RingSide Report

World News, Social Issues, Politics, Entertainment and Sports

Sergey Kovalev is Fighting this Weekend, but Don’t Forget Moises Fuentes – Oswaldo Novoa Match Up!

Ring 2By “The Aficionado” Alan J. Kindred

Once again while the boxing world’s focus is on the “name” fight of the weekend, (RSR #1) Sergey Kovalev, 27-0-1, 24 KO’s vs. (RSR #20) Nadjib Mohammedi, 37-3, 23 KO’s, for Kovalev’s Super WBA, IBF, and WBO 175 world titles, I’d like to shine a light on what may end up being the weekends best fight. While Kovalev is certainly a rising star in the sport of boxing, this fight against Mohammedi, unless there is a huge surprise in store for us, will not be competitive. The fight I think should have a light shined on it is (RSR #16 Flyweight) Moises Fuentes, 22-2-1, 13 KO’s vs. (RSR #7 Minimumweight) Oswaldo Novoa, 14-5-2, 9 KO’s, which will be televised on BelN Sports en espanol. Although Novoa is ranked at 105 pounds, he is courageously accepting the fight at Fuentes’ weight class of 112 pounds.

29 year old Moises Fuentes is a former world champion at 105 pounds and 108 pounds, and is known for beating the likes of Ivan Calderon, and drawing and losing to current 108 pound kingpin Donnie Nietes. He now has his sights set on winning another world title, this time at 112 pounds as he looks to climb the Flyweight rankings to earn another world title shot.

Oswaldo Novoa, despite his age of 33, ancient in low weight classes, and his modest record, is a former world champion in his own right. He is best known for winning the 105 pound WBC world title from Xiong Chao Zhong, the first boxing world champion from China. He made just one defense before losing his world championship to Wanheng Menayothin. Novoa now moves up to 112 pounds for the opportunity against a Flyweight contender in Fuentes.

At stake in this cross roads bout is the reward of an elevated ranking in the Flyweight division, although at risk is suffering a defeat and taking a substantial step back. Both men are looking to rebound and rebuild from stoppage defeats. Neither had ever been stopped before, so it will be interesting to see how they respond back in a big fight. They are also both at a point in their career where one fight can swing their career momentum dynamically. I expect a fight with great fury and intensity as each man fights for their careers as if their very lives were on the line. It is a tough fight to call, although I imagine Fuentes to be the favorite due to his age advantage and more experience fighting at a higher weight. Nothing is certain in boxing as the old saying goes, “That’s why they fight the fights.”

[si-contact-form form=’2′]

Leave a Reply