Abner Mares vs. Joseph Agbeko
A fight I believe will be well worth the wait, it is one of those where betting hearts and heads will be pitted against one another. Both fighters have shown the ability to box or slug, and be different fighters on different nights. The difference is Agbeko’s slight experience edge, as well as his superior skin and chin. Mares doesn’t exactly have a major deficiency in those areas, but he is average. Agbeko is unhurtable. Mares will have to fight the perfect fight, both inside and out. This is not out of the realm of possibility, and for the future of the division, it may be a better thing. Mares is very marketable due to his heritage, promoter, location, age, and style. Agbeko enjoys virtually none of those advantages. However, the winner is the logical opponent for Nonito Donaire. This is a fight that will happen if Mares wins; not necessarily if Agbeko wins. There are so many reasons to hope Abner pulls it off, but hope does not equal expectations. Agbeko by unanimous decision… in a fight where Mares hangs tough, and shows heart to make it to the final bell.
Kelly Pavlik vs. Daryl Cunningham
This is not a great fight for Pavilk. He won without looking impressive last time out, and he needs a talented, yet vulnerable opponent to get us talking about him again. This is not that fight. Cunningham is not a puncher, but a southpaw boxer, who has two decision losses early in his career to unimpressive opposition. His best win is a shutout decision over former title challenger Rubin Williams. He will likely box well until Pavlik traps him and unloads. Once again Pavlik will win, but look awkward and slow until he either takes over with aggression, or lands a big shot. Pavlik by late-round TKO.
Marcos Maidana vs. Robert Guerrero
Two durable fighters with a big punch, who like to go to war. The difference here is that Maidana is a natural junior welter. Guerrero began as a featherweight. He has the body type to grow into the division well, and his recent win over Katsidis suggests he has already done so. Maidana will see if “The Ghost’s” iron chin has made the trip up in weight with him. Maidana is too vulnerable to win easily, and too determined to lose by landslide. I don’t see any difference here, unless he is able to break down Guerrero in some way. Guerrero by close decision, in a fight where he is forced to show boxing skills.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
