This time tomorrow we will know who will be the Contender
Champion for season four. It has been an interesting series this time. We have
been privy to the different sides and interests of these Cruiserweights: the
sometimes quick temper of Alfredo Escalera, Jr.; the soft-spoken ways of Felix
Cora, Jr.; Mike Alexander’s goal to go to culinary art school after his boxing
career comes to an end; the weight problems that plagued Darnell Wilson; the
second chance that was given to Joell Godfrey; and Deon Elam, who was supposed
to fight on the undercard, but had to pull out due to an injured shoulder.
Tomorrow night, in a scheduled 10 round battle, it will be
either Troy Ross or Ehinomen “Hino” Ehikhamenor who will have his arm raised in
victory. We have the quiet yet confident Ross against the somewhat cocky
“Hollywood Hino”. With both men having a lot of talent, this should be a very
good fight.
The two men who lost to these two, allowing them to advance
into the finale will face each other in an eight-round dance. Rico Hoye will
face Akinyemi “A.K. 47” Laleye. Both these men gave a good account of
themselves in the semi-finals, and I expect nothing less here.
The three other undercard fights are all six rounds. We will
see Cora, the man who lost everything at the hands of Hurricane Ike, then also
learned he lost his job, going against the elder statesman, Tim Flamos. There
could not be a better example of good guy versus good guy here, and this should
play out to be quite an interesting fight.
Young gun Ryan Coyne will face Richard Gingras. Coyne had to
leave the tournament (after winning his fight with Flamos) due to a severe cut
over his left eye, but now will get another chance. Gingras gave a good showing
in his fight against Elam. Richard told me that he had was learning more to add
to his arsenal, and he will get the chance to show that here.
Finally, Escalera will take on Erick Vega. These two are not
best friends to say the least, and this will be the most emotional fight of the
night, I predict. Will those feelings fuel the fighters, or will they cause one
fighter to crumble?
So, will it be Troy or Hino that will be Contender Champion?
It won’t be long now before we find out. Enjoy the fights on VERSUS. Check you
local listings for the time.
