Boxing In France: Mormeck Returns To Ring Tonight In Paris

The former top cruiserweight in the world, Jean Marc Mormeck, is back in action tonight as he steps through the ropes in Paris at Halle Georges Carpentier to meet former world title challenger Fres Oquendo at heavyweight.

It’s the second time in boxing’s glamour division for Mormeck, 34-4 (22), who returned from a two year hiatus to outbox seasoned American Vinny Maddalone over eight rounds in December.

Mormeck took a break from the sport following the loss of his WBC and WBA cruiserweight belts during a competitive battle with current WBA heavyweight champ David Haye, who was floored in the fourth before regrouping to stop the Frenchman in the seventh round.

Oquendo, 32-5 (21), fought unsuccessfully for the IBF title against Chris Byrd in 2003 before getting a second chance against WBA champ John Ruiz in 2004 but was stopped in the 11th frame.

Since that time Oquendo has defeated a string of journeymen while losing to aging ex-champs Evander Holyfield and James Toney.

The Puerto Rican native most recently won the USBA and NABA crowns by stopping veteran Demetrice King and hopes to turn a victory over Mormeck into another crack at a world title.

Both Oquendo and Mormeck are 37 years of age and are past the prime of their careers but this contest should be interesting. Despite each having lost twice by stoppage, they have solid chins and this will likely last the ten round distance.

The shorter man, Mormeck must come forward and force Oquendo from the comfort zone of boxing on the outside and turn this bout into a phone booth war.

Should the ex-cruiserweight king achieve this, he should be able to wear down “Fast Fres” and earn a points verdict but if Oquendo can set the pace, catching Mormeck on the way in and pulling away before the inevitable return fire, the American will likely leave Paris with a victory.

In an eight round undercard appearance, former European lightweight king Anthony Mezzache, 17-5-3 (4), meets Istvan Nagy, 12-6 (7).