This is a huge month for boxing. There are many title fights and big important matches that will shape many divisions. This is the first time I am actually covering a full 11 fights, over 3 blogs. Virtually all the important matches will be televised on US TV, but Europe is the site of many of them. We may see Manny Pacquiao for the last time. We may see a gold medalist add "world champion" to his credits list. We may see many new champions, and new stars. This is one of those months guaranteed to make history.
Krystoff Glowacki vs. Steve Cunningham
Cunningham is back where he belongs, and Glowacki is getting what he deserves. They are getting a network title fight that will showcase both men. Cunningham is pushing 40, but always keeps himself in good condition. Glowacki will have the Polish fans coming over from Jersey to Brooklyn, but you don’t need hometown favoritism to beat Cunningham. Judges hate “USS”, as Cunningham has been on the wrong side of many close, controversial decisions. Glowacki is also not afraid to fall behind, in order to get his work in. A prime Cunningham probably outboxes Glowacki, yet I feel as if the Pole has too much at this stage, and will break him down. Glowacki by late TKO, in a fairly even fight up until then.
Errol Spence vs. Chris Algieri
Oh, how they fall so fast. Algieri is officially an opponent. Not too long ago, he was a world champion fighting Manny Pacquiao. Now, he is being brought in to lose to a prospect. True, Spence is rated high, but that is Haymon’s connections, more than anything that has been accomplished. Hype and maneuvering got him here, and it continues. A big puncher is what would bother Spence, and lower his output. Algieri is many things, but not that. Odds are, Spence will not hurt Algieri much either, which will make for an exciting match-up. Spence by UD, in a fight with a lot of punches thrown, yet probably few if any knockdowns.
Anthony Joshua vs. Charles Martin
Bravo to Charles Martin for taking this fight. It is big money, and it will do a ton more to prove himself than his knee-injury win over Czar Glazkov. Not only that, but he doesn’t even have to win. He is already a former “champion” no matter what, and a thrilling fight would give him as many opportunities. I have a feeling he will win, however. Don’t get me wrong… he has no prayer of getting a decision in the UK, and if he is so much as staggered, the fight will be waved off. However, Joshua has not been tested yet, and this one is really more than likely about who connects first. Martin seems to be the cooler head of the two, though it is close. I am picking the upset, as in Martin by 7th round TKO.
APRIL 2016 BOXING PREDICTIONS PART 2
APRIL 2016 BOXING PREDICTIONS PART 3
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com