Adonis Stevenson vs Sakio Bika
This is actually the most dangerous fight Bika has taken in style-matchups since he has become champion. Dawson and Cloud were good fighters, but sitting ducks for his power. Superman will probably not have the concussive force necessary to stop Bika, although his boxing skills are superior. What he has in front of him is another Fonfara, who will actually start quicker. This should be an exhausting fight for Superman, but given their recent opposition, Kovalev is due a softie, not Stevenson. Bika will probably make it to the final bell, but this fight will actually showcase the lateral movement and boxing skills more than anything else.. which he will need for facing the Krusher. Stevenson by hard-fought UD.
Lucas Matthysse vs. Ruslan Provodnikov
This fight can't miss. Two durable, big punching 140lb-ers, who love to trade bombs. Matthysse has a bit more in the way of skills, but Provodnikov is more iron chinned, and consistent with his pressure. In fact, a pre--Garcia Matthysse would surely be favored, but he has had a bit mroe of his granite chipped away than the Russian. Provo's 3 losses were all close fights to light-hitting boxers who shoe shined him and moved away. When Provo respects your power, he usually fights a more disciplined attack, and doesn;t just walk in taking combinations. Matthysse winning would not surprise me, but I think his defeats and even victories have taken more out of him than Ruslan's, and Provo will rally to stop Lucas late.
Wladimir Klitschko vs. Bryant Jennings
Klitschko is back in the USA, and while Jennings is inexperienced, he is also tough, mature, skilled, and a quick learner. Will it be enough? No way. Dr Steelhammer picks, pokes, hears the boos from the crowd, then lowers the boom for a brutal KO, probably before round 7.
Andy Lee vs. Peter Quillin
I am glad this fight is happening, but really, every belt that is on the line at 160lbs, comes with an asterisk next to it. Cotto is linear champ, but that claim is dwindling to nothing. The IBF belt was low value anyway, now with Taylor, it is in the deep freeze. Jacobs can only call himself a belt holder by technicality, anyway, and until the all-Brooklyn showdown with Quillin happens, he will be third fiddle to Kid Chocolate. Lee has rescued two tough fights from the fire with his big right hook, but I think Quillin is too good and durable for that. Pressure from a durable opponent bothers Quillin (which is why you will not see him anywhere near GGG, or maybe even not Jacobs. They are positioning him to face Cotto in an "all avoidance" showdown, and Lee, unfortunately for him, is the perfect foil. Quillin is not a finisher, so Lee probably won't have to worry about being stopped, but he will lose far too many rounds, and not be able to hurt Quillin. Kid Choclotae by UD.
APRIL 2015 BOXING PREDICTIONS PART 2
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
