Another massive week of fights in boxing land, with competing
doubleheaders on HBO and Showtime. This though, will bring
an end to the weekends which have multiple blockbusters.
Here are this week’s predictions.
Showtime fights
Vic Darchinyan vs. Abner Mares
Fighting at bantamweight is still fairly new grounds for Darchinyan. When
he has gone up he has struggled to really affect his
opponents with his power, as much as he did at 115 and 112.
He lost a close decision to Agbeko, and looked a bit small
at that weight.
Mares was impressive with his draw against Perez. Both guys
gave it their all in a fairly entertaining bout. Mares has
the better boxing skills than Darchinyan and is nine years
younger then Vic (at 25, compared to the Armenian at 34).
Vic has the experience and will give Mares a good test. But
expect the younger, quicker fighter to come away with the
win.
Prediction: Mares by Decision.
Yohnny Perez vs. Joseph Agbeko
A rematch from their first fight which was a solid
battle from bell to bell. Since then Perez had his draw with
Mares but Agbeko hasn’t fought since. Perez is actually the
older fighter but has had less professional fights. I think
he’s determined to make a statement and is the lankier
fighter of the two. While Agbeko is a solid fighter, I think
Perez has more weapons in his arsenal, and more versatility
and that’ll be a huge factor come fight time.
I think Perez will be using a more controlled pace, and some
of his boxing skills against Agbeko. He’s the better boxer
of the two and I expect him to use that.
I hope it’s a war again though, because more fight of the
year candidates are always welcomed.
Prediction: Perez by decision
HBO fights
Victor Ortiz vs. Lamont Peterson
Rarely do we see big fights for young guys that are so important.
Both have had recent setbacks which makes this fight even
more important for the two. Ortiz has rebounded a bit after
his loss to Maidana but hasn’t looked spectacular during
that time. Peterson on the other hand has had only one win
since his loss against Timothy Bradley. This fight with
Ortiz will take place on the same weekend that Peterson lost
to Bradley last year.
Both guys like to abandon their boxing abilities and slug it out,
which makes this fight a crowd pleaser. Peterson, even when
hurt and knocked down by Bradley, never gave up and was game
for all 12 rounds. Ortiz on the other hand checked out when
the fight became too much to handle against Maidana.
This fight may come down to who wants
it more. A loss is a major step backwards for both fighters.
I think Ortiz had a lot of thinking to do after his Maidana
loss and I think he’s realized what it takes to be a great
fighter. His heart will
be tested in this fight. If he really wants it, I think the
fight is his, and I’ll go with him because of his
explosiveness and ability to put combinations together.
But it won’t be easy.
Prediction: Ortiz by decision.
Amir Khan vs. Marcos Maidana
This is arguably the biggest fight of the weekend and most
intriguing. Amir Khan is a star right now but all that can
change with one punch (and it did at one point with his loss
to Prescott). Khan has never been able to take a punch, but
while under Roach he’s been able to avoid them. Maidana hits
like a truck with both hands and has improved his boxing
skills in recent fights. He goes to the body a lot more and
can cut off the ring.
That being said, I think people underestimate just how good
Khan is. Of all the light welterweights, he’s the more
polished and has a bigger fan base then Maidana, Bradley and
Devon Alexander put together. Khan is already popular in the
United States and in England. Even though he was fighting
Paulie Malignaggi at his home turf in New York, there was
plenty of fans there to support Khan. He’s already used to
the lime light and is one of the fastest punchers in the
sport. Now he has a great trainer and strength and
conditioning coach (Alex Ariza) on his side too.
The only question about this fight is Khan’s chin and whether
Maidana can find it. If he lands a solid shot, it may be
good night for Khan. But even then, I think Khan knows how
to react if he gets tagged now, and I’m expecting a very
good performance by the Bolton native. I expect him to use
angles, move in and out and keep Maidana at bay. Sparkling
speed leads to sparkling performances.
We know that Maidana will bring heart and power, but I think
Khan will break Maidana down, similar to how Ortiz was able
to do, except he’ll finish the job.
Prediction: Khan by TKO, somewhere around the 10th.
You know, I don’t know if it’s the post office or what, but
I haven’t received my cut from all you winners out there who
used my expertise for your financial benefit. Please re-send
those cheques. It is greatly appreciated.
And come on, it’s the Christmas season! It’s the time for
giving! (For you. Not for me, I'll just take my cut!) I joke
of course, but in all seriousness, enjoy the fights ladies
and gents.
