Ruslan Chagaev vs. Fres Oquendo
We are not sure if this match is even going to come off. Hitz Boxing is suing to stop it from happening, but could we expect anything less from the career of Fres Oquendo? This is a man who has had many close ones go against him, and was outright robbed against James Toney and Chris Byrd. He could be a former unified champion, instead, he's been on the outside looking in for over a decade, with no momentum. He has the skills to defeat Chagaev, but tends to fight in a "just good enough to lose competitively" style, and that will not be enough against Chagaev in Germany. Chagaev by narrow unanimous decision.
Argenis Mendez vs. Rances Barthelemy 2
The first fight ended in a no-contest, when Barthelemy clearly hit a finished Mendez after the bell. What was first announced as a TKO win for the Cuban, was taken back weeks later. Now, he has had to wait for 6 months. Barthelemy may have needed the help of officials to avoid DQ against Mendez, and decision loss against Usmanee, but the momentum is all with him. Mendez is finished for this division, and I am surprised the rematch is even being made. Barthelemy by TKO, this time late in the fight.
Canelo Alvarez vs. Erislandy Lara
Alvarez certainly not taking the easy path in 3 out of his last 4 bouts, after being accused of doing so early on. Perhaps he has learned the Oscar De La Hoya lesson... as long as you remain a good-looking Mexican, and keep fighting the best, people will not care if you lose occasionally. It is a big risk here, but Lara is far from unbeatable. In fact, in the two opponents they have in common, Trout and Angulo, they have each taken turns dominating one, and winning close and tough against the other. Alvarez can do more things, and I believe after a difficult start, he will eventually take over. Lara, for all his brilliance, is not the best at adjusting. Canelo by 8-4 UD.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
