While attention will certainly be focused on the Manny Pacquiao-Shane Mosley mega fight on May 7th, Al Bernstein says that two other boxers will have plenty at stake that night as well.
Bernstein, who will serve as analyst on the Showtime Pay per View telecast of that card, points out that Kelly Pavlik and Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. have important fights on the undercard that night. Pavlik, a former middleweight champ, returns after a layoff to move up to 168 pounds and take on undefeated Alfonso Lopez. Wilfredo Vsquez Jr. defends his WBO Super Bantamweight title against former flyweight champion Jorge Arce.
Pavlik has battled an alcohol problem, and has not fought for over a year. “This fight has major implications for Kelly,” Bernstein said. “He wants to prove that he still has the skills and the grit it takes to get it done in boxing. In Lopez he faces a tough customer who has not lost in 21 fights. The 168 pound division has many alluring fights for Pavlik if he can make his way back.”
For young Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. his fight with Arce is a “coming out party”. Al said, “This is his moment to shine on boxing’s center stage. He is a talented fighter who is very popular in his native Puerto Rico, and this battle with the colorful Arce revisits the always intense Puerto Rico-Mexico rivalry. This fight should be a war for however long it lasts.”
Bernstein will be at ringside calling the action with Gus Johnson and Antonio Tarver. James Brown will host and Jim Gray will do interviews. The card is promoted by Top Rank Inc and the telecast is produced and distributed by Showtime PPV.