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http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/predict1.htm
During the last three months of 1998, Floyd Mayweather Jr., a 1996 U.S. Olympic bronze medallist not only established himself as the best 130-pound fighter on the planet, but also one of the premier pound-for-pound boxers as well. With a thoroughly one-sided TKO victory over Genaro Hernandez to win the WBC title in October of that year, Mayweather followed that triumphant masterpiece with an early blowout of the revered Angel Manfredy two months later. Surging from these two career-defining fights, it appeared that if there was anything out there that could stop one of boxing's brightest superstars it would be Floyd himself. This Saturday night at the MGM Grand, "Pretty Boy" Floyd will not only be opposed by his expected ringrust, but also the most formidable opponent of his career in Diego "Chico" Corrales.
Corrales, the new explosive thin man from Sacramento whom until recently held the IBF jr. lightweight title will be engaging in his 6th title fight in a 15 month span. At 6' tall, Corrales more than stands a chance to defeat Mayweather. It is his vaunted physical and peaking abilities that pundits have considered as being enough to dethrone Mayweather in this year's first superfight. It's the boxer vs. the puncher: the Willy Pep vs. Sandy Sadler of the 21st century. What also makes this mega match-up salivating for fight fans is the fact that that neither guy likes the other. To get an idea of which fighter boxing insiders like; the CBZ has polled some of boxing's most proficient analytical guru's.
"I know that I'm in the minority here, but I like Floyd Mayweather by decision. I know that Diego is a rough guy, but I feel that Floyd's handspeed is going to be a HUGE factor in the bout. Corrales MUST bring the fight to him and put some hurt on him early to win. But while Diego is moving in, he'll be greeted with very fast jabs & combinations that, IMO, will keep him from getting set to throw his shots. Also, if everyone leans to one fighter in a big showdown, the other guy usually wins (EG: Hagler - Leonard, Morales - Barrera, etc.). That said, I wouldn't be surprised to see Corrales win but my gut tells me Floyd by decision. Steve Coughlin, The CBZ
"I like Mayweather on points. He's too quick for Corrales. He'll minimize the exchanges, take advantage of Corrales' leaky defense, and win much more easily than most anticipate. Then again, if he gets hit cleanly ..." Steve Farhood CNN/SI; HBO Website
"Mayweather's mind doesn't seem to have been greatly focused on fighting - at least not in the ring - for much of the last year or so. Corrales has had three good wins over Derrick Gainer, Justin Juuko and Angel Manfredy since Mayweather's unconvincing defeat of Goyo Vargas, and just about decides it for me. A definite maybe to Corrales." Gerry Callan, Irish Boxing Yearbook and Irishboxingnews.com
"I'd think Mayweather would be very cautious and not engage Corrales in anything resembling a brawl, so he might do best by forcing it to be a very boring bout. Corrales could catch him and hurt him, but I think Mayweather's too quick and will outbox him for a distance decision. Jay Miller, Quincy Patriot Ledger
"I pick Corrales to win, possibly by knockout late in the fight. I've seen the pretty boy training in Phoenix and he's more talk than walk. They say that Chico hasn't yet fought a Mayweather, well, I assure you Floyd has never been in with a Corrales." Rick Farris, The CBZ
"The boxing public seems to be jumping on the Corrales wagon but I'm not gonna be one of them. Mayweather is the more talented guy here, despite his recent managerial chaos out of the ring. Corrales may have too much personal anger going into this fight and it may lead to his undoing. He'll be too power-oriented going into the fight, and I expect him to be looking to load up on Floyd. Because of that, I see Floyd beating him to the punch all night with superior speed and slicker movements. Corrales has never seen anyone with the kind of speed Floyd will bring. Also, we saw that Floyd is awesome in big fights - knockouts of Genaro Hernandez and Angel Manfredy - and the feeling here is that he'll rise to the occasion once again. Mayweather wins on points." Ted Bodenrader, The Ring Magazine
"This fight is very difficult to call for several reasons. One, both fighters have had their share of out of the ring distractions. Two, Mayweather has not fought very much recently, and will likely not be as sharp as he is capable of being. Three, Corrales has made weight before, but is so tall that it has to be difficult to cut the pounds, which may weaken him, somewhat. I see Mayweather letting his ego force a quick start, but then he will wisely back off when he sees that Corrales can take his punches. It will be a chess match the rest of the way, with Mayweather pulling out close decision." Knuckle Junction, The CBZ
"The only way I can see "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather losing this fight to Diego Corrales is if Mayweather's "inactivity" has eroded his elusive defensive skills. In his last fight against Emanuel Burton, Floyd was touched up more than ever before in his career by his overmatched opponent. But he still dominated the fight and stopped his opponent. When Mayweather stopped Angel Manfredy in his first title defense, all his punching power and defensive prowess were on display in the less-than-two-round affair. The fair question: Does Floyd Mayweather still have those kind of skills? I say, yes. Against, perhaps, his toughest opponent with near-equal skills in Diego Corrales, Mayweather wins by a KO in Round 7." M. Mark Beiro Ring Announcer
"The oddsmakers who are calling this a pick'em fight have no balls. How can Corrales NOT be the big favorite? I have to go with Corrales. Corrales is what the old-timers call the dangerous beanpole. Saddler, Hearns, Arguello, M. Spinks, are just a few dangerous beanpoles that spring to mind. When they lose, it is to big bangers, which Mayweather is not. (The Pep victory over Saddler is the exception that proves the rule; and remember, Pep was rough!) Can Mayweather win? Not really; his only chance is to stink the joint out, Pee-Wee Whitaker style, and run and pitty-pat jab all night. I don't think he can do that, so my prediction is as follows: Corrales will beat down Mayweather within 6 rounds. And it ain't gonna be pretty." Mike DeLisa, Founder/Co-Publisher, The CBZ
"Corrales by 7th round TKO." Pusboil, The CBZ
"I predict Mayweather by unanimous or split decision in a boring non-slugfest. Mayweather looked bad in his last fight and won't look bad in 2 bouts in a row. Similarly, Corrales has been on a knock out tear and it has to stop sometime. Mayweather's speed and ring generalship should put on the perfect boxing lesson in this "superfight." I think it will be a huge let down. You heard it here first." If you doubt my powers of fortune telling, check out my predictions at: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/Terminus/mrmohammedkhan/record2.htm Mr. (Mohammed) Khan, The CBZ
"Corrales by decision." Max Kellerman, EPSN Boxing Analyst
"It's going to be the basic boxer vs. slugger fight. However, with Diego being so big and hitting so hard, I think Mayweather is going to have to be sure not to get lured into a slugfest. If he gets lured into that type of fight, it could end at early. If he fights a great fight and hits and moves and avoids being hit, like he can do so well, then he can defeat Corrales. As for my prediction, I am going to go out on a limb and say Corrales by KO in the later rounds. Eventually he just has to catch Floyd with one big punch and I think he can, although it may take a while. Also, don't be surprised to see a boring fight with Floyd running all over. "Irish" Pat Kelley, FightNews.com
"Mayweather by decision." Gary Randall, President/Co-Founder, Houseofboxing.com
"I'm gonna go for Mayweather on a tight points decision. Everything points to a Corrales victory - the power, the physics, the chin, the in-fighting. But he's simply overwhelmed all his opponents thus far, which I don't think he'll be able to do with Mayweather. I want to see what happens when he can't find his opponent, and is forced to think. Mayweather has the speed (hand and feet) to get in and out, as well as a good defense and enough accuracy with his punches to stop Corrales from getting off. Mayweather has a massive ego, but I don't think he's stupid enough to stand in front of Corrales. Mayweather hot-dogs and lets his ego get in the way when things are easy. This will not be easy, and I don't believe he'll have time to hot dog. I just think, at the end of the day, he has more options than Corrales." Derek Bardowell, The CBZ
"This fight is as close as they come. They are without a doubt the two best at 130lbs and are also the only two fighters who can beat each other. I think Corrales should win the fight. He is just too big and strong for any Junior Lightweight. Mayweather's speed will be the difference early, but as the fight goes on Corrales will get closer and closer. Floyd will have to stop eventually, and this will be the beginning of the end. He simply will not be able to keep Corrales off of him. Corrales will stop him in the late rounds..." Brian Hernandez, HouseOfPainBoxing.com
"This is an extremely tough fight to pick. I could make a very convincing argument for Mayweather to win an easy decision or Corrales to score a devastating knockout. With much trepidation, I have to go with Mayweather to win a decision. Other than his own boasting, he has not really proven himself to be as great as he wants us to think he is. As much as I would like to see him humbled, I think he knows the importance of this fight and won't take Corrales lightly. Nor will he take any chances. He'll use everything in his vast arsenal to stay out of harm's way ands outbox Corrales en route to a decision victory. Nine times out of ten you have to go with the boxer over the bomber. While Corrales is no slouch in the boxing department, Mayweather will dazzle the judges with his speed and go home the victor." Bob Mladinich, The Fist
"Mayweather has an ego problem, it affects who he fights and how he fights them. Certainly his skills and speed are enough to beat Corrales by decision, but that's the Lennox Lewis way. Unlike Lewis, Mayweather values balls over brains and sooner or later (most likely sooner) he will feel the need to mix it up. It is here that Corrales will do damage to help him later and win rounds. Floyd will eventually move out to avoid a brutal KO defeat but he will be weakened from brawling and this time he will not stay away and he gets chopped down in the ninth." Alex Hall, The CBZ
"A war! I always go with the boxer in a match like this, so Mayweather by a close decision." Bob Trieger, Publicist for John Ruiz & Micky Ward
"I see this as a rerun of Hearns-Cuevas or Hearns-Duran. It's all about physics. Granted, Floyd is WAY more mobile than Cuevas or Duran but the principal remains the same. Corrales is such a freak of nature as a jr. lightweight. Floyd's only chance to win is to get inside like Sugar Ray did on Hearns ... But it ain't gonna happen. Corrales, unlike Hearns, is a motherfucker on the inside. If Floyd's stones & ego are heavier than his brains, Corrales by KO between rounds 2-5. If Floyd decides to run, Corrales W12." The Ol' Spit Bucket (a.k.a. GorDoom & Stephen Gordon), Co-Founder/ Managing Editor-in-Chief/ Quaker Pacifist The CBZ
"Mayweather by decision." George Kimball, Boston Herald
"This is a contest between two of the more problematic personalities to enter the game recently, but there's no doubt in my mind who's wearing the white that--you have to go for the delusions-of-grandeur guy over the probable psychopath. There are plenty of solid reasons to pick Corrales, reasons that have been ably stated, but Corrales does get hit--Robert Garcia nearly had him out, and Mayweather is considerably quicker than Garcia and has some decent pop. So, since I'm not risking any money, I'm picking Mayweather to TKO Corrales somewhere during the mid to late rounds. But logic aside, and despite the fact that Corrales says we'll understand his point of view when his case comes to trial, here's hoping Floyd beats him like a pregnant woman." Lucius Shepard, The CBZ
"I think under different circumstances this would be a tough call. Normally I always go with the smooth boxer. But inactivity hurts the boxer more than a puncher. Plus the word is down at the Nevada Partners Gym is that Roger is no trainer. It seems also that James Prince has surrounded Floyd with "yes" men. Much the same way Don King did with Mike Tyson. Remember Tokyo? So, with all that said, I think that Corrales will walk Floyd down and really put a whuppin' on him down the stretch a win by a comfortable decision or late round stoppage." Rich Jones (a.k.a. Sin City Richey), The CBZ
"One can build a case for either boxer to win. Mayweather's speed and elusiveness can earn him a decision if he boxes a smart fight and doesn't get reckless or stay in front of Corrales too long. Corrales can win if he can land some forceful punches to "pretty boys" face and not be discouraged by all the angles and movement. Most judges give points for aggressiveness and punches thrown along with the basics. Whichever fighter appears to be in charge and busier will win this bout. Based upon Mayweather's last fight with Emanuel Burton, I would go with Corrales. He must remember to throw enough punches each round. Knocking out Mayweather will be hard to do. Other factors, such as, Miguel Diaz in Corrales corner and the absence of Mayweather, Sr., in Floyd's corner can only help Corrales' game plan. So I look for a decision win for Corrales. " Mel Baron, Fightnews.com
"I was hoping I could duck out of my own poll, but I'm expecting Floyd Mayweather to pull out a close if not controversial decision. I think Mayweather and Corrales compare very well both in style and on paper but there is more to gain for boxing if Mayweather wins. If Corrales wins, there is a good possibility that James Prince's prophecy will come true. With that said, not many will care to know what happens in the aftermath. Neither fighter has shown any real signs of weakness but the gut feeling (which changed moments before I wrote this) here is that Mayweather will come into this fight in phenomenal condition and have the wherewithal to outbox Corrales in scintillating fashion that will move him back in the neighborhood where Jones, Trinidad and Mosley preside. P.S. - Mayweather pulls himself off the deck to do it." JD Vena, Associate Editor, The CBZ
Mayweather, KO 11. The biggest question is whether or not Mayweather can rise to the occasion after mail-in jobs in his last two fights. He has the edge in big fight experience, having gone through big fights vs. Genaro Hernandez and Angel Manfredy, which leads me to believe he can deliver a brilliant performance in a fight like this. Corrales hits hard enough that he might put Mayweather on the canvas early. His height can also give Floyd problems, but eventually I see Mayweather's speed and skill making the difference. Stephen Tobey Boxing Digest
"I look for Mayweather to take an early lead and for Corrales to storm back and stop him late. And then Mayweather will start his sniveling." Phrank Da Slugger, The CBZ
"I like Mayweather by decision, feeling he will box a smart fight and not get caught up in trading punches toe-toe, although there are times when he may well HAVE to fight as well as box due to Diego's pressure. If Justin Juuko could hit Corrales with lots of right hands, Mayweather figures to do so, too. Simply, I think he can do a good job of hitting Corrales and avoiding a lot of Diego's shots. But I believe there will be some tough passages for Mayweather and I think he will have to dig down deep to come through these stormy moments." Graham Houston, Boxing Monthly
"I'm picking Mayweather by a close decision. I think he'll start off fast winning the first three rounds. Corrales will come on and take the next four rounds and possibly drop Mayweather once during that stretch. Mayweather will then suck it up and come on strong to regain the lead and then hold off a fired-up Corrales in the last two rounds to win a close decision." Dan Cuoco International Boxing Research Organization & The CBZ
"I think that the key to this fight is whether or not Floyd will want to try and outbox the hard hitting Corrales or if he stand and trade with him. Though Floyd can out-quick most fighters in the game today, in recent outings he has shown the willingness to stand in close with his opponents. Corrales has shown that he maintains his power punching even in the later rounds. I think that Mayweather might start off with a boxing game plan and slowly this fight will turn strategy wise in Corrales' favor. The fight will probably go twelve but I am leaning towards.... DIEGO CORRALES KO11." Mike Nosky, Secondsout.com
Diego Corrales KO6 Mayweather has the handspeed and the boxing skills to easily outpoint Corrales. Unfortunately for Floyd, he'll have to feed his overinflated ego by trying to come out strong and get a piece of Corrales. When he tries, Corrales will punish him severely. I expect a lot of contact early, with Floyd getting the worst of it. Chris Bushnell, Editor, BoxingChronicle.com
"Corrales by TKO9" Joe Bruno, CBZ
Totals: Mayweather 18; Corrales: 15
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