[Previous entry: "Toney's talk is lights out"] [Main Index] [Next entry: "Quote of the Day-James Toney: 'My Swagger is All That.'"]
03/16/2006 Archived Entry: "HBO, give Rabah a go!"
HBO, give Rabah a go!
By Harry Summers
Fact. 24-1 (13) Naoufel Ben Rabah is one of the smoothest boxers yet to fight on a major US network. Fact. Rabah defeated world rated Dario Esalas and Arturo Morua in back-to-back IBF eliminators to become the mandatory challenger for Ricky "Hitman" Hatton's 140lb title. Fact. Team Rabah can rightfully have Hatton stripped of that title if he faces anyone other than "Chocolata" on HBO on May 13. Fact. Come May 13, Rabah just wants what is rightfully his.
What is with the delays in announcing an opponent for that date? It's a no-brainer. Rabah has earned his shot, and more importantly, brings a fresh, classy boxing style to a division overflowing with walk-up brawlers.
It's difficult to comprehend why HBO would reportedly demonstrate a lack of interest in Rabah, yet throw out the possibility of a Ricardo Torres-Ricky Hatton showdown. Wasn't Torres another supposed non-descript, undeserving mandatory before his thrilling war with Miguel Cotto? HBO gave Torres the all-clear and was pleasantly surprised. And the guy hadn't fought anybody! Rabah has. Remember, Morua did defeat former WBA champ Carlos Maussa, and Rabah virtually shut him out.
A message to Ross Greenburg, Jim Lampley, Larry Merchant, and the crew at HBO. Give Rabah a go. Not just because he's the mandatory. We've seen that mistake made before with Morrade Hakkar. But because you will be in for a serious exhibition of the sweet science.
