Fight Predictions: Juan Manuel Lopez vs Orlando Salido / Andre Berto vs Victor Ortiz
Compiled by Mike Plunkett
Another big weekend of exciting world class boxing is upon us. Puerto Rico’s superb Juan Manuel Lopez, 30, 27 KO’s, makes a routine defense of his WBO featherweight title against the game Orlando Salido, 34-11-2, 22 KO’s, the former IBF featherweight champion. Salido is an interesting if uninspiring opponent given his last start, the loss of his title to the undefeated Yuriorkis Gamboa, Lopez’ featherweight championship rival, and at the very least should prove to be a measuring stick of sorts until such time the two featherweight kingpins are matched in a mega fight.
Andre Berto, 27-0, 21 KO’s looks to makes his sixth title defense of his WBC welterweight title against the compelling and periodically explosive Victor Ortiz, 28-2-2, 22 KO’s who is moving up from 140lbs for the opportunity. Berto has been accused of being a protected paper champion by some while others feel Ortiz is a talented no-hoper in over his head at 147 with nowhere to go at his natural weight.
Juan Manuel Lopez vs Orlando Salido (WBO featherweight title)
Donald Stewart
For me Juan Manuel Lopez keeps things on track with an early victory
“Bad” Brad Berkwitt
Juan Manuel Lopez wins by knockout. He has too much power for Orlando Salido which will end his night around the 4th round.
Geno McGahee
I suspect that Juanma will be too strong and will wear down his opponent down the stretch en route to a late stoppage.
Mike Plunkett
Juan Manuel Lopez takes the win via 3rd round TKO, but will anybody care? A showdown with Yuriorkis Gamboa is what fans want.
Andre Berto vs Victor Ortiz (WBC welterweight title)
Donald Stewart
Andre Berto with a unanimous decision with there still to be a big upset this year Victor Ortiz by a knockout or split decision.
“Bad” Brad Berkwitt
Andre Berto finally gets a tough fight, but in the end, he will pull out the unanimous over Victor Ortiz, somewhere in the range of 116-112.
Geno McGahee
Andre Berto will have some rocky moments with the strong Victor Ortiz, but he is a better fighter overall, sharper, quicker, and should overcome an early shaky start to beat Ortiz into submission by the 8th round.
Mike Plunkett
On paper Andre Berto looks like the obvious winner. He’s bigger as a natural welterweight and better rounded (at this point) than is Victor Ortiz, a Jekyll/Hyde sort of fighter if there ever was one. If the best Victor Ortiz shows up the night will be interesting and the potential for an upset looms, but methinks Berto will do something very early to make Ortiz tentative, allowing Berto to have his way. I’d love to see Ortiz upset the applecart but I expect Berto to prevail and retain his WBC welterweight title with a 6th round TKO.