Floyd Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz – Ortiz has barely gotten to enjoy anything he has accomplished in boxing before he gets knocked down a peg. He was barely an unbeaten prospect, when a bizarre dq ended that run. He was barely the next great Mexican-American star, when Marcos Maidana derailed him. Now, he will get to enjoy being WBC Welterweight champion for a whopping 5 months. Granted he will be paid very well to surrender the belt to Floyd, but that is just what he will do. Ortiz is tough, skilled, and might buzz Floyd occasionally with a straight left, yet he may not win a round. His heart will not come into question, as Mayweather’s backward moton will make it look as if Ortiz is trying. The ‘Vicious’ one will gradually be worn down, however, and perhaps even stopped. Gut instinct tells me, that Floyd won’t press the issue enough to score the KO. Mayweather by wide unanimous decision.
Saul Alvarez vs. Alfonso Gomez
Well, I guess the next step in building a contender into a star without him actually facing any threatening competition, is the perennial contender who occasionally pulls off an upset. They are not about to risk Erislandy Lara or Carlos Molina for young “Canelo”, but Gomez is the perfect foil. He is another Mexican, who is popular in Los Angeles . Gomez also is an exciting fighter who will not run, but who also has a good jab. He will test Canelo, but not beat him. Gomez would have to fight the perfect fight, and not get caught, or busted up. Highly unlikely, given the increasingly good offensive skills of the young Mexican. Gomez’ toughness does, however, almost guarantee another decision win for Alvarez.
Yuriorkis Gamboa vs Daniel Ponce de Leon
Gamboa doesn’t need to look impressive anymore, for people to think he is the man at 126lbs. Chris John is dangerous, and unmarketable in this country, so forget about that big showdown. John is more likely to retrie in frustration, or lose unexpectedly to a nobody, than end up in the ring with Gamboa. Juanma Lopez would have to beat Orlando Salido at least once, if not twice, to resurrect himself. Gamboa need only do what he is doing… beat recognizable names. Ponce deLeon is a live underdog in this fight, and will probably score a knockdown, if he doesn’t get caught early himself. His “loss” to Adrian Broner is looking more impressive now, as has been most of what Ponce has done sicne getting starched by Juanma years ago. However, I think the one destined to be surprised by the power of his opponent will be Ponce himself. Gamboa by middle round TKO.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
