If at least one of these 3 matches (4 if you include Trout vs Grajeda, which I already started a thread on) doesn't't end in an upset I'll be mildly surprised. Rico Ramos vs Juan Riaz Rico Ramos has one of the worst chins in boxing in anything approaching a world class fighter. He's on the deck in almost every fight regardless of his level of competition. Juan Riaz is an iron chinned, high workrate, minimal power guy who's more than likely nearing the end of his career. He's never been stopped despite his 15 losses and facing plenty of hi-level opposition. IB has remarked he thinks he has the best chin of any active fighter in boxing (Think so anyway) He has wins over Cristobal Cruz, a razor thin loss to Victor Terrazas, a MD loss to Arash Usmanee just a few months ago, and he stopped an ancient Wayne Mcullough back in 08'. I have no doubt Rico Ramos is talented enough to outbox Ruiz like so many others have, especially in an 8 rounder... But he's so unpredictable and lacks any type of real ring IQ in there. Which leads us to... Victor Ortiz vs Manuel Perez Another physically talented fighter with zero ring smarts and a low ring IQ, facing another iron chinned, low power, high work rate fighter. Seeing a pattern here? Perez has wins over Jose Miguel Cotto, Edgar Santana (Recent Lamont Peterson victim) a draw with Brandon Rios, and a fight against Vernon Parris that I believe I scored for Perez. Ortiz has been stopped three times in a row... Two by non-punchers who completely separated him from his senses. Hasn't had a win in over 3 and 1/2 years and is now a part time boxer. Not a whole lot more to say except that I don't know if Victor has enough heart to last 10 hard rounds against someone who won't stop coming and who knows how to fight, light hitter or not. Edwin Rodriguez vs Derrick Findley My fears here stem from watching Edwin's last fight against Azea Augustama (Who?) Don't know if anyone caught this one besides me, but Rodriguez gassed and looked frighteningly sloppy after about 4 rounds of trying to blast out an opponent who wouldn't have any of it. Findley is the kind of fighter who springs an upset every few years... He knocked out Ronald Hearns, Andrzei Fonfara (An impressive win in hindsight) And beat Lamar Russ in his last fight. He's got a big punch and a good engine. As with all the underdog "opponents" this week he has an iron chin. Curtis Stevens was completely unable to discourage him, in a fight that was a actually fairly close. Rodriguez just doesn't seem to be taking his career very seriously after his big money Monaco tournament win and his following payday against Andre Ward. He looked out of shape and even sloppier than normal in his last fight. He's become an inactive fighter as well.
You owe me a few responses I agree its very possible Ramos has never recovered from the Rigo loss IMO, Ortiz is a wild card, you never know which one will show up, but I think Edwin will win Findley is good but usually loses on points and Edwin is just better. Also I would add Chris Pearson Vs Steve Martinez, and Badou Jack Vs Francisco Sierra they could both end in upset KO losses for the favorites. And for that matter Smith may smother his way to a close SD.
Hey I'll work on it We seem to be two of the only guys in General with an interest in the pseudo obscure side of boxing. IB as well, but his input usually spills out during his RBR's. I agree that the least likely upset is probably Rodriguez against Findley. Edwin does have talent, but he makes fights so much harder for himself than he has too, and I really do think his interest in training and the sport itself has waned post his big paydays.
Ramos...he have power but you lazy and too stupid. How Shimoda lose to him I never know. Silly Shimoda.
I'd be surprised if Ortiz or Edwin lost but not Ramos regardless of who he is fighting. Rico Ramos is quite the one-punch-wonder and has looked awful since, with only very select flashes of the competence needed to be world class. He is one of the worst title holders in recent history. Edwin is actually pretty decent I think he's better than most do and suspect he will be a worthy challenger to a big 175 opponent within the next year or so. Ortiz shouldn't lose as his opponent is nowhere near the men who have conquered him in the past then again it's been so long since Ortiz has impressed that I'm sure he won't... I must admit I'm not familiar with the three "B-side" opponents.
Sorry missed this threat the first time around. I think Ramos is a walking disaster, despite his 1-punch power. He could get ground down but he has the skills to take a decision if he has his head screwed on. Ortiz should see off Perez but neither of these guys impress me. Ortiz should have been a star but god damnit did he ever flop given his natural traits. Rodriguez is another that has failed to impress, barring 1 or 2 results, think he has enough to win again here though probably won't impress.
I think ramos and ortiz are the two most likely to lose and with ortiz you know it will be entertaining.
