For the first time in many years, November will go by without a major fight. This is in part to neither of the big draws, Pacquiao or Mayweather, fighting in that month. It is also in part because of the Klitschkos being without a serious threat. Finally, it is also due to the rampant Latino pandering that ensures most big fights in the middle divisions take place in May and September. None of this need bother the die hard fan, however. November is still full of exciting possibilities.
Abner Mares vs. Anselmo Moreno
One has to admire the number of good fighters Mares is taking on, one after another. For a young kid, who should not be in a hurry, he does not get many soft touches. He has also shown that he can either box or slug, depending on what is needed fight by fight. He will need to slug here. Moreno does one thing, but does it very well. I do not see that changing against the Californian. Mares has had some close ones, and he will get to Moreno more than most. Style-wise, I see him following Moreno around, and losing a unanimous decision.
Carl Froch vs. Yusuf Mack
Mack gets shot after shot the same way Justin Juuko did years ago... because he wins enough to stay in the top ten, but offers little to no resistance to the top fighters. Froch was a distance fighter for so many years as his competition was high, therefore he deserves an opponent who has shown to be only an 8 round fighter against the division's best. I am talking about 175. I don't feel the new division will bother them at all. Froch by 8th round TKO.
Adrien Broner vs. Antonio De Marco
Broner stays as cocky as he is in the ring outside of it... yet plies his craft expertly. The same can be said of DeMarco, who is rarely without a smile when not in the ring, yet is a killer inside of it. Height and reach go to the fighter less likely to use it, but there is always the chance of DeMarco being the Castillo to Broner's Mayweather. The same 5 pound leap ended Floyd's days as a puncher, and if that happens to Broner, he could be in for a long, bruising night. My guess is that it won't however, and Broner's body attack will ensure he is the stronger fighter down the stretch. DeMarco's chin will likely hold up, but I don't think his skin will. Broner by 9th round TKO.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com