Jonathan Banks vs. Seth Mitchell
This rematch is only necessary if it leads to a trilogy, but we know better. If Mitchell wins, no matter how the win comes about, he will be maneuvered into a bout with a Klitschko, so that Golden Boy may cash in. Not that Mitchell won't be an exciting heavyweight for some time, but he was revealed against Banks to be this generation's Derrick Jefferson... great for action, but not a world beater. It's too bad Banks is weak-chinned and undersized, as he seems to have the pedigree and cool head to do well at heavyweight, but his glorious future probably exists in the corner, and not in the ring. Look for Mitchell to be more careful, and wait for Banks to make the first major error, which he will. Mitchell by 8th round TKO, after a fairly even fight.
Alfredo Angulo vs. Erislandy Lara
If you think the winner is going to get Canelo, guess again. Golden Boy would never risk it, and the WBC will never make a Mexican do anything he doesn't want to, even if involves another Mexican who sells less tickets. Lara has typically either looked spectacular against a string of journeyman, or ordinary like against Vanes Martirosyan and Carlos Molina. His loss/win over Paul Williams is his most impressive fight, and yet all that showed was he can do the same thing over and over if it works. That will make the difference against Angulo. While El Perro's strength and power are impressive, he does not have the imperviousness to punches he did prior to Kirkland stopping him, and he was even outboxed by Kermit Cintron... who is not exactly Willie Pep. Lara should dominate, save for some tense moments, and stop Angulo (via TKO) about round 9.
Chad Dawson vs. Adonis Stevenson
Dawson deserves an easy fight. Taking advantage of his name being known in Canada, as well as the potential for a big money fight with the winner of Bute-Pascal, Stevenson made the most sense. What remains to be seen is if Dawson will ever be the same after the beating that Andre Ward gave him. He did quit in that fight, and while not physically battered beyond repair, he suffered a mental trauma. Stevenson has never looked as good as he was supposed to be, but odds are, he'll be content to coast and go the distance once the gap in talent is revealed. Dawson by UD, in an unexciting fight, which is exactly what Bad Chad needs.
Josesito Lopez vs. Marcos Maidana
The heart and punch output shown by both these men let us know this should be a war. They are actually no longer headliners due to their wins (which are sparing these days), but solely because of the action this fight should guarantee. Maidana has little craft... simply roars ahead with power, and durability until his opponent collapses. Lopez should use this knowledge, as well as his thin body, as an excuse to be the boxer in this fight, but we all know that will not happen. Lopez can do a little more, but he will likely choose not to, instead engaging in the kind of fight that makes sure he loses competitively. Unless Maidana is totally shot, and we don't think he is... he should stop Lopez by round 10.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
