Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Juan Manuel Marquez - On paper, this matchup doesn’t appear to be very competitive.  Now add in the fact that Mayweather Jr. weighed in at 146 lbs to Marquez’s 142 lbs, and it casts more doubt regarding Marquez’s chances.  That said, the feeling here is that this fight will not be determined so much by the weight factor but rather skill and Marquez’s ability to take Mayweather’s firepower, with more emphasis placed on the latter. If, and that’s a big “if”, the smaller Marquez can weather Mayweather’s early storm, he will surprise the boxing world by bouncing back to make the bout a competitive one. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking as a big Marquez fan, but I believe he’s trained so hard for this fight that he won’t fold quite easily on this night even if his opponent were Godzilla. Prediction:  Mayweather via split decision

Chris John vs. Rocky Juarez – Juarez was competitive in the first bout, but Chris John should’ve been given the close nod.  Looking to right the wrong, John will be even better in this bout, considering he’s now familiar with Juarez’s style, and he won’t be recovering from sickness.  Look for John to clearly outwork the always game Juarez only to earn a split decision.  Prediction:  John via split decision

Nate Campbell vs. Timothy Bradley - After defeating Juan Diaz and unifying the lightweight titles, Campbell now looks to prove he’s world class in another weight division. However, it won’t be easy as he faces one of the division’s hottest names in Bradley. Bradley made his official splash onto the boxing scene early last year when he upset English slickster, Junior Witter via split decision in Witter’s backyard. Since then Bradley has gone on to defend his title against Edner Cherry and Kendall Holt. The fight will more than likely live up to its expectations as both men are hungry for much bigger fights. Campbell has experience on his side while Bradley holds advantages in youth and speed. The bout should be nip and tuck for most of the way, with Bradley’s speed and youth pushing him ahead in the latter rounds. Prediction: Bradley via close decision

Junior Witter vs. Devon Alexander - Wily veteran meets up and coming young southpaw. If this fight had taken place three to four years ago, Witter would most likely be favored and rightfully so. However, we’re now in 2009, where Witter is 35 years of age to Alexander’s 22. Witter brings with him world class experience while Alexander holds advantages in youth and speed. Sounds like Campbell/Bradley, right?  Well, this fight should similarly be a close one, where once again youth will prevail as Alexander pulls away late to secure the decision.  Prediction: Alexander via decision

Victor Ortiz vs. Carlos Maidana - The winner of this matchup could very well be a future superstar in the junior welterweight division. Both are young, hungry, punchers, and those ingredients almost always ensure an exciting encounter. Ortiz hasn’t really been tested yet and Maidana is sure to provide a test. This matchup is a real coin flip. However, there is an inclination towards Ortiz, whom HBO has been building up. Don’t be shocked if both fighters hit the canvas at some point. This may be short, brutal, a FOTY candidate. Prediction: Ortiz via TKO

Juan Manuel Lopez vs. Olivier Lontchi: In Lontchi, Lopez will encounter a lighter punching boxer that likes to stick, move, and jab. It probably won’t be a devastating first round knockout like we’ve seen in the past, but Lopez should take about 5-7 rounds to finally break through Lontchi’s defense. Prediction: Lopez TKO 5-7

Wladimir Klitschko vs. Ruslan Chagaev - Can the undefeated southpaw Chagaev provide Klitschko with a real test? Chagaev didn’t look so hot in his last couple of bouts, but this could be the type of fight that motivates him to compete at the highest level. Wlad is on quite a run and it’s difficult to see him losing to any of the current heavyweight contenders right now. However, as the old boxing adage goes, “styles make fights.” On paper, Chagaev should provide Klitschko with his stiffest test in awhile and he will.

Prediction: Klitschko via decision.

Miguel Cotto vs. Joshua Clottey - Cotto is in another tough fight against the dangerous Ghanian. No one really knows how well Cotto has recovered since his brutal TKO loss to Antonio Margarito. His comeback fight against England’s Michael Jennings didn’t really tell us much considering the quality of his opponent. Clottey has proven that he is a solid welterweight contender. He gave Margarito all he could handle in a decision loss and dominated Diego Corrales and Zab Judah. Pre-Margarito Cotto would’ve been the easy pick. However, the nature of the Margarito loss creates a surrounding mystery whether or not Cotto has fully recovered from it. Cotto should box well early and take advantage of the fact that Clottey is a relatively slow-starter. Clottey might make it difficult in the latter rounds but in the end Cotto will hang on to prevail. Prediction: Cotto via decision

Ivan Calderon vs. Rodel Mayol - Calderon is considered by many a top 10 p4p fighter. Although his style isn’t very pleasing, one cannot deny that it’s extremely effective. Mayol is a respectful opponent but he’s lost three times in the last three years to lesser opponents. Calderon hasn’t yet learned how to lose and Mayol won’t be the first to tarnish his pristine record. Prediction: Calderon via UD

Juan Urango vs. Andre Berto - This is a matchup that just popped out of nowhere. Urango, the IBF Junior Welterweight Champion, moves up to face WBC Welterweight Champion, Andre Berto. The randomness of the match leads one to believe that Berto has been matched up against Urango to help Berto look great against a smaller champion from a lower weight division. Berto struggled to look good against respectable welterweight contender, Luis Collazo, and he’ll be itching to look rejuventated in this bout. Expect that to happen. Berto’s superior handspeed and slickness will earn him the unanimous with Urango having a few moments along the way. Berto UD 12

Kermit Cintron vs. Alfredo Angulo - Cintron has shown a tendency to break down when the going gets tough, and Angulo should make it extremely tough. Angulo should weather an early storm and break Cintron down between rounds 6-9. Angulo TKO 6-9