A Big Fight Wish List For 2012

ByJose Espinoza

This is an editorial piece on the five most wanted fights for 2012. I will include for each fight the potential outcome, as I see it. The list will be undoubtedly topped by the prospective mega-showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., though no-one that covers boxing is holding their breath.

1. Manny Pacquaio vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Depending on whom you wish to believe, this fight might or might not take place any time soon. Mayweather, at the moment, seems to be calling out Pacquiao for the mega-fight to happen, however he is still demanding all these drug testing rules be met.

Pacquiao at this point is either going to accept Mayweather’s terms or he will just choose to look elsewhere, which is unfortunate for all of us because the clock is ticking on Pacquiao’s career in the ring.

Verdict: Pacquiao by split decision.

2. Amir Khan vs. Lamont Peterson II
Khan’s controversial defeat to Peterson in Washington at the tail-end of 2011 came amid much finger-pointing, but did not obscure two plain facts: that it was a fine fight, and that Khan had no-one to blame for the close call but himself. A rematch is likely for the spring or the end of the year.

Verdict: Khan by unanimous decision.

3. Victor Ortiz vs. Andre Berto II
Ortiz announced his arrival in the big-time with a stunning, multiple knockout triumph over reigning WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto in August. They are already preparing for a rematch in Las Vegas next month. Boxing fans hope for and expect more of the same exciting boxing when they meet on February 11. The fight will be broadcast on Showtime.

Verdict: Ortiz wins by KO.

4. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez
Both these fighters are young and still developing their impressive skills in the ring yet if you put them in the ring together, I guarantee that they would produce such an exhilarating bout that it would be a sure candidate for fight of the year. The only thing stopping this contest from happening is ego. The ego of those in charge of Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions cannot let this mega-fight evaporate. It is unlikely this clash will happen this year but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Verdict: Alvarez by unanimous decision.

5. Andre Ward v Lucian Bute
Canadian, Lucien Bute, is a tough, technical fighter with an impressive and untarnished record. He matches up perfectly with Andre Ward, who is coming off his best year as a professional. These are the two best super middleweights in the world and this would be a gripping clash. At the moment this fight seems unlikely as Bute and Froch have been talking about a possible fight.

Verdict: Ward by KO.