Czar Glazkov vs. Charles Martin
Yes, it is the Prince against the Czar. These two men are pretty opposite in most ways. Glazkov the Pole. Martin the American. One southpaw, one orthodox. One white, one black. One puncher, one pressure fighter. One has looked destructive and dominant against minimal opposition (Martin). The other has fought a good deal of other contenders, but has needed help from the judges to remain unbeaten (Glazkov). The belt is meaningless, as the IBF is the lowest belt in many divisions these days. The real champion is Tyson Fury, and the real number one contender is Deontay Wilder. However, the winner of this fight can sneak into the number 3 spot, and command more money. Glazkov has struggled, and has never really fought a puncher, but has the more impressive resume. Martin has not really been given the chance to shine, but he was scheduled to face unbeaten Olympian Dominic Breazeale before this opportunity presented itself, so his management believes in him. I have seen Martin develop, and fight many times on off-TV cards, and he is the goods. Martin by mid-rounds KO, after maybe being outboxed for a few rounds.
Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Spilka
Rounding out the Jan 16 Brooklyn USA vs. Poland heavyweight title night is the big matchup between Wilder and Spilka. Spilka is getting this title shot basically because he is the only one who wanted it. The Europeans think Fury as an easier mark, so they are waiting for that shot. Spilka was already exposed a bit against Jennings, but made a fight of it, so he is expected to do the same against Wilder. However, unlike Molina and Duhaupas, Wilder cannot afford to let Spilka go rounds. He might actually win a few of them. I don't think it matters, as Wilder tends to fight up or down to the level of his competition. Wilder by 3rd round KO, after getting buzzed himself.
Danny Garcia vs. Robert Guerrero
One year ago this fight may have been viewed as an even 147lb matchup, however it is just following the recipe of Haymon's unbeatens... which is to fight names who are passed their primes and recently beaten. It has worked well for Thurman and Khan, so why not Garcia. While Aron Martinez' recent win makes his great performance against Guerrero less of a black eye for the Ghost, it still appears as if Guerrero is not what he once was. Garcia needs a good performance after cherry picking an older Malignaggi and struggling against Peterson, and Guerrero at least usually means action. This will give him just that. Garcia may even be the first to stop Guerrero, but that won't be my official bet. Garcia by wide UD, in an entertaining scrap, where both men's chins keep them in it.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
