EACH week a trio of Boxing News? finest debate one of the weekend?s big fights and attempt to predict the outcome.
We award ourselves three points for naming the correct winner, a bonus point for the method of victory ? stoppage, points etc ? and another for either the round of an early finish or the type of decision (unanimous, split or majority).
After a long break for our ahem expert team, we resume with Web Editor Danny Flexen and Reporter Matt Christie locked in the lead with 16 points, while plucky Editorial Assistant John Dennen lags behind on 12. This time we try to predict the outcome of Ricky Burns? audacious challenge to WBO super-featherweight champion Roman Martinez in Glasgow this Saturday.
But we want to know who you?re picking? So hit ?add a comment? below and tell us who is going to win and how they?re going to do it.
John Dennen: I think most people will have Martinez as a heavy favourite but personally I think you can make a case for Ricky Burns. Obviously the odds are against him ? Martinez has established himself as a champion, he?s travelled to this country before, despatching Nicky Cook in four rounds. But I like the way Burns fights ? he?s got heart, he?s got a chin, he?s been knocked down before and hasn?t stayed down. I think Burns could surprise people, certainly in the way he can attack Martinez for 12 rounds.
Matt Christie: Do you think he can last 12 rounds?
JD: Yeah, I do, tentatively, but Martinez looks like he hits very hard, with a cracking left hook that he whips round. He could be the hardest puncher Burns has faced.
MC: Yeah, that?s the concern, I think he?s the hardest puncher and quite clearly, on paper, he?s the best opponent Burns has ever faced. I?m not saying Burns can?t suddenly perform better than he ever has and win because things like that have happened before in boxing, but it?s an enormous leap for him and it?s a curious choice of challenger for Martinez. That?s more of a reflection on the WBO.
Danny Flexen: Well, I?m glad John said most people will make Martinez favourite because judging by the way he?s begun his argument that may be the only thing he gets right today! It?s a huge step up for Burns ? I?m not saying Martinez is amazing but you?ve got to remember Nicky Cook was a dominant European champion who later beat Alex Arthur who clearly beat Burns. Nicky Cook may not have been world class but he was a short rung below it.
Martinez is still young, still improving, a big puncher with underrated skills. Who?s the best man Burns has beaten? Arthur? Maybe Burns has improved since then but he?s also lost to Carl Johanneson. It?s not a great level to step up from ? his last fight was against Youssef Al Hamidi. From Al Hamidi to Martinez? That?s just ridiculous. I agree with Matt ? the WBO are a joke for making Burns the mandatory, at least when Kevin Mitchell was there you could kind of justify it. Burns is tough but I just think Martinez is leagues ahead.
JD: Home advantage has swung his way?
DF: Yeah, if a load of angry Scots get in there with him, Burns might have a chance.
PLACE YOUR BETS
DF: John, you first. Burns stoppage in the first half?
JD I hope Burns will go the distance. I agree it is a big step up for him and that will surely be the deciding factor. Burns will put on a gallant performance, maybe get knocked down, but finish on his feet and lose a unanimous decision.
MC: I think Burns? heart will keep him in it until halfway but any time after that? I?m going to go for round eight Martinez will stop him. It will be a gallant effort from Burns but I expect class to tell.
DF: I?m almost going to mirror Matt?s prediction but I fancy round nine. Burns can stay in it until halfway then start to come apart. It may not be a genuine stoppage ? his corner could pull him out if he?s taking a pounding.
