Wladimir Klitschko vs. Jean-Marc Mormeck
I have no idea why this fight is happening, but we are not off to a competitive start with March. Mormeck is a former two time Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion, but is pushing 40, undersized, and has done nothing to earn a crack at the legit heavyweight champion. Perhaps Wladmir is looking for a fighter against whom it will look like he is taking risks, by being aggressive, but instead it will simply look as if he is picking on a smaller man. Mormeck will likely go out with a whimper, and not a bang. Klitschko by early KO.
Yuriorkis Gamboa vs. Rocky Juarez
This bout would only be mildly intriguing if Juarez was in his prime. Even then, he failed at the level to which Gamboa has already proven himself a member. Now, at a slower, older age, he is basically being put in front of the Cuban sensation to make him look faster than lightning. Juarez ’s chin will keep him in it at first, but a corner rescue is inevitable here. Gamboa by 7th round TKO.
Orlando Salido vs. Juan Manuel Lopez 2
Puerto Rico is quickly becoming the St. Louis of non-mainland hometowns. I mean that in that it is no advantage, as fighters lose at home, as often as they win. Lopez the last time, then Ivan Calderon. Now, Lopez is looking to take the island back to winning ways. While Salido did suffer a few KO losses in his earlier career, that was a lifetime ago, and he is quite durable now. Lopez has surperior skills, and provided his ego does not get in the way, he should be able to right the ship. It is a very dangerous rematch, but I see Lopez remaining disciplined just long enough to escape with a close unanimlous decision.
Sergio Martinez vs. Matthew Macklin
This is essentially undisputed champion vs. number one contender. Macklin beat Felix Sturm decisively, yet like all Sturm opponents, was denied the decision. While Martinez ’ dance card seems full of fighters from the British Isles for awhile… this may be his toughest one. Macklin has the ability to break down a defense, and himself show focus and durability. He has not been hit by Martinez yet, however, and I believe this is where the difference is. Martinez is not a dominant fighter… and he stands to lose a few rounds again, but I see a late round TKO over a game British fighter happening to him twice in a row. BOXING PREDICTIONS PART 1
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
