Boxing is finally heating up for the Spring and Summer. After Pacquiao again dominated an excuse making Timothy Bradley last Saturday, he now awaits the winner of the May 17th Top Rank fight between Juan Manuel Marquez and Mike Alvarado. Although many are already talking about a rubber match between Bradley and Pacquiao, I have no interest in that fight given Pacquiao has already won 18 out of the 24 rounds they have fought in my opinion (despite how judges scored the first fight). That said, while Pacquiao awaits either Marquez or Alvarado, Bradley could keep fans interested with either of two brawlers in Ruslan Provodnikov or Brandon Rios. Anyone in agreement?
Now, let’s talk more about the fight already scheduled; Gladiators at the Forum on May 17th, in Inglewood, CA. Juan Manuel Marquez looks to avoid Father Time against the much younger Mike Alvarado. Both fighters are coming off losses last October. Marquez was beat by split decision to Timothy Bradley, while an ill-trained Alvarado suffered a brutal loss to Ruslan Provodnikov who beat him into submission forcing Alvarado to retire in his corner after the 10th round. Despite their recent losses, they are both exciting fighters. That said, we all know styles make fights, and both of these Mexican warriors have historically shown the heart, machismo, guts, and tendency to often find themselves in bloody wars. Subsequently, this fight is a can’t miss that has many true boxing fans super hyped with anticipation.
I have been in recent debates with several boxing fans and fellow writers regarding who will win the fight. There are mixed opinions on how things will go. Some think Alvarado is just too slow to deal with Marquez and that he is a perfect match-up for the 40 year old counter puncher. There are others (like myself) who think this is perfect timing for Alvarado to fight the hall of famer who is seven years Alvarado’s senior. For me, I look at the fact Alvarado is not facing the sheer power and brutal force he dealt with against Provodnikov his last time out; and although he may not have the speed of Bradley, he has just enough and more power to be a threat to Marquez. I would not bet the farm on this one, but given the money line for Alvarado will be anywhere from +200 to +300 between now and the fight, and given I see it as a toss-up fight; I would lean toward putting down on Mile High Mike. I like the action on fights I see as basically heads or tails.
Regardless of who wins though, I fully expect this fight to be worthy of an instant boxing classic. The styles just don’t lie, and frankly, I find this to be the most exciting fight for the first half of the year, even with the interesting match-up between Miguel Cotto and Sergio Martinez in June. The great thing for us all is we will get both of these fights within three weeks of each other and both could be serious contenders for fight of the year.
Marquez in 7, just simpyvbetter than Mike and has more heart. sorry @felix just cuz Marquez put Pac to sleep is no reason to disrespect the legend since thats the only reason I think someone can wish this man to “get the shit kicked out of him” after all he had accomplished.
I really want to see Bradley fight Ruslan. He showed focus and determination against Pacquiao, but just isn’t good enough to beat him. I agree that PAC Man won the first fight too. If he can’t beat Ruslan he has found his peak. When it comes to Alvarado, he’s a gifted fighter, but if his head is not in the fight and hasn’t put in the work in camp, he won’t beat Marquez. JMM has proven he is disciplined, fast and consistent even at his age. I want Alvarado to win and will be rooting for him, but I’m worried for him.
I hope mile high Mike gets a W over the future hall of famer but I am nervous the past will repeat itself. Mike was not trained well for his last fight and not only did he look dehydrated but his footwork looked horrible. Both are coming off losses so there are unknowns coming out of both camps. Can’t wait to watch it.
Hope Mike Alvarado beats the Shit out of Marquez..
Dear Edgar,
Congrats, You are doing a great job in boxing, carry on and more power…myboxingfans!!
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