By Geno McGahee
The heavyweight division is alive and well and there are some good matches coming up. There is big stakes with some of the most talented big men of the sport. Here’s a look at the upcoming fights and some predictions on the outcomes, but as Andy Ruiz, JR., showed us…anything can happen in heavyweight boxing.
Anthony Joshua, 22-1, 21 KO’s Vs. Andy Ruiz, JR., 22 KO’s – THE REMATCH
WBA, IBF, WBO Titles
The heavyweight division had a major shakeup when Andy Ruiz, JR., knocked out the WBA, IBF and WBO champion, Anthony Joshua. Now, the two are set for a rematch with only the location left up for debate. Most expected Joshua to win and most will expect Joshua to win the rematch, but the same problems that plagued him in the first fight will get him here too.
The plan for Joshua is to fight a distance fight, controlling range and keeping the smaller man away, but the problem is the speed and aggression of Ruiz, JR., who now knows that Joshua cannot win exchanges. He will force exchanges and knock out Joshua and I’m guessing it won’t take long.
Prediction: Andy Ruiz JR KO-2 Anthony Joshua
Deontay Wilder, 41-0-1, 40 KO’s Vs. Luis Ortiz, 31-1, 26 KO’s – THE REMATCH
WBC Title
We’ve seen how Deontay Wilder handles rematches. Bermane Stiverne is one of two men that took him the distance, but the rematch was very different. Wilder crushed Stiverne in one round and he is getting more dominant and confident with every fight. Ortiz, while he did well in their first encounter, has not looked great in his follow up fights against much lesser opposition.
Ortiz will not be competitive in this fight and will get blasted out early. The weight fluctuation between fights, the age, the last few performances all suggest an easy night for the WBC kingpin.
Prediction: Deontay Wilder KO-4 Luis Ortiz
Tyson Fury, 28-0-1, 20 KO’s Vs. Jarrell Miller, 23-0-1, 20 KO’s – POTENTIAL OPPONENT
Lineal Title
Tyson Fury nearly defeated Deontay Wilder and is set to challenge him in a rematch next February but needs a viable opponent before it. His last fight against Tom Schwarz was not in the same universe as Fury and was quickly defeated. Jarrell Miller had a fight with Anthony Joshua for the title set before Andy Ruiz, JR., stepped in. Miller ruined his chances by testing positive for PEDs and now needs to come back and make a statement. He has name value and Fury is looking for that.
If Miller becomes the choice, he could give Fury some issues, but he doesn’t have the power to knock out Fury and doesn’t appear to have the boxing skills to compete. Fury should easily outbox Miller and will probably get a late stoppage considering his more aggressive nature upon his return.
Prediction: Tyson Fury KO-10 Jarell Miller
Joseph Parker, 26-2, 20 KO’s Vs. Dereck Chisora, 31-9, 22 KO’s
The former WBO champion, Joseph Parker, is the only many to hold a win over Andy Ruiz, JR., making this fight pivotal in his career. Should he win and should Ruiz win, a rematch makes a lot of sense.
Parker fought well against Anthony Joshua and lost a close decision to Dillian Whyte and now sets his eyes on another Brit in Dereck Chisora. Chisora earned the high profile match up with a highlight reel knockout win over Artur Szpilka and will be competitive against Parker, but he speed and agility over the former WBO champion should be the difference in this one. Look for Parker to walk away with a definitive decision win with a couple of scares along the way.
Prediction: Joseph Parker UD-12 Dereck Chisora
Adam Kownacki, 19-0, 15 KO’s Vs. Chris Arreola, 38-5-1, 33 KO’s
Kownacki is one of the most entertaining fighters in the game, bringing the fight to his opponent and has power in both hands. He has added some names to his list of fallen opponents including former title challenger, Gerald Washington, and former champion, Charles Martin. He now faces off against former title challenger, Chris Arreola, in another fight to build the career of the Polish heavyweight.
Arreola is 38 years old and knows only one way to fight. He’s going to charge Kownacki and he won’t have to charge far as Kownacki will also be moving straight ahead. Look for Arreola to land some good shots but the younger fighter will prevail by stoppage after a very entertaining opening to the fight.
Prediction: Adam Kownacki KO-8 Chris Arreola
