By Tony Liang: Vic Darchinyan vs Joseph Agbeko – Odds: -210 Vic Darchinyan l +175 Joseph Agbeko l Round props — 9.5 even money for the over and -140 for the under
Prediction: Ever since his one punch KO loss to Nonito Donaire, Darchinyan has continued to fight excellent opposition racking up big wins. However, his chin is still in question. Vic also had shown some vulnerability against Z Gorres and Arce (even though he dominated Arce) and the crazy thing is that he continues to move up in weight.. Joseph Agbeko is a capable fighter who is strong, durable and has a decent defense. I think the reason why the line is close is because of Vic’s questionable chin and Joseph’s big punch. However I don’t think an upset will happen. On paper, Vic has fought way better opponents and fought against many different styles and would overcome Agbeko’s size advantage. Also, Vic has underrated boxing skills.
I like Vic Darchinyan to win with a 65% chance of a KO. Darchinyan has an impressive amateur background and pro career which will make the difference. Agebko seems a bit too predictable. He loves throwing lead rights and left hooks and he doesn’t like to use jabs. His hooks are a bit wide. He will probably get caught by Vic on counter because of it. Joseph does have a puncher’s chance though…
Matt Godfrey vs Shawn Hawk
-1150 Matt Godfrey
+650 Shawn Hawk
Round Props – 9.5 +130 for the over and -170 for the under
Matt Godfrey came out as an 8-1 favorite but apparently a lot of people are jumping on the line in matter of hours and now the line was shifted to 11.5-1 favorite. With a line like this it is almost no point to play but for the sake of looking for a potential upset. I took a look at Hawk, a fighter that has an impressive record on paper of 18 wins, 16 Kos and is undefeated. However, if you look in detail, you will see that he has no notable wins. I can’t find any fights of his to make a solid prediction. I know it is tempting to take the dog, especially when the dog has punching power. Plus the line favors slightly on a stoppage. But I still think the fight will go to the distances unless either Hawk is just terrible or he lands a lucky punch.
Felix Sturm vs Khoren Gevor
Odds:
-350 Felix Strum
+275 Khoren Gevor
Round Props – 11.5 -155 for the over and +115 for the under
Prediction: Sturm is the strong favorite and is a bit expensive to play. Felix Sturm is the favorite with good reasons, he is taller, stronger, and one of the most fundamentally sound boxers in the middle weight division. He has a classic conventional style with a high guard and a stiff jab that is used by most European fighters. My first impression is usually right and I thought this fight is an obvious distance fight. Gevor is a capable fighter but he is lacking of solid punching power in order to break through Sturm’s tight defense and I don’t see it happening. Most likely scenario is Strum wins by points.
Shaun George vs Chris Henry
Odds:
-200 Shaun George
+160 Chris Henry
Round Props – 9.5 -220 for the over and +180 for the under
Prediction: George to win with an 80% chance of a decision. He is just a more technically sound fighter with improved power. George has improved his defense and Chris Henry is very physically strong. Chris Henry has great condition but his main weakness is that he gets a bit reckless. Neither has one punch KO power so I have to take the better fighter for this one.
Thomas Adamek vs Bobby Gunn
Odds:
-2000 for Thomas Adamek
+1000 for Bobby Gunn
Prediction: Thomas Adamek to win by whichever way he chooses. Just look at the line. Who is Bobby Gunn?
Julio Cesar Miranda vs Eric Ortiz
Odds:
-600 for Julio Miranda
+400 for Eric Ortiz
Prediction: Julio Miranda to win by whichever way he chooses. Eric is a look good opponent with an unimpressive chin.