Second-Tier Super Middleweights

Who is your favorite? God damn. So many fights to be made. We are talking beyond the traditional pack of Andre Ward, Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler, Andre Dirrell, Lucian Bute, Sakio Bika, Robert Stieglitz which get much more attention and hype.

You got Edwin Rodriguez, a Dominican born US living contender coming off some good wins to Ezequiel Maderna, Don George and Will Rosinsky. He's got good enough boxing skills to give the majority of fighters at 168lbs some fits.

Thomas Oosthuizen, an IBO beltholder usually known for his quick combinations and fast enough trigger to actually let his shots go. Sadly, he abandoned that trait when he needed it most on Saturday night.

Brandon Gonzales is a solid fighter as well. He's got his bumps but with some polishing he could remain for quite a long time.

Will Rosinsky, a good fighter in his own right gave Edwin Rodriguez the toughest fight of his career back in October 2011. Many thought he won! On the side he has a couple so-so wins over Aaron Pryor Jr and Otis Griffin.

Arthur Abraham, I know, I know. "You are ranking Arthur Abraham with Oosthuizen, Rosinsky, Rodriguez and Brandon M'Fn Gonzales!!!" "Nein, Nein!". Look, AA is much less than his former self. He's going to either have the accept the fact that he is no longer a marquee name at 168 or simply retire. It's sad to say.

George Groves and James DeGale, despite being rivals in and out of the ring they are both clearly the two best Briton's at 168 behind Carl Froch. These are two top prospects. One of a more boxing pedigree and the other more of an intelligent slugger. Either way, you'll hear about them through the next few years.

Marco Antonio Periban is a respectable fighter. Could be holding a world title right now -- or just playing the roll of seat warmer for Andre Ward. Whatever you wish to call it.

Ezequiel Maderna is still here. I saw him fight much before the Rodriguez fight in Argentina and I can assure you he is a decent world class fighter.

Karoly Balzsay is STILL lost. Hasn't fought since early last year in a big win to Dimitri Sartisan (another decent contender).

Euro scene has a couple of decent fighters like Nikola Sjekloca, Hadillah Mohammadi, Christopher Rabaresse, and Mohammed N'Daiye.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr is moving up in the near-future. Why can't he be a force? His style could break down many aside from Ward and maybe Froch/Kessler.

Peter Manfredo is still around... he moved up to 168 in his return.

Don George announced he is moving up to Super Middleweight again. IF the loss to Traux really was weight drain than maybe he can head back to being the gatekeeper.

Anthony Dirrell, the brother of Anthony, looks like a good prospect.

Dyah Davis is still....OK

.....Can you really ask for much more from the lower half of a division?

 

That's a fun fight on paper. Hard for me, though. I have always followed and enjoyed watching both. At this point, slight edge to George. You saw Bryant-Andrade. Shame George had to get bitchy a couple years ago and bail out last minute.