“The fight between Gennady Golovkin and Marco Antonio Rubio at the StubHub Center in Carson, California this Saturday leaves much to be desired. If we are to believe his earnest interviews, where, in improving English, he delivers soundbites that provide him seemingly as much traction among enthusiasts as his fists do—and certainly more than his opposition does—even Golovkin himself will find his next victim unsatisfying. Golovkin wants big names and big shows, but Rubio is yet another sanctioned slaughter in a year blighted by mismatches. We should be honest about that.”

Read Every Ounce the Killer: Gennady Golovkin-Marco Antonio Rubio Preview on The Cruelest Sport.

IBR on The Cruelest Sport

“It is Donaire’s third appearance in the open air of StubHub Center, but also a first of sorts. Promoter Top Rank—which saw a favorable resemblance to another Filipino fighter in Donaire’s explosiveness—gave Donaire top billing in his prior two appearances in Carson. But not this time. No, Gennady Golovkin headlines the HBO broadcast against the only Mexican fighter televised on a card nevertheless purposefully titled “Mexican Style.” If Donaire, 33-2 (21), seeks consolation for his demotion, he should look to the 9,000 strong in the sold out stands, to the aficionados among them who appreciate the jolt of competitiveness Donaire-Walters brings to an event that feels very much like a feverish yet foregone conclusion.”

Read Power Surge: Nonito Donaire-Nicholas Walters Preview on The Cruelest Sport.

IBR on The Cruelest Sport

“Porter-Brook matches two men with unanswered questions and complimentary styles. The fight’s intrigue is further enhanced by what each participant might reveal of himself against his sternest test. Whether there is anything particularly special about either Porter or Brook (beyond his moniker) remains unclear, but there is a chance we will find out on Saturday, and this rare injection of mystery distinguishes this matchup in a woefully predictable year.”

Read Roughing It: Shawn Porter-Kell Brook Preview on The Cruelest Sport.