Andy Lee vs. Billie Joe Saunders
This is the British Quillin-Jacobs, wherein this is finally happening. This oft-cancelled fight is on it's 3rd try, and hopefully, that is the charm. The winner of the UK and BK brawls can face each other and delay the inevitable takeover of Golovkin. This fight is more even than people think. Saunders has not fought the opposition that Lee has, but he is still fresh, young, and not relying on one big punch the way Lee has been lately. Lee has not outscored a fighter in his last 3 fights, and I don't expect it to start now. Saunders by MD, after maybe tasting the canvas first.
Luis Ortiz vs. Bryant Jennings
I am proud of both of them for taking this fight. Jennings is doing so following up the Klitschko match... where he showed a great chin and heart. Ortiz just fought recently, and could be sitting on his WBA mandatory status until a move by Chagaev, or Oquendo, or Browne, or whoever holds one of the 18 belts the WBA has created at heavyweight. Instead, they are going after each other. Ortiz has very good skills and power, but he does allow fighters inside, and after the chin Jennings showed against Klitschko, this could be a bad move. Ortiz has never met any kind of resistance, and with Jennings, he will be up to his heck in it. Jennings by decision.
Joshua Clottey vs. Gabriel Rosado
Normally I would not include a fight like this, but Rosado is one of those guys who keeps getting chances no matter how often he loses, because he tends to push good fighters harder than they are used to. A top shelf journeyman, but a journeyman nonetheless. Plus, if anyone can make Clottey exciting again, it is Rosado. The Ghanan cannot afford any dull fights, after the taste of Pacquiao still lingers in our mouth. Clottey by UD, after starting slow... and yes, there will be blood.
Omar Figueroa vs. Antonio DeMarco
Not sure yet if this fight is happening, but it seems to follow the plan for Figueroa's career. He is the TX Abner Mares, where he will be matched seemingly tough, but if you scratch the surface, you will see most of his best opponents have had some of the granite chipped off of them already. Call me when Figeuroa is matched with Broner or Postol. Until then, he is exciting, but the recipe is the same. DeMarco keeps reinventing himself... or at least rejuvenating himself, so he will make it exciting. I do not think it will be enough. Figueroa by decision or late round TKO, in a brawl.
DECEMBER 2015 BOXING PREDICTIONS PART 1
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com