Friday the 13th Prediction Time

I will be picking 5 fights!

Felix Sturm (36-2-2) vs. Sebastian Zbik (30-1-0) At Cologne, Germany 4/13/2012

WBA Middleweight Title Fight

This is fight is not on American Television, but it is a good solid middleweight fight with Sturm’s title on the line.  Here’s the major problem for Zbik, the fight is in Germany.  I don’t think anyone beats Sturm in Germany.  Sturm who has not had an official lost since 2006 has been a bit busier in the previous year fighting three times.  Sturm is a tough fighter that presents a challenge for anyone at middleweight.  He has not had the big fights because of his refusal to leave Germany.  In fact he has not fought in the States since he felt he was robbed against Oscar De La Hoya back in 2004.  Zbik has one loss to another middleweight belt holder in Julio Ceasar Chavez Jr.  Their fight was very competitive with each fighter willing to trade shots.  Zbik has quite the chin as it was clear Julio did not respect the power Zbik brought and ultimately walked Zbik down to landed the harder shots.  Zbik had success when he decided to box.  I think this is a very good fight that will feature both a bit of boxing and a bit of brawling at times.  I believe Sturm’s experience and the fact that Zbik does not possess the power to KO Sturm to be the difference.  Winner – Felix Sturm

Brandon Rios (29-0-1) vs. Richard Abril (17-2-1) At Las Vegas, Nevada

WBA Lightweight Title Fight

What was supposed to be an awesome fight between two young hungry undefeated fighters looks to have turned into a bit of mismatch.  I do not blame Rios for taking this fight at all as Abril forced his way into this fight by publicly challenging Rios multiple times.  When the Gamboa fight failed Abril received the offer.  Abril does not bring anything special to the table.  He has a bit of pop, decent boxing ability, but when it comes down to it, he fails against legit contenders.  He received his ranking due to beating an overrated Miguel Acosta.  Abril’s two losses have come against notable fighters I have mentioned recently, Hank Lundy and Breidis Prescott.  Rios is on a very hot streak stopping 9 of his last 10 opponents.  The one he didn’t stop happens to be Anthony Peterson who got DQ’ed after repeated low blows.  Watching that fight Rios was landing at will.  Abril seems to have pissed of Rios who vows to Batter and stop Abril.  Rios has had the tougher competition, the better trainer, and more incentive to win. (Possible Marquez Bout)  Betting I would take Rios by stoppage before the 9^th round.  Winner – Brandon Rios

Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1) vs. Sergey Fedchenko (30-1-0) At Mexico City, Mexico      Interim WBO Junior Welterweight Title

Fedchenko has a fancy record, but the most notable name is an aged Chop Chop Corley.  Make no mistake about it this is a tune-up fight for Marquez to shake the cobwebs and get ready for a big event at Cowboys Stadium in July.  It’s also nice for Marquez to fight in his homeland one more time.  Marquez will put some work in early, but as the fight continues Marquez will have his timing down and will easily pull away.  Winner – Juan Manuel Marquez

Mike Alvarado (32-0-0) vs. Mauricio Herrera (18-1-0) At Las Vegas, Nevada

Junior Welterweight Fight

Alvarado is coming off a huge come from behind win on an HBO PPV undercard which has caused his stock to rise.  He shared a card then with Rios and is sharing one again.  If Alvarado keeps winning a shot at Rios is coming.  Talk about a fan friendly style and matchup.    Herrera is coming off a good win against a nice fighter in Mike Dallas.  The scores were very close and it could have gone either way in my eyes.  Herrera is facing a different beast in Alvarado who will definitely bring the pain.  I believe the pressure that Alvarado applies will be the difference in this fight.  I expect a nice entertaining fight, but Alvarado pulling it off.  Winner – Mike Alvarado

Mercito Gesta (24-0-1) vs. Oscar Cuero (15-7-0) At Las Vegas, Nevada

Lightweight Fight

There is no doubt in my mind that Gesta cruises to a victory, but I wanted to bring his name up.  This is a stay busy fight for Gesta, as he is trying to put himself in a position to contend for a title.  Cuero will make Gesta work a bit, but Gesta talent will win him this fight quite easily.  Winner – Mercito Gesta

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