Mayweather vs. Maidana 2 Undercard: Latest Pre-Rematch Odds and Predictions
Before Marcos Rene Maidana gets his second chance at Floyd Mayweather on September 13, fans will be treated to a variety of interesting bouts in the undercard.
While the list of competitions from top to bottom is not as good as other pay-per-views we have seen in the past, there are multiple title fights and plenty of top talent capable of putting on a show.
This will all lead up to one of the most anticipated battles of the year as Maidana looks to end Mayweather's undefeated run. Based on his aggressiveness the first time around, the underdog could come as close as anyone to finally beating the champion.
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Still, this is just one of a long list of matches on Saturday. Here is a breakdown of what to look for in the undercard before the main event.
When: Saturday, September 13
Where: MGM Grand in Las Vegas
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Watch: Showtime PPV
Odds: Courtesy of OddsShark.com as of September 8 at 12 p.m. ET
Leo Santa Cruz (-10000) vs. Manuel Roman (+3500)
Experts were questioning the merits of this bout as soon as it was announced, including ESPN.com's Dan Rafael:
Leo Santa Cruz is clearly one of the top fighters at his weight, and Manuel Roman is, well, not. Roman has just a 3-2-2 record in his last seven matches, with most of them being just six- and eight-round competitions. He is certainly not ready for a title fight on such a huge stage.
The good news is we will be able to see the best from Santa Cruz as he looks to get a dominant victory and build up his current undefeated record. It certainly is not an accident that a $100 bet for the champion only nets you $1.
Still, the Mexican superstar cannot afford even a mediocre win if he wants to really impress viewers. Expect a thorough beatdown that does not last too long.
Prediction: Santa Cruz wins by TKO
Miguel Vazquez (-390) vs. Mickey Bey (+300)
The other title bout on the card should be much more entertaining, as Miguel Vazquez and Mickey Bey could each come away with the IBF Lightweight Championship.
Bey has a lot of talent and seems to be improving in each fight as he gains more experience. While he did have a recent loss to John Molina, his last two wins showed he can take the next step in his career.
The problem is Vazquez is not going to give his belt away. The 27-year-old competitor has seen a lot of tough challengers come and go, but he simply keeps plodding his way to more wins whether fans enjoy the show or not.
He discussed the potential of changing his style for the upcoming match but told Edward Chaykovsky of Boxing Scene: "No, this is my style. My style is the style that took me to become a world champion, and I don't plan to make any drastic changes to my style. This is why I've maintained and been victorious. I may modify a little bit more aggressive attack, but again, this is the style that's kept me here."
This might not be great for fans, but it will be good for Vazquez as he defends his title one more time.
Prediction: Vasquez wins by unanimous decision
Alfredo Angulo vs. James De La Rosa (No listed odds)
After losing two fights in a row and moving up a weight class, it is tough to trust Alfredo Angulo to do much in the upcoming match. The fact both recent losses came by knockout only makes his case worse.
However, he explained to reporters that the reason he had to move up was that he had little energy at his previous weight class, via Dan Rafael of ESPN.com:
"I think this is a good fight for my weight. I've been getting my weight and my body ready for the next weight class. I cut a lot of weight before the last fight and I think my body will be better at middleweight. …
Basically I've been saying it all along I was going to stay at 154 up until my body said otherwise. It's not a struggle. I can still make 154 but not comfortably, so that's why the jump to 160. You know, I think I'm going to feel more comfortable. I'm going to be the ‘Perro’ that you all know.
"
If he is able to settle into the new class, Angulo could go back to being the talented boxer everyone expects him to be.
James De La Rosa certainly has the talent to earn a win, but he has not faced too many top competitors, and he will likely be overmatched in this bout.
Prediction: Angulo wins by unanimous decision
John Molina vs. Humberto Soto (No listed odds)
Even though there is not much on the line in this matchup, it may very well be the best of the night. Steve Kim of UCNLive.com agrees:
Both John Molina and Humberto Soto are aggressive fighters who are not afraid to go for the knockout when they get a chance. When these two veterans face each other, there will be plenty of openings for some big-time punches.
Molina was once a promising contender, but a poor recent stretch has put him out of the spotlight for now. He has three losses in his last six matches after starting his career 24-1. Meanwhile, Soto has been much better as of late with six wins in a row.
Soto should be able to keep his momentum while using his massive experience to find the perfect time to fight. This should help him go throw in what will likely be a back-and-forth battle.
Prediction: Soto wins by TKO
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