As we previously announced, undefeated former super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (40-0, 26 KOs) returns December 18 against NABF light heavyweight champ Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (32-3, 25 KOs), live on pay per view from Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas.
What’s new news is IBF #4, WBO #7, WBA #10, WBC #10 heavyweight Michael “The Bounty” Hunter will take on Chauncy “The Hillyard Hammer” Welliver (57-13-5, 23 KOs). Hunter’s last action was a 12-round split draw a year ago in Saudi Arabia with Alexander Povetkin. Welliver fought Cassius Chaney in August.
I hope Chauncey comes in at 350 plus
Stylistically, at 168, Ramirez was a handful of trouble because of his height, reach, machismo streak and long punch angles. However, at 175, I have my doubts about his physical strength and possible lack of punching power because there are a couple of buck strong, hungry, heavy handed cats at 175. I hope Ramirez is working his way back to 168.
In general, I would like to see Ramirez step into his long right jabs with more conviction because those 175 pounders will try to bully Ramirez. I am glad to see Ramirez back in action, but I hope he finds a way to continue fighting at 168 and focus on his jabs with more conviction.
Butterbean’s matchmakers would be proud. Boxrec: Hunter #7 vs Welliver #376 (2 and 6 in last 8)
In his defense, this is probably all Hunter has available to him. It’s unlikely that any of the top HWs, besides possibly Povetkin again, are going to risk their golden status against a 215 pound guy as slick as Hunter.
Hunter is the worst nightmare for the current crop of top HWs. He’s highly skilled, confident and a lot smaller than them. The last thing a ranked 250 pound HW needs is to get embarrassed by a 215 pound former CW contender. That’s not to say that Hunter can beat all of them, but he certainly has the ability to make some of them look pretty silly.
The Hillyard Hammer is one of the many good dudes in the sport, and is the ultimate journeyman. He lived and fought out of New Zealand, worked in Germany as a sparring partner for Wladimer Klitsko, has appeared in various top 10 rankings over the years, and has worked as a commentater. The man has done it all in the sport of boxing!
This fight shouldn’t be made. A super heavyweight vs. a bridgerweight.
Are people actually going to believe bridgerweight is real?
Really meaningless fights, but boxing is a profession, and any payday is welcome in this dark days.
Well, let have Sumo time with Hunter vs Welliver
Stay busy fight
If Hunter were a bit taller and about 20lb heavier he would be real top level HW championship contender. Same goes for Usyk. Respect for them, but to be realistic.
I just checked. Hunter is a top HW contender.
The last decent small HW Fury fought knocked him on his ass and made him look silly until Fury turned it into a wrestling match and pounded him on the back if the head.
Hunter is a much more dangerous opponent for the top HWs than slow, clumsy prospects like Joyce and Ajagbe.
Many small heavyweights have been successful over the years-most big heavyweights are slow and not very talented.
Hunter is not a fan–friendly type of fighter, so he has no fan base. The only promoter who was prepared to pay him good money was Hearn, it did surprise me that Hearn refused to keep him however, because though he didn`t set the place alight, he was sucessful.
His fight with Bakole was highly entertaining. In most fights Fury’s style is a lot less entertaining than Hunters.