TV Fights & Boxing Predictions: February 25-26, 2011
By Brian Gorman, Doghouse Boxing (Feb 25, 2011) Doghouse Boxing
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Acosta (L) - Rios (R)
Photo © Chris Farina / Top Rank
Friday, February 25 in Tulsa, Okla. (ESPN 2):

Juan Carlos Burgos (28-1, 18 KOs) vs. Frankie Archuleta , junior lightweights (130 lb.)

Prediction:
Burgos by TKO

Burgos, whose only defeat is an understandable decision loss to multiple-division champ Hozumi Hasegawa in Japan, remains a viable contender at just 23 years old. He's facing 35 year old Archuleta, who's only fought five times since 2005 and hasn't won a significant bout since 2004. Probably best know for his fights with Johnny Tapia, Archuleta may compete for some rounds but will have trouble going a full ten with the young, prime Burgos of Tijuana.

Maxim Vlasov (19-0, 10 KOs) vs. Isaac Chilemba (15-1-1, 8 KOs), super middleweights (168 lb.)

Prediction:
Chilemba by decision

A Russian who's mostly fought in his homeland versus a South African who's never fought outside of his country? In Tulsa? I'll take the South African; he's faced stronger opposition, and he avenged his only loss. Vlasov's most notable win occurred last year over former American amateur standout Jerson Ravelo, a second- or third- tier pro.

Saturday, February 26 at Palms Casino, Las Vegas (Showtime):

WBA Champ Miguel Acosta (28-3-2, 22 KOs) vs. Brandon Rios (26-0-1, 19 KOs), lightweights (135 lb.)

Prediction:
Rios by TKO

This possible fight of the year candidate snuck up on me; you can't miss this fight between two strong, tough lightweights who have been tearing up competition, in a title fight. Acosta knocked out two real solid contenders, Urbano Antillon and Paulus Moses, in the last two years, and Brandon beat up 30-0 Anthony Peterson last year in his career-best performance. Acosta's three losses occurred in a row in 2002 and 2003, and he's clearly not the same fighter now, so this could be the fight that lives up to its potential in terms of both fireworks and competitiveness.

Saturday, February 26 in Nebraska (Showtime):

Antonio Demarco (24-2-1, 18 KOs) vs. Reyes Sanchez (20-3-1, 11 KOs), lightweights (135 lb.)

Prediction:
Demarco by decision

Demarco was defeated in a game effort last year against the late Edwin Valero, in Valero's final bout. He's still a formidable contender and should edge countryman Sanchez in a competitive, back-and-forth contest.

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

For much more from Brian, visit: www.steelcityfighters.com/.

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