Oscar Valdez v Jayson Velez ESPN tonight

[Spicoli]

Ok now this is a decent fight all things considered. Always liked Valdez even when he’s swinging for the fences rather than working that brutal jab. Velez is off a split loss to Jaime Arboleda in a quality give and take fight.

With Vergil Ortiz Jr v Samuel Vargas on Friday it’s beginning to feel like we’re some “normalcy” at least where regular cards are concerned but these days normal varies per the individual. Read that they seated 1k fans in Mississippi for a club show last week . Let’s face it, we’re hooked and are jonesing for some regularity and competitive action. One foot forward..

[powerpuncher]

I think was ESPN has been doing is what they should have been doing all along. Have the same people fight on their cards so that the fans can get to know different fighters. Not all fighters are going to be world class, but creating a narrative with lesser fighters gives more of a reason to watch.

Then it’s nice to throw in some top notch guys here and there.

[Spicoli]

Looong road back for former blink and you missed him Champ Issac Dogboe. Starting card off in an 8 rounder here v Chris Avalos. Dogboe up in weight and a year out

[TitoFan]

Avalos looking overmatched so far.

[Spicoli]

Avalos looking overmatched so far.

Almost told someone earlier how I'd maybe put a 5'er on shocker upset . Dogboe just looked fractured after Navarrette finished with him last. Dogboe turning ribs of Avalos into pudding in 4th though

[Spicoli]

Dogboe loses point for LB . That was almost a mercy point by ref. Didn't look like he warned him at all prior to that

[Spicoli]

I think was ESPN has been doing is what they should have been doing all along. Have the same people fight on their cards so that the fans can get to know different fighters. Not all fighters are going to be world class, but creating a narrative with lesser fighters gives more of a reason to watch.

Then it’s nice to throw in some top notch guys here and there.

These particular cards have taken some stick but you're right fans love familiarity and the fandom takes off when the right guy comes along. They don't all have to be groomed world beaters at all and you get the occasional 'fan favorite' with a story and some personality type that comes along. You know their level, they know their level but matched right and you get what many of us really want..a good exciting fight.

ESPN and Arum used to be the breeding ground for some future stars. Put them on monthly with slow progression and build that following. Guys like Kennedy McKinney, Michael Carbajal and Ray Mercer would all debut on the same card. Everything went well the mountain peak was considered getting a crack on HBO etc. Some excelled and some would find themselves right back on ESPN on the other side of career years later. Fighters would be labeled "ESPN level fighters" which I never really understood. Fighters live in the moment but they offer everything from journeymen stand by fights to current champs. Just give me a good competitive fight, I'm good with that for a night.