Boxing Weekend Preview 5/2
Fights to Watch ~
Garcia vs. Romero – Ryan Garcia is making his return after his suspension for PEDs last year. He’s taking on the battle-tested Rolly Romero, whose only losses come to Tank and Pitbull. I think this fight is way closer than the line suggests. Ryan is the better fighter, but I don’t believe he’s +500 better than Rolly.
Haney vs. Ramirez – Haney is returning to the ring for the first time since his overturned loss to Ryan Garcia, who got caught taking performance-enhancing drugs. He is fighting Ramirez, who is coming off a loss to the guy fighting on the B side of the previous card, which I find odd.
Lopez vs. Barboza Jr. – The hometown kid gets to make a statement in a dream location in a title unification bout against Barboza Jr. I expect Lopez to live up to his nickname and take over this card with his performance. He is one of the best fighters on the planet when he is on his game, and if their was any fight that he will be it’s this one
Canelo vs. Scull – Up-and-coming Scull steps into the ring with the biggest and best opponent he will more than likely face over his whole career. Part of me thinks that Canelo is using this fight as a tune-up for Bud Crawford in September.
Surace vs. Munguia – The undefeated Surace will put his 0 on the line again against the dangerous Munguia, who is coming off a 6th-round stoppage of Surace back in December. I think Munguia will make the necessary adjustments to avoid getting knocked out this time, but I don’t know if he will do enough to win the match.
Bakole vs. Ajagba – One of the most fun heavyweights in the world takes the ring again after helping save the last card by taking a fight on short notice halfway across the world. He is fighting the other heavyweight boogeyman, Ajagba. I would be shocked if this fight sees the final bell, given the power both of these guys possess.
Prospects Making Debut
Marco Verde (Saturday) – He was the welterweight silver medalist in last year’s Paris Olympics. His father also competed in the Olympics as a boxer, so we should expect fireworks from him on Saturday.
Reito Tsutsumi (Friday) – He doesn’t quite have the name or the lineage of Verde, but the same amount of skill is there. I expect him to make an even bigger statement based on his opponent and the location of the fight. I anticipate everyone on the card will be trying to make a huge statement.
