TV Fights & Boxing Predictions: November 13, 2010 By Brian Gorman, Doghouse Boxing (Nov 12, 2010) Doghouse Boxing - Tweet
Saturday, November 13 at Cowboys Stadium (HBO PPV): Manny Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs) vs. Antonio Margarito (38-6, 27 KOs), for the WBC jr. middleweight (154 lb.) title
Prediction: Pacquiao by TKO
HBO's "24/7" has many impressive qualities, not the least of which is its ability to make every featured bout appear ultra-competitive. It successfully convinced most that Ricky Hatton had a good chance against both Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. even though he was walking into a slaughter each time. While this isn't the same level of a mismatch, the series still has worked its magic to a degree again, causing many to buy in to the promotional ploy that Pacquiao has undertrained and is ripe for an upset. It's true that Pacquiao burns the candle at both ends with his celebrity and political lives, but he's proven several times that he relishes attention, excitement and action.
Margarito should have never regained his license in this country after the crime he and his trainer perpetrated, for which neither has accepted responsibility, laughably calling it a "mistake." But he does have a licence now in Texas, and opponents of his re-licensing aren't hypocrites by watching the fight, which has an additional layer of intrigue: Was the Margarito who crushed Kermit Cintron and Miguel Cotto for real? Or was he packing something in those gloves when he tore off Sebastian Lujan's ear, pummeled Cintron into submission and busted up Cotto's face beyond recognition?
Maybe another question is whether this contest can even answer those questions. Pacquiao may just be too fast of hand and foot, offensively and defensively, for any form of Margarito to inflict enough damage to wrest control of the fight in the mid- to late-rounds. Though anything's on the table with maverick ref Laurence Cole assigned to the bout, this prediction says that Margarito's new trainer Robert Garcia will throw in the towel in the last quarter of the bout.
The Margarito saga continues...
Guillermo Rigondeaux (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Ricardo Cordoba (37-2-2, 23 KOs), jr. featherweights (122 lb.)
Prediction: Rigondeaux by decision
The Cuban Olympic legend Rigondeaux's handlers really aren't messing around with his early pro career. The veteran Cordoba has a wealth of pro experience, including a 2004 win over current featherweight titlist Celestino Caballero and a 2009 fight of the year candidate/loss to Bernard Dunne. He should press Rigondeaux, a magnificent counter-puncher, and play right into his hand, but the Cuban often seems content to win rounds. He's a boxer first and a crowd pleaser as a distant second, so he will probably settle for a decision win.
Mike Jones (22-0, 18 KOs) vs. Jesus Soto-Karass (24-4-3, 16 KOs), welterweights (147 lb.)
Prediction: Jones by decison
Up-and-coming welterweight contender Jones, a Russell Peltz product from Philadelphia, is being moved along slowly but nicely, and Soto-Karass represents a reasonable if not exciting step up in competition. Sotto-Karass lost the mild luster he'd been building in a technical decision defeat to Alfonso Gomez, but he's never been stopped and had been riding a winning streak for years until that fight. He should have the savvy and experience to test Jones, but not the speed and strength.
Brandon Rios (25-0-1, 18 KOs) vs. Omri Lowther (14-2, 10 KOs), lightweights (135 lb.)
Prediction: Rios by KO
Rios, an Oxnard, California based Mexican American, has it out for Golden Boy's Victor Ortiz, whom he views as a spoiled wimp after the two have crossed paths. Sound familiar? It bears similarity to Fernando Vargas' hatred of the Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya, leading to a memorable 2002 showdown. Keep that potential grudge match in mind for the next year or two. For now, Rios is in line for a shot at the WBA lightweight title after dismantling the respected Anthony Peterson in September, and he has a chip on his shoulder in a good way for a young, hungry fighter. The Canadian Lowther hasn't been stopped, but don't tell that to Rios.
Saturday, November 13 in Manchester, England (off TV):
WBA champ David Haye (24-1, 22 KOs) vs. Audley Harrison (27-4, 20 KOs), heavyweights (200+ lb.)
Prediction: Haye by KO
Most of the attention aimed at Haye has deservedly been towards his avoidance of the Klitschko brothers, for the most meaningful heavyweight bout in years. However, let's also not forget that he's an offensive force, with an impressive combination of power, speed and accuracy. While the challenge by fellow Brit Harrison is a farce on some level, it's also a big deal in England and a nice primer for the similarly-sized Klitschkos, assuming he actually accepts their challenge in the near future. Remember to YouTube this on Sunday; expect a highlight reel knockout to watch.
