Evgeny Gradovich vs. Jayson Velez
Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank
Lauren Pinkerston, Staff Writer
Yes, Jayson Velez technically has the better record here with three more fights and seven more KOs than Evgeny Gradovich, but I’m always a sucker for the more technical fighter, anyway.
Gradovich is going to work the ring like he always does, while Velez is going to try to do some fancy stuff for the first half. I predict that Gradovich will be able to hold him off long enough to tire him out before he drills him away with his technical mechanics. If he can get through the first half, I’d say it’s in the bag for Evgeny.
But in order to get there he’s going to have to maintain precise control and speed of the bout, and not let Velez land anything too powerful.
Prediction: Gradovich
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
Both fighters are on the up and up and both are undefeated. I expect a rugged, tough, physical battle with Evgeny Gradovich winning.
Jayson Velez has only fought twice since December 2012. Although I see Velez as the stronger fighter, I expect Gradovich to continue his terrific body punching and superior boxing skills to earn the victory.
Prediction: Gradovich
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
This is a tough fight to pick and I’ve been on the fence all week. I think Jayson Velez has more natural ability, but the one intangible that can swing this thing in Gradovich’s direction is heart.
If Gradovich is to be successful in his title defense, he’ll have to walk through some fire. I like the Mexican-Russian by hard-earned decision.
Prediction: Gradovich
