The only world title fight of this week oddly takes place on a Wednesday as Australian boxing fans see their only world champion, IBF Middleweight title holder Daniel Geale (28-1, 15) face off against domestic rival Anthony Mundine (44-4, 26), in a rematch of their controversial 2009 encounter that Mundine narrowly won.
When the two men first faced off Geale, then unbeaten at 21-0 was seen as the notable under-dog priced at around 3/1. Not only was he less experienced than Mudine, then 35-3 but also perceived as the naturally smaller man with Mundine campaigning as a Super Middleweight whilst Geale was a Middleweight as well as having faced much easier touches than Mundine who had been a world champion at Super Middleweight.
A lot has changed since then their first fight however and Geale is now considered not just the favourite but also as one of the best fighters in the Middleweight division. Not only does he hold an alphabet belt but he holds notable victories over Roman Karmazin, Sebastian Sylvester and Felix Sturm and has proven himself on the road winning two major decisions in Germany, something that that is incredibly rare for any fighter.
Despite unifying the IBF and WBA Middleweight belts, the political situation of the WBA has seen Geale stripped of that belt though boxing fans do rightfully regard Geale as a top guy at Middleweight, in fact some have him at #2 behind Sergio Martinez (other fans have him at #3 behind Gennady Golovkin as well).
In terms of his style Geale is a true hard worker, he's relentless in his attacks throwing 100's of punches up close as he attempts to break down opponents. Although he lacks world level power he has shown a genuinely world level engine and the cumulative effects of his shots are tiring especially as he never seems to slow down. Sadly for Geale it's fair to say that if he had the power to match his work rate he'd be one of the sports top guys pound-for-pound. The champion couples his extreme work rate with a genuine toughness and a dog like tenacity that will refuse to back down, this makes him a very serious opponent for anyone.
At 37 years old, Mundine, the challenger, is coming to the end of his eventful career. Mundine has literally gone from one sport to another having been a former professional rugby player before turning his sights on to the squared circle where he has been surprisingly successful having held various titles since his debut in 2000. The highlights of Mundine's career have understandably been his 2 reigns as the WBA World Super Middleweight champion and reign as the WBA Light Middleweight interim champion. Of course his previous titles would allow to become a 3-weight champion if he were to beat Geale for the IBF title.
As well the highlights for Mundine there have also been the down points both in and out of the ring. Notable being one of only 6 stoppage victims of Sven Ottke back in 2001, though also losing his world title at home to Puerto Rican Manny Siaca and suffering a stoppage loss in 2010 to novice Garth Woods. Away from the ring Mundine's mouth has been a source of issues including comments about the September 11 attacks and personal comments made towards Geale, comments that Geale will likely want to punish Mundine for.
In terms of his talent Mundine is a very talented fighter, he's tough (despite suffering 2 stoppage losses), he's fit, he's tricky and he can play dirty. At his peak he was a genuinely talented boxer with a decent punch (though certainly no world level banger) and under-rated skills. In recent years however father time has started to catch up with him and he's faced low level or fading opponents who were there to lose to him.
Sadly for "The Man" it's fair to say that for Geale this is personal. The champion, as mentioned above, was stripped of his WBA title for taking this bout, he's wanting revenge for the comments Mundine has made about him and he wants to avenge his only professional defeat. This time as the betting favourite and as a confident, much more developed fighter Geale will almost certainly out work, and punish Mundine. Don't expect this one to finish early, Mundine is a tough cookie and Geale isn't a banger, but expect it to be a very one sided beat down.
Prediction-Daniel Geale UD12
Tuesday 29 January 2013
Thursday 24 January 2013
Lucas Martin Matthysse v Mike Dallas Jr
This weekend sees WBC interim Light Welterweight champion Lucas Martin Matthysse (32-2-0-1, 30) make the the first defense of his title as he faces American challenger Mike Dallas Jr (19-2-1, 8) who is rightfully seen as a big underdog.
As the under-dog it's only fair to look at the challenger first as in all honesty, he will need a miracle, though same may say he actually got one to even get this fight after Henry Lundy was originally scheduled to face Matthysse.
Dallas Jr is a pretty decent boxer and comes from a solid amateur background that almost saw him qualifying for the 2008 Olympics (losing to Danny Garcia in the trials). He moves well, he has solid technique and impressive hand speed though sadly he lacks the power to keep anyone around world level honest and will need to use his skills as opposed to anything else if he intends to go as far as his potential would have suggested a few years ago.
Sadly for Dallas Jr he's been "exposed" and suffered 2 losses in 2011, losing his unbeaten record via 7th round TKO to Josesito Lopez and then losing a decision to the unheralded Mauricio Herrera. Since then however Dallas Jr has bounced back with 2 wins over decent competition and rebuilt his once shattered confidence.
Dallas at his best is a very talented boxer, who uses his skills wonderfully to stay out of trouble whilst landing his own clean, crisp shots. At his worst however he can be dragged in to a brawl where his lack of power really puts him at a disadvantage, and against Matthysse the worst thing you can do is brawl with him and show you're a man.
Whilst Dallas Jr is a bit of a pure boxer, Argentinian Matthysse is a true animal in the ring with a combination of aggressive pressure and a nasty hurtful punch that has made him one of the most feared men in world boxing. He's relentless, teak tough and attempts to destroy his opponent bit by bit, as he did last time out against Ajose Olusegun, who bravely took a beating for 10 rounds.
Despite having 2 losses on his record many view Matthysse as an unbeaten fighter with both of his losses being very controversial split decisions to the promoters fighters in their home towns. Though in all honesty I think those losses have made Matthysse a meaner fighter more determined to end the show early rather than risk a decision.
With Matthysse's mean streak and the fact Dallas likes to get involved in a brawl when he shouldn't I can't see this ending any other way than Dallas getting stopped, probably in the middle rounds as Matthysse's power and tenacity breaks down the challenger.
Prediction-Matthysse TKO6
As the under-dog it's only fair to look at the challenger first as in all honesty, he will need a miracle, though same may say he actually got one to even get this fight after Henry Lundy was originally scheduled to face Matthysse.
Dallas Jr is a pretty decent boxer and comes from a solid amateur background that almost saw him qualifying for the 2008 Olympics (losing to Danny Garcia in the trials). He moves well, he has solid technique and impressive hand speed though sadly he lacks the power to keep anyone around world level honest and will need to use his skills as opposed to anything else if he intends to go as far as his potential would have suggested a few years ago.
Sadly for Dallas Jr he's been "exposed" and suffered 2 losses in 2011, losing his unbeaten record via 7th round TKO to Josesito Lopez and then losing a decision to the unheralded Mauricio Herrera. Since then however Dallas Jr has bounced back with 2 wins over decent competition and rebuilt his once shattered confidence.
Dallas at his best is a very talented boxer, who uses his skills wonderfully to stay out of trouble whilst landing his own clean, crisp shots. At his worst however he can be dragged in to a brawl where his lack of power really puts him at a disadvantage, and against Matthysse the worst thing you can do is brawl with him and show you're a man.
Whilst Dallas Jr is a bit of a pure boxer, Argentinian Matthysse is a true animal in the ring with a combination of aggressive pressure and a nasty hurtful punch that has made him one of the most feared men in world boxing. He's relentless, teak tough and attempts to destroy his opponent bit by bit, as he did last time out against Ajose Olusegun, who bravely took a beating for 10 rounds.
Despite having 2 losses on his record many view Matthysse as an unbeaten fighter with both of his losses being very controversial split decisions to the promoters fighters in their home towns. Though in all honesty I think those losses have made Matthysse a meaner fighter more determined to end the show early rather than risk a decision.
With Matthysse's mean streak and the fact Dallas likes to get involved in a brawl when he shouldn't I can't see this ending any other way than Dallas getting stopped, probably in the middle rounds as Matthysse's power and tenacity breaks down the challenger.
Prediction-Matthysse TKO6
Thursday 17 January 2013
Roman Martinez v Juan Carlos Burgos
When we talk about fun fighters it's a shame we often forget Puerto Rican Roman "Rocky" Martinez (26-1-1, 16) who became a 2-time WBO Super Featherweight champion back in September after a FOTY contender with Miguel Beltran Jr. He now looks to make the first defense of that title with another fight that could well be a FOTY contender as he takes on the always fun Juan Carlos Burgos (30-1, 20). It's fair to say that this is my tip for fight of the night on Saturday.
At his best Roman Martinez, 29, is an accurate and hurtful puncher from distance with a devastating straight right that famously put Ricky Burns down in the opening round of Martinez's only loss to date. As well as the straight right Martinez has an excellent jab, fantastic work rate and genuine toughness, as he showed in his war with Beltran.
At his worst however Martinez can get dragged into an up close war, a stye fight that his heart seems to love but his skill set isn't made for and it can make his life awfully difficult. It's fair to say that if he can have the distance to work he's genuinely very dangerous and has scored both eye catching clean KO's as well as stoppages from hurting opponents to the point of breaking down.
Although very skilled, with real power and very durable Martinez does have numerous issues, and not just that he's a average in-fighter. He lacks the speed, both hand and foot to really ever be considered a truly tremendous fighter. It's fair to actually admit that his relatively slow speed is what makes him so fun to watch as it ends up getting him involved in real tear ups.
Despite suffering a loss to Burns back in 2010 Martinez is a proven world level fighter having scored wins over Nicky Cook, Walter Estrada, Francisco Lorenzo, Daniel Attah and most recently Beltran Jr. Somehow despite his record Boxrec only rank Martinez as the #19 Super Featherweight in the world (Ring magazine put him at a much more suitable #3).
Whilst Martinez is a very powerful straight puncher it's far to say that Juan Carlos Burgos will be looking to force his own fight. Burgos, despite being the taller man, will likely be looking to cut the distance, force the action and force the pace of the fight whilst also neutralising the deadly straight of Martinez.
Like Martinez, Burgos is a warrior who is tough and likes to fight as he showed in bouts with Luis Cruz and Cristobal Cruz (which was a fantastic fight). If it came to pure toughness though I'd have to strongly favour Martinez, which is why Burgos can't try and jab with Martinez who is simply too tough and hits too hard with his straight to play that game with.
In his only previous world title tilt Burgos did come up short against talented Japanese fighter Hozumi Hasegawa (losing a wide decision in Japan) though that was at Featherweight and Burgos' only fight outside of Mexico or the US. Which actually adds another dimension to this fight, not only is a world title bout between two very exciting fighters but it's one that also has the added edge of Mexico v Puerto Rico, something that always seems to add a little bit of extra spice to bouts.
I'm oddly on the fence as to who will win here, though I'm leaning, slightly towards Martinez as the tougher and more proven fighter, though this is truly a 50-50 match up from where I'm sat and it's something that I cannot wait to watch.
Prediction-Martinez SD
At his best Roman Martinez, 29, is an accurate and hurtful puncher from distance with a devastating straight right that famously put Ricky Burns down in the opening round of Martinez's only loss to date. As well as the straight right Martinez has an excellent jab, fantastic work rate and genuine toughness, as he showed in his war with Beltran.
At his worst however Martinez can get dragged into an up close war, a stye fight that his heart seems to love but his skill set isn't made for and it can make his life awfully difficult. It's fair to say that if he can have the distance to work he's genuinely very dangerous and has scored both eye catching clean KO's as well as stoppages from hurting opponents to the point of breaking down.
Although very skilled, with real power and very durable Martinez does have numerous issues, and not just that he's a average in-fighter. He lacks the speed, both hand and foot to really ever be considered a truly tremendous fighter. It's fair to actually admit that his relatively slow speed is what makes him so fun to watch as it ends up getting him involved in real tear ups.
Despite suffering a loss to Burns back in 2010 Martinez is a proven world level fighter having scored wins over Nicky Cook, Walter Estrada, Francisco Lorenzo, Daniel Attah and most recently Beltran Jr. Somehow despite his record Boxrec only rank Martinez as the #19 Super Featherweight in the world (Ring magazine put him at a much more suitable #3).
Whilst Martinez is a very powerful straight puncher it's far to say that Juan Carlos Burgos will be looking to force his own fight. Burgos, despite being the taller man, will likely be looking to cut the distance, force the action and force the pace of the fight whilst also neutralising the deadly straight of Martinez.
Like Martinez, Burgos is a warrior who is tough and likes to fight as he showed in bouts with Luis Cruz and Cristobal Cruz (which was a fantastic fight). If it came to pure toughness though I'd have to strongly favour Martinez, which is why Burgos can't try and jab with Martinez who is simply too tough and hits too hard with his straight to play that game with.
In his only previous world title tilt Burgos did come up short against talented Japanese fighter Hozumi Hasegawa (losing a wide decision in Japan) though that was at Featherweight and Burgos' only fight outside of Mexico or the US. Which actually adds another dimension to this fight, not only is a world title bout between two very exciting fighters but it's one that also has the added edge of Mexico v Puerto Rico, something that always seems to add a little bit of extra spice to bouts.
I'm oddly on the fence as to who will win here, though I'm leaning, slightly towards Martinez as the tougher and more proven fighter, though this is truly a 50-50 match up from where I'm sat and it's something that I cannot wait to watch.
Prediction-Martinez SD
Orlando Salido v Miguel Angel Garcia
It's not often a fighter with a "journeyman" looking record can become the #1 guy in a division, though according to Ring Magazine this weekend gives WBO champion Orlando Salido (39-11-2-1, 27) a chance to do just that, if he can get by the undefeated Miguel "Mikey" Angel Garcia (30-0, 26) in what promises to be an enthralling match up.
Whilst many may feel that unbeaten Indonesian Chris John is the Linear Champion (having taken the title from Juan Manuel Marquez back in 2006) it's also fair that John has done little to back up his claim of being the top man in the division whilst others, including Salido, have faced some genuine great competition. In fact many felt, after Yuriokris Gamboa's move to Super Featherweight that Salido was, buy rights, the top guy at the weight having scored notable wins over Juan Manuel Lopez (twice). Stylistically however Lopez was made for Salido, whilst a number of others at the weight at much less "made to order".
The 32 year old Salido of Mexico is as tough as old boots and an example of a fighter developing with age. He's been a professional since 1996 and despite starting his career 8-6-1 (4) with 5 T/KO losses he has really built his career on a solid work ethic and learning from his experiences. Amazingly despite those early stoppage defeats he's not been stopped in his subsequent 38 bouts, many of which have been in and around world level.
It wasn't until 2004 that Salido got his first taste of world title fighting when he lost an enthralling bout with Juan Manuel Marquez. Just 18 months after losing to Marquez, Salido would defeat Rogers Mtagwa in an IBF Eliminator before defeating Robert Guerrero for the IBF Featherweight title. Sadly for Salido he tested positive for a banned substance (which he hotly disputed having taken, and may very well have been a false positive) and the title was swiftly stripped from around his waist.
Almost 2 years after having his win over Guerrero scratched from the record book Salido was given another chance to claim the IBF title as he faced Cristobal Cruz for the vacant title. Against Cruz both men gave it their all throwing over 1000 punches a piece though Cruz narrowly took the split decision. A rematch in 2010 saw an improved Salido dropping Cruz twice to claim the title via clear unanimous decision to finally become a world champion.
Sadly for Salido his first title reign lasted just 4 months until he was beaten by Cuban sensation Yuriorkis Gamboa who unified his own WBA title with the IBF title then held by Salido. Thankfully however Salido didn't need to wait long for a chance to reclaim a portion of the world title stopping Puerto Rican Juan Manuel Lopez just 7 months after losing to Gamboa. Since claiming the WBO title from Lopez, Salido has defended his title twice (stopping both Kenichi Yamaguchi and Lopez in a rematch) to reaffirm his place amongst the top guys at 126lbs.
In terms of Salido the fighter he combines relentless work rate, a huge heart, a solid chin and hurtful grinding power that can break a fighter either mentally or physically. Although he can be hurt, and dropped (in fact he's been dropped in 2 of his last bouts amongst numerous other knockdowns) he has a knack of getting back, biting down on his gum shield, recovering and coming straight back at a fighter trying to get revenge. He may not be the most skilled, the most patient or the most silky in the ring but he's one of the most relentless and stubborn fighters in the sport right now.
Whilst Salido has been fighting in an around the world level for quite some time this will be the foray in to that class for his challenger Miguel Angel Garcia, a product of his brother's (Robert Garcia) boxing gym in Oxnard California. The same gym that has seen the rise of the all action Brandon Rios.
Unlike many of his gym mates Garcia isn't an all out brawler but instead a patient and calculated counter puncher with real venom on his shots. He combines a cute boxing brain with excellent timing and fantastic shot selection which sees him landing at an alarming percent of his power shots. It's these clean counter shots and a solid defense that has seen him rising in the world rankings in recent years and scoring notable wins over the likes of Cornelius Lock, Olivier Lontchi, Matt Remillard, Bernabe Concepcion and the very tough Jonathan Victor Barros.
Despite having been a professional since 2006 Garcia is now just 25 and coming into his physical peak. He might be young but with 30 fights, 138 professional rounds and countless tough sparring sessions he's also very experienced and has seen pretty much everything before in the gym where he has continually been with top tier fighters (including not just Rios but also Kelly Pavlik and Marcos Maidana). This has helped him keep his head level in his biggest fights to date and may well help him against Salido.
Going into this bout Garcia has got numerous problems. Whilst he may be the younger, fresher guy and he may have a superior reach he also has a low work rate, he's never been in a live fight with a guy like Salido (who like Brandon Rios, doesn't know the meaning of the word quit) and he's never been the 12 round distance (having only twice gone 9 or more rounds). I dare say that although Garcia has seen everything this could be the difference between seeing it in a safe gym environment and a true ring war, and if Salido is still the same fighter he was when he stopped Lopez I dare say he eventually grinds down a slightly panicked Garcia in the later rounds. Sure Garcia doesn't give himself away like Lopez but his lack of 12 round experience does leave him looking very vulnerable here.
Prediction-Salido TKO11
Whilst many may feel that unbeaten Indonesian Chris John is the Linear Champion (having taken the title from Juan Manuel Marquez back in 2006) it's also fair that John has done little to back up his claim of being the top man in the division whilst others, including Salido, have faced some genuine great competition. In fact many felt, after Yuriokris Gamboa's move to Super Featherweight that Salido was, buy rights, the top guy at the weight having scored notable wins over Juan Manuel Lopez (twice). Stylistically however Lopez was made for Salido, whilst a number of others at the weight at much less "made to order".
The 32 year old Salido of Mexico is as tough as old boots and an example of a fighter developing with age. He's been a professional since 1996 and despite starting his career 8-6-1 (4) with 5 T/KO losses he has really built his career on a solid work ethic and learning from his experiences. Amazingly despite those early stoppage defeats he's not been stopped in his subsequent 38 bouts, many of which have been in and around world level.
It wasn't until 2004 that Salido got his first taste of world title fighting when he lost an enthralling bout with Juan Manuel Marquez. Just 18 months after losing to Marquez, Salido would defeat Rogers Mtagwa in an IBF Eliminator before defeating Robert Guerrero for the IBF Featherweight title. Sadly for Salido he tested positive for a banned substance (which he hotly disputed having taken, and may very well have been a false positive) and the title was swiftly stripped from around his waist.
Almost 2 years after having his win over Guerrero scratched from the record book Salido was given another chance to claim the IBF title as he faced Cristobal Cruz for the vacant title. Against Cruz both men gave it their all throwing over 1000 punches a piece though Cruz narrowly took the split decision. A rematch in 2010 saw an improved Salido dropping Cruz twice to claim the title via clear unanimous decision to finally become a world champion.
Sadly for Salido his first title reign lasted just 4 months until he was beaten by Cuban sensation Yuriorkis Gamboa who unified his own WBA title with the IBF title then held by Salido. Thankfully however Salido didn't need to wait long for a chance to reclaim a portion of the world title stopping Puerto Rican Juan Manuel Lopez just 7 months after losing to Gamboa. Since claiming the WBO title from Lopez, Salido has defended his title twice (stopping both Kenichi Yamaguchi and Lopez in a rematch) to reaffirm his place amongst the top guys at 126lbs.
In terms of Salido the fighter he combines relentless work rate, a huge heart, a solid chin and hurtful grinding power that can break a fighter either mentally or physically. Although he can be hurt, and dropped (in fact he's been dropped in 2 of his last bouts amongst numerous other knockdowns) he has a knack of getting back, biting down on his gum shield, recovering and coming straight back at a fighter trying to get revenge. He may not be the most skilled, the most patient or the most silky in the ring but he's one of the most relentless and stubborn fighters in the sport right now.
Whilst Salido has been fighting in an around the world level for quite some time this will be the foray in to that class for his challenger Miguel Angel Garcia, a product of his brother's (Robert Garcia) boxing gym in Oxnard California. The same gym that has seen the rise of the all action Brandon Rios.
Unlike many of his gym mates Garcia isn't an all out brawler but instead a patient and calculated counter puncher with real venom on his shots. He combines a cute boxing brain with excellent timing and fantastic shot selection which sees him landing at an alarming percent of his power shots. It's these clean counter shots and a solid defense that has seen him rising in the world rankings in recent years and scoring notable wins over the likes of Cornelius Lock, Olivier Lontchi, Matt Remillard, Bernabe Concepcion and the very tough Jonathan Victor Barros.
Despite having been a professional since 2006 Garcia is now just 25 and coming into his physical peak. He might be young but with 30 fights, 138 professional rounds and countless tough sparring sessions he's also very experienced and has seen pretty much everything before in the gym where he has continually been with top tier fighters (including not just Rios but also Kelly Pavlik and Marcos Maidana). This has helped him keep his head level in his biggest fights to date and may well help him against Salido.
Going into this bout Garcia has got numerous problems. Whilst he may be the younger, fresher guy and he may have a superior reach he also has a low work rate, he's never been in a live fight with a guy like Salido (who like Brandon Rios, doesn't know the meaning of the word quit) and he's never been the 12 round distance (having only twice gone 9 or more rounds). I dare say that although Garcia has seen everything this could be the difference between seeing it in a safe gym environment and a true ring war, and if Salido is still the same fighter he was when he stopped Lopez I dare say he eventually grinds down a slightly panicked Garcia in the later rounds. Sure Garcia doesn't give himself away like Lopez but his lack of 12 round experience does leave him looking very vulnerable here.
Prediction-Salido TKO11
Wednesday 16 January 2013
Gennady Golovkin v Gabriel Rosado
WBA Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (24-0, 21) has been the talk of the hardcore boxing community for the past few years, though it wasn't until his US debut late last year (TKO5 Grzegorz Proksa) that the wider boxing public first became conscious of him. The Kazakh will look to build on his US debut when he returns to the ring this coming weekend to take on Philadelphia native Gabriel Rosado (21-5, 13) again in the US.
Golovkin first made his name in the amateurs where he was a genuine beast. Not only did he win numerous tournaments but he also beat notable names, including Daniel Geale (current IBF Middleweight champion), Lucien Bute (former IBF Super Middleweight champion), Andy Lee (former WBC Middleweight title contender) and Andre Dirrell (former WBC Super Middleweight title contender). A resume that would make any current professional proud.
Sadly for Golovkin his professional career was rather slow to get going and despite being a professional since 2006 his competition has been incredibly limited with the best names on his record currently being Kassim Ouma (former IBF Light Middleweight champion) and the aforementioned Proksa (former 2-time European Middleweight champion). Instead of fighting fellow top contenders he has instead been fighting the likes of Nilson Julio Tapia, Makoto Fuchigami and Lajuan Simon, with the claims that the top guys were avoiding him.
When it comes to reason to fear Golovkin there is plenty. He is not only supremely talented (and confident in his own skill), but he combines truly explosive power that hurts every time he lands, with genuine toughness, and the ability to crack to both the head and body. The key however to Golovkin is almost certainly his boxing brain which sees him able to cut the ring off with surprising ease. slow fighters down then land perfect shots in the blink of an eye.
Whilst Golovkin's opponent, Gabriel Rosado, may not be one of the big names of the Middleweight division that Golovkin would wish to fight (Peter Quillin, Sergio Martinez, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr or Daniel Geale) he is still a known fighter, especially in the US where he has started to build a genuine fan base in recent years.
Despite Rosado's record featuring numerous losses he has shown that he's developed into a very solid fighter (much like Carson Jones has) in recent years and scored notable wins over the likes of Sechew Powell, Jesus Soto Karass and Charles Whittaker putting him on a 7 fight unbeaten streak. Worryingly however these victories have all come at Light Middleweight and not at Middleweight where he may find his shots don't have the same effect on opponents. In fact, interestingly, Rosado's last loss actually came last time he fought at Middleweight (losing a majority decision to Derek Ennis).
Unlike Golovkin Rosado hasn't always looked durable, in fact going back to 2009, the last time Rosado faced a genuinely monstrous puncher, he was destroyed in just 2 rounds by Alfredo Angulo. Since then however he's looked generally tougher, both mentally and physically. In fact if anything the 27 year old has taken that loss and helped to really move on with his career with 9 wins and 1 losses (the one to Ennis) since then).
Rosado at his very best is an aggressive minded fighter who hits harder than his record shows, showing that again he has developed his power and technique well in recent years (having stopped 5 of his last 7 opponents compared to just 8 of his first 19). He can go to the body and the head and often seems to just grind opponents down (with his last two stoppages coming in rounds 9 and 10). Sadly however trying to grind down Golovkin will likely be a futile task as the champion is very tough and often appears happy to take one to land one, knowing he has the edge in power.
Unless Rosado, the taller, rangier man, can use his style and boxing ability here I can't see him lasting more than 4 rounds. Golovkin will take the opening round trying to figure out the speed and power of the challenger before starting to open up in round 2 then go for the kill in rounds 3 and 4. Don't expect this to be dull, but expect it to be a little bit of a beat down come the end.
Prediction-Golovkin TKO3
Golovkin first made his name in the amateurs where he was a genuine beast. Not only did he win numerous tournaments but he also beat notable names, including Daniel Geale (current IBF Middleweight champion), Lucien Bute (former IBF Super Middleweight champion), Andy Lee (former WBC Middleweight title contender) and Andre Dirrell (former WBC Super Middleweight title contender). A resume that would make any current professional proud.
Sadly for Golovkin his professional career was rather slow to get going and despite being a professional since 2006 his competition has been incredibly limited with the best names on his record currently being Kassim Ouma (former IBF Light Middleweight champion) and the aforementioned Proksa (former 2-time European Middleweight champion). Instead of fighting fellow top contenders he has instead been fighting the likes of Nilson Julio Tapia, Makoto Fuchigami and Lajuan Simon, with the claims that the top guys were avoiding him.
When it comes to reason to fear Golovkin there is plenty. He is not only supremely talented (and confident in his own skill), but he combines truly explosive power that hurts every time he lands, with genuine toughness, and the ability to crack to both the head and body. The key however to Golovkin is almost certainly his boxing brain which sees him able to cut the ring off with surprising ease. slow fighters down then land perfect shots in the blink of an eye.
Whilst Golovkin's opponent, Gabriel Rosado, may not be one of the big names of the Middleweight division that Golovkin would wish to fight (Peter Quillin, Sergio Martinez, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr or Daniel Geale) he is still a known fighter, especially in the US where he has started to build a genuine fan base in recent years.
Despite Rosado's record featuring numerous losses he has shown that he's developed into a very solid fighter (much like Carson Jones has) in recent years and scored notable wins over the likes of Sechew Powell, Jesus Soto Karass and Charles Whittaker putting him on a 7 fight unbeaten streak. Worryingly however these victories have all come at Light Middleweight and not at Middleweight where he may find his shots don't have the same effect on opponents. In fact, interestingly, Rosado's last loss actually came last time he fought at Middleweight (losing a majority decision to Derek Ennis).
Unlike Golovkin Rosado hasn't always looked durable, in fact going back to 2009, the last time Rosado faced a genuinely monstrous puncher, he was destroyed in just 2 rounds by Alfredo Angulo. Since then however he's looked generally tougher, both mentally and physically. In fact if anything the 27 year old has taken that loss and helped to really move on with his career with 9 wins and 1 losses (the one to Ennis) since then).
Rosado at his very best is an aggressive minded fighter who hits harder than his record shows, showing that again he has developed his power and technique well in recent years (having stopped 5 of his last 7 opponents compared to just 8 of his first 19). He can go to the body and the head and often seems to just grind opponents down (with his last two stoppages coming in rounds 9 and 10). Sadly however trying to grind down Golovkin will likely be a futile task as the champion is very tough and often appears happy to take one to land one, knowing he has the edge in power.
Unless Rosado, the taller, rangier man, can use his style and boxing ability here I can't see him lasting more than 4 rounds. Golovkin will take the opening round trying to figure out the speed and power of the challenger before starting to open up in round 2 then go for the kill in rounds 3 and 4. Don't expect this to be dull, but expect it to be a little bit of a beat down come the end.
Prediction-Golovkin TKO3
Thursday 10 January 2013
Adrian Hernandez v Dirceu Cabarca
WBC Light Flyweight champion Adrian Hernandez (25-2-1, 16) will be the first champion to attempt to defend his world title in 2012 as he faces the very limited Panamanian Dirceu Cabarca (13-6, 5) in what appears to be little more than a gimme defense for Hernandez.
Mexican Hernandez, now a two time WBC Light Flyweight champion having regained his title by stopping Kompayak Porpramook back in October gaining revenge after losing to the Thai in 2011 is seen by many as one of the top guys at 108lbs. At 27 years old he's coming in to his physical prime and when added to his solid boxing skills and hurtful he's a real danger man for anyone at the weight.
Having been around since 2006 Hernandez has already beaten a mini who's who including Rodel Mayol, Gilberto Keb Baas (twice) and of course Kompayak Porpramook though has yet to really get the break through with the hardcore boxing fan base who often turn a blind eye to the lower weights.
As a Light Flyweight Hernandez is huge, he stands at well over 5'6" (reportedly 5'8") and has a freakish 71" reach making him the giant of the division. Not only is he massive but he also knows how to use his size with accurate straight punches though he can also fighter inside with the best of them showing his Mexican machismo when it's called upon. It's this combination of being able to fight both at range or up close that makes Hernandez so dangerous.
Sadly I don't think we'll be seeing Hernandez's pushed too hard against Dirceu Cabarca who in all honesty is very lucky to be getting a title opportunity. To date Cabarca hasn't beaten anyone of note, though has lost when he has faced known fighters (Ulises Solis, Edwin Diaz and Karim Guerfi) and has often struggled to even win a round against the top fighters he's faced.
In his biggest win to date Cabarca did claim the Panamanian Super Flyweight title by winning a split decision over Manuel Vides, though in that fight Cabarca did find himself climbing off the canvas. I think he'll find himself back on the canvas here as Hernandez looks for an quick start to the year. Hernandez's skill and power will be too much and after hurting Cabarca he'll close the show.
Prediction-Hernandez TKO5
Mexican Hernandez, now a two time WBC Light Flyweight champion having regained his title by stopping Kompayak Porpramook back in October gaining revenge after losing to the Thai in 2011 is seen by many as one of the top guys at 108lbs. At 27 years old he's coming in to his physical prime and when added to his solid boxing skills and hurtful he's a real danger man for anyone at the weight.
Having been around since 2006 Hernandez has already beaten a mini who's who including Rodel Mayol, Gilberto Keb Baas (twice) and of course Kompayak Porpramook though has yet to really get the break through with the hardcore boxing fan base who often turn a blind eye to the lower weights.
As a Light Flyweight Hernandez is huge, he stands at well over 5'6" (reportedly 5'8") and has a freakish 71" reach making him the giant of the division. Not only is he massive but he also knows how to use his size with accurate straight punches though he can also fighter inside with the best of them showing his Mexican machismo when it's called upon. It's this combination of being able to fight both at range or up close that makes Hernandez so dangerous.
Sadly I don't think we'll be seeing Hernandez's pushed too hard against Dirceu Cabarca who in all honesty is very lucky to be getting a title opportunity. To date Cabarca hasn't beaten anyone of note, though has lost when he has faced known fighters (Ulises Solis, Edwin Diaz and Karim Guerfi) and has often struggled to even win a round against the top fighters he's faced.
In his biggest win to date Cabarca did claim the Panamanian Super Flyweight title by winning a split decision over Manuel Vides, though in that fight Cabarca did find himself climbing off the canvas. I think he'll find himself back on the canvas here as Hernandez looks for an quick start to the year. Hernandez's skill and power will be too much and after hurting Cabarca he'll close the show.
Prediction-Hernandez TKO5
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