Boxing Heating Up with Big Bouts Over the Next Months

Boxing had a slow start in 2010, with Pacquiao vs. Mayweather never getting off the ground and a generally empty schedule on the major networks. However, things are about ready to kick into high gear and there are a lot of exciting and important bouts coming up over the next few months. Here's a quick sneak peek at what boxing fans can look forward to.

Floyd Mayweather vs. Shane Mosley: The biggest fight on the docket is the May 1battle between Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley. It's the slick boxing, defensive minded pound for pound champion in Mayweather against the rejuvenated, power punching, longtime fan favorite in Shane Mosley. Mayweather is the favorite to win but the fight represents one of the toughest in his career. The fight will be broadcast on HBO PPV.

Kelly Pavlik vs. Sergio Martinez: Pavlik has been a largely absent middleweight champion, but is finally back in the ring in a meaningful bout at 160 lbs when he takes on the smooth southpaw Sergio Martinez. Pavlik could be in for a long night against the crafty Martinez, who is a master of angles, timing and precision punching. The fight takes place on April 17 and will be live on HBO.

Mikkel Kessler vs. Carl Froch: After the absurdity of the Abraham vs. Dirrell stage 2 Super Six bout a few weeks ago, Mikkel Kessler and Carl Froch now take their turn, fighting for Froch's WBC super middleweight crown and valuable points in the Super Six standings. Former tournament favorite Kessler desperately needs to win after his awful showing against Andre Ward. Showtime airs the bout on April 24.

Chris Arreola vs. Tomasz Adamek: In a heavyweight bout that's sure to be pleasing to watch, slugging Chris Arreola meets the iron-chinned and iron-willed former light heavyweight and cruiserweight champion Tomasz Adamek. Somebody isn't making it back up to their feet, and the winner (particularly if it's Adamek) could be looking at a title shot in the near future. HBO shows the fight on April 24, and the co-feature is another guaranteed barnburner in Alfredo Angulo vs. Joel Julio, a battle of two junior middleweight prospects.

Paul Williams vs. Kermit Cintron: The division-jumping Paul Williams is back at junior middleweight on May 8, when he takes on hard-punching Kermit Cintron. Cintron's punch can turn any fight around, but Williams' skill, size and work rate should win the day. The fight will be televised on HBO.

Amir Khan vs. Paulie Malignaggi: British sensation Amir Khan is ready to take on the States, starting on May 15 at Madison Square Garden where he defends his title against hometown favorite Paulie Malignaggi. Another great fight in the hot junior welterweight division, and the undercard features two more prominent 140 lbers, Victor Ortiz vs. Nate Campbell. Fights air on HBO.

Israel Vazquez vs. Rafael Marquez IV: The fourth fight between these two warriors is unnecessary, but any fight fan would be crazy to miss the fireworks that explode when Vazquez and Marquez step into the ring against one another. Vazquez has the edge on Marquez 2-1 following their epic trilogy thus far. Tune into Showtime on May 22.

Allan Green vs. Andre Ward: The final bout of the second stage of the Super Six has been rescheduled for June 19, where Allan Green makes his tournament debut replacing Jermain Taylor. He has a more than challenging task in combating the quick, strong and disciplined 2004 Olympic Gold medalist Andre Ward. Catch the fight on Showtime.

But wait... there's more! Cotto vs. Foreman in Yankee Stadium... Bradley vs. Maidana in a 140 lbs unification bout... Chad Dawson vs. Jean Pascal in a 175 lbs title bout and on we go! It's a great slate of boxing for spring and summer 2010. Check out a complete boxing schedule here.