Orlando Salido vs Mikey Garcia
Bravo to Salido for taking this fight. He is riding high after his two wins against Juanma. He had his hometown defense in between. Maybe he feels he's been rewarded enough for his long journey into championship status. However, if he beats arguably the best young prospect/contender in boxing, the whole boxing world is his oyster. Although Salido has been KO'd, those losses took place much earlier in his career, and he is quite durable now. Maybe that would bother some fighters, but anyone with the boxing IQ of a Mikey Garcia, will simply find new ways to dominate. Figure this fight to be a replay of Gamboa vs. Salido, without Orlando having the punchers chance. Garcia will be a step ahead throughout. Garcia by UD.
Andre Ward vs. Kelly Pavlik
Being forced to root against one of my favorite fighters no matter what is the only negative here. This is the biggest fight at 168 this country can produce by itself. Pavlik has shown improved inside skills since being trained by Roberto Garcia, but that will just mean he will be comfortable where Ward can do the most damage. The real place for Pavlik should be on the outside, breaking Ward's rhythm with the jab, and trying to land the big right hand. He can forget about winning rounds, or even looking good during it. He can also forget about breaking down Ward, who does not break down. I believe Garcia's whole strategy for Pavlik should be around catching Ward on the way in and out. If he cannot hurt him, he cannot win. As big a puncher as Pavlik is, Abraham's power certainly did not bother Ward. Andre Ward by wide decision, or late round TKO if Kelly's face busts up.
Devon Alexander vs. Kell Brook
Alexander thrilled us on his way up, but has never completely recovered from the Timothy Bradley fight. True, Lucas Matthysse has turned out to be the worst comeback opponent for anyone at 140, but the St Louis native and has been coasting on boxing skills only ever since. Avoiding the big bomb against Bailey is the only reason he calls himself a two-division champion, and although Kell Brook's rise has been inconsistent at best, I am picking the underdog here. With Witter, Hatton, and Khan deposed, the British 140lb fan-base is all there for the taking, and Brook will be more motivated than ever. Brook by MD.
Daniel Geale vs. Anthony Mundine 2
If the first fight had been scored correctly, this match would not be happening. Yet, Mundine has coasted on his fame more than his abilities for the duration of his career, so don't be surprused by this match. Yet, Mundine is a talented fighter. Talented enough to make it interesting, but Geale is riding too high. The Real Deal has been road dogging it successfully as of late, and is due some home cooking. Mundine, however, represents his only loss, no matter how questionable the decision was. Geale's run is pretty certain to end when he faces Golovkin or Martinez, so he deserves this revenge fight for the money. Mundine is probably just happy to be there, and after he is countered silly for the first few rounds, will cover up for the rest of it. Geale by wide unanimous decision.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
