by James Slater – The December 12th card headlined by the demanded Juan Diaz-Paulie Malignaggi rematch is really shaping up as a good one. Not only will fans get to the return fight between the two light-welterweights, they will also get to see Victor Ortiz in action against Antonio Diaz, as well as Yusaf Mack, Erislandy Lara, Dominic Guin and others taking on selected opposition. And now, according to BoxRec, former two-time 140-pound titlist Randal Bailey is also set to appear on the Chicago show, in what will be the first fight in his permanent move up to welterweight..
Last seen losing a thriller against IBF 140-pound champion Juan Urango, Bailey put the iron-chinned “Iron Twin” on the floor, only to get stopped himself in the 11th-round back in August. Immediately after the loss – only the seventh of his 13 years career – the 35-year-old said he would no longer struggle to make light-welterweight, and that he would return at 147-pounds. According to BoxRec “The Knock-Out King” will face a TBA over a scheduled eight rounds next month.
Though he has had a tough and long career, Bailey, with his withering punching power, could perhaps become a factor in the talent-rich welterweight division. As exciting as he is powerful due to the way he mixes it up almost every time out despite not having a great chin, Bailey is a guy to come see if you want good value, bang for your buck action. We’ll have a chance to see how he looks at the new weight (Bailey has fought at 147, and even as high as 153 in the past, but this move to welterweight promises to be for good) and from there we can gauge how good a chance Bailey has of rejuvenating his career once again.
Assuming he does look good, though, there are a number of potentially fan-friendly and most interesting fights out there for Bailey. How about a fight with former two-weight world champion Zab Judah? Don’t tell me that fight wouldn’t generate a lot of publicity. Or how about Bailey Vs. Ricardo Torres, if the Colombian has any plans to box again soon, that is. Or how about Bailey squaring off with Joshua Clottey some time in the future – Clottey needing an opponent now that his fight with Carlos Quintana is off.
All three possible fights mentioned here, and a good deal others, are exciting possible options for Bailey to take. But not right away. After he’s won a couple of tune-ups, however, the idea of “The Knock-Out King” versus any of the guys I’ve mentioned would surely go down well with a good number of fans.
It all depends on how much Bailey, 39-7(35) has left in the tank. We will get an idea on December 12th.