Nate Campbell won his third straight fight on ESPN2, dropping Wilson Alcorro in the sixth round to improve to 31-5-1 with 25 knockouts. "The Galaxxy Warrior" is looking as good at age 35 as he ever has, and I wouldn't put him at a distinct disadvantage against any of the top 135-pounders in boxing right now, including Joel Casamayor, Juan Diaz and Julio Diaz. He's up there with anyone, and has recovered very well from his loss last year to Isaac Hlatshwayo.
Lovemore N'dou wants a rematch with Paulie Malignaggi, which is pretty wild. He does have a rematch clause, but it's ridiculous. Malignaggi dominated the fight, it was a disappointing live gate, and there is absolutely no market for a rematch. N'dou complains that he "wasn't allowed to fight his fight," and I did think the refereeing was somewhat poor, so I don't much begrudge him there.
But he got me here: "The referee awarded Malignaggi a knockdown in round nine that was nothing more than a slip..."
N'dou was tagged. Go back and watch the ninth round. Yes, he was off-balance, but that doesn't mean Malignaggi didn't pop him.
N'dou is also sure he won rounds, as Malignaggi scored a shutout on two of the three official cards. I gave him one round, and thought that one was close.
But, the contract is the contract, and he has the right to demand the immediate rematch, which he has. The IBF is on board, according to N'dou, and the former champ also says that Malignaggi gave him his word after the fight that he'd honor the clause.
I'm pretty certain that no one wants to see Malignaggi/N'dou II considering we got a decisive winner the first time, but we may have to. Don't expect HBO or anyone else to rush it onto TV.
Just a reminder: We'll be LIVE tomorrow for both the HBO and Showtime cards, with Klitschko/Brewster II at 5pm and the Simms/Alcine and Darchinyan/Donaire bouts at 9pm, both times eastern. Join us tomorrow. Hopefully Lamon Brewster won't shave his tremendous beard for the fight.