Not every fight we see scheduled gets the pulses racing in anticipation of a war. I know I'm not looking forward to Andre Ward v Edwin Rodriguez for example, however one fight that screams "blood, guts and violence" is the upcoming WBO interim Light Welterweight contest between Mike Alvarado (34-1, 23) and Russian slugger Ruslan Provodnikov (22-2, 15), a fight that makes me remember just why I love this great sport of ours.
It's not often that we get true warriors matched together, but that's what we have here with two fighters who actually look like they were made for each other. Both are TV friendly, fan friendly and better yet they are sharing a ring together, what more can we want?
As the defending champion the pressure is on Alvarado who impressed many by avenging his sole defeat earlier this year. Having lost to Brandon Rios in a tear up last year Alvarado took on Rios for a second time and showed his ability to box as well as fight as he mixed things up and out pointed Rios in a barnstormer. He'll have to show his boxing ability again here, though it's a relief for the American that has it in his locker.
Although Alvarado is "only" 33 he's a fighter who has many more miles on the clock than a normal 33 year old. His history of out-manning opponents will have taken it's toll on his long term health, his career and his ability to go to the well again. That's not to say he's only got 1 more good fight in him, but it is to say that his style is going to catch up with him sooner or later. It might be this bout, it might the next one, or it might be 10 fights away, but it will happen.
Whilst Alvarado has shown an ability to go to plan B we've never seen that from Provodnikov a man who has single game plan and one that is usually effective. To fight. You'll never get anything unpredictable from Provodnikov, there's no traps or clever countering, there's little in the way of imagination though what you get is a strong, tough, hard hitting Russian on a seek and destroy mission from round 1 to round 12.
Provodnikov can be made to look second rate by someone who boxes on the move, though he'll take advantage of any lapses in concentration and landing thudding shots with either hand. It takes not just a tough opponent to beat him, but one with either boundless energy or one the ability to discourage him, something we've yet to see.
If Alvarado employees his usual "fighting" style then this is a FOTY candidate with every round being a mini war. If, instead, Alvarado elects to box the American may find that he looks a level or two better than Provodnikov who could look 1-dimensional. Problem for Alvarado though if he does choose to box is that Provodbikov won't back off and only needs to land one punch to shake him, as hard as Alvarado tries to box there will always be that tense feeling that Provodnikov is only 1 shot away from turning the bout around.
I think Alvarado will manage to box for most of the fight, he'll certainly have a scare and may be dropped, though will show his smarts and just do enough to take a very tight decision in a memorable FOTY contender. I can certainly see Provodnikov hurting the American, but for some reason I think that Alvarado will see out the storm in a fight that sees fans and the media calling for an immediate rematch, just as much for the action as anything else.
Prediction-Alvarado SD12
Friday, 18 October 2013
Robert Stieglitz v Isaac Ekpo
After the late cancellation of of the IBF Flyweight title bout that was scheduled on this weekend's Sport Events Steinforth card we are left with just a sole title fight in Europe this weekend as German Robert Stieglitz (45-3, 26) defends his WBO Super Middleweight title for the second time. The often over-looked Stieglitz will be facing the relatively unknown and totally unheralded Nigerian Isaac Ekpo (22-1, 16), AKA the Grenade.
Whilst the bout is the highest profile contest in Europe this weekend it's also one that appears to be relatively one sided with Stieglitz being a genuinely solid competitor. He's not a massive puncher but at his best he's a force to be reckoned with. He posses solid speed, solid technique and a fantastic work rate that he can see him grinding down opponents with volume rather than power.
Although Stieglitz isn't the most durable of fighters, having been stopped in 2 of his 3 losses, he has matured into a tougher fighter both mentally and physically. He's learned to take shots better and no longer seems to a fighter with worries. Sure he's not real competition for someone like Andre Ward or Carl Froch but he'd give pretty much anyone else in the division a genuinely tough days work.
Plenty is known about Stieglitz. We've all seen him fighting notable opponents including Librado Andrade and Arthur Abraham and we've also seen his in ring maturity. A lot less is known about Ekpo who has been a professional since 2005 though has never fought outside of Africa or fought a notable name. In fact in his 23 fight career it's hard to find anyone of any note on his record.
What is known about Ekpo is that he's unbeaten in the last 5 years and is actually on a 17 fight winning streak with 12 of those coming via stoppage. He's certainly got power, at least at the lower level, though questions are out there regarding whether or not he'll manage to connect again a better level of opponent or whether or not it'll have an effect at this level. My feeling is that it won't.
In fact my guess in regards to this bout is that Ekpo will miss regularly and be countered in return, slowly being broken down before being stopped in the late rounds of the bout.
Prediction- Stieglitz TKO8
Whilst the bout is the highest profile contest in Europe this weekend it's also one that appears to be relatively one sided with Stieglitz being a genuinely solid competitor. He's not a massive puncher but at his best he's a force to be reckoned with. He posses solid speed, solid technique and a fantastic work rate that he can see him grinding down opponents with volume rather than power.
Although Stieglitz isn't the most durable of fighters, having been stopped in 2 of his 3 losses, he has matured into a tougher fighter both mentally and physically. He's learned to take shots better and no longer seems to a fighter with worries. Sure he's not real competition for someone like Andre Ward or Carl Froch but he'd give pretty much anyone else in the division a genuinely tough days work.
Plenty is known about Stieglitz. We've all seen him fighting notable opponents including Librado Andrade and Arthur Abraham and we've also seen his in ring maturity. A lot less is known about Ekpo who has been a professional since 2005 though has never fought outside of Africa or fought a notable name. In fact in his 23 fight career it's hard to find anyone of any note on his record.
What is known about Ekpo is that he's unbeaten in the last 5 years and is actually on a 17 fight winning streak with 12 of those coming via stoppage. He's certainly got power, at least at the lower level, though questions are out there regarding whether or not he'll manage to connect again a better level of opponent or whether or not it'll have an effect at this level. My feeling is that it won't.
In fact my guess in regards to this bout is that Ekpo will miss regularly and be countered in return, slowly being broken down before being stopped in the late rounds of the bout.
Prediction- Stieglitz TKO8
Friday, 11 October 2013
Juan Carlos Reveco v Ricardo Nunez
In a bout that screams the word "fun", Argentinian Juan Carlos Reveco (31-1, 17) will defend his WBA Flyweight title against Panamanian puncher Ricardo Nunez (26-3, 22). Although the bout, televised on TYC Sports, is unlikely to capture the attention of most boxing fans it's potentially the fight of the weekend, and I don't say that lightly.
Reveco is a fighter I've come to like, I'll never be a flat out fan, but I will happily admire his talent. He's hard working, skilled, has lovely snap on his punches and most tellingly judges distance amazingly, this quality is why he is one of the elite body punchers currently in the sport.
Sadly the reason why I will never be a "fan" of Reveco's is that his matchmaking has, so far, left much to be desired. After taking a good win he usually faces an appalling opponent. For example after beating Nethra Sasiprapa he then took on Humberto Pool; after beating Karim Guerfi he then defeated Julian Rivera and after traveling to Japan to defeat Masayuki Kuroda he returned home to beat Ulises Lara.
In the current Flyweight division there is no excuses for defending against the likes of Lara and the fight it's self saw Lara dropped 5 times by Reveco.
Thankfully Reveco is stepping back up to genuine world level here as he fights Nunez, a man who has proven to be around world level and is always fun to watch, win or lose.
Whilst Reveco is a skilled fighter with some textbook moves in the ring Nunez is a pure puncher. The Panamanian isn't going to win awards for beauty in the ring, he's not an artist in the ring and he won't paint pictures with his punches. Though he will do is take the canvas, smash it over your head then bash you with a paint can. His style can only be described as crude but exciting, every punch is thrown with the intentions of beheading and opponents and whilst this leaves him open he is tough enough to take a fair few shots.
Unfortunately for Nunez all 3 of his losses have come by stoppage, with the most recent of those coming coming 12 months ago to Moruti Mthalane via a vicious stoppage in round 8. Thankfully for Nunez's brain cells and long term health Reveco isn't a concussive puncher, though he's stylistically a type of fighter who will take advantage of Nunez's looping shots.
Although Reveco has the style to pick Nunez apart the Panamanian's danger cannot be over-stated. He has stopped world class opponents such as Carlos Tamara and Oscar Blanquet whilst also taking a decision over Liborio Solis and dropping Mthalane. To be frankly honest if he can tag Reveco he can scramble Reveco's senses and possibly stop him. Reveco might have the style to beat Nunez, but Nunez has the power to stop Reveco. That's what makes this fight so much fun.
I'd say that if Nunez is going to win he probably has 6 rounds to score the stoppage, after that things swing strongly in favour of Reveco who should manage to defeat a tiring and mentally weakening Nunez in the later rounds. One thing is for certain, this will have fireworks!
Prediction-Reveco UD12 (after getting himself off the canvas at least once)
Reveco is a fighter I've come to like, I'll never be a flat out fan, but I will happily admire his talent. He's hard working, skilled, has lovely snap on his punches and most tellingly judges distance amazingly, this quality is why he is one of the elite body punchers currently in the sport.
Sadly the reason why I will never be a "fan" of Reveco's is that his matchmaking has, so far, left much to be desired. After taking a good win he usually faces an appalling opponent. For example after beating Nethra Sasiprapa he then took on Humberto Pool; after beating Karim Guerfi he then defeated Julian Rivera and after traveling to Japan to defeat Masayuki Kuroda he returned home to beat Ulises Lara.
In the current Flyweight division there is no excuses for defending against the likes of Lara and the fight it's self saw Lara dropped 5 times by Reveco.
Thankfully Reveco is stepping back up to genuine world level here as he fights Nunez, a man who has proven to be around world level and is always fun to watch, win or lose.
Whilst Reveco is a skilled fighter with some textbook moves in the ring Nunez is a pure puncher. The Panamanian isn't going to win awards for beauty in the ring, he's not an artist in the ring and he won't paint pictures with his punches. Though he will do is take the canvas, smash it over your head then bash you with a paint can. His style can only be described as crude but exciting, every punch is thrown with the intentions of beheading and opponents and whilst this leaves him open he is tough enough to take a fair few shots.
Unfortunately for Nunez all 3 of his losses have come by stoppage, with the most recent of those coming coming 12 months ago to Moruti Mthalane via a vicious stoppage in round 8. Thankfully for Nunez's brain cells and long term health Reveco isn't a concussive puncher, though he's stylistically a type of fighter who will take advantage of Nunez's looping shots.
Although Reveco has the style to pick Nunez apart the Panamanian's danger cannot be over-stated. He has stopped world class opponents such as Carlos Tamara and Oscar Blanquet whilst also taking a decision over Liborio Solis and dropping Mthalane. To be frankly honest if he can tag Reveco he can scramble Reveco's senses and possibly stop him. Reveco might have the style to beat Nunez, but Nunez has the power to stop Reveco. That's what makes this fight so much fun.
I'd say that if Nunez is going to win he probably has 6 rounds to score the stoppage, after that things swing strongly in favour of Reveco who should manage to defeat a tiring and mentally weakening Nunez in the later rounds. One thing is for certain, this will have fireworks!
Prediction-Reveco UD12 (after getting himself off the canvas at least once)
Orlando Salido v Orlando Cruz
The first of two world title fights in the US this weekend is a battle of Orlando's as former world champion Orlando Salido (39-12-2-1, 27) takes on the openly gay Orlando Cruz (20-2-1, 10) in a battle for the vacant WBO Featherweight title, and probably the honour of being Vasyl Lomachenko's next target (if Lomachenko himself defeats Jose Ramirez on the same show).
For the experienced Salido, a 32 year old Mexican veteran fighting in his 10th world title bout, this is another chance to move back to the top. A chance to put a painful loss to Mikey Garcia behind him, and a chance to earn another major pay day. Despite having been in some 54 pro bouts, and against some big names like Juan Manuel Marquez, Robert Guerrero, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Juan Manel Lopez and Garcia, another pay day could go a long way.
On the other hand for Puerto Rican Cruz, also 32, this is by far his most notable bout. It's his not only his first world title bout but also his first really high profile bout since coming out as gay, becoming the first active boxer to do so. A victory here for Cruz would make him the first openly gay world champion and arguably a figure head for gay sportsmen, especially in such a "manly" sport as boxing.
Although this is Cruz's first world title fight, it's not the first time he's faced a world level boxer, having been stopped early doors by multi-time world champion Daniel Ponce De Leon back in 2010. Since the loss to Ponce De Leon however Cruz is 4-0 (3) having beaten the previously unbeaten Michael Franco in a round and the once promising Aalan Martinez in 6, stopping a man who had reached the final bell with Evgeny Gradovich.
Those who have followed the sport over the last decade will know all too well what Salido is about. Technically he's "solid" but well below genuine world level though what he has is grit and determination, a genuine toughness and the ability to break fighters mentally as well as physically. He gets most opponents into a war and he beats them in the trenches by taking their best shots.
The tactics of Salido have worked against some impressive names, such as Lopez and Guerrero (despite a highly controversial drugs test) though have seen him undone against the speed and explosiveness of Gamboa and the hard straight counter punching of Garcia.
It's also worth noting that despite having 12 losses on his record Salido is widely regarded as one of the genuinely top fighters at Featherweights on the planet. This is due to the fact that many of those losses came early in his career. In fact he was 11-7-2 after just 20 fights.
Cruz however is a little less well known. In fact Cruz's main claim to fame isn't what he did in the ring but the fact he came out as gay. Despite that he has been a decent fighter, though perhaps "decent" is the fairest description of the Puerto Rican as opposed to something like "world class".
The most notable victories on Cruz's record are not just the ones over Franco and Martinez but he also holds one over the then 30-0 Leonilo Miranda. These are the solid sort of wins that could get someone world ranked, though shouldn't make some one eligible for a vacant title. Unfortunately part of me thinks he's only getting this chance due to the fact that he is now high profile due to his sexuality.
With the sheer class difference of the two men it's hard to view anything but a stoppage win for Salido. He is, at worst, just as good as Cornelius Lock the first man to defeat Cruz and at best on par with Ponce De Leon, the second man to defeat Cruz. Cruz might try hard, and have some early success but will eventually be broken down and defeated in the middle or later rounds.
Prediction-Salido TKO8
For the experienced Salido, a 32 year old Mexican veteran fighting in his 10th world title bout, this is another chance to move back to the top. A chance to put a painful loss to Mikey Garcia behind him, and a chance to earn another major pay day. Despite having been in some 54 pro bouts, and against some big names like Juan Manuel Marquez, Robert Guerrero, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Juan Manel Lopez and Garcia, another pay day could go a long way.
On the other hand for Puerto Rican Cruz, also 32, this is by far his most notable bout. It's his not only his first world title bout but also his first really high profile bout since coming out as gay, becoming the first active boxer to do so. A victory here for Cruz would make him the first openly gay world champion and arguably a figure head for gay sportsmen, especially in such a "manly" sport as boxing.
Although this is Cruz's first world title fight, it's not the first time he's faced a world level boxer, having been stopped early doors by multi-time world champion Daniel Ponce De Leon back in 2010. Since the loss to Ponce De Leon however Cruz is 4-0 (3) having beaten the previously unbeaten Michael Franco in a round and the once promising Aalan Martinez in 6, stopping a man who had reached the final bell with Evgeny Gradovich.
Those who have followed the sport over the last decade will know all too well what Salido is about. Technically he's "solid" but well below genuine world level though what he has is grit and determination, a genuine toughness and the ability to break fighters mentally as well as physically. He gets most opponents into a war and he beats them in the trenches by taking their best shots.
The tactics of Salido have worked against some impressive names, such as Lopez and Guerrero (despite a highly controversial drugs test) though have seen him undone against the speed and explosiveness of Gamboa and the hard straight counter punching of Garcia.
It's also worth noting that despite having 12 losses on his record Salido is widely regarded as one of the genuinely top fighters at Featherweights on the planet. This is due to the fact that many of those losses came early in his career. In fact he was 11-7-2 after just 20 fights.
Cruz however is a little less well known. In fact Cruz's main claim to fame isn't what he did in the ring but the fact he came out as gay. Despite that he has been a decent fighter, though perhaps "decent" is the fairest description of the Puerto Rican as opposed to something like "world class".
The most notable victories on Cruz's record are not just the ones over Franco and Martinez but he also holds one over the then 30-0 Leonilo Miranda. These are the solid sort of wins that could get someone world ranked, though shouldn't make some one eligible for a vacant title. Unfortunately part of me thinks he's only getting this chance due to the fact that he is now high profile due to his sexuality.
With the sheer class difference of the two men it's hard to view anything but a stoppage win for Salido. He is, at worst, just as good as Cornelius Lock the first man to defeat Cruz and at best on par with Ponce De Leon, the second man to defeat Cruz. Cruz might try hard, and have some early success but will eventually be broken down and defeated in the middle or later rounds.
Prediction-Salido TKO8
Timothy Bradley v Juan Manuel Marquez
This weekend's stand out bout, by far, takes place in the US as future Hall of Famer Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1, 40) looks to claim another world title. In Marquez's way is unbeaten American Timothy Bradley (30-0-0-1, 12) the reigning and defending WBO Welterweight champion and a man with a point to prove after 2 successive bouts in which he was "fortunate"to win.
For Bradley, a talented all rounder, this is a big chance to answer some serious questions. With out a doubt he was given the benefit of the doubt against Manny Pacquiao and he was also lucky to survive, never mind get the victory over Ruslan Provodnikov last time out. Whilst he showed great heart in both of those fights he also took a lot of damage and may never be the same fighter either physically or mentally.
Prior to those two fights Bradley was on or around the fringes of the "pound-for-pound" lists. It wasn't that he had any great qualities in terms of speed, or power though his will to win and never say die attitude was second to none. He had a great heart and amazing conditioning and it was often this that helped him see out some really bad issues.
Whilst that all sounds incredibly negative the flipside was that Bradley also didn't have any clear weaknesses. It was difficult to to have Bradley rating less than 7/10 on anything, other than perhaps power. His speed isn't amazing, but it is good, his skills are good, his power makes fighters respect him, his movement is solid, his combinations are solid.
Whilst Bradley was lucky to beat Pacquiao many feel that Mexican Marquez is unfortunate not to have 4 wins over the Filipino superstar. Saying that however Marquez did finally get a definitive victory over "The Pacman" last time out when he left Pacquiao unconscious in after an eye catching KO.
Like Bradley, Marquez is viewed in, or around, the pound-for-pound list. Unlike Bradley however Marquez has had a bit more of a hard luck career. He lost on his debut back in 1993 after being disqualified, having been forced to wait 3 years for his debut, he would later lose, albeit controversially to Freddie Norwood, Chris John, Manny Pacquiao twice-both time controversially, and Floyd Mayweather Jr with only the Mayweather loss being a clear one.
Marquez is one of the sports true technicians. He's now 40 years old but has perfected the art of being an offensive counter puncher who, like Bradley, refuses to just lose. He's tough, throws beautiful combinations, has hurtful power which can be concussive when he lands clean and has unexpectedly good hand speed.
Whilst Marquez is a great technical boxer he does have his weaknesses. He's not the fastest of starters, he's not the most active in the ring and he's also a long way from being a natural Welterweight, though he did fill out to an impressive 143lbs for his most recent bout.
At their respective primes it'd be next to impossible to back Bradley against Marquez. Aged 40 however Marquez is no longer the clear favourite, though I do tend to favour him slightly. Bradley refuses to be stopped and although he's solid in every category I can't hep but feel that Marquez will manage to do whats needed to just take a very, very hard fought decision.
Prediction-Marquez SD12
For Bradley, a talented all rounder, this is a big chance to answer some serious questions. With out a doubt he was given the benefit of the doubt against Manny Pacquiao and he was also lucky to survive, never mind get the victory over Ruslan Provodnikov last time out. Whilst he showed great heart in both of those fights he also took a lot of damage and may never be the same fighter either physically or mentally.
Prior to those two fights Bradley was on or around the fringes of the "pound-for-pound" lists. It wasn't that he had any great qualities in terms of speed, or power though his will to win and never say die attitude was second to none. He had a great heart and amazing conditioning and it was often this that helped him see out some really bad issues.
Whilst that all sounds incredibly negative the flipside was that Bradley also didn't have any clear weaknesses. It was difficult to to have Bradley rating less than 7/10 on anything, other than perhaps power. His speed isn't amazing, but it is good, his skills are good, his power makes fighters respect him, his movement is solid, his combinations are solid.
Whilst Bradley was lucky to beat Pacquiao many feel that Mexican Marquez is unfortunate not to have 4 wins over the Filipino superstar. Saying that however Marquez did finally get a definitive victory over "The Pacman" last time out when he left Pacquiao unconscious in after an eye catching KO.
Like Bradley, Marquez is viewed in, or around, the pound-for-pound list. Unlike Bradley however Marquez has had a bit more of a hard luck career. He lost on his debut back in 1993 after being disqualified, having been forced to wait 3 years for his debut, he would later lose, albeit controversially to Freddie Norwood, Chris John, Manny Pacquiao twice-both time controversially, and Floyd Mayweather Jr with only the Mayweather loss being a clear one.
Marquez is one of the sports true technicians. He's now 40 years old but has perfected the art of being an offensive counter puncher who, like Bradley, refuses to just lose. He's tough, throws beautiful combinations, has hurtful power which can be concussive when he lands clean and has unexpectedly good hand speed.
Whilst Marquez is a great technical boxer he does have his weaknesses. He's not the fastest of starters, he's not the most active in the ring and he's also a long way from being a natural Welterweight, though he did fill out to an impressive 143lbs for his most recent bout.
At their respective primes it'd be next to impossible to back Bradley against Marquez. Aged 40 however Marquez is no longer the clear favourite, though I do tend to favour him slightly. Bradley refuses to be stopped and although he's solid in every category I can't hep but feel that Marquez will manage to do whats needed to just take a very, very hard fought decision.
Prediction-Marquez SD12
Friday, 4 October 2013
Scott Quigg v Yoandris Salinas
Whilst much of the boxing world will be turned to Russia this weekend I've got to admit that the bout I'm nost looking forward to this weekend is the upcoming WBA Super Bantamweight title clash between Britain's Scott Quigg (26-0-1, 19) and Cuban Yoandris Salinas (20-0-1, 13).
Despite the "lower" billing than many other bouts this weekend and relatively unhyped nature of the bout I've got to admit that this, at least on paper, looks like it could, potentially, be a very interesting contest between two men looking to make the move to genuine world level having been flirting around the fringes for a while.
Of the two Quigg is the better known fighter. He's a former WBA "interim" Super Bantamweight champion and is a fighter who has been on British numerous times, it's also fair to say that he will have the home crowd behind him. Saying that however Salinas has never had a problem with the crowd being against him, in fact the Miami based Cuban has gone in to the lions den fight after fight and in recent years he has traveled to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Peru.
Quigg isn't just the better known of the two men but is also the clear favourite. He holds the most notable wins of the two men, including a stoppages over Rendall Munroe, Jamie Arthur and Jason Booth, though, with out being rude his most notable victories have been on the British domestic scene and he's never really had a step up from British level to anything like genuine world class.
Interestingly whilst Quigg has scored the more notable victories it's Salinas who has faced the toughest opponent, scoring a draw with Nehomar Cermeno in Cermeno's adoptive Panama, in a bout that many feel Salinas deserved to win. It's fair to say that had Salinas gotten that decision in his favour he'd have had the most outstanding victory between these two.
Style wise his looks like it could be a very interesting bout of boxing.
Quigg is a strong, but basic boxer. He's adapted well after starting his combat sport career in kick boxing and has shown very good development fight after fight. His punches are hurtful, he's tough and more impressively he's shown excellent shot selection especially in in his second bout against Munroe.
Although Salinas isn't as strong or as powerful as Quigg he is an excellent boxer. Cuban's usually are of course though when you look at Salinas's amateur pedigree you realise just how good he is. He was a multi-time Cuban amateur champion, won international medals in competitions such as the Central American & Caribbean Games and Pan Am games and has a reported 300 amateur bouts. This a guy who knows his way around the ring.
With this in mind I expect us to see a fair bit of boxing early in and in fact I actually think Quigg could be frustrated by Salinas's boxing early on. The Cuban is confident, very sound defensively, fast with both hands and goes to the body very well. If he can take the power of Quigg then we are in for something that could become very memorable.
Unfortunately with boxing judging the way it is right now I can't go against Quigg. I think edge in power will just see him over the line in a bout that could be very close on the cards.
Prediction-Quigg SD12
Despite the "lower" billing than many other bouts this weekend and relatively unhyped nature of the bout I've got to admit that this, at least on paper, looks like it could, potentially, be a very interesting contest between two men looking to make the move to genuine world level having been flirting around the fringes for a while.
Of the two Quigg is the better known fighter. He's a former WBA "interim" Super Bantamweight champion and is a fighter who has been on British numerous times, it's also fair to say that he will have the home crowd behind him. Saying that however Salinas has never had a problem with the crowd being against him, in fact the Miami based Cuban has gone in to the lions den fight after fight and in recent years he has traveled to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Peru.
Quigg isn't just the better known of the two men but is also the clear favourite. He holds the most notable wins of the two men, including a stoppages over Rendall Munroe, Jamie Arthur and Jason Booth, though, with out being rude his most notable victories have been on the British domestic scene and he's never really had a step up from British level to anything like genuine world class.
Interestingly whilst Quigg has scored the more notable victories it's Salinas who has faced the toughest opponent, scoring a draw with Nehomar Cermeno in Cermeno's adoptive Panama, in a bout that many feel Salinas deserved to win. It's fair to say that had Salinas gotten that decision in his favour he'd have had the most outstanding victory between these two.
Style wise his looks like it could be a very interesting bout of boxing.
Quigg is a strong, but basic boxer. He's adapted well after starting his combat sport career in kick boxing and has shown very good development fight after fight. His punches are hurtful, he's tough and more impressively he's shown excellent shot selection especially in in his second bout against Munroe.
Although Salinas isn't as strong or as powerful as Quigg he is an excellent boxer. Cuban's usually are of course though when you look at Salinas's amateur pedigree you realise just how good he is. He was a multi-time Cuban amateur champion, won international medals in competitions such as the Central American & Caribbean Games and Pan Am games and has a reported 300 amateur bouts. This a guy who knows his way around the ring.
With this in mind I expect us to see a fair bit of boxing early in and in fact I actually think Quigg could be frustrated by Salinas's boxing early on. The Cuban is confident, very sound defensively, fast with both hands and goes to the body very well. If he can take the power of Quigg then we are in for something that could become very memorable.
Unfortunately with boxing judging the way it is right now I can't go against Quigg. I think edge in power will just see him over the line in a bout that could be very close on the cards.
Prediction-Quigg SD12
Wladimir Klitschko v Alexander Povetkin
It's been a very long time since we saw a proverbial "passing of the torch" in the Heavyweight division. This weekend however does give us a chance at doing just that as unbeaten Russian Alexander Povektin (26-0, 18) finally faces Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko (60-3, 51) in a long awaited battle for the title of Heavyweight Kingpin.
The 34 year old Russian, a former amateur stand out who won both the World Amateur and Olympic Gold medals, is a man on a mission. A mission that he was set when he first turned professional just over 8 years ago. To become the world Heavyweight champion.
It was, in the eyes of many a goal Povetkin looked set to do with ease when he first burst on to the professional ranks with a difficult schedule of matches that he made look easy. Unfortunately in recent years however he has gone, at least in the eyes of the media, from future king the court jester as bouts have fallen through whilst other, less interesting, bouts have managed to materialise.
When Povetkin should have been fighting the likes of Klitschko and David Haye he has been busy fighting old men like Hasim Rahman and Cedric Boswell. This has seen many fans, as well as media, turn away from Povetkin though it has looked at times like he's been fighting within himself with only Marco Huck really pushing him so far and we all know that Huck gives anyone a good fight.
With solid skills, decent power, decent speed and toughness Povetkin does look like a challenger who has the abilities to trouble anyone in the division. As well as those skills however Povetkin appears to have had a few jokers up his sleeve for this bout. Firstly it's in Moscow, the Russian capital where Povetkin will be a bigger fan favourite than Klitschko. This is a huge change to Klitschko's usual fights where he is the home fighter and the man who the fans are behind.
The second joker has been the mind games played by the Povetkin camp who have asked Dereck Chisora to observe the hand wrapping of Klitschko. After Klitschko and Chisora have had several run in's together this is a clever strategy of trying to throw the usually calm Klitschko.
The final one has been that Povetkin has actually shown up to this fight. In two prior meetings scheduled between these two Povetkin has pulled out, this time however the Russian is here and here to fight. This alone could throw Klitschko who may have been expecting another pull out from Russian.
Although Povetkin has got those jokers in his pocket it's fair to say that he will still need to get in the ring and beat the 37 year old Ukrainian, a man many have viewed as the premier Heavyweight for the better part of a decade.
Although Klitschko has made a career out of the jab and grab technique he is a highly skilled and powerful fighter himself with surprising hand speed, educated control of distance and a potent right hand. If that right lands clean most fighters will fall.
It's actually the grab part of Klitschko's tactics that lead me to thinking Povetkin will win here. Povetkin isn't a former Cruiserweight, like Haye or Moremeck, he's a strong, powerful Heavyweight who will be able to hold his own in the clinches. Povetkin also isn't a lazy fighter, he's a fighter who has shown a willingness to go to the well to retain his unbeaten record, as he did against Ruslan Chagaev and Marco Huck. I can see him showing that same heart and mental fortitude to get inside and despite being grabbed he will still unload on the inside slowly but surely out-working and breaking down Klitschko.
I know it's an outside bet but I'll be backing Povetkin by stoppage here!
Prediction-Povetkin TKO8
The 34 year old Russian, a former amateur stand out who won both the World Amateur and Olympic Gold medals, is a man on a mission. A mission that he was set when he first turned professional just over 8 years ago. To become the world Heavyweight champion.
It was, in the eyes of many a goal Povetkin looked set to do with ease when he first burst on to the professional ranks with a difficult schedule of matches that he made look easy. Unfortunately in recent years however he has gone, at least in the eyes of the media, from future king the court jester as bouts have fallen through whilst other, less interesting, bouts have managed to materialise.
When Povetkin should have been fighting the likes of Klitschko and David Haye he has been busy fighting old men like Hasim Rahman and Cedric Boswell. This has seen many fans, as well as media, turn away from Povetkin though it has looked at times like he's been fighting within himself with only Marco Huck really pushing him so far and we all know that Huck gives anyone a good fight.
With solid skills, decent power, decent speed and toughness Povetkin does look like a challenger who has the abilities to trouble anyone in the division. As well as those skills however Povetkin appears to have had a few jokers up his sleeve for this bout. Firstly it's in Moscow, the Russian capital where Povetkin will be a bigger fan favourite than Klitschko. This is a huge change to Klitschko's usual fights where he is the home fighter and the man who the fans are behind.
The second joker has been the mind games played by the Povetkin camp who have asked Dereck Chisora to observe the hand wrapping of Klitschko. After Klitschko and Chisora have had several run in's together this is a clever strategy of trying to throw the usually calm Klitschko.
The final one has been that Povetkin has actually shown up to this fight. In two prior meetings scheduled between these two Povetkin has pulled out, this time however the Russian is here and here to fight. This alone could throw Klitschko who may have been expecting another pull out from Russian.
Although Povetkin has got those jokers in his pocket it's fair to say that he will still need to get in the ring and beat the 37 year old Ukrainian, a man many have viewed as the premier Heavyweight for the better part of a decade.
Although Klitschko has made a career out of the jab and grab technique he is a highly skilled and powerful fighter himself with surprising hand speed, educated control of distance and a potent right hand. If that right lands clean most fighters will fall.
It's actually the grab part of Klitschko's tactics that lead me to thinking Povetkin will win here. Povetkin isn't a former Cruiserweight, like Haye or Moremeck, he's a strong, powerful Heavyweight who will be able to hold his own in the clinches. Povetkin also isn't a lazy fighter, he's a fighter who has shown a willingness to go to the well to retain his unbeaten record, as he did against Ruslan Chagaev and Marco Huck. I can see him showing that same heart and mental fortitude to get inside and despite being grabbed he will still unload on the inside slowly but surely out-working and breaking down Klitschko.
I know it's an outside bet but I'll be backing Povetkin by stoppage here!
Prediction-Povetkin TKO8
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