Friday
The Hard Rock Casino, Las Vegas, NV
ESPN2
Javier Fortuna (19-0) vs. Cristobal Cruz (39-13-3)
Boxing360’s Pick: This is a good fight for Fortuna and a tough fight for Cruz. Fortuna is riding a high after taking out Yandale Evans in April in a spectacular performance. Cruz hasn’t won since 2009 and has gone 0-2-2 since then. But Cruz has only been stopped twice and that was early on in his career. When he loses now, he is a cagey vet who knows how to extend a fight. Fortuna will have to work to get him out of there. Fortuna by late TKO.
Magomed Abdusalamov (14-0) vs. Maurice Byarm (13-1-1)
Boxing360’s Pick: Mago is an interesting fighter. Awkward, tough and with power that seems to be effective at least on the second tier of heavyweights, this fighter is going to be exciting to watch. His opponent is no slouch. He took Bryant Jennings the distance. I don’t think he will do that with Mago. Abdusalamov by knockout in 7.
