It’s good to be back, predicting big fights again (yes, I missed you too). August was a quiet month for the
sweet science, but I stayed busy by obsessing over my fantasy football draft a few weeks ago and following major league baseball’s suddenly-intense pennant races.
With baseball on the minds of many, it’s appropriate that we have a double-header on Saturday, September 13. However, instead of bats and balls, this lightweight "twin-bill" will feature fists and knuckles.
Joel "El Cepillo" Casamayor (36-3, 22 KO) defends his linear/Ring lightweight title against Mexican superstar Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez (48-4-1, 35 KO) in a fight that pits two of our era’s slickest boxer-punchers. The only thing bad about this fight is that it is on PPV, unlike it’s counterpart, Nate "The Galaxxy Warrior" Campbell (32-5, 25 KO) vs. Joan "El Pequeño Tyson" Guzman (28-0, 17 KO) for various lightweight alphabelt titles.
What the two fights have in common is that they are both very hard to call. The 37-year old Casamayor will be looking to cement his legacy against the 35-year old Marquez in a fight that is likely to have Hall of Fame induction implications. Although Marquez is moving up to lightweight to fight Casamayor, he shouldn’t be at a huge disadvantage.
Both men stand 5’7" and fought at junior lightweight for most of their careers. Marquez is the better puncher while Casamayor is the better pure boxer. Both men have great chins and ring intelligence, so a bloody brawl or knockout are unlikely. Ultimately, I believe that Marquez’s fresher legs and success against another great southpaw (Manny Pacquiao) will be the x-factors that tip the scale in his favor.
Marquez by Close, Unanimous Decision Over Casamayor
In another matchup that pits former junior lightweights against one another, look for Nate Campbell and Joan Guzman to fight a nip-and-tuck battle. My gut tells me to never bet against a man (Campbell) who is naturally stronger and perhaps hungrier than his opponent (who is hungrier than Nate Campbell?). However, my mind tells me to go with the faster and younger man. I’m not an ageist, but I just have a feeling that Campbell had his last hurrah against Juan Diaz earlier this year.
Guzman by Close, Controversial Decision over Campbell
Oh, I almost forgot that Sergio Mora was defending his junior middleweight title belt against Vernon Forrest in a rematch of their barn-burner (insert sarcasm) this past summer. I’ll keep it short.
Forrest by Boring Unanimous Decision Over Mora.
1) Marquez.
Correct though I dunno why you say Casamayor is the better pure boxer, alchohol abuse I guess. A dangerous fight to bet on as there is always a chance Casamayor gets gifted the nod due to his being the peoples favourite.
2) Guzman.
I agree the the Galaxy warrior has that same psyche and quality that Bernard Hopkins has in that he always has a chance to upset.
3) You are wrong, but as Meatloaf once sang, “Two outta three ain’t bad”.
Joe, glad to see that you agree with me on 2/3 of my predictions.
But a few things: I define a better boxer as the fighter who has the better job, footwork and defensive skills. Where do you think Marquez bests Casamayor in these areas? Or, how do you define the “better boxer” term(s)?
So you feel that Mora will beat Forrest again; please do tell why? I think it was a case of the sun shining on a dog’s (Mora) behind. I don’t see lighting striking twice; not that Forrest is a total world-beater, but c’mon man, sounds like you are abusing the liquor over there.
I agree 2 outta 3..Mora beats forrest again..If you watch the tape Forrest really only won 2 Round Max and god knows how 1 judge scored it a draw..I see rematch similar only this time Mora wins a clear cut UD.
Guzman SD Over Campbell, and I wouldn’t compare Campbell to Hopkins I saw him get stopped twice by Robbie Peden and I was there live to witness second one..
Marquez DRaw with Casamayor..
I’m actually with you on the Marquez fight only.
Incredibly, in a minority of one in the whole universe, I am slightly leaning toward Galazy and not just because of the odds, I truly pick him to use that guile.
“One outta three ain’t baaaad”
Darren/Joe, that’s funny re: the Hopkins-Campbell comparison…lol You must admit that first Peden loss was totally flukish though…that being said, I hear you somewhat but Campbell can easily win this fight; it should be close. You think there’s a chance Nate can run him outta the ring (physically mauling the smaller man?).
Ok I reviewed my data and…
Marquez (Sure thing)
Forrest
Guzman
I agree with your original take.
“Three outta three ain’t bad”
Guzman coming in overweight was INTENTIONAL. How can he be with the Mayweathers and make an error like that? He is scared and decided to come in heavy and forget about the belts. He doesn’t want a loss.
My comparison of Campbell and Hopkins is to do with psyche. They have a similar psyche. They even have similar facial expressions.
What did I tell you about Forrest-Mora? 🙂 I will give Mora this – at least he went through with the fight despite having problems making weight. The Guzman situation was pathetic…it reminded me of Castillo-Corrales (late), but even in that one, Castillo tried a few times to burn the weight and get on the scales; he even wanted to fight after that (but also know it may have helped him). That being said, talk about a buzzkill!