By Cliff Rold

Hey, look, a competitive fight instead of an unprofessional farce.

We hope. 

This weekend, Showtime has an intriguing main that might just answer the question of who Floyd Mayweather’s first post-pokey opponent will be.  The night before, one of Lightweight’s more engaging rising contenders makes his return.

Let’s hope everyone is doing their jobs in camp.  We haven’t had any hot dog tweets, so it’s a good sign. 

 

These are the picks of the week.

Pick It: #9 Selcuk Aydin vs. Robert Guerrero (Saturday, Showtime, 10 PM EST/PST)

               

Based on the talent each has shown to date, the former 126 and 130 lb. titlist Guerrero (29-1-1, 18 KO).  It might not have been said that way at those weights, but Guerrero seemed to hit a new stride at Lightweight.  Wins over Vicente Escobedo and Michael Katsidis hinted at growth and a charging prime.  Now, coming off a lengthy layoff, he jumps all the way to Welterweight.  Laughed off when suggested as a Mayweather opponent in the past, Guerrero fights for an interim WBC belt at 147 lbs. and could be in position to be Mayweather’s mandatory.  Aydin (23-0, 17 KO) is a mostly a career Welter, but not a very big one and he’s been fortunate on some cards to keep his “0.”  Aydin has a potent jab and hard right hand, but gives up some speed here, assuming Guerrero brings quicks up the scale.  This is a fight where either man can win, and that’s a good thing.  Jr. Middleweight Shawn Porter (19-0, 14 KO) provides support against “Contender” alum Alfonso Gomez (23-5-2, 12 KO).     

Pick Deuce: #9 Hank Lundy vs. Raymundo Beltran (Friday, ESPN2, 10 PM EST/7 PM PST)

The Adrien Broner saga of a week ago is sure to continue on Friday Night Fights in two ways.  The first is from the mouth of Teddy Atlas, who is sure to have plenty to say.  The second is in the main event.  Lundy (22-1-1, 11 KO) has called for Broner before and, with Broner heading to 135, that fight could emerge over time.  Lundy has won four straight since a lone loss to John Molina.  He’ll watch as Molina gets a title crack in September and understands where victory can be rewarded.  Beltran (25-6, 17 KO) has lost three of his last six.

Pick Solo: Ronny Rios vs. David Rodela (Saturday, Telefutura, 11 PM EST/PST)

Fight Night Club roots take center stage on Solo Boxeo this week at Jr. Lightweight.  Rios (18-0, 8 KO) is gradually coming along, edging towards sanctioning body ratings while taking the requisite steps to get there.  Rodela (16-6, 7 KO) has lost three of his last four, two by stoppage.  It’s unlikely to be a great fight, but Rios usually goes rounds.  It could be a worthy DVR capper to the Showtime show.

 

Back in seven.    

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Cliff Rold is a member of the Ring Magazine Ratings Advisory Panel and the Boxing Writers Association of America.  He can be reached at roldboxing@hotmail.com