TV Fights & Boxing Predictions: January 7, 2011

TV Fights & Boxing Predictions: January 7, 2011

By Brian Gorman, Doghouse Boxing (Jan 7, 2011) Doghouse Boxing
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Friday, January 7 in Las Vegas (ESPN 2): Ruslan Provodnikov (17-0, 11 KOs) vs. Mauricio Herrera (15-1, 7 KOs), junior welterweights (140 lb.)

Prediction: Provodnikov by TKO

Maybe we should give the "Friday Night Fights" producers the benefit of the doubt after their outstanding 2010 season, but I have to ask the question: What's the appeal of featuring a 17-0 Russian on American television? There are plenty of 17-0 young American fighters.

Having said that, this does represent yet another quality match-up: Provodnikov is a reasonably skilled and tough, come-forward fighter who makes for a good fight, and Herrera probably should be undefeated. Most believe he was robbed in his lone defeat to Mike Anchondo. Also, he's faced quality opposition, almost all of who had wins that far outnumbered their losses.

With two aggressive, offensive styles, it's a little difficult to imagine this going thee 12 round distance, and Provodnikov should probably have a little more to offer in terms of skill, strength and power. It's a season opener worth watching.

Demetrius Andrade (11-0, 8 KOs) vs. Alberto Herrera (7-1-1, 5 KOs), jr. middleweights (154 lb.)

Prediction: Andrade by KO

This has the makings of another former Olympian showcase, as Andrade (pictured above) once again the heavy favorite. Herrera, 0-1-1 in his last two since stepping up in competition, shares one common opponent with the 2008 Olympian: Chris Chatman, who stopped Herrera in four but lost a wide decision to Andrade. Herrera is, however, a step up in competition for Andrade as we follow his progression.

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Questions / Comments, E-mail Brian at: steelcityfighters@yahoo.com

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