Okay, so the mundane discussion, debate and chitter-chatter of another week has passed, and we are back on track for a weekend of boxing. After the disappointing showing entertainment-wise by Floyd Mayweather in trouncing Carlos Baldomir last week, there are big things hoped for in the heavyweight battle between Calvin Brock and Wlad Klitschko. My poser is: Is this the first time that a man called Calvin has fought for a world title?
Anyhow, my own little warm-up for tomorrow evening's RBR is tonight's fight for the IBF Super Bantamweight title between English northerner Michael Hunter, and Canadian Steve Molitor. Both fighters are undefeated, and going in for the title last held by Mexican Israel Vasquez and defended against Armando Guerrero in May '05.
Michael Hunter - (26-0-1) The puncher from Hartlepool is best known for his all-action style, but going for a recognised world title like, this, you would expect the opposition to be even tougher than what he has already faced in winning and defending British, Commonwealth and European belts at super bantamweight. In his last fight in June, he breezed past Tuncay Kaya, in his third fight in four months, Ko'ing him in 9 rounds. I think that Hunter will prove a handful, even at world level, and could well cause Molitor a truckload of trouble with his attacking style. His only draw came on earlier in his career, in a non-title contest but after four fights for the European title, we'll see whether he is good enough to step up in class and fight at world level. In his home town of Hartlepool, County Durham, I wouldn't bet against him.
Steve Molitor - (22-0) - Okay, so considering Molitor has fought mostly in the USA and north America, coming over to England could well be a shock to the system. However, both of his previous visits, where he beat John Mackay, and claimed the Commonwealth Bantamweight strap against Nicky Booth in 2002 have been fruitful, claiming points victories both times. With eight KOs from 22 fights, he won't pack the power that Booth does, but I expect a good boxer, and a very tough challenge who will look to guts it out with Hunter. Another factor that could prove against him is the 13 months sionce his last bout, but at only 26, he should pick up the game pretty quickly.
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