Beatdown 2012: Joan Guzman vs Khabib Allakhverdiev

Anyone that's checked this weekend's TV fight schedule should know Joan Guzman vs Khabib Allakhverdiev highlights Friday's stateside boxing action out of the BB&t Center in Sunrise, Florida. What they may not know however is exactly what they can expect to get in the 2.5 hour broadcast that begins at 7:30 PM EDT. Bounce TV, one of networks to televise this event, confirms in a preview video on its official website that boxing fans can at least expect to see Domonique Dolton vs Richard Gutierrez on the undercard. Dolton is an unbeaten 12-0 middleweight prospect while Richard Gutierrez is an experienced veteran (and former legitimate welterweight threat) riding a 6 fight losing streak. Gutierrez hasn't beaten an opponent with a winning record since February 2008 but is probably still the most relevant opponent on Dolton's resume to date. But does a network really need 2.5 hours to televise a 12 rounder and a 10 rounder, even if they both go the distance? Hopefully not, and we will get to see at least some of another fight, most notably Umberto Savigne vs Dhafir Smith.

I recently caught up with Dhafir for an interview about this opportunity.

However, boxing is not the only thing being showcased at this event titled "Beatdown 2012". Musical performances by Fabolous, Waka Flocka, Flo Rida, Travis Porter, Fat Joe, and DMX will follow the live boxing action. Garry Jonas, CEO of bSaving.com and Acquinity Sports (the promotional company of the event), said, "We've put together a star-studded lineup, complete with living legends such as DMX and Fat Joe, and this year's biggest hit-makers in the likes of Travis Porter and Flo Rida, to give South Floridians the best entertainment bang for the buck." And, according to the bSaving website, the musical performances are scheduled to begin at 9 PM EDT. If this is true and the televised broadcast really does extend through 10 PM, a few possibilities open up. Either viewers will watch a tape delayed version of Guzman-Allakhverdiev, a tape delayed version of an unannounced undercard bout, or they'll just get to see a concert. You know which possibility I'm hoping for, but maybe you like rap more than boxing.

Whatever the case may be I'm just glad another television network has jumped into the boxing business. Although I've never even heard about the BOUNCE channel before this week, since my cable company already provides it, I'm instantly a new fan. But just in case you don't get BOUNCE or PURSUIT, you can always sign up for a free account on pursuitchannel.com to stream the event online.