Josesito Lopez vs John Molina Jr.
This matchup has the potential to steal the show. Styles make fights and these are two veteran Mexican warriors who guarantee a battle any time they step in the ring. That being said, I don’t see this going the distance. Josesito Lopez hits HARD and looked so dangerous against former titleholder Keith Thurman that he’s had trouble finding an opponent since. On the other hand, John Molina Jr. looked like he had lost a step in his last fight versus Omar Figueroa Jr. He was then scheduled to fight Sergey Lipinets on the Thurman/Pacquiao undercard but was forced to withdraw due to a back injury.
Josesito Lopez will likely win this one by knockout, but this fight will be thrilling, for however long it lasts.
Mario Barrios vs Batyr Akhmedov
The battle of the unbeaten prospects Barrios is 24 years old and 24-0 and Akhmedov is 28 years old and 7-0. Barrios, while younger, has more professional experience, while Akhmedov spent more time in the amateurs.
Barrios is being trained by Virgil Hunter and is being groomed by PBC. Akhmedov represents a step up in opposition, but one that Barrios should be able to handle. Barrios is heavy-handed and on an 8 fight knockout streak. The streak won’t end here. Barrios by KO.
Anthony Dirrell vs David Benavidez
Anthony Dirrrell, 34, and David Benavidez, 22, are at opposite ends of their career. At 33-1, Dirrell has had a run that should be respected, and brings valuable experience into the ring having faced fighters like Marco Antonio Rubio and Caleb Truax. The remainder of the advantages fall with Benavidez who is younger, longer and has a chip on his shoulder after being stripped of his belt last year. Dirrell looked less than impressive in his last fight versus Avni Yildirim, while Benavidez annihilated J’Leon Love his last time in the ring.
David Benavidez is stepping into the ring undefeated, at 21-0 and he will walk out that way. Benavidez by stoppage.
Shawn Porter vs Errol Spence Jr.
There is no doubt that these are two of the best in the welterweight division. Shawn Porter brings the ruggedness that makes his fights highly entertaining while Errol Spence Jr. systematically breaks down his opponents over the course of his fights. Versus Yordenis Ugas we saw a different Shawn Porter. A boxer. If this Shawn Porter shows up, it will be an easy night for Spence. More likely, Porter will revert back to his old ways and apply the pressure on Spence. This is likely to be a more successful strategy. Still, it won’t be enough. Erroll Spence is too big and too technically sound to be pushed around by Porter.
Porter should have a strong start. But Spence will make the necessary adjustments and walk out with both the IBF and WBC belts. Spence by late-round stoppage.
Flip the page for video of Spence and Porter getting into at press conference.
Alexes Martinez
Dodgers, Titans, Nuggets and Oregon Ducks