Every year I look forward to Beat The Streets, and every year it delivers everything that makes our sport fantastic.  A spectacle of athleticism combined with the energy of one of the greatest cities on Earth. You know stars such as Neil Tyson and Dana White are at the event, it's can't-miss wrestling! 

They may have outdone themselves this year as the United States takes on international powerhouse Cuba.

This card could be among the most loaded in the events rich history. All told we’ll have 22 World/Olympic Medals take the mat across all 3 styles Thursday evening! If you can’t make it to the Big Apple for the spectacle that will be the “Salsa In The Square” you’re in luck! Every match will be LIVE on Flowrestling! Willie and I gave a little preview of the action on Monday's FloWrestling Radio Live.

Here’s what’s got me fired up for Beat The Streets:

David Taylor’s Big Shot
When David Taylor takes the stage Thursday, he will have the opportunity to notch the biggest win of his career. When you consider he’s a 2 time NCAA Champion as well as the 2015 U.S. Open Champion, that speaks volumes. Livan Lopez Azcuy: Whether you’re familiar with his credentials or not, his accolades will speak volumes. Azcuy is a 4 (count ‘em) 4 time World/Olympic Medalist including a 2012 Olympic Bronze as well as a Bronze medal last year in Uzbekistan. His power and positioning will rival any opponent David has faced. Lopez loves to score off of your attacks, something Taylor is familiar with after his losses at the Yasar Dogu.  I can see David’s motion and collar ties giving him some troubles. Conversely, the ridiculous strength that Azcuy possesses makes him a threat to put a quick 4 on the boar (or worse) at any point in time. Clearing underhooks and constant motion will give himself an opportunity to win and the crowd a chance to go wild like they did last year when Taylor won big at Beat The Streets!

 

Herbert Ready For The Slap?
Jake Herbert made a believer out of me in Vegas, but now it’s a whole new kettle of fish. Domestic dominance is nothing new for the mullet-donning Herbert. He has had some set-backs against International competition, including against Salas-Perez on two different occasions.  While Salas-Perez became more known for his SMACK of Sadulaev, you can't forget the wrestling chops he brings as well. Herbert got to his single plenty of times, but it was Salas-Perez who had an answer. Herbert’s finishes will tell the tale of this bout. They last faced around 5 years ago. Surprisingly both appear to be wrestling at as high of a level as they’ve ever been. Salas was 2nd in the World last year and Herbert is coming off of a fantastic showing at the U.S. Open. Ed Ruth and Salas had a DOOZY of a match at the World Cup this Spring. Don’t be surprised to see Jake and Reineris both approach double digits in points as well.

According to this Instagram Post, Herbert is feeling pretty confident about anyone who gets to his legs!

 

Even if you can get to this leg I will still put you on your back. #fact

A photo posted by Jake Herbert (@jakeherbert84) on May 19, 2015 at 6:16am PDT

Ramos Seeking Revenge
Tony Ramos looked very solid at the World Cup against Bonne-Rodriguez. Then Bonne crunched on a vicious cradle and stuck the stare. Ramos is great at making adjustments, so don’t be surprised to see him avoid certain situations that caused trouble for him last time around. Tony controlled the early stages of the match before getting pinned. Combine Ramos as a showman, his competitive fire and his thirst for revenge, you can count on Ramos to entertain regardless of result.

The Ice Man Cometh
Joey Davis just finished his Junior year at Notre Dame College. All told, he’s now an undefeated 3x NCAA D2 Champ. There’s no question Joey would not only compete, but succeed at the D1 level. Where he falls in the pecking order of the best college wrestlers in the country could be determined Thursday as he’ll take on 2 time NCAA Champion Alex Dieringer. I don’t know that Dieringer is the best match up for Joey, but if he can hang tight with ‘Ringer, it will say plenty about his ability to go with the best of D1. Alex was unchallenged at any point this year collegiately, now he’ll look to re-hone his Freestyle skills after taking time away from the international style since bringing home Junior World Silver in 2013.I believe Ringer takes this one handily, but Davis’ size and offense could prove me wrong.


Will Helen Give Up A Point?
Helen Maroulis is wrestling at a ridiculously high level right now. She just went unscored upon at the 2015 U.S. Open and is coming off a bronze medal at the 2014 World Championships. She’s as slick as they come (Watch at 5:25 her ridiculous single leg finish here) and can score in all positions. Look for Helen to blank her Cuban counterpart Thursday! 

Miss Me?
Jordan Burroughs took the U.S. Open off.  We last saw JB at the World Cup where he notched win #100. The 3 time World and Olympic Champion has been lights out at Beat The Streets before. There are only a handful of wrestlers on Earth that can keep it close with Jordan and Luis Esteban Quintana Martinez is not one of them! Watch Burroughs deliver some signature leg attacks a few exposures and JB will be off the stage before time expires!

Watching Bisek Is A Must(ache)
The face (and ‘stache) of USA Greco will be unleashed against Yurisandi Rios. Look for Andy Bisek to pick up where he left off at the U.S. Open and deliver a one sided win. Bisek’s pace is unreal and his top game may be the best in our country for any style. These two have faced before and it’s been all Andy. Don’t expect this to change under the lights of NYC!

Brentcalf Back In NYC
The Hawkeye legend Brent Metcalf will be taking the mat for USA against a familiar opponent. Last time around at the World Cup it took Brent some time to open Castillo. In typical Metcalf fashion, it was all Brent late. Can Brent widen the gap this time around or will Castillo make the necessary adjustments to keep it a bit closer and put himself in position to win? Metcalf always gets to his high-crotch, but watching him finish in spots that used to give him trouble was one of my biggest takeaways from this match. Castillo threw the head inside very well, but Metcalf was ready. The next time Metcalf got in, he quickly got up to his feet and finished. If Metcalf continues to avoid the crackdown position he’ll get it done again!

Tervel Time
Our favorite magical heavyweight will take the stage a huge favorite Thursday night. On any given day, Tervel could be the best 125 on the planet. He’s as fleet of foot and powerful as any heavyweight out there and an absolute treat with every match. Prepare for a dominant win for Tervel!

The stars of Beat The Streets have been discussing the event on social media!
Tony Ramos is packed up and ready to go:

 

Packed up and on the way to the airport with the essentials for Salsa in the Square! @asics @flipswrestling

A photo posted by Anthony Ramos (@t_ram133) on May 19, 2015 at 9:09am PDT

Brent Metcalf thinks Tony Ramos is ready for NY too!

Walk in for late night workout.See @T_Ram133 on his way out. Locker room blasting "New York" by @S_C_ Think someone's fired up for Thursday?

— Brent Metcalf (@BHMetcalf) May 18, 2015

David Taylor is looking forward to his 3rd Trip To Beat The Streets!

I'll be back on the mats in 10 days competing @BeattheStreets in Times Square! 4 weeks until the World team trials! Exciting few weeks 👊🏻👍🏻

— David Taylor (@magicman_psu) May 10, 2015

Thanks @BeattheStreets @USAWrestling @novogratz for the opportunity to wrestle again in Times Square! #M2 http://t.co/N9OHs4rAI8

— David Taylor (@magicman_psu) May 13, 2015