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Summer Boxing Predictions
Kyle Raymond - 8/18/2005
Boxing is usually slow in the summer time, but this summer there are some matches that are being discussed as well as matches that are coming up that seem promiosing. For the rest of August and through September there's enough boxing out there to keep the hardcore fans in on Friday and Saturday nights. Lets take a look at some matches that are coming up.
Chris Holt vs. Andre Ward: This is a match that Ward is supposed to win, but of course we're in the sport of the unexpected. Andre Ward is coming off a few victories, but the only real opposition he has faced so far was another Minnesota fighter Kenny Kost. He ended up being stunned badly in that fight, but won a unanimous decision. Chris Holt is coming off his biggest victory against world rated Troy Lowry, and is a good fighter. This is going to be a tough fight for Ward who hasn't faced anyone with this type of experience. Chris Holt will come out and fight his hardest, but in the end it probably won't be enough. The prediction here is for Ward to take a close decision where he is tested, but his speed will prevail.
Robert Wiggins vs. Audley Harrison: The prospect getting tested by a hard nose veteran whose had a few tough breaks is what this is about. Wiggins is a tough fighter who comes foreword and always fights hard. He broke DaVarryl Williamson's jaw and gave Monte Barrett all he could handle, and has the potential to beat Harrison. Harrison has fought some decent opponents as of late and has real potential, but I don’t think it will be enough against Wiggins. The prediction here is for Wiggins to fall behind early, but will bring the pressure late and stop Harrison in the late rounds.
Vincent Maddalone vs. Shannon Miller: This will be an entertaining fight. To be honest, I have never seen Miller fight, but reports say he is a fighter that stands in front of you. For Maddalone that will be good since his boxing technique is getting better and it will still make for a good fight. Don't forget Maddalone's fight with Brian Minto last year. This fight will be good and won't go the distance. My prediction is for Maddalone to outbox him enough and stop him late.
Juan Lazcano vs. Marco Angel Perez: Another fight that takes place Friday night involves a top contender coming back. Lazcano is coming back after promotional issues and a tough defeat to Jose Luis Castillo. Perez is trying to come back after a harsh KO loss to Julio Diaz. Perez always comes to fight, but he should be outgunned in this fight. The prediction here is for Lazcano to outgun Perez and blow him away early in this telefurtura showdown.
Rocky Juarez vs. Humberto Soto: This match was supposed to be Juarez vs. Chi, but that fight got cancelled. This is still a credible match, as Soto took Kevin Kelly the distance and nearly won a few years ago. He is durable and is a good fighter. Juarez is coming up and is getting an interim title shot. He has had some good, impressive victories as of late and is on a hot streak. Juarez wont cool down in this fight either, as I expect him to dominate and win by 7th round TKO.
Shannon Briggs vs. Ray Mercer: Wow a battle of old heavyweights from the 90's. I guess anybody has a shot in this division now, but does this really need to be on pay per view? Briggs showed some skills on ESPN back in June and still has it, but what will happen when he gets in the late rounds. Mercer is really old so nobody knows what he can do now. He was last seen getting beaten on by Wladimir Klitschko and retired last June. Well he's now back and don’t expect much. Mercer has a chin so expect Briggs to score big early, but slow down late. My official prediction is a unanimous decision for Briggs
Oscar Diaz vs. Thomas Davis: Thomas Davis was seen knocking Kendall Holt out last year. He hasn't done much since, but he is a dangerous tall and wiry fighter. Diaz has his limits and can be outboxed. He beat Al Gonzalez in a tough fight and was beat by Ebo Elder last year. This is a good match, even better than Diaz-Augustus. Augustus would of toyed with Diaz and outboxed him pillar to post. This will be a good fight, and I see Davis landing one of those right hand bombs in the middle of the fight. I think Davis will win by upset stoppage in the middle rounds.
Mark Johnson vs. Jhonny Gonzalez: Jhonny Gonzalez is coming off a few really good victories on HBO Latino and this one will be on that network as well. Johnson is coming back from his upset KO loss to Ivan Hernandez in a fight where he did more than hold his own. He's still a good fighter and has lots left in the tank. My prediction here is for Johnson to outbox Gonzalez and win a decision. Hopefully this will set up a big match for Johnson that he really wants.
Owen Beck vs. Serguei Lyakhovich: Lyakhovich is coming off an impressive victory over Dominick Guinn last December and is a good boxer. Beck is also a good fighter, as he did pretty well against Monte Barrett last winter. This will put one of these fighters on the heavyweight map and set up better matches for them. The prediction here is for Lyakhovich to outbox Beck from the outside and win a close decision where Beck will have him moments.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Hector Velasquez: The Pac Man is back and he is focused according to his trainer Freddie Roach. This is supposed to be an easy fight for Pac, but Velasquez is coming off a good victory over Trinidad Mendoza, and gave Rocky Juarez a very tough test a couple years ago. Pacquiao will be focused though and will have a fighter that will be there to hit. Pac hits very hard with that left hand, so expect him to land it early and often. If Velasquez can take it, this fight will be interesting. Even if he can I expect Pacquiao to outgun and him and have more speed. Pacquiao by decision.
Erik Morales vs. Zahir Raheem: Raheem is a fighter with a lot of quickness and skills. Morales has good technique as well, but usually brawls, so this fight will be interesting. Id love to think that Raheem will just move circles around him, but Morales will use his jab that he used against Pacquiao. This fight won't be the mismatch some people think it will be, since most people feel Raheem got the better of Rocky Juarez a year ago, but Morales should win. Morales will use his good technique and out hustle Raheem to win a close, but clear decision.
Well folks there are 11 matches that will be just taking place in the next month. There are still many matches that will take place in September and October that will take over the boxing public. There are also many matches that could be made in the fall and winter so the sport is surviving.
That’s it folks, take care, and keep rolling with the punches
Kyle Raymond
hardcoreboxing.net
lrkraymond@msn.com
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