Headlining on ESPN tomorrow night. The boricua Olympian and two-division champion looks to rack up some positive results after losing three fights in as many years. Meanwhile this is probably the last chance to make a serious run at contention for the veteran Trinidadian-Brooklynite southpaw. Good match-up, don't see Pedraza walking through crafty LesPierre - but really doubt he loses here. 116-112 range UD, most likely.
LesPierre is tough as nails, he took a beating against Hooker, but was never all that competitive against him. I picked Zepeda to beat Pedraza, but that's because I rate Chon so highly and thought he'd have a stylistic advantage, it has nothing to do with not rating Pedraza, who I also hold in high esteem. So in all likelihood, Pedraza who still managed to loo damn good in both of his recent losing efforts, will be just too fast, too slick, and pick Mik apart from the outside, then dominate him in close late, probably win am occasionally competitive UD or possibly even scoring a late stoppage win.
Pedraza is IMHO one of the most underrated fighters in boxing, and when on top form, has the potential to beat damn near anybody he is facing, regardless of how skilled/tough/talented/athletic/physical/elite they are. If Pedraza is anywhere near his top form, he should outpoint LesPierre without breaking too much of a sweat, if any. And that's no sleight to LesPierre, he's not just gonna roll over and die or kick it in without dropping his $.02. He's good, tough, proud, and skilled enough to not get stopped but if Pedraza is on point LesPierre won't be doing much besides involuntarily headbanging like he was at a metal concert.
