MASHANTUCKET, Conn. — Yesterday (September 28), the weigh-in for tonight’s HBO Boxing After Dark card took place at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Without further adieu, let’s get right to the fighters and what’s at stake.
Rodriguez: 166 lbs.
Escalera: 165 lbs.
Prediction: This fight is Rodriguez’s to lose. As evidenced by his 13-0, 12 KO record, Escalera has very heavy hands but is a lumbering, plodding fighter. He doesn’t cut off the ring well and for the most part does big damage when his opponents are trapped on the ropes. Rodriguez’s long jab will keep Escalera at bay. As long as he keeps to his plan to keep the fight mostly at ring center, this should be a wide decision in Rodriguez’s favor. However, should “La Bomba” get careless on the ropes, Escalera will have a chance at the upset. HBO needs of an opponent for Andre Ward should he stay at 168. An impressive showing by either man will places them into consideration. Rodriguez UD10 Escalera
Del Valle: 122 lbs.
Darchinyan: 121 lbs.
Prediction: You get the feeling that Darchinyan is being cashed out. Having gone 2-3 since 2010 and dropping his last two fights by decision to the likes of Anselmo Moreno and Shinsuke and Yamanaka, the 36-year-old Darchinyan is truly at the end of the road concerning the elite level should he lose tonight. He’s having to move up to a new weight class (super bantamweight) and is facing a fighter in Del Valle who’s competed as high as featherweight. Expect’s Darchinyan’s power, which hasn’t been devastating since his phenomenal run at super flyweight, to have no effect on Del Valle, who’ll use his very good body punching to wear down the Raging Bull. Vic is tough so I think he’ll avoid a stoppage, but Del Valle will give him a pasting in a few of the later rounds. Del Valle UD10 Darchinyan
Antonin Decarie: 147 lbs.
Perez: 146 lbs.
Prediction: I don’t know enough about these two to make an informed prediction. Having watched some footage on Youtube, both like to mix it up inside despite neither having big KO power. Perez classifies himself as a “boxer-puncher” and looks to be more technically sound. Decarie is more reckless but also has surprisingly fast hands. If forced to choose, I’dslightly lean Decarie’s way tonight.
“Road to Glory,” promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Gary Shaw Promotions, is the highly anticipated HBO Boxing After Dark tripleheader, featuring some of the brightest young fighters in all of boxing looking to continue on their paths toward their respective world championships. The card will take place on Saturday, September 29, at MGM Grand at Foxwoods. Limited tickets are still on sale now and can be purchased through the Foxwoods box office by calling 1 (800) 200-2882. Tickets are priced at $45, $75, $100 and $200.
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