Last week we correctly chose former light heavyweight champion of the world Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs) to defeat BJ Flores (31-2-1, 20 KOs). Flores had actually began his career as a heavyweight before dropping down to the cruiserweight division. This natural size advantage was a major question ahead of this bout in terms of how much of an effect it would have in favor of Flores and against Shumenov. This was a valid question as it turned out because Flores pressure did make for some tense moments throughout the bout for Shumenov. It was a competitive fight but Shumenov technically was a cut above Flores in the skills department and went on to win closely contested unanimous decision in the end.
This week we have decided to go with the rematch between Carson Jones and local United Kingdom favorite Brian Rose. The two met this past February where Jones surprised Rose and stopped him in the very first round when the referee waved it off. Rose and his team felt it was a premature stoppage and will not get the rematch they were seeking. Now for those who follow the odds, Jones was a significant underdog with some sports books having him at +425 to the favorite Rose who was-550. This time because of upset the first time around the odds have been reduced by quite a bit as Rose is only a -170 favorite where Jones is just a slight +150 underdog.
Neither Jones nor Rose has fought since their first fight. Once again Jones will travel to the UK where Rose will have the local support. This should not play any role mentally for Jones who will be fighting his 5th fight in his last 7 in the UK. Time change and fans cheering against him should not be a factor as he is more than use to it. The element of surprise will be gone this time around for Jones. Rose will not be as careless as he was in the first fight. The pressure will clearly be on Rose as another loss in any fashion will set his career back further than it already has been from their first encounter. Rose actually had Jones hurt briefly before being caught himself. We’re going to pick Rose to protect home turf this time around and to come out victorious.
Disclaimer: Boxing360’s Pick of the week is strictly for entertainment purposes only
