Lucas Browne vs. Ruslan Chagaev
One of the many incarnations of the WBA heavyweight title will be up for grabs. Now, neither of these men I believe will defeat either Luis Ortiz or Tyson Fury (the other two holders of belts by this sanctioning body), but it is still an intriguing matchup. Chagaev has taken to hiding in his home country where the friendly judges and referees will guarantee victory. I don’t think Browne brings enough skills to stop that train. He may deserve the decision, but will not get it. Chagaev by close unanimous decision.
Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter
The only fight this month that I am truly excited by. Finally Thurman will truly be tested by a fellow championship caliber foe, in his prime. We only has to wait 4 years. Porter is coming off a great win over Broner, but The ‘problem’ had already been solved by Maidana. The real question is, does Thurman possess the strength both physically and mentally, to keep a strong fighter like Porter off of him? I believe he does. Thurman may eventually lose, but probably not to a fighter like Porter. Thurman by exciting unanimous decision.Derry Mathews vs. Terry Flanagan
The British lightweight division is perhaps even more exciting than their current heavyweight crop. Anthony Crolla could meet the winning in a big unification, and there are many more tickets to be sold. Richard Abril has perhaps never lost a fight at 135lbs, but he is boring, and has no fan base, therefore he has been unjustly run out of the championship picture. Flanagan is a more skilled Ricky Burns, and should be too much for the spoiler Mathews. Flanagan by late TKO.
Abner Mares vs. Fernando Montiel
Montiel is one of those guys who should be done, but he keeps finding new life. Mares, however, is one of those burn bright, and leave quickly types. Both men are multiple time and division champions, who will end up on hall of fame ballots, even if they never get in. They also are just as likely to outbox or out-slug an opponent. I am picking the upset here, and think Montiel will take advantage of an unconfident Mares, just enough to outhustle him in a close decision.
Andre Ward vs. Sullivan Barrera
Ward has fought 3 times in the last 4 years, yet still remains in most pundits’ top 5 pound-for-pound. That is how good he is. He is once again taking on an unbeaten contender, who has not exactly been protected. Barrera has never faced a fighter with a losing record, and has wins over former champion Jef Lacy, as well as former world title challenger Karo Murat, and longtime contender Epifanio Mendoza. Ward, however, barring more injuries, is a giant cut above anything Barrera has seen. Not to mention the intimidating setting at Oracle Arena, and I see Ward having his way for the majority of the fight to win a wide UD.
Kell Brook vs. Kevin Bizier
This fight shouldn’t be happening. Brook has not exactly taken on a who’s who of top 147lbers wince his win over Shawn Porter, but the IBF is happy to strip anyone who does not face mandatories, so he is forced yet again. Bizier may have lost two close ones to JoJo Dan, who was blown away by Brook, but that does not tell the story. Bizier is coming off an upset KO win over Frederick Lawson, in which he showed why he is more dangerous to Brook than Dan was. That isn’t saying much, however, and Brook is staring too many millions of dollars in the face to slip up now. Brook by late TKO, after a few tense moments early.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
