Upcoming Boxing Matches - And Bodog Odds!

As you may have been able to tell from previous entries, I love the sweet science of boxing. There’s nothing more exhilarating than watching two grown men beat the absolute crap out of each other (in a very calculating fashion, of course).

Sadly, the Heavyweight division has been in a shambles for the last few years, but things are bound to pick up sooner or later. Until then, the lighter weight divisions are still providing thrills with the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Kelly Pavlik and many more.

With mixed-martial-arts in a boom period, boxing has really been feeling the heat. If they don’t continue to grow, they risk losing even more fans to a sport which doesn’t involve Don King and questionable decision after questionable decision (and John Ruiz).

But there’s good news on the horizon. The next few months will be featuring a string of solid bouts, at least a few of which should be crowd pleasers. Without further delay, let’s take a look at some of these upcoming matches.

BOXING - UPCOMING MATCHES AND BODOG ODDS

Mike Mollo (-185) vs. Andrew Golota (+145) - These two will meet at Madison Square Garden on January 19th for the WBA Fedelatin Heavyweight Title. The Fedelatin title?! Have to admit that I’ve never even heard of that one.

Mollo is a journeyman fighter with a big overhand right and a 19-1 record. Possessing a ton of charisma, he’s been a big hit with fight fans, defeating guys like Kevin McBride (who previously defeated Mike Tyson).

His opponent will be Andrew Golota, an almost-was fighter who became known for twice self-destructing in the ring against Riddick Bowe. He later went on to be robbed of a world title in two controversial decisions (against Chris Byrd and John Ruiz). Currently on a two-fight winning streak, his record stands at 40-6-1-1.

Roy Jones Jr. (-335) vs. Felix Trinidad (+265) - Voted “Fighter of the Decade” for the 90s, Jones has lost a lot of his luster after losing three of his last five fights (twice to Antonio Tarver and once to Glen Johnson). At 38 years of age, one can only imagine that his once-legendary speed is beginning to betray him.

His opponent will be Felix Trinidad, a fighter who seems to retire every time he loses a fight. At one time considered the best fighter around (having beaten Pernell Whitaker, Oscar De La Hoya and David Reid), he never seemed to fully recover from being dismantled by Bernard Hopkins in 2001. His last fight was in 2005, which was a decision loss to Winky Wright.

The former three-division champ is no doubt looking for a big payday with this one, and a possible return to the limelight if he can win.

Considering Jones’ age, it seems crazy to me to have him as a -335 favorite. If I were betting on this one (and I will be), Trinidad looks mighty attractive at +265.

Kelly Pavlik (-185) vs. Jermain Taylor (+155) - This fight will take place in February 16th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Pavlik’s titles will not be on the line in the rematch.

The last fight for both men was their September 2007 clash for the WBC and WBO Middleweight titles. Pavlik won that fight with a TKO in the seventh round. Taylor’s trainer, Emmanuel Steward, has no doubt reconsidered his observation that Pavlik was “overrated.”

ON THE HORIZON

Wladimir Kitsch (-500) vs. Sultan Ibragimov (+350) - February 23rd, 2008

Samuel Peter (-450) vs. Oleg Maskaev (+300) - March 8th, 2008

Manny Pacquiao (-160) vs. Juan Manuel Marquez (+130) - March 15th, 2008

For more boxing, be sure and take a peek at the following:

Cotto vs. Judah - Fight Results

Mayweather vs. De La Hoya - Bodog Props

Upcoming Boxing Matches - And Bodog Odds!