Yoan Pablo Hernandez vs. Victor Emiliano Ramirez
Other than two names and latin heritage the two men are very different. Ramirez is all about momentum, while Hernandez has never been allowed to gain any. The Cuban may be Ring magazine's best cruiserweight, but as a fight with promotional stablemate Marco Huck never happened, you have to wonder which one of them Sauerland was protecting. Huck remained active, while Hernandez did not. He is lucky to fight once a year, and maybe it is just wishful thinking, but I believe his shaky chin will betray him in this fight. Ramirez by late round TKO, unless the Sauerland mafia does something to overturn it.
BJ Flores vs. Beibut Shumenov
Speaking of crusierweights, I cannot recall the last time I have been able to predict two fights in that division in the same month, let alone two western hemisphere winners. This is the first US-televised non-title fight between semi-name contenders in this division I can recall in over a decade. Shumenov and Flores each have bodies built for boxing. The trouble is, their minds are also top-notch, which has led to outside interests distracting them from boxing, as well as bad promotional decisions. The cruiserweight division rarely disappoints with action, and eventually, I don't think it will here either. Flores however, is just too big, and I think Shumenov's style depends on a strength advantage he won't have here. Flores by decision or late round KO, after a slow first few rounds.
Carl Frampton vs. Alejandro Gonzalez
Cobrita Jr. is a live dog in this fight, but one has to think Haymon would not have brought Frampton here if he was planning for him to lose. True, it is a convenient way to avoid Scott Quigg (who himself has a live dog against him this month in Kiko Martinez, quick pick: Quigg by close UD), but I think he is building towards Frampton fighting Leo Santa Cruz, so Frampton cannot lose yet. Style-wise this is the kind of guy Frampton figures out early, but will have a hard time putting away. I would not be surprised with a few head clashes and blood here, but I think we get a final bell out of this one. Frampton by wide UD.
Another quick pick: Arthur Abraham UD over Robert Steiglitz. These two fight each other 4 times for 2 reasons. One, because they can't beat the Americans or Brits, and two: because no one else outside of Germany cares. The WBO should be ashamed they call this a title fight, but they are laughing all the way to the bank.
JULY 2015 BOXING PREDICTIONS PART 1
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
