We may get a bit too excited after Lucas Matthysse's destruction of Mike Dallas Jr. However, let's look at the rest of the division, and see who really stacks up well against the Argentine. Also remember that while Mike Dallas technically had two losses and a draw, those were all controversial, and no one had beaten him nearly as emphatically as Matthysse.
Marcos Maidana - This fight should just happen because of the Argentine connection, and the fireworks it would create. It's a huge fight in Argentina, and any TV outlet would carry it. Both men are sloppy big punchers, but Matthysse has a better chin, and learning curve, so it would figure he wins by late round TKO.
Brandon Rios - It's a dream match because Top Rank and Golden Boy don't do business, but this is a slugfest that would make the Alvarado fight look like a waltz. Neither man needs to take a backward step, but I am guessing Matthysse is more capable of adjusting mid-fight. Probably a close decision win for Lucas, or a TKO when Rios' face busts up.
Amir Khan - Khan leaps out to an early lead like most fast fighters can do against Matthysse. Unlike Alexander and Judah, however, Khan takes no precautions to protect himself. He probably won't even hold. He may be the first fighter to hurt Matthysse, but the Argentine wins by KO in the middle rounds.
Danny Garcia - This is the one everyone wants to see now, but Garcia still has a lot to prove. Matthysse does too, but nobody except slick southpaws have given him difficulty before, and Garcia is the polar opposite. This may not even be as exciting as people think, because Garcia has underrated patience. It would be his undoing against Matthysse, however, who isn't likely to fall from anything Garcia lands one at a time. That is also typically the way Garcia lands. Matthysse by decision.
Yes, Matthysse may beat everyone at 140lbs, but I would pick a wide decision loss if/when Adrien Broner steps up. He will likely do so undefeated, as nobody at 135lbs seems to be a realistic threat. Abril or Bogere may make it interesting, but "The Problem" would have a field day with the likes of Matthysse.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
