Wladimir Klitschko vs. Jean-Marc Mormeck
I have no idea why this fight is happening, but we are not off to a competitive start with March. Mormeck is a former two time Ring Magazine cruiserweight champion, but is pushing 40, undersized, and has done nothing to earn a crack at the legit heavyweight champion. Perhaps Wladmir is looking for a fighter against whom it will look like he is taking risks, by being aggressive, but instead it will simply look as if he is picking on a smaller man. Mormeck will likely go out with a whimper, and not a bang. Klitschko by early KO.
Sergio Martinez vs. Matthew Macklin
This is essentially undisputed champion vs. number one contender. Macklin beat Felix Sturm decisively, yet like all Sturm opponents, was denied the decision. While Martinez? dance card seems full of fighters from the British Isles for awhile? this may be his toughest one. Macklin has the ability to break down a defense, and himself show focus and durability. He has not been hit by Martinez yet, however, and I believe this is where the difference is. Martinez is not a dominant fighter? and he stands to lose a few rounds again, but I see a late round TKO over a game British fighter happening to him twice in a row. Orlando Salido vs. Juan Manuel Lopez 2
Puerto Rico is quickly becoming the St. Louis of non-mainland hometowns. I mean that in that it is no advantage, as fighters lose at home, as often as they win. Lopez the last time, then Ivan Calderon. Now, Lopez is looking to take the island back to winning ways. While Salido did suffer a few KO losses in his earlier career, that was a lifetime ago, and he is quite durable now. Lopez has surperior skills, and provided his ego does not get in the way, he should be able to right the ship. It is a very dangerous rematch, but I see Lopez remaining disciplined just long enough to escape with a close unanimlous decision.
Zab Judah vs. Vernon Paris
Zab Judah fights seem so easy to predict. He wins over the B grade and below, and he loses to A-grade fighters. However, if you really take a good look, it becomes a bit more confusing. He was two different people in two fights with Cory Spinks. He lost a one-pointer to Joshua Clottey. beat Omar Weis, when no one was able to legitimately do so. He also fought Floyd tough, but was dominated by Amir Khan. He goes even-up with guys at the Matthysse/Clottey level, but here’s the real question: Where is Vernon Paris? His win over Tim Coleman was impressive, but was more a story of Coleman’s collapse. I like the trash talking capabilities of both men, but there are too many questions to make an accurate prediction. Gut instinct tells me that Judah is not motivated to get in the same line for the umpteenth time, and slacks off just enough. Paris by majority decision.
Carlos Molina vs. James Kirkland
This is the most interesting fight of the month, in my opinion. Molina has shown that his lack of power or good management was responsible for his slow start to the professional ranks. Now that he has righted the ship, he looks very impressive. The trouble is, his opponent’s real achilles heel has been his chin, and focus. He’s fixed one, and replaced the other with heart. Molina does not knock guys out, typically, anyway. Kirkland’s test here is how well he stays focused when he is outboxed in spots, and can his stamina take him for the long haul… something Molina has a realistic chance of testing. Odds are that anyone Ann Wolfe trains will not run out gas, and Kirkland’s boxing skills in rounds 2-6, are actually what made the difference against Angulo. Molina’s skills and durability will keep him in the fight, but Kirkland will hit just hard enough to keep him honest, and box just well enough, to take advantage of the hesitancy. Kirkland by close-ish UD.
