Canelo Alvarez vs Amir Khan
Alvarez has a lot in common with Manny Pacquiao, in that he rarely scores KOs anymore, but is still viewed as a big puncher. Maybe that hype is why Khan figured he was safe. Canelo, however, is used to having a big speed edge over his opponents, and will have anything close to that here. In fact, the one time he fought anyone as fast as Khan, he lost to Floyd Mayweather. Khan has been knocked out by lightweights, so one shudders to think what would happen when hit by a man who weighs 170 on fight night, but I don't think that will happen. Khan has not found himself in much trouble at all since moving up to 147. Part of that is not fighting big punchers, but I think it is mostly due to the fighters being bigger, slower, and Khan can brace himself for the punches. Alvarez's scorecards always favor him... he always seems to get a few more rounds than he;s rightfully earned, so all he has to do is crowd Khan, make the rounds close, and his victory is assured... but a blowout or brutal KO is not likely. Alvarez by close UD.
David Lemieux vs, Glen Tapia
If you ask me, each man could be considered ruined by a recent beating from a hard-hitting opponent, however, Lemieux has already shown the ability to come back and reinvent himself. GGG was supposed to beat him, and he went 8 rounds, without ever getting dropped from a head shot. The only thing the Canadian doesn't do, is get much better. Tapia, on the other hand, has already shown against Michel Soro that his chin has not recovered from the James Kirkland pounding. Why they are letting him fight a brutal puncher like Lemieux, I have no idea. Yet another bizarre decision in the mismanaged career of the Jersey native. Lemieux by brutal KO, inside of 2 rounds.
Deontay Wilder vs Alexander Povetkin
If I were Wilder, I'd refuse to take any drug tests. The Russians not so subtle plan is pretty obvious and clear... they did it to Guillermo Jones twice, and now to Lucas Browne. basically, they spike your food, so that if you win, you come up "dirty". While Povetkin certainly has the skills to beat almost anyone at heavyweight, he may need that corruption here. Povetkin does not possess the best powers of adjustment. He pretty much does what he does, and if it works, great, but if not, it will be a long night. Wilder has gotten just careful enough to pick his spots, and barring getting caught first, he should explode onto Povetkin, after a dull first few rounds. Wilder by 5th round KO.
Denis Lebedev vs. Victor Emilio Ramirez
After his management stole back the belt he lost to Guillermo Jones, they have been very careful with Denis Lebedev. This unification may look like a step back in risk column, but it hardly is. The home-field advantage again means Lebedev is assured a decision win, and Ramirez only ascended to the IBF strap because Yoan Hernandez retired with injury. The WBC beltholder Grigory Drozd just did the same thing, therefore the winner of this fight will meander to the top of the division (even if either man would lose to the Glowacki-Cunningham winner). Ramirez is coming off of a hometown draw against a 25-13 journeyman, if that is any indication. Lebedev by wide decision.
Erislandy Lara vs. Vanes Martirosyan 2
Kudos to Martirosyan for taking this fight, but I said that the first time. For a man moved as slowly and carefully as Vanes, to get his title shots against Lara twice and Demetrius Andrade shows either bad timing, or finally confidence. This fight was just starting to truly turn for Lara when it was stopped on a headbutt and ended as a technical draw the first time. I don't think it will be that close this time. Lara by wide UD, or maybe late TKO on cuts or swelling.
