Why Is Jean Pascal The Favorite Against Lucian Bute?

Lucian Bute is often referred to as an excellent technical fighter. Lately however, all that seems to be remembered of Bute is how he lost in a big way against Carl Froch and that his last two victories went the distance, which is a huge tell tale sign for a fighter who sports a record of 31 victories with 24 knockouts.

What happened to Lucian Bute?

Well, recently an injured left hand has affected the fighter, who is originally from Romania but now fights out of Canada.

Several expert (including HBO veteran Jim Lampley) have Jean Pascal as the favorite to win this bout. The reasons that are sited are Pascal’s speed, quickness and athletic explosiveness.

Everyone seems to agree that Bute is a better technical fighter but he won’t be able to keep up with Pascal’s signature swarming style (especially at the beginning of the bout).

Throughout their careers, Pascal has been a fighter that begins strong but finishes slow. Bute, on the other hand, is more of a slow fighter at the beginning of his fights, which will hurt him in this bout.

Another good measure of these fighters is that they both faced the fighter extraordinaire from the U.K., Carl Froch.

Against Froch, Pascal lost by unanimous decision while Bute was knocked out. Some will argue that Bute’s chin is suspect because Pascal, at least, has never been knocked out.

For all the reasons mentioned above and the reasons I may have omitted, Jean Pascal is the clear favorite against Lucian Bute.

However, make no mistake that this will be a close fight.

Close enough that it shouldn’t surprise anyone if Lucian Bute pulls it out by Unanimous Decision.

My prediction: Bute by decision.

What’s yours?