I cannot remember the last time January was a good enough month to have two sections for predictions. However, 2013 was a very tough act to follow, so 2014 seems to be raising its game right out of the gate. This is a good move for all concerned as these fighters can easily fight 3 or 4 times this year, which is a new refreshing standard for many of the belt holders.
Marco Huck vs. Firat Arslan 2
Huck was very fortunate to get the decision in their first fight, but the 45 year old challenger has only gotten older, while Huck has gotten better. Add to that the fact the Huck seems to get better in rematches, and you have not only an accurate prediction, but the reason why Povetkin's people will not be giving Huck a rematch for all the rubles in Moscow. Arslan will make a game stand for a few rounds, until Huck's measured attack breaks him down. Huck by 10th round TKO in a very good fight.
Mikey Garcia vs. Juan Carlos Burgos
Burgos deserved the win over Martinez, so much like a screwed Rahman, after the controversial loss to Tua, he gets the next shot after the lucky one gets deposed. In that fight, Rahman did pull off the upset that Tua could not pull off against Lewis. However, the talent gap and weaknesses are different here. Even if Garcia is vulnerable to a lucky punch, Burgos is not the fighter to land it. He can make Garcia look bad for a few rounds as Burgos' counterpunching style is wont to do, but Mikey is unflappable. He'll break him down, and stop him a bit later. Garcia by 9th round TKO.
Lamont Peterson vs. Dierry Jean
This fight depends on so many unknown x-factors. how will jean deal with the step-up in competition. how will he deal with being the visiting fighter? How will Peterson bounce back after the crushing defeat to Matthysse? How will he deal with the layoff since then? Jean is a good fighter, but Peterson could be staring at a Broner fight if he wins, so his motivation may even be higher. I doubt it, though. Peterson is likely gun-shy after the loss, and jean is motivated after a crushing knockout win, so each man is likely looking at one again. Jean by 6th round KO, in a fairly one-sided fight
JANUARY BOXING PREDICTIONS PART 2
.Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com