JC Chavez Jr vs. Brian Vera
Chavez Jr, like his father, wins a lot of dubious decisions. Unlike his father, however, he seems content to fight immediate rematches, and always does better in them. This should be no exception. Vera may be motivated by the hometown crowd, but the judges and referee will be in Chavez' back pocket like always. As the Andy Lee fight showed, Vera is rarely capable of being difficult two fights in a row, especially against a durable opponent. It will be close again, but unlike the highway robbery that took place before, Chavez will win an undisputed 2-3 point decision.
Vasyl Lomchencko vs. Orlando Salido
This is a very difficult fight to call. The odds-makers are buying into Lomachencko, hook, line, an d sinker. However, one of the few guarantees in boxing, is that there are no guarantees fighting Salido. Even if the Ukranian star is out-boxing Salido cleanly, he will likely not be able to stop him early, and Orlando will keep coming. Will Vasyl be ready for that? Too tough to call. Both men are deadly bodypunchers, and a strong mind will overcome the Mexican's charges (Mikey Garcia for example). I think win or lose, he will grow more in this fight than 100 of his amateur wins. Lomachencko by tougher than expected UD.
Canelo Alvarez vs. Alfredo Angulo
Although this is not the fight that fans wanted Canelo to take, post-Mayweather, it is not an easy one. Canelo has a 3 PPV fight schedule this year. That means he needs to win the first two, so, they will not be calling out Martinez, Lara, or anyone else who is likely to beat him. Angulo makes everyone fight going backwards, even men who slug in every other match. This is the fight to showcase Angulo's toughness, and Canelo's boxing skills, and it is also the style against which Canelo shines the most. Canelo by decision or late round TKO, after early fireworks make room for a boxing clinic.
Ricky Burns vs. Terrence Crawford
Burns was damned lucky to escape with a draw against Beltran, but he should be given credit for taking this match-up. No way does Bob Arum let his budding star get screwed by judges, and no way does Crawford fight the same kind of fight that Beltran did. Burns has tons of heart, and may see the final bell, but this is a one sided mismatch, where Burns' body may check out before his brain and heart do. Crawford by wide UD, or late round TKO.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
