Miguel Cotto vs. Daniel Geale
This fight is not doing much to help Cotto's claim to the middleweight throne. Geale is a former unified champion, and his first two losses were disputed 12 round decisions (one avenged). Therefore this would be a great challenge if not for two things: the public was expecting GGG or Canelo, and GGG just anhiliated Geale. Therefore, this is a waste of time. However, Cotto's well-timed rise to 160lbs should have probably ended with Martinez and Rodriguez. I do not believe he has as much left as everyone thinks. He could very easily outbox Geale, on class alone, but I think he is just too far past his prime, and does not fight in a style that will bother a motivated top 10 challenger. I am picking the upset, and Geale by close 12 round decision.
Delvin Rodriguez vs. Erislandy Lara
Speaking of Rodriguez, Lara is hoping he can pull a Cotto and look scintillating against the Connecticut journeyman. Rodriguez, like Lara, has been robbed before... in fact many more times, yet I don't think he has enough left to force Lara into an entertaining scrap. The Cuban boxing school will be in session, and Rodriguez will be following him around, doing a lot of missing. Lara by UD or late TKO in a fairly dull affair. Even if there is a stoppage, it will likely not be an exciting one.
Deontay Wilder vs. Eric Molina
I hope there is a big football game on after this fight, because Alabama sports fans will have a lot to cheer about, yet not much to watch. The Stiverne fight was necessary to showcase Wilder's skills and next level acumen, but he needs a big KO in his inaugural defense, to remind us why we watched him in the first place. Enter Molina. He will be brave, but little else. I am still wondering what he did to get a top 15 ranking. Wilder by brutal KO, within 3 rounds.
Andre Ward vs. Paul Smith
Ok, I get it. He needs a tune-up, and Oakland fans will show up to see Ward, no matter what. There is not much info of what to expect from Smith, but he will be motivated, and unless Ward is very rusty, completely ineffective. Prepare for Ward to put on a defensive display, and have all his old moves back by round 5. The only possible surprises could be Ward suddenly trusting in his right hand, and showing power, but Smith had shown durability against Abraham, even if that does happen If anything, that right hand would just make it more dominant. Ward by wide UD.
JUNE BOXING PREDICTIONS PART 2
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
