JOE CALZAGHE-MIKKEL KESSLER: WORLD SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
George Kimball: Calzaghe TKO9 Kessler: The biggest mistake Kessler made coming into this fight was admitting that he was half-English. Kessler has vowed that he won’t be intimidated by the crowd, and I’m sure he means it, but when he walks into arena and hears the roar 50,000 Welshmen he’s going to be one Melancholy Dane. Calzaghe by TKO in, say, 9.Â
Matthew Aguilar: Calzaghe W 12 (unanimous) A classic matchup between a pair of highly skilled boxer-punchers. The difference will be experience, and speed. Kessler, as talented as he is, has never been on this big of a stage. And while he will perform well, Calzaghe's constant motion will begin to wear on him once this fight reaches the championship rounds. Look for Calzaghe to sweep rounds 11 and 12 with precision punching and activity, to take a close, but unanimous, decision.
Scott Shaffer: Kessler TKO10 Calzaghe: Calzaghe has a lot of wins on his record, but not too many top quality wins and the younger, busier Kessler will ask him some questions he's not prepared to answer.
Darren Nichols: Calzaghe by UD: I'll be rooting for Kessler, but my money is on Calzaghe. He has been in with stiffer competition, he will have the home field advantage, and I believe his stamina will outlast the Viking Warrior - Calzaghe by unanimous but still close decision.
Alex Stone: Kessler TKO11 Calzaghe: This is pretty much the most important fight in the history of the super middleweight division. I picked Lacy over Calzaghe, I was terribly wrong. I picked Manfredo over Calzaghe, and though I have my protests about that stoppage... I was wrong again. I obviously don't count on the past and, apparently, like to think three times is a charm. It will be a close fight until Kessler takes the aging Calzaghe into deep water.  Calzaghe has the heart of a true champ and he won't quit, but the ref will stop it in 11.
Michael Gonzalez: Calzaghe by decision or late stoppage – Calzaghe’s Matrix like fast hands and slick footwork will separate from Kessler in this one. Though Kessler will be competitive throughout with his simple but effective because he does it so well laser sharp one-twos and good defense. Sit back and curse belligerently at your tele, just as the punters in Wales will surely be doing in attendance at 2:00a.m, this one will not disappoint.
Matthew Goldstein: Mikkel Kessler by close UD
Brad Cooney: Calzaghe by UD
Ray Campbell: Kessler by UD
Socrates Palmer: Calzaghe by close decision
BOXER PICKS:
William Joppy: Joe Calzaghe by UD
Allan Green: Joe Calzaghe by UD
Roy Jones Jr: Joe Calzaghe by UD
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JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ-ROCKY JUAREZ WORLD JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP:
George Kimball: Juan Manuel Marquez by decision: Between them Marquez and Juarez have six losses, those six aggregate losses, incidentally, include Marquez’ 1993 pro debut in Mexico City, when he was disqualified in the first round. They don’t figure to leave much in the ring in this one, and while we’re leaning toward Marquez by decision, wouldn’t be at all shocked if it went the other way.
Matthew Aguilar: Juarez W 12 (split) Why is everyone disregarding Juarez, the man who gave Marco Antonio Barrera a run for his money just last year? Sure, Juarez looked a little stale in the rematch, but he has been sharp - if not spectacular - since then. And, it wasn't all that long ago that Marquez was shut out by Chris John - his career supposedly in ruins. The Barrera win last March was impressive, but he was a fellow relic, and Marquez may have looked better than he really is at this point in his career. Juarez is younger, fresher, and, maybe, stronger. And, he is hungry and eager to prove himself after the disappointment of the Barrera rematch. Not to mention, Marquez will be looking ahead to Pacquiao. Stunner! Juarez, busier and stronger, wins by split decision.
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Michael Gonzalez: Marquez by decision – Juan Manuel Marquez seems set to take on mega-star Manny Pacquiao for a high profile rematch of an exciting bout. Then he lost to Chris John in match that he didn’t need. Remember that? Well this one is seasoned with the same spice as Marquez is facing a big time risk in Juarez after originally pulling out because of a grotesquely swollen knuckle. A loss could be dire for Marquez at this age (34), especially with such a big fight looming. He is the last of the legendary Mexican trio that was Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and himself. He would like nothing more than to top off his career with a cherry of a win over Pacquiao and secure his slot in the hall of fame, that should be motivation enough for the technically brilliant Marquez to overcome the young bull that is Juarez whose career also seems to hang in the balance after coming up short when fighting top shelf guys. Watch for Marquez’s one-two then left uppercut combo that works so well for him. From Juarez lookout for his genuine tide turner of a left hook.
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Darren Nichols: Marquez by UD: I don't see Juarez outboxing Marquez, so the best chance Rocky has is to land one of his powerful hooks to the body or upstairs. However, I see Marquez being able to stay away from Juarez' power shots, using his jab to take the fight by a wide unanimous decision.
Scott Shaffer: Juan Manuel Marquez by TKO9: Marquez will outbox Juarez and if he chooses to turn up the heat, Juarez might not see the final bell.
Alex Stone: Juan Marquez UD Rocky Juarez: This fight should be exciting, depending on which Rocky shows up... will it be the one who duked it out for 12 exciting rounds with Marco Antonio
Barerra the first time... or the one who lost a boring, glorified
sparring match a few months later. One thing is almost for certain,
Marquez is coming to fight, which should bring out the best in Juarez. It should be a good, close and exciting fight. After 12, Marquez will have his hand rightfully raised.
Ray Campbell: Juan Manuel Marquez by UD
Matthew Goldstein: Juan Manuel Marquez by UD
Brad Cooney: Juan Manuel Marquez by UD
Socrates Palmer Jr: Juan Manuel Marquez by UD
