Thursday, January 04, 2007

MORE BAD PREDICTIONS

Any one who has ever read my blog knows about my terrible track record. I have a feeling this weekend is not going to improve that.

JAMES TONEY vs. SAM PETER

Bringing in Billy Blanks to help train James Toney seemed to be a big deal for everyone in the Toney camp. Then at the weigh in Toney was a pound heavier than his last fight. I don't think weight matters as long as he's in shape. Speaking of shape Sam Peter has come in to this fight lighter than the first. I see this fight as going similar to the first. If Toney shows up in good condition he should be able to fight circles around Peter. I think Peter is an extremely limited fighter. He's been getting a free pas because he's such a heavy hitter. On the other side of the ring James Toney is one of the most talented fighters in the game today. The harder you try to hit him the easier it is for you to miss. I have only 2 concerns.
1. Toney is 38 years old, and way over his best fighting weight against a young power puncher. Age has a habit of catching up to you over night.

2. Sam Peter has fought him once already. He knows what it's like to be in the ring with Toney. He may come in and really bully Toney and use his size to his advantage. So far no heavyweight has been able to do that.

I decided a long time ago to never bet against two guys. Bernard Hopkins and James Toney. I'm not gonna start now. James Toney will get the decision he should have gotten the first time around. PREDICTION: TONEY UD

JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA vs. TRAVIS SIMMS

This is going to be the fight of the night. I am a very big fan of Jose Rivera and am glad to see him getting some exposure on Showtime. This is a dangerous fight for "El Gallo". Simms is an undefeated southpaw with solid boxing skills. Simms and Rivera have one common opponent, Alajandro Garcia. "Terrible Travis" KO'D Garcia in round five on a punch when breaking. Garcia should have been protecting himself, but it was still a cheap shot in a close fight. Rivera knocked Garcia down five times in a absolute boxing clinic. Rivera has fought the much better opposition and Travis is coming off of a two year lay off. I'm still nervous of Simms being able to box and use his southpaw style to give Rivera trouble. In the end I think Rivera wants it more and should be able to pull out the victory. PREDICTION: RIVERA UD