Bradley vs. Rios Card Predictions

WBO World Welterweight Championship: Timothy Bradley (c) (32-1-1) vs. Brandon Rios (33-2-1)

Luke Irwin: The marketing point is that they’re fighting for “pride”. Yeah, sorta. Let’s be honest, nobody in boxing fights for just pride. Alright, maybe Golovkin, but that’s it. For Bradley, it’s a marquee win to keep his name in lights and keep his name in discussions for Pay-Per-View fights. I mean, Floyd never beat him is all I’m saying… For Rios, he’s aware of his mortality, and it’s a chance for him to showcase on another big stage, why he is one of the most entertaining fighters on the planet and cash in on as many premium fights as he can before his body and brain scream “enough”. That being said, as we learned from the Provodnikov fight, Bradley is a classy boxer that can be dragged down into the sewers when he’s provoked, and nobody provokes a boxer into a firefight more than Brandon Rios. Rios will bring Bradley Jr. into a battle, but Bradley has the horses to match Rios’s thunder. Bradley via UD.

Nolan Howell: As we said, this is a big measuring stick for Bradley as to whether or not he is wearing down. Rios is game, but Bradley should be able to pick him apart and keep him away from going toe to toe. It will also be interesting to see what Teddy Atlas has in store for Bradley as his new head trainer. This is going to be methodical and the greatness of this fight will depend on whether Rios can wade through it. I don’t think that will happen. Timothy Bradley by unanimous decision.

WBO World Featherweight Championship: Vasyl Lomachenko (c) (4-1) vs. Romulo Koasicha (25-4)

Luke Irwin: Clearly a showcase fight for Loma for everyone tuning in to see Bradley and Rios beat each other until one man’s skull falls off. Lomachenko via UD.

Nolan Howell: This is a decent name, little threat type of fight for Lomachenko. Essentially, a keep busy and get a highlight win on a TV co-main. The big question is how he does it and I think he makes a statement. Vasyl Lomachenko by sixth-round TKO.

Middleweight Bout: Gunnar Jackson (22-6-3) vs. Ryota Murata (7-0)

Luke Irwin: The second bout on the card featuring an Olympic gold medalist, Murata is giving a showcase spot, as HBO is clearly building new spots in Loma and Murata. Ryota dominates here. Murata via UD.