Danny Green’s Toughest Challenge

By James Walden:

Meet Julio Cesar Dominguez, the unknown Argentinean fighter standing between Australia’s own Danny “Green Machine” Green, and a multi-million dollar boxing showdown with all time great Roy Jones Junior.On August 15, Danny Green will enter the ring a six to one favorite to beat the thirty two year old Dominguez for the vacant IBO cruiserweight world title, and set up a possible October bout, bringing to Australia the six-time world champion in what may prove to be the country’s biggest bout since the legendary Jack Johnson pummeled Tommy Burns for the heavyweight championship of the world over one hundred years earlier.Yet at thirty 36 years of age, Green’s biggest challenge could prove to be staying focused on an opponent, who on paper, seems groomed for his come forward swinging style. From Lennox Lewis vs. Hasim Rahman, Muhammad Ali vs. Ken Norton, to Australia’s own Jeff Harding vs. Dennis Andries, the history of boxing is abundant with world champion fighters falling at the hands of unknowns they failed to focus on in stepping stone fights. With the promise of millions of dollars and a place in boxing history, Green could be setting himself up for failure if he focuses his sights too firmly on Jones Junior.Dominguez, a head first puncher, with a record of twenty wins, four losses, and one draw, has fought only twice outside of his home town, losing both fights by knockout. However, with both fighters moving up to the cruiserweight limit of 200lbs, Green will be fighting 15 to 25lbs heavier than his 2006 showdown with Anthony Mundine.
After ending a sixteen month “retirement” with an impressive second round destruction of Anthony Van Niekerk in April, victory over Dominguez would see the Perth born slugger match Anthony Mundine’s boastful record of a three-time world champion in two separate weight divisions, and possibly set up a rematch of Australia’s richest bout in boxing history.In contrast, a defeat by the unranked Dominguez could cancel out a potential Jones Junior showdown, and would likely see the end of an exciting twenty nine fight career. Green, who has never been stopped throughout his entire career, has continued his promotional responsibilities whilst Dominguez remains silent. And, with the “Green Machine” promising the fight will end via knockout, get ready for early fireworks, and be sure not to blink.