September 8 on Showtime
David Benavidez(18-0) vs. Ronald Gavril(18-1) for the vacant WBC super middleweight title– ‘’La Bandera Roja’’ Benavidez just might be one of the most complete young fighters in the sport fighting today. Gavril on the other hand is a very tough come forward pressure fighter that has improved a lot since his points loss to Elvin Ayala two years ago. On paper this fight appears to be very close, however come fight night I see danger in Gavril’s path that Gavril will not be able to overcome. I am going to take Benavidez by 9th round technical knockout.
September 9 on HBO
Srisaket Sor Rungvisai(43-4-1) vs. Roman ‘’Chocolatito’’ Gonzalez(46-1) rematch clash for Rungvisai’s WBC junior bantamweight title– In their first encounter, I felt that Rungvisai stole one from Chocolatito. So in this rematch clash I am expecting to see a very motivated fighter in Chocolatito that will not be denied this time around. I see Chocolatito’s swift combination punching and quick footwork as the difference in this one and will this time beat Rungvisai by a clear unanimous decision to get his strap back around his waist.
Naoya Inoue(13-0) vs. Antonio Nieves(17-1-2) for Inoue’s WBO junior bantamweight title– Nieves has all the tools needed in shocking us all by beating Inoue, I however feel that Inoue will be too strong and powerful for Nieves. Nieves will need to use his jab to keep Inoue the monster away from him and will also need to use lateral movement to frustrate Inoue. I see Inoue walking down Nieves with damaging body shots and will stop Nieves in his tracks in the 8th round to remain unbeaten.
Carlos Cuadras(36-1-1) vs. Juan Francisco Estrada(35-2) is a WBC junior bantamweight eliminator fight– I feel that this fight is going to be the fight of the night due to both fighters having a ton of skill and strong will. Estrada is the slightly better more durable fighter but I feel that Cuadras has better movement and his chin appears to be better. Estrada will need to get in close to work Cuadras’s midsection to slow him down. This is a tough call to make but I favor Cuadras in this battle, I feel Cuadras will employ his jab to control most of the fight and will dictate the pace that is most comfortable for him. Give me Cuadras to beat Estrada by very close split decision.