what a crossroads fight this is. A former champion versus an undefeated up and comer. Casamayor is by far the more experienced fighter whose level of opposition is so much better too. The trouble with Casamayor in this fight is the lack of punches he sometimes throws. In losses to Freitas, Castillo and Corrales, he certainly wasn’t quick off the mark. This again could be his undoing because having read both boxers’ punch stats; Diamond looks to be by far the busier fighter. Diamond by decision.
Jonny Townsend: “Diamond” by unanimous decision in a war. Joel has fought the toughest opposition of anyone over the last three years and may still have enough to out-hustle most up and comers, but not “Diamond.” This “Kid” is too smart, tough and well- schooled in the fight game to let the Cuban fighter beat him.
James MacDonald: I won’t pretend to know a great deal about Raiymkulov. Judging by his record to date, he may have some potential. I imagine Casamayor pulling out a unanimous decision, however. The experience and general conditioning of the veteran Cuban should pull him through.
Rich Saavedra: The under-card of the Cotto-Abdulaev fight consists of a great match-up in the lightweight division that involves a hungry up and comer and a great veteran on the verge of greatness. Almazbek “Kid Diamond” Raiymkulov is the hungry prospect trying to break onto the scene for a title shot and Joel Casamayor is the veteran who demands and wants greatness, as he deserves it 100%. The Cuban native Casamayor, has only three losses, mind you, they were against the lights of “Chico” Corrales, Acelino Freitas and the great Jose Luis Castillo! “Kid Diamond” has not faced the caliber of fighters Casamayor has, and by just by knowing that, the only chance I give Raiymkulov is the puncher’s chance since he does have a great right hook. Joel Casamayor has a chance to make the big bucks by getting a rematch with either Castillo or Corrales; therefore, I cannot see Raiymkulov being victorious. Actually, I cannot see anybody getting in Joel’s way this time! Casamayor by unanimous decision.
Shaun Rico LaWhorn: Joel Casamayor (31-3, 19 KOs) enters the ring against a quality boxer, Almazbek “Kid Diamond” Raiymkulov ( 20-0, 12 KOs). “Kid Diamond” has an undefeated record, composed of lesser-known and respected boxers. This by far is a huge step for “Kid Diamond,” as Casamayor is several levels above the usual “Kid Diamond” match-ups. Casamayor is focused and eager to place himself in the center of a title fight and with a win, he can really land a solid shot at the WBA champion Juan Diaz.
I see Casamayor landing a solid shot and ending this fight early. This fight will end by stoppage in the fifth round, with Casamayor proving why he is one of the best in his division.
Jim Cawkwell: I think that Joel Casamayor will put on a vintage performance of slick boxing in the early rounds before “Kid Diamond” gets to grips with him and drags him into a real fight. Casamayor will do just enough to take a close but unanimous decision.
Edwin Gonzalez: Joel Casamayor has been in some wars as of late and should be beginning to feel effects of them. “Kid Diamond” has everything in his favor, youth, speed, boxing skills and power. “Kid Diamond” said he plans to be the aggressor early on, for Casamayor to contend, he would have to utilize his jab and fire quick combinations while inside and then move. “Kid Diamond” is not reluctant to let his hands go. With the constant pressure “Kid Diamond” puts on his opponents and considering the fact that he has good power in both hands, I feel that he will stop Casamayor in the eighth round. However, “El Cepillo” has the X-factor: his roughhouse tactics. Casamayor has to be the dirtiest fighter in the game. That alone can change an entire fight around. I am interested to see what “Kid Diamond” does to neutralize Casamayor’s roughhouse tactics.
Jim Cawkwell can be reached at jimcawkwell@yahoo.co.uk
