Saturday, September 12, 2015, Floyd Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs) takes his final walk to the ring as a professional fighter–or so he says–as he looks to end his career on a perfect note with victory number 49 against Andre Berto (30-3, 23 KOs).
The co-main event will feature a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido for the WBO Junior Lightweight World Title. The Martinez vs. Salido fight will follow Mayweather Promotions’ own Badou Jack “The Ripper” making his first defense of the WBC Super Middleweight World title against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves.
The first pay-per-view televised fight is a 10-round super featherweight showdown featuring Mexican power puncher Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo.
Also on the card will be Ishe Smith taking on Vanes Martirosyan in a 10-round bout as both men battle for relevancy in the the Super Welterweight division.
Read on for Round By Round Boxing’s staff picks for the “High Stakes” pay-per-view card and let us know who you think will win each bout.
Vanes Martirosyan
vs.
Ishe Smith
Photo by Esther Lin
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyan (35-2-1, 21 KOs) takes on 37-year-old The Contender alumni, Ishe Smith (27-7, 12 KOs) in Jr. Middleweight action this Saturday.
Martirosyan has certainly had the stiffer competition as of late winning a 10 rounder over tough Willie Nelson and dropping a 10 rounder to Jermell Charlo who challenges for a world title this same evening.
He has certainly also gained valuable experience in a draw with slick boxer, Erislandy Lara.
Smith has never been stopped as a professional, however this will be the night that streak comes to an end, Martirosyan by late round stoppage.
Prediction: Martirosyan
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
I like Vanes Martirosyan to win by knockout over Ishe Smith.
Prediction: Martirosyan
Kai Piercy, Staff Writer
I like Vanes Martirosyan to win on points here and bounce back from his defeat to Jermell Charllo. A bout I think he edged.
Ishe Smith is durable, with none of his seven defeats ending in stoppages.
But Martirosyan is considerably better and has the skills to cruise to a points victory. I can’t see it going any other way.
Prediction: Martirosyan
Sarah Gruber, Staff Writer
Neither fighter excites me much. I think this fight goes the distance; both are actually a good level of opposition for each other and need a win to stay relevant in the sports.
Let’s be honest here, we all are winners if Ishe Smith makes more meme-worthy faces! Who doesn’t appreciate Ishe face memes!?!
Prediction: Smith
Brent Herrin, Staff Writer
Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (27-7, 12 KOs) will look to add another win to his record when he squares off against Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyan (35-2, 21 KOs), Saturday night on the stacked Mayweather vs. Berto card.
Smith, 37, needs a win over Martirosyan in order for his career to keep moving forward. Martirosyan, 29, who lost via unanimous decision to Jermall Charlo in his last outing, will need a win over Smith if he hopes to land bigger fights down the road.
I think youth prevails in this one, and expect Martirosyan to cruise to victory.
Prediction: Martirosyan
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
There is nothing sweet about Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith. Vanes Martirosyan is an underachiever, and if he doesn’t dominate a well-past-his-prime Smith, I’m not sure where he goes.
I would like to see Martirosyan be active and force Smith to fight, which at his age he only does in spurts.
Prediction: Martirosyan
Jhonny Gonzalez
vs.
Jonathan Oquendo
Photo courtesy of Jhonny Gonzalez/Instagram
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
Jhonny Gonzalez vs. Jonathan Oquendo is a great matchup for Gonzalez.
The hard punching Mexican is looking to rebuild after a humbling stoppage at the hands of Gary Russell Jr. in March of this year.
In another Mexico vs. Puerto Rico match, look for Gonzalez to make a statement against his 5’4″ rival and stop him in the middle rounds.
Prediction: Gonzalez
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
Jhonny Gonzalez is the better all-around fighter here. I look for him to earn the win and a stoppage isn’t out of the question.
Prediction: Gonzalez
Kai Piercy, Staff Writer
The opening bout of Mayweathers pay-per view show is a potential war.
Jonathan Oquendo has an offensive style, but Jhonny Gonzalez should have enough to dispatch his counterpart within the ten round distance.
Prediction: Gonzalez
Sarah Gruber, Staff Writer
Another Mexico vs. Puerto Rico match here. Jonathan Oquendo is an aggressive fighter that is always moving forward, but with that style comes a greater room for error. The gauge I am using to make a prediction for this fight is based on a mutual opponent for both, Abner Mares.
Gonzalez beat Mares with a shocking first round TKO about two years ago. Mares then went on to defeat Oquendo easily as a tune up fight after his loss to Gonzalez. Oquendo tends to be overly aggressive and make mistakes and Gonzalez is good at making his opponents pay for their mistakes.
Prediction: Gonzalez
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Jhonny Gonzalez has been in some wars, and he’s coming off of stoppage loss to Gary Russell Jr. Jonathan Oquendo is going to be a good test to see what Gonzalez has left in the tank.
I dont’ expect a barn burner, but it should be a decent scrap and if Gonzalez has timing down and can still pull the trigger I like him to win.
Prediction: Gonzalez
Badou Jack
vs.
George Groves
Photo by Esther Lin
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
Badou Jack defends his WBC Super Middleweight strap against UK challenger George Groves Saturday night in an intriguing matchup.
Jack is coming off an upset win over the talented Anthony Dirrell in April and is clearly not taking the easy road with his first defense.
Groves dropped dominant Carl Froch heavily in the first round of their first championship match before being stopped somewhat controversially. Groves showed his durability in the rematch though it ended without question of the victor.
While Jack is no stranger to being the underdog, expect Groves to finally get the belt that he has been chasing by decision.
Prediction: Groves
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
I like George Groves here. Much of this is gut feeling, but I like the stylistic matchup for him against Badou Jack. I see him winning by decision.
Prediction: Groves
Kai Piercy, Staff Writer
Very few predicted Badou Jack’s stunning victory over Anthony Dirrell earlier this year.
But for many, Jack’s first-round defeat to Derek Edwards will still play a factor in their overall predictions.
George Groves endured a roller-coaster of emotions in the two battles with foe, Carl Froch. The mind games, the bitterness of the controversial first bout, and the heartache of the knockout defeat in the rematch.
A possible cause of his lethargic performances against Christopher Rebrasse and Denis Douglin, he also has a tendency to gas in the latter half of fights. There’s no doubt that Groves has a better skill set, and his counter right has the potential to take out Jack. I think Jack’s capable defense means he grows into the fight, as Groves will be tricky to pin down early on.
It’s been a long wait for the Hammersmith fighter, but third time’s a charm and he will bring the belt back to Britain, albeit, in a close and intense affair, winning by three or four rounds.
Prediction: Groves
Sarah Gruber, Staff Writer
George Groves has said he is looking to knockout Badou Jack and plans to dominate from the opening bell.
I think his overly aggressive game plan will fail him as Badou Jack is highly skilled and hungry to keep his belt. I see Jack staying calm and out boxing the aggressive Groves throughout most of the fight.
Prediction: Groves
Brandon Glass, Contributing Writer
This should be an interesting fight. While Badou Jack is probably the most skilled of all the boxers in Floyd Mayweather’s stable (besides Mayweather himself) he has some glaring flaws. A man of George Groves’ experience, will make this defense quite difficult for Jack.
The knock on Groves is this: if a world title is on the line, he usually is on the losing end. Groves may have a shot to turn that reputation around in this fight as Jack is no Carl Froch. However if Jack is at his best, footwork and defense will help him easily outbox the aggressively fundamental Groves.
Questions about Jack’s chin–after getting rocked by journeymen Derek Edwards in the first round of their scrap–will be answered as Groves comes in with a 70 percent knockout ratio.
Because of this, no matter what Jack does, Groves will have a shot until the final bell. I think Groves gets his 17th knockout and a new piece of hardware.
Prediction: Groves
Brent Herrin, Staff Writer
Another addition to the Mayweather vs. Berto card will include Badou Jack vs. “Saint” George Groves for Jack’s WBC World super middleweight title.
Jack lifted the WBC title off the undefeated Anthony Dirrell via majority decision back in April, and will look to make his first successful defense against Groves. Make no mistake about it, Groves will bring the fight to Jack and look to use his jab and good footwork to stay one step ahead of his opponent.
Jack will need to use his jab and lead hook in order to stay on top of Groves, and limit coming forward with his attack which could put him in prime position to get caught by one of Groves solid right hand shots.
This fight may actually end up being better than the main event, but then again, all the undercard fights will probably be more entertaining than the main attraction. Groves, being the more experienced of the two, has the slight advantage over Jack.
Prediction: Groves
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Hands down, this is my favorite matchup on the bill. Is Badou Jack the real deal? Can George Groves finally win a major title?
I think Groves will start fast, but the big question is if he will fizzle out in the second half of the fight. Jack usually has good defense–except for that time he did the Stanky Legg against Derek Edwards–so I really want to see if he paces himself and takes Groves’ best stuff through the first half of the bout, will he be able to capitalize and take over.
I’m giving Groves the edge here, but I think he has to earn Jack’s respect early and maybe even knock him down. Groves has gotten good sparring in Big Bear for this camp so I think he’ll be ready to go a full 12.
Prediction: Groves
Roman Martinez
vs.
Orlando Salido
Photo by Esther Lin
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
Roman “Rocky” Martinez meets Orlando Salido in a WBO Super Featherweight championship rematch. Martinez emerged victorious in their first meeting, dropping Salido twice on the way to a 12 round decision.
In a classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico clash this should be an entertaining fight and occasionally stray outside of the rules.
Expect a similar fight with a similar result, Martinez by decision.
Prediction: Martinez
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
I see this unfolding as the all action fight of the weekend. I can’t find a way, one that I would bet on with confidence, that Orlando Salido beats Rocky Martinez.
Martinez will repeat his performance of their first meeting and win again.
Prediction: Martinez
Kai Piercy, Staff Writer
It’s a rarity that a Floyd Mayweather undercard features an abundance of well-matched fights, and this rematch is another that should provide exciting viewing.
It’s said you learn more from your losses than wins, but Orlando Salido is a battle worn veteran, suffering five knockdowns in his last two bouts, and it’ll depend how much he has left in the tank as opposed to a significantly fresher Rocky Martinez.
Martinez knows how to beat, and knockdown his opponent. But to execute the exact same game plan is always high risk. But Salido only knows one way to fight, and that’s march his opponent down. If he can cut off the ring more effectively and quicker this time, he could snatch it.
However, I still prefer Martinez to do the double, winning by unanimous decision in another barn burner.
Prediction: Martinez
Sarah Gruber, Staff Writer
Should be a great fight as it is an action-packed rematch and a rivalry match of Mexican vs. Puerto Rican boxing.
I think the neutral location of Las Vegas in this rematch should help keep the fight even and it goes the distance to the judge’s scorecards.
I believe these two have a really close and highly offensive fight similar to Abner Mares vs. Leo Santa Cruz.
Prediction: Draw
Brandon Glass, Contributing Writer
Roman “Rocky” Martinez is an aggressive blood and guts type fighter that throws caution to the wind, grits his teeth, sinks into his footing and throws hard punches.
Orlando “Siri” Salido, although topically more experienced and crafty, is cut from the same cloth. Too bad for Salido that when he goes primal, he basically throws away all his advantages. Salido’s ego allows him to be goaded into a brawl every time; well, except against boxer punchers like Vasyl Lomanchenko.
Martinez is a slugger though.This time though the fight won’t be in Martinez’s backyard, which Salido (who is known for questionable tactics) felt the referee showed favoritism.
Martinez, while proving capable of beating Salido, has a lot flaws to be exploited, based on his honest approach. Truthfully this matchup will always be about how Salido fights more so than Martinez.
Salido is a bit more clever, so I expect him to fight a smarter fight this go around. He is determined to take back “his” title (since he felt it should have remained on his waist this entire time).
Prediction: Salido
Brent Herrin, Staff Writer
Romon “Rocky” Martinez will take on Orlando “Siri” Salido Saturday night. In their first encounter back on April 11, Martinez dropped Salido twice in the early going, and weathered a late surge from his Mexican opponent, to capture the WBO Super Featherweight title via unanimous decision.
I expect this rematch to go similar to their first encounter, with plenty of excitement and fireworks. Salido will try to correct the mistakes he made the first time around, but will still come up short.
Prediction: Martinez
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
This is a tough fight to call. Orlando Salido is 1,000 years old, so while he’s given us countless bad-ass fights to remember him by, he’s going to eventually get old in the ring, right?
We’ve started to see signs of aging and technical deterioration in Salido’s last few fights, so if he continues in that direction I’d expect to see some knockdowns and possibly a knockout.
Rocky Martinez is good enough to beat Salido at this point, but I really don’t expect the same type of action fight we saw the first time around.
Prediction: Martinez
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
vs.
Andre Berto
Photo by Ismael Gallardo/RBRBoxing
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
Undefeated Floyd Mayweaather Jr. defends his Welterweight championship against 100-1 underdog Andre Berto (30-3 23 Kos) on Saturday evening.
While Berto is 3-3 in his last six fights, he is a tough customer and is coming to fight.
Berto may have a moment or two but Mayweather is simply the technically and defensively superior fighter and will win a wide 12-round decision.
Prediction: Mayweather
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
I’m at the point where I’m asking myself, why ask why? I’m just dealing with it. The real question will be how bad the PPV numbers will look in the days after the fight.
Floyd Mayweather all day long and twice on Sunday, well, Saturday night.
Prediction: Mayweather
Kai Piercy, Staff Writer
Andre Berto needs a miracle, but he won’t get one. There is nothing in Berto’s arsenal to trouble Floyd Mayweather. He has a puncher’s chance if that, but a sizeable payday and the considerable exposure that comes with such an event, it’s a win-win for the challenger either way.
Mayweather will control the tempo and direction of the fight.The only remaining question is if he will “bow out” with a knockout. I fully expect a wide points victory, and I can’t see anything but 120-108 on all three scorecards.
I’m certain this won’t be Mayweather’s final fight either. Everyone knows he wants to break Rocky Marciano’s record, it’s the worst kept secret in boxing.
Prediction: Mayweather
Sarah Gruber, Staff Writer
I actually think this fight will be more interesting than most people expect, but I don’t believe it to be anything different than that of typical Floyd Mayweather fights.
No doubt in my mind that Mayweather uses his normal tactics of shoulder rolls and counter punches. I doubt there will be much toe-to-toe action in the middle of the ring whatsoever.
Ant true action or excitement from this fight will likely happen on the ropes or in the corners if one can trap the other somehow.
Prediction: Mayweather
Brandon Glass, Contributing Writer
Once slated to be the next big thing in boxing, Andre Berto comes in at 50 to 1 underdog on some books. While Berto has some tools to trouble Floyd Mayweather, it seems the whole world thinks that there is little to nothing the former world champion can do to send Mayweather off with a 48-1 record, and I agree.
Under Virgil Hunter, Berto has cleaned up his technique and dropped the god awful version of the shoulder roll, however he’s facing a master boxer who has proven he can make fighters of different styles all look the same: confused and frustrated.
I’m not a betting man, but smart money says it’s not lucrative to bet against “Money”… Mayweather.
Prediction: Mayweather
Brent Herrin, Staff Writer
Floyd Mayweather Jr,. will enter the ring for what is presumed to be the final time when he faces Andre Berto Saturday night at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Within the last 24 hours, rumors have began to circulate about Mayweather using a banned substance prior to his May showdown with Manny Pacquiao, and with all the facts surrounding the issue, this will more than likely be the last time fight fans get to see the pound-for-pound king in action.
In order for Berto to succeed, he’s going to have to score multiple knock downs or knockout Mayweather, but the chances of this happening are beyond slim to none. Look for Mayweather to stay on the outside and pick Berto apart with the ole one-two the entire fight.
I’m going to go one step further and say Mayweather will land 49 percent of his punches, and Berto somewhere close to 17 percent. The final match of Mayweather’s career is two days away, and there’s a good reason why seats are still available, because everyone knows Berto poses no threat to Mayweather.
Prediction: Mayweather
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
No matter how many different storylines and rhetoric-filled speeches that Virgil Hunter and Andre Berto try to throw at us, I’m not believing the hype. There is no special formula that will make this fight great, and I could care less if it’s “taken to the hood” as Hunter promised earlier this week. If I wanted to be taken to the hood I’d take a quick trip down to Barry Farm and play some pick up basketball.
The fact here is that Floyd Mayweather beats Andre Berto easily–every day of the week.
Hunter and Berto have tried to berate the media for being critical of this matchup, claiming people don’t know what fighters really go through and that most would never dare to step inside the ring. Whether you run 10 miles a day or make 10 trips to the pantry for snacks an hour, this mismatch is clear as day.
I’m not a meteorologist and I know nothing about barometric pressure, but it doesn’t stop me from getting pissed off at the weather man for telling me it’s going to be 90 degrees and sunny and then we get hit with a monsoon.
Mayweather wins a decision and retires–for five minutes.
Prediction: Mayweather
