Saturday, November 19, 2011
The “real” Julio Cesar Chavez
The “fake” Julio Cesar Chavez
Reliant Arena, Houston, TX
(HBO) Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (43-0-1, 30 KOs) vs. Peter Manfredo (37-6, 20 KOs) (WBC* 160 lb. title) Odds/Predictions: *Paper champ Chavez 3-1. Manfredo has fought a lot at 168, but truth be told, neither he nor Chavez could be considered great. Computer says it is close, but Manfredo would probably have to knockout Chavez twice in order to get a draw!
Joshua Clottey (35-4) vs. Calvin Green (21-6-1) Odds/Predictions:
Clottey 9-5. In wrestling they call losing on purpose a “job.” That being said, I thought Joshua pulled a job with Manny Pacquiao, when he subbed for Floyd Mayweather, this when Pac demanded Floyd pay $1 million for every pound over 147. Then Floyd countered with “Random Drug Tests” to which the Filipino flat out refused. Why anybody would even want the stench of Clottey around is a mystery, unless maybe this is payback for doing a suspected job!
Homebush Sports Centre, Sydney, Australia
Billy Dib (32-1, 19 KOs) vs. Alberto Servidei (31-0-2, & KOs) (vacant IBF 126 lb. title) Odds/Predictions: Dib 5-1. Only fight Dib had in America he lost to Steve Levanao. Although Italian champ is unbeaten. But at 36 years of age & 31-0-2, he must have severe for the Aussie’s are awful careful. The pick is Dib, but I wouldn’t bet on it!
Acapulco, Mexico
Hugo Cazares (35-7-2, 25 KOs) vs. Jhunriel Ramonal (12-4-1, 6 KOs) Odds/Predictions: Hugo 10-1. Work fight world ranked for Cazares, that’s all!
Roberto Ortiz (21-0-1, 18 KOs) vs. Carlos Urias (45-21-1, 34 KOs) Odds/Predictions: Ortiz 6-1. Urias has been stopped 16 times, this looks like #17.
Los Mochis, Mexico
Fernando Montiel (46-3-1, 36 KOs) vs. Victor Terrazas (31-2-1, 18 KOs) Odds/Predictions: Montiel 4 1/2 to 1. Third fight since one-punch KO loss to Nonito Donaire in February. Victor can fight, but it appears not at a world class level. Would never bet Montiel because of possible permanent damage by Donaire, but he figures to win here.
Luis “Yori Boy” Campas (99-15-1, 78 KOs) vs. Jorge Cota (9-0, 9 KOs) Odds/Predictions: Campas 12-5. “Yory Boy” still fighting because Top Rank (they won’t deny tax free payments, etc) or his management getting more than the fighter. Talk about Karma, Oscar De La Hoya, knowing full well that Campas wasn’t paid 1/10th of what he was supposed to, couldn’t give a s*it. Historic win 100 forecasted for 40-year old Campas. Would be better to see him prevail in his multi-million dollar lawsuit against Top Rank and the state of Arizona
Johannesburg, South Africa
Francois Botha (48-5-3, 29 KOS) vs. Michael Grant (47-4, 35 KOS) Odds/Predictions: Grant 6-5 or pick ‘em. Botha fought six times since 2002, only loss was to ancient Evander Holyfield. Grant has fought 14 times since 2002, losing to Tomasz Adamek and Dominick Quinn. Both more famous for their loses, Botha to Mike Tyson, who almost broke his arm and Grant to Lennox Lewis who dismantled him in defense of the World title. If it goes to the cards, Botha has a better shot being at home.
Pedro Fernandez