IT’S been a while since Jake Paul mingled with Mike Tyson on Netflix, drawing in casual fans and reigniting the passion of old-school heavyweight action. Paul is once again dipping into the box of illustrious names by fighting the son of a bona fide legend on Saturday evening.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr has seen better days. He probably wasn’t that hot to begin with. While the main event promises to be a fun firefight or a sloppy slugfest, there is plenty to get excited about on the Anaheim undercard. Let’s see who’s booked in.
Gilberto Ramirez vs. Yuniel Dorticos
If ‘Zurdo’ is to state his case for a unification clash with IBF king Jai Opetaia, he must remain on the unbeaten track and dispose suitably of Yuniel Dorticos. Ramirez has found his home at cruiserweight, and the fast-handed combinations remain.
A former two-time world champion, Dorticos’ best days are behind him, but he can still punch. Gross inactivity puts him at a distinct disadvantage, however.
Floyd Schofield vs. Tevin Farmer
Schofield, 18-0, is only 22 years old, so he has plenty of time to fulfil his potential. Floyd’s cancelled clash with Shakur Stevenson would’ve given us an insight into how advanced Schofield has become.
Fighting a cut-price Shakur, in the form of savvy veteran Farmer, will pose tricky problems of a similar variety. Farmer’s two fights with William Zepeda have revamped his late-career reputation. A clear win for Schofield would be a mini-statement.
Raul Curiel vs. Victor Ezequiel Rodriguez
Last seen boxing to an exciting draw with Alexis Rocha at the end of 2024, power-punching Curiel still feels like a bit of a prospect. In fact, he’s 29 and needs to get a move on. Uruguyan Rodriguez is also 29, yet to taste defeat, with a draw on the slate. A lot of similarities here in what should be a solid scrap until someone (likely Rodriguez) folds.
Victor Morales vs. Rene Alvarado
Putting a 2021 draw with Rudy Garcia (who is a decent operator in fairness) down to a learning experience, Morales is maturing nicely at 20-0-1. Since upsetting Andrew Cancio in 2019, Rene Alvarado has been piling up the losses. Currently sitting at 16 defeats, he is still a hard night’s work, despite going 2-8 in his last 10 outings.
John Ramirez vs. Saleto Henderson
‘Scrappy’ Ramirez continues the rebuilding process following his WBA Interim super-flyweight title loss to David Jimenez last April by tackling tough puncher Henderson from Indiana.
Holly Holm vs. Yolanda Guadalupe Vega Ochoa
Last seen boxing over 12 years ago, veteran pugilist Holly Holm returns to take advantage of the boom in women’s boxing. The ‘Preacher’s daughter’ was once a familiar face of the sport. It’s hard to know what to expect against 10-0 ‘Pitayita’ Ochoa.
Best of the Rest
Big-punching Avious Griffin (17-0, 16 KOs) from Tennessee takes on 23-1 Julian ‘Hammer Hands’ Rodriguez at welterweight.
Undefeated Californian ‘Alley Cat’ Alexander Gueche has a bantamweight eight-rounder with Vincent Avina.
Heavyweight prospect Joshua Edwards and journeyman Dominicc Hardy go at it. As do Joel Iriarte and Yusuph Metu. The Naomy Valle vs. Ashley Felix bout appears to have fallen off the schedule.
