This weekend there is a lot of great boxing action as fast charging prospects Juan Manuel Lopez, Victor Ortiz and Daniel Jacobs step into the ring and middleweight champion Arthur Abraham makes another defense of his titles. Here’s a preview of all of this weekend’s great boxing bouts.
Friday Night, June 26, 2009
ESPN2 Friday Night Fights – Daniel Jacobs vs. George Walton
Fighting for the third time in a 2 month span, undefeated super middleweight prospect Daniel Jacobs is continuing to stay busy and participate in televised fights. He’s taking on the 20-3 George Walton, a fighter who has lost both of his previous step ups in competition. Jacobs has been displaying great firepower and intelligence in the ring as of late, and should put an end to Walton’s four fight winning streak without much trouble.
Prediction: Jacobs TKO7 Walton
Saturday Night
PPV – Juan Manuel Lopez vs. Olivier Lontchi
The hard hitting Juan Manuel Lopez is staying busy with his second fight in two months. Currently rated as the third best super bantamweight fighter, Lopez is taking on undefeated challenger Olivier Lontchi. Lontchi has never fought a fighter with Lopez’s arsenal, and he has little in the way of power to stave off his persistent and fierce attack. Lopez should make quick work of his opposition this weekend, a step down in class from his last opponent Gerry Penalosa.
Prediction: Lopez KO5 Lontchi
Showtime – Arthur Abraham vs. Mahir Oral
Number 2 rated middleweight, champion Arthur Abraham is making another defense of his IBF title. He’s taking on another nameless European opponent in the bout, Mahir Oral. Without knowing much about Oral it’s hard to predict whether or not Abraham will win the fight via stoppage or via decision, but he should take home the victory either well. The boxing world is getting antsy for Abraham to come back to the States and take on Kelly Pavlik.
Prediction: Abraham retains IBF middleweight title
HBO – Victor Ortiz vs. Marcos Maidana
In the best fight of the bunch this weekend, Victor Ortiz takes on the equally hard hitting Marcos Maidana. In a battle sure to see fireworks – Ortiz has 19 knockouts in 24 wins, Maidana has 24 knockouts in 25 wins – the final bell isn’t likely to be heard. While Maidana brings power, Ortiz brings a more solid and sound technical game. He has also been successful against a much higher class of opponent, while Maidana lost his biggest fight, a recent title challenge against Andriy Kotelnik in February. Ortiz will continue to shine against the fellow slugger, working his way up the suddenly deep junior welterweight division.
Prediction: Ortiz TKO9 Maidana
(Note – Number 1 ranked featherweight Chris John pulled out of his title defense against Rocky Juarez slated for the same card. At this time it is unknown whether Juarez will find a replacement opponent or sit the evening out.)
Two nights and lots of great boxing action with some of the biggest young names in the sport – Juan Manuel Lopez, Victor Ortiz and Daniel Jacobs – all continuing their rapid journeys to the top of the boxing world. Which prospect is closest to emerging onto the pound for pound list?
