For starters, I predict half of these fights won’t happen. In the year of cancellations and postponements, it is a safe bet.
Tyson Fury vs. Steve Cunningham
The fact that this fight is legal shows one of the many problems in the heavyweight division. There could be a 70lb weight gap by fight time. Cunnignham has a very long reach for a natural cruiserweight, but Fury himself still has a 4-inch advantage. Cunningham was also not known as iron chinned or heavy-punching at 200lbs. “USS” has the boxing skills to pull off the upset if he fights the perfect fight, but Fury is smart enough to make sure he does not. While Fury will not blast out Cunningham in a round or two, as he is not a huge puncher, he will push around the smaller man into exhaustion and submission. Fury by 8th round TKO.
Nonito Donaire vs. Guillermo Rigondeaux
Donaire gets another big fight, and the biggest of them all at his weight. Abner Mares is never going to sign up for this inevitable beating. He’ll run all the way to heavyweight to avoid it, in fact. Not him, but Golden Boy, his promoter, will run for him. Donaire is the real deal, and has shown his class and power as a professional. Rigo is still coasting on his amateur fame, and has disappointed on the rare occasions he has stepped slightly up. Barring a bad style match-up, which I do not foresee, this is an easy fight for Donaire. One he will win by mid round TKO.
Miguel Vazquez vs. Ricky Burns
What happens when two tall, counterpunching, light hitting lightweights battle in a unification? If you guessed it makes no money in the U.S. you are correct. But it is a battle for winner’s rights to not only call himself a unified champion, but to make money losing to Adrien Broner, so we will be watching. Vasquez has what it takes to frustrate Burns, and has fought better opposition for the most part. He will also certainly make it to the final bell, but Burns will do the right thing to keep the crowd involved and win the close rounds. Burns by close UD.
Nathan Cleverly vs. Robin Krasniqi
Do we finally get to see Cleverly tested? He does have to face a mandatory here, but a quick glance at Krasniqi’s record shows not much has been done... just like Cleverly. Add home field advantage, an aggressive style, and motivation to face the winner of Cloud-Hopkins, and Cleverly should have a wide UD win. He will have probably intimidated Krasniqi into a shell early on, as well.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
