Two Beltway Boxers will be involved in some big nationally televised bouts in the month of March. On Saturday, March 2, undefeated Capitol Heights, MD featherweight "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. returns to the Showtime airwaves when he faces Russian Vyacheslav Gusev at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York City. Russell (21-0, 13 KO's) has scored knockouts in his last three contests including a brutal one against Roberto Castaneda on November 9 in Indio, CA. Gusev (20-2, five KO's) won the WBO European Featherweight and the PABA Featherweight titles in his last outing, a 12-round unanimous decision over Padji Youngyuthgym on April 30 in Moscow.
Then on Friday, March 8, Edgewood, MD junior welterweight Emanuel "Tranzforma" Taylor appears in his second straight nationally-televised bout when he battles Victor Cayo of the Dominican Republic at Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.
Taylor (16-1, 11 KO's) comes off a solid six-round TKO win over Raymond Serrano on January 25 in Huntington, NY, a bout that was televised on Showtime. Cayo (31-3, 22 KO's) is riding a three-bout winning streak, including a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Vladimir Baez on December 17 in Santo Domingo. Beltway fans may remember that Cayo challenged Lamont Peterson in an IBF elimination bout in July 2011 and lost by 12th round knockout.
Gary how do you think Manny will do against Cayo? He is really stepping up to a different level. Is he ready for this fight?
ReplyDeleteIt is a big step. Cayo has fought some tough people including Peterson and Marcos Maidana, Nate Campbell and Julio Diaz. Definitely better competition than Taylor has.
ReplyDeleteTaylor seems to be back on track though and a win here could put him squarely in contention for a title. I think he is ready for this one.
Gary thanks for your reply
ReplyDeleteManny's people must be desperate. Manny is being shipped out as an opponent for Victor Cayo. Why does he need to take a big step up right now. He just had a significant win on tv. Now he goes in against the house fighter.
ReplyDeleteI think the step up is good. This young man is focused on what boxing is all about and after a win like his last, its only smart to take that fight. Cayo is a veteran whom best days are behind him. Although still dangerous, is a good fight for Taylor. It will let him and his people what kind of product he really is. Many will win by decision or late stoppage. Youth, speed, power and overall ring performance.
ReplyDeleteErnesto