By Corey Quincy - Tomorrow night on HBO’s Boxing After Dark telecast boxing fans will be treated with a prospect triple-header titled, "Road to Glory." The card will take place at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut, and will be promoted by DiBella Entertainment.
Without further ado, let’s take a quick preview of each bout.
Edwin Rodriguez-Jason Escalera: The main event of the evening features skilled, undefeated super middleweight contender Edwin Rodriguez (21-0, 14 KOs) against the vigorous yet flawed prospect Jason Escalera (13-0-1, 12 KOs) in a battle of unbeatens. The contest is do-or-die for both. For Rodriguez, 27, a loss would be a huge step back considering the top-level opponents (Donovan George & Will Rosinsky) he has already defeated. A loss for Escalera, 27, would ruin his short-term potential. In his biggest test to date, he is going to really have to step up.
When it’s all said and done, I see Rodriguez earning a hard fought unanimous decision. Escalera will likely be game, but he will always be a step behind.
Luis Orlando Del Valle-Vic Darchinyan: In the evening’s co-feature, highly touted super bantamweight prospect Luis Orlando Del Valle (16-0, 11 KOs) locks horns with the always dangerous power-punching Armenian veteran, Vic Darchinyan (37-5-1, 27 KOs). Del Valle, 25, is an excellent all-around fighter with excellent speed, reflexes, and power. Darchinyan, an excellent 112-115 lber, hasn’t had much success in the bantamweight-super bantamweight divisions, particularly as he’s aged. At 36, his best years are clearly behind him.
I don’t expect Darchinyan to go quietly. Despite the fact that he’s coming off two straight losses and is again facing a young fighter in his prime, he will likely put up a fight. However, at the end of the day I expect Del Valle to showcase his superior boxing skill which will ultimately lead to a late knockout, or more likely a unanimous decision.
Antonin Decarie-Alex Perez: In a battle of welterweights, Canada’s Antonin Decarie faces Alex Perez. Both fighters are decent prospects with some solid wins but neither have accomplished anything notable to date. Hence, the victor will do great wonders for his career, particularly if the victory is an impressive one. The 29-year-old Decarie (26-1, 7 KOs) is more experienced in going the distance as 75% of his bouts have seen the final bell. Perez (16-0, 9 KOS), a 30-year-old southpaw, has scored more knockouts in less career fights. However, he hasn’t fought the same opposition as Decarie. His best victory came against Francisco Figueroa, which isn’t saying a lot.
I believe Decarie’s speed will be the difference here. I expect both men to touch the canvas in a close fight with the final scorecards favoring Decarie by 2-3 rounds.
The HBO telecast begins at 9:30 PM ET/PT.
Corey Quincy is a new contributing writer at Fightfanatics.com. Based out of Pennsyvlania, Corey is an avid boxing fan who has contributed to several online publications over the last several years. Follow him on
Twitter at Quincyboxingfan.
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