Floyd Mayweather vs. Robert Guerrero
The 'Money' show is at it again... another hard-nosed Mexican American, this time with a chin and laser-like focus. The question is really how much Floyd has left. When you fight once a year, in your mid-30's, major slippage can occur at any time. This is not a good fighter to slip against, but he would have to show much bigger chinks in the armor, before I pick against him. Guerrero has never shown the greatest ability to adjust within a fight, so when Floyd starts to take over in or about round 4, "The Ghost" will probably follow his master around willingly until the final bell. Mayweather by UD.
Daniel Ponce DeLeon vs. Abner Mares
On paper, Mares should win. He is younger, faster, undefeated, and like Andre Ward, he always finds a way to win. Unlike Ward, however, his ways are not always legal, and rarely dominant. DeLeon has had a bit of a resurgence, starting with how well he did against now unbeatable-looking Adrien Broner. Mares's unbeaten record has been living on borrowed time for a while. One has to pick the occasional upset here and there. I pick Ponce by late TKO, when Mares' face busts up.
Marco Huck vs. Ola Afolabi 3
Huck is so unpredictable. From winning a bad decision over Firat Arslan, when he should have dominated, to getting screwed against Povetkin, when he deserved a win. This is a man who has stood up to heavyweight bombs, but was KO'd by lighter hitting Steve Cunningham. Afolabi is as big of a question mark, but motivation goes a long way. This time, it will finally kick in. Afolabi finally moves his hands consistently, and wins a split decision. Get ready for fight number 4.
Carl Froch vs. Mikkel Kessler 2
Both men have looked good since their losses to Andre Ward, and are making good money getting in line for another loss to him. Kessler has had more time since that loss to regain confidence, but Froch has had the bigger win. He also looks and sounds more hungry, not to mention closer to his prime than Kessler. You can never count Mikkel out, but I believe this time, Froch gets the close win, settling up a rubber match, that will be much more fruitful than trying to go after Ward again.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
