For starters, I predict half of these fights won’t happen. In the year of cancellations and postponements, it is a safe bet.
Saul Alvarez vs. Austin Trout
If we are ever allowed to see this one, it will be a great fight. From an intrigue perspective, and a skill perspective. This is really the first time either man will step up and face another young unbeaten hungry lion. They both have wins over aging superstars, and are capable of showing dominance. However, I think we are in for more of a tactical battle. The only difference between Alvarez and Trout is race and marketing. Their skill levels are the same. That will also make the difference in scoring. The fact that Trout fights better moving backwards does not help his cause. He possesses the strength to push Canelo back, but Canelo possesses the boxing skills to make sure he can’t. This is the recipe for a pretty even fight, that Trout will edge, but the decision will probably go to Canelo.
Peter Quillin vs. Fernando Guerrero
Guerrero was matched very carefully, and we have already seen why. He is a good ESPN main-eventer, but it doesn’t figure to go any further than that. Quillin has the real skills. Guerrero may be able to box on even terms for a while, but by the middle rounds, the gap in talent will be exposed. Quillin by 7th round TKO.
Amir Khan vs. Julio Diaz
Why is Golden Boy wasting Khan’s time and ours with these meaningless comeback fights? If Khan is to regain his position, he has to avenge losses. Prescott, Peterson, and Garcia, in that order. Diaz deserves the payday for a career well-fought, but he has nothing left. Diaz only has the punchers chance, and Khan’s skills are superior that he won’t need to take many chances to dominate. Khan by 5th round KO.
Sergio Martinez vs. Martin Murray
Is this Martinez’s idea of an easy defense? He continues to take on the contenders others avoid. He has not chosen an easy defense, as Murray showed his mettle against Sturm. However, even the light hitting Sturm was able to get to Murray late. Murray will probably win a few rounds early, but Martinez will show class the further it goes, and break down his opponent a lot faster than did Sturm. Martinez by 9th round TKO
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com