Op-Ed: Mayweather-Marquez card, GBP all geared up against White, UFC 103

With less than a month to go before the scheduled mega clash between undefeated former pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. and undisputed lightweight czar Juan Manuel Marquez.

It seems that all systems are up, thus the boxing world is not just ready for arguably the most anticipated boxing PPV event of the year but is also pumped up with a super face-off against budding rival UFC. Coincidence or not the Mayweather-Marquez fight card after being postponed due to a "timely" rib injury suffered by Mayweather was set at the same night with UFC 103 PPV event that will showcase the experienced Rich Franklin against the tough Vitor Belfort. In the past there had been numerous confrontations that even involves high-profile boxing and UFC personalities. Similarly the Boxing vs UFC debacle had been a favorite topic on sports debates. As we all know both sports possess their own respective identity and it had been said over and over again that comparing boxing and UFC is like comparing apples and oranges. Still, people cannot be blamed for comparing the two sports. In recent years the boxing world suffered huge setbacks and was even dubbed as a "dying sport" on several occasions. Clearly, the golden age of boxing is a "had been". On the contrary, the sudden decline of boxing relatively marked the meteoric rise of UFC. The transverse relation between boxing and UFC may or may not be attributed as a result of the former paling in comparison with the latter but the fact of the matter is both sports share a great amount of viewership. Like it or not, I've known casual fight fans who had cross boundaries from boxing to UFC. The hardcore fans usually thirst for action -- which is somewhat lacking in (in my opinion) boxing and pretty much abundant in UFC. Well, that is, because boxing is an art form -- a sweet science while UFC is with all due respect is a no nonsense brawl, which excite the fans of course. Despite the fact that the boxing world is on a downside it still can't be denied the throne of being the supreme action sport. In a classic showdown of youth versus experience wherein the UFC carries the influx of a high-spirited young gun while boxing banners the maturity and history from the Mediterranians, the Etruscans, and the Greeks, the early practitioners of boxing pugilism. I could end up with a ten, twenty or even thirty page manuscript in an effort to lay out each side's arguments but at the end of the day well-constructed substantial arguments are good but head-to-head match ups that unveil results are far better. Scrutinizing the Mayweather-Marquez undercards which I believe is the most beefed up in recent PPV memory. It seems to suggest that boxing in general is out on a mission -- that is to reinstate its long lost "dominance" over the UFC. Boxing cards which were often criticized for its lack of competition. Most of the time pitting a young promising prospect against a part-time boxer, part-time cable technician wherein the young promising prospect would win by knockout and proves his "young and promising" status. Conversely, the undercard bouts of the upcoming Number one--Numero uno (or whatever is it called) fightcard provides a superb cast and promises an exciting finish in every bout. Designed perhaps to maximize PPV earnings. Well, the super stacked undercards are as follows; John vs Juarez II -- Indonesian sensation Chris John will have his hands full for the second time against 2000 Olympic silver medalist Rocky Juarez. The first fight of between those two bravehearts ended with a controversial draw. Many boxing accolades saw the fight differently, favoring the much experienced John who landed the more telling blows and boxed swiftly the whole night. However, the fiery Juarez also had his moments landing crisp combinations still failing to grab a win and the title but the again was lucky to salvage the draw. They will be fighting for John's WBA Super World featherweight title. Katsidis vs Escobedo -- A wild scrimmage, if you'll allow me. The hard-hitting Michael Katsidis will battle equally exciting Vicente Escobedo. Katsidis who almost always starred in recent fight of the year candidates is expected to, win-or-lose, supply the much needed adrenaline rush. Not to mention that Escobedo is coming off a devastating second round destruction of tough and respected veteran Kevin Kelley. Katsidis' Greek warrior heritage plus Escbedo's aggressive equals one helluva fight. Judah vs Diaz -- Former undisputed welterweight champion Zab Judah will be given yet another opportunity to redeem himself after a dismal showing is recent fights, however, it won't be easy as the speedster Judah will go up against battle-tested veteran Antonio Diaz. Diaz is no pushover. He hasn't lost a fight since 2003 and at age 33 a win against Judah would mean big and would definitely set the stage for bigger things. Clearly, the boxing world is getting ready for their biggest PPV battle thus far. The Golden Boy Promotions already kick-off their extravagant promotional gimmicks. Mayweather on the other hand promises a great show while Marquez shapes to be Mexico's numero uno and expects a great amount of support from his fellow Latinos, considering that the bout is slated as part of the informal celebration of Mexican Independence day. Then again, the allure of a lucrative date with pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao also adds drama and interest to the fightcard. Perhaps, UFC is a wake-up call to the boxing world. Who will win the PPV numbers? who knows... UFC squeezed boxing to its fullest. Thanks Dana White, thanks UFC. You've done a big favor for us boxing fans. At the end of the day, the ones who will benefit most are the fans who spend their hard-earned cash on PPV events. You know, competition works.