By Geno McGahee

ESPN2 Friday Night Fights

This Friday, ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights presents an IBF Light Heavyweight Eliminator between grizzled veteran, Glen Johnson, 49-13-2, 33 KO’s, and Yusaf Mack, 28-2-2, 17 KO’s. Johnson has failed in two recent attempts at the light heavyweight kingpin, Chad Dawson, losing badly in the rematch, his most recent outing. The long road for the “Road Warrior” may be coming to an end.

In 2004, he had the year of his career, winning a decision over Clinton Woods, knocking out Roy Jones, JR., and getting a twelve round nod over Antonio Tarver. Since then, he has fell off the boxing radar, falling back into relative obscurity. He has had a few showcases on the networks, but has come up short. Now he comes to ESPN2 with hopes that he will be able to defeat the younger opponent and get back into the mix.

Mack is on a five fight winning streak since his knockout loss to power-puncher Librado Andrade, including wins over Daniel Judah and Chris Henry. Mack will be facing his toughest challenge this Friday night, and may be catching Johnson as the right time. This is a very good headliner for ESPN2’s FNF.

On the undercard, welterweight Ed Paredes, 24-3-1, 14 KO’s, will be colliding with undefeated Joey Hernandez, 15-0-1, 8 KO’s. This is a rematch of an August bout that turned out to be a draw.

SHOBOX

This Friday, SHOBOX presents a double header, with welterweight Freddy Hernandez, 27-1, 18 KO’s, taking on his most notable opponent in former WBO Light Welterweight Champion, DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, 36-12-1, 21 KO’s, in a ten round bout.

Corley has been in with the best boxers in and around the division. He has done well in most of the encounters. He lost a split decision to Zab Judah, was one of the few men to stun Floyd Mayweather, JR., before losing a decision, hurt Miguel Cotto before being stopped, and defeated Randall Bailey. He has lost 8 of his last 13 bouts and is definitely beyond his better years, but he has won three of his last four and most would say four of his last four, being robbed in his last encounter. He now plays the role of spoiler against the prospect Hernandez.

Hernandez was outsmarted by another veteran in his only loss against Golden Johnson. Corley is a better fighter with more tricks up his sleeves and will present a real test for the young welterweight. He has put together ten wins in a row since the Johnson defeat and comes into this fight with a full head of steam.

On the undercard, heavyweight hopeful, Lateef Kayode, 9-0, 8 KO’s, will take on David Whittom, 10-11-1, 6 KO’s, in an eight round bout. Whittom is a lamb being led to slaughter, a loser in his last six fights.

SHOWTIME

This Saturday is the highlight of a good boxing weekend. The youtube knockout sensation, Edwin Valero, 26-0, 26 KO’s, will be featured on Showtime. Valero won every bout by knockout, 19 of which were in the first round. He will be defending his WBC Lightweight Title against challenger, Antonio DeMarco, 23-1-1, 17 KO’s.

Valero has been on a collision course with Filipino superstar, Manny Pacquiao for some time, but the fight never materialized. It may have been too far risk, too little reward for Manny to take on Valero. Due to a medical condition, stemming from a motorcycle accident, Valero hasn’t been allowed to fight in the states and has been only available for the US fans on youtube, and he has become a popular watch. He is fearless and hits very hard, sending the majority of his opposition to the floor early and often.

Valero will be in Mexico this Saturday and will have his hands full with DeMarco. DeMarco is a tough 24 year old kid that has proven his grit in his most recent performances, beating Kid Diamond into submission in 9 rounds in his most impressive recent bout. He may be overlooked going into this Valero bout, but he is a very live underdog.

In the supporting bout, knockout punching welterweight, Luis Carlos Abregu, 28-0, 23 KO’s, takes on Richard Gutierrez, 24-3-1, 14 KO’s, in a ten round showdown.

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