FEBRUARY PREDICTIONS

boxing_image This is a slow month, but those usually lend themselves to high action, big upsets, and unexpected stars. The scramble for the spotlight falls solely on those who perform in a slow month, regardless of name. This is because the names are all taking time off, even in other sports. Remember, this was the month that Douglas beat Tyson.

Fernando Montiel vs. Nonito Donaire – This is the biggest fight of the month of February, in the fastest moving division. By the end of April, we will have not only the winner of this match-up, but the winner of the Showtime Bantamweight tournament. Network and promoter problems may prohibit a match-up between them, but let’s jump off that bridge when we come to it. Montiel’s new power has him scoring big early-round knockouts, over legitimate top contenders. Donaire has remained largely untouchable since his explosive entrance into the championship picture, over Darchinyan 3 ½ years ago. Will this match-up come down to chins, or strategies? It benefits Montiel to go to war, but he gets his victories with speed and technical ability, as much as knockout power. I believe he has never been countered as powerfully as Donaire is capable of doing, and that will add a new element to the fight. Donaire figures to get hit harder than he has in some time. However, his reaction the last time it happened, was to score an explosive knockout. I think that will happen again here. Montiel’s heart will keep him coming forward, but his intelligence will not be enough to overcome physical disadvantages. Donaire by 7th round KO in an entertaining slugfest.

Sergio Mora vs. Brian Vera – The two spoilers meet. One is a spoiler at the highest level, while another makes mincemeat out of pretenders. Mora should probably really have 3 or 4 losses on his record, but keeps fights close enough that judges tend to give him the benefit of the doubt. He won’t need them this time. Mora’s good chin removes Vera’s most common method of upset. Without the punchers chance, he is following Mora around for the duration. Mora by unanimous decision.

Eddie Chambers vs. Derric Rossy – This may end up an eliminator for the honor of receiving a beating from Wladimir Klitschko. Great! A fighter who has already failed at the task, versus a fighter he has already knocked out himself. Rossy’s 10-round decision over another once-hyped prospect, Carl Davis Drumond, is the most noteworthy win on the New Yorker’s ledger. Chambers needs a confidence builder and the other fighter lined-up was another former victim, in Alexander Dimitrenko. Big oaf Dimitrenko also has a KO win over Rossy. Excited yet? It’s as if someone at the IBF actually wants to see Klitschko-Chambers 2. If Tomasz Adamek doesn’t step up and force the issue, we actually will see it. Chambers by late-round TKO.