12/20 – Kevin Johnson (29-4-1, 14 KO’s) vs. Christian Hammer (15-3, 10 KO’s) – Hamburg, Germany
The “Kingpin” hasn’t made much noise since losing to Vitali Klitschko in 2009; a few wins over lower level opposition, and a trip to the finals of the U.K.’s Prizefighter tournament, where he lost to Tor Hamer. He followed that with a loss to Tyson Fury before managing a win over Solomon Haumono in Australia. Hammer is the WBO European heavyweight title-holder (title not at stake), on a seven fight-winning streak. He hasn’t beat a top contender yet, with Danny Williams being the most recognizable name on his ledger and prospect Leif Larsen, whom he defeated in his last outing, being his stiffest challenge so far.
*Hammer won via 10 round decision
12/21 – Omar Andre Narvaez (40-1-2, 21 KO’s) vs. David Carmona (16-1-4, 8 KO’s) – Buenos Aires, Argentina
If you’ve never seen him, Narvaez is a good little fighter. The 38-year old WBO super flyweight champion has held a world title since 2002 when he won the WBO flyweight strap. Nonito Donaire outclassed him in 2011 (no shame there) in an attempt to win a world title in a third weight division. Except for that bout, he hasn’t lost in over 10 years. Carmona comes in with the WBO Youth super flyweight title in his possession, and a 14 fight unbeaten streak to protect. He’s coming in off a 10 round decision over then undefeated Antonio Garcia. Narvaez is a big step up for him.
*Narvaez won via TKO 7
12/21 – Mike Arnaoutis (24-10-2, 11 KO’s) vs. Kakhaber Avetisian (30-20-1, 13 KO’s) – Athens, Greece
This one isn’t a definite given that Arnaoutis fought last week and was cut over his left eye against Josesito Lopez and lost the bout via technical decision. According to Boxrec.com, the fight is still scheduled. There’s not a whole lot to say about Avetisian; he beats the lesser fighters and loses to the better ones…and he fights often.
*As of Sunday, I can’t find any info on this one, I’m guessing the fight was scrapped
12/21 – Roy Jones Jr. (56-8, 40 KO’s) vs. Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf (17-3-1, 8 KO’s)
– Moscow, Russia
The former pound for pound great is still going at it at almost 45 years old. This bout is supposed to pave the way for the long talked about match up against MMA legend Anderson Silva next year, assuming Roy wins. Benmakhlouf, of France, brings little to the table in comparison; he’s fought (and won) once since 2011 and has built his career solely in France, save one bout in 2008. He fits the “opponent” criteria to a tee.
*Jones won via 12 round decision
12/21 – Dmitry Chudinov (11-0-2, 7 KO’s) vs. Juan Camilo Novoa (22-5-1, 20 KO’s) – Moscow, Russia
On the under card of Jones Jr.-Benmakhlouf, undefeated Chudinov gets his first shot at a world title against Novoa with the interim WBA middleweight title on the line. He’s beaten some experienced fighters on the way up, but no one-world class. Novoa holds the WBA Fedalatin middleweight title, and has won his last eight bouts, all by stoppage in four rounds or less. His opposition is a step below that of Chudinov.
*Chudinov won via TKO 6
12/21 – Kiko Martinez (29-4, 21 KO’s) vs. Jeffrey Mathebula (27-4-2, 14 KO’s) – Elche, Spain
IBF super bantamweight champion Martinez makes the first defense of the title since defeating Jhonatan Romero in August. He lost back-to-back fights in 2009, but put together seven straight wins before Carl Frampton stopped him earlier this year. He fought twice more, including the Romero bout, winning both by TKO. Mathebula is a former world super bantamweight champion, but had his reign cut short by Nonito Donaire last year. He fought and defeated Takalani Ndlovu in March.
*Martinez won via TKO 9
12/21 – Stuart Hall (15-2-1, 7 KO’s) vs. Vusi Malinga (21-4-1, 12 KO’s) – Yorkshire, U.K.
The vacant IBF bantamweight title is up for grabs in this one. Hall holds the Commonwealth (British Empire) and IBF Inter-Continental bantamweight titles. Also a former BBBofC British bantamweight champ, he lost two of three bouts over late 2011 to mid 2012, but has rebounded with thee straight wins and the two previously mentioned regional titles. Malinga is a former WBC International and WBO Africa title-holder in the bantamweight class. He’s only fought twice since 2010, losing to Leo Santa Cruz in 2011 and winning a 12 rounder earlier this year over Diarh Gabutan.
*Hall won via 12 round decision
12/21 – Frankie Gavin (17-0, 12 KO’s) vs. Bradley Price (34-15, 18 KO’s) – Yorkshire, U.K.
Undefeated BBBof C and Commonwealth welterweight titleholder doesn’t risk his titles when he faces British journeyman Pryce on the Hall-Malinga under card. He’s fought some top U.K. fighters in his short time as a pro, and is working his way to a world title challenge. Pryce fights everyone, unfortunately it rarely ends in his favor; he’s lost five of his last six fights but has lasted the distance in each one. In the mid 2000’s he had good run going with a seven fight win streak as the Commonwealth light middleweight champ, he just hasn’t been able to get on track since then.
*Gavin won via 10 round decision
12/21 – Tim Witherspoon Jr. (10-3-1, 2 KO’s) vs. Josue Rivera (2-3, 2 KO’s) – Broomall, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
The light welterweight hopeful, trained by his former world heavyweight champion father, is looking to build on two consecutive wins earlier this year. Rivera appears to fit the bill for that; all three of his losses came by first round stoppage.
*The fight was cancelled at the last minute due an injury sustained by Rivera while he was working the corner of an under card bout.
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