SAN DIEGO – December 25, 2012 – In what is becoming a nice holiday week tradition, HBO will replay the best boxing aired on its network in 2012 for fight fans to enjoy a look back at some of the year’s great moments in boxing.
HBO’s producers have done a good job selecting these contests, though it’s a shame we don’t see anything from Nonito Donaire, and I’d like to have seen Gennady Golovkin vs. Grzegorz Proksa on this list. But not to complain. First and foremost I’m a fight freak; second, I’m dead tired of Christmas specials. So bring on the action!
All times are 11 p.m. Eastern/8 p.m. Pacific. These bouts air on HBO Latino in Spanish at the same times each night.
December 25: Floyd Mayweather vs. Miguel Cotto, May 12, 2012
Cotto did his best but could not penetrate Mayweather’s confounding defense. Cotto stood up well to Mayweather’s shots, but in the end it was Floyd’s fight all the way.
Sergio Martinez, right, lands a punch against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. during the WBC middleweight title fight, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, in Las Vegas. Martinez won by unanimous decision. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
December 26: Sergio Martinez vs. Julio Caesar Chavez Jr., September 15, 2012
Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez showed why he’s nicknamed “Marvelous” by taking apart the much touted Chavez Jr. But he had to withstand a brutal last round effort by Chavez to get this victory. It’s one of the best rounds of the year.
December 27: Robert Guerrero vs. Andre Berto, November 21, 2012
If you like seeing warriors brawling toe to toe, this is the fight for you. Both fighters left everything they had in the ring, took tremendous punishment, and managed to finish the fight together. At the end, they could barely see through one eye between both of them. Guerrero was impressive and it’s likely to earn him a fight with Floyd Mayweather this year.
Andre Ward, left, punches Chad Dawson during the sixth round of a WBA/WBC super middleweight championship boxing match in Oakland, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012. Ward won when the fight was stopped in the 10th round. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
December 28: Antonio DeMarco vs. Adrien Broner, November 21, 2012; and Andre Ward vs. Chad Dawson September 8, 2012
The talented Broner toned down the flash and trash talk for DeMarco, and his effort showed in this easy victory. Not a fight in my Top Ten list, but it demonstrated what Broner can do when he gets serious about his sport.
It’s followed up by the sensational performance of Andre Ward, which vaulted him into the top pound for pound rankings with his demolition of Chad Dawson, no pushover. It’s a joy to see these two big men going at it.
Brandon Rios lands the roundhouse right against Mike Alvarado that leads to his seventh round TKO victory. Photo: Chris Farina/Top Rank.
December 29: Brandon Rios vs. Mike Alvarado, October 13, 2012; and Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez, December 8, 2012
It was sheer genius for HBO to put these two fights together in a replay doubleheader back to back. Boxing writers and fans generally agree these two fights are contenders for the Fight of the Year. One was an all-out brawl; the other featured the most stunning knockdown seen in years. Watch them together and decide for yourself.
All of the broadcasts are also available through HBO On Demand, and online at HBOGo.com
Gayle Lynn Falkenthal, APR, is President/Owner of the Falcon Valley Group in San Diego, California. She is also a serious boxing fan covering the Sweet Science for Communities. Read more Ringside Seat in the Communities at The Washington Times. Follow Gayle on Facebook and on Twitter @PRProSanDiego.
Please credit “Gayle Falkenthal for Communities at WashingtonTimes.com” when quoting from or linking to this story.
Copyright © 2012 by Falcon Valley Group
This article is the copyrighted property of the writer and Communities @ WashingtonTimes.com. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING TWTC CONTENT WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.
