Badou Jack vs. Lucian Bute
Liam Brady, Staff Writer/Graphic Designer
Badou Jack’s response to his upset loss has been very impressive, collecting impressive wins over Anthony Dirrell and George Groves.
This really is Bute’s last chance, and it is debatable whether he should fight for a title, when coming off a loss.
I see Bute giving it his all, but I think Jack will be able to stand up to what he offers and box on the back foot. As a consequence, I believe Jack will win a points decision, though Bute will give a good effort.
Prediction: Jack
Jack O’Connell, Staff Writer
I’ll be honest, I thought Badou Jack was damaged goods after getting walloped by Derek Edwards. I thought Anthony Dirrell was going to beat him down. I thought George Groves would knock him out.
Boy was I wrong.
Badou Jack has proven the doubters, including myself, that he is truly championship material. He now faces yet another tough order in the newly revitalized Lucian Bute. In Bute’s last outing, he put on an amazing show against James DeGale, losing a spirited effort.
While he fought with vigor, Bute fought the wrong kind of fight against DeGale, fighting the younger man’s fight. He brawled with DeGale, not taking the time to line up his power shots, especially his left uppercut. Luckily against Jack, who is more of a boxer than swarming brawler, Bute should be able to fight like the older, more tactical version of himself. Will that be enough the upset Jack, though? I don’t believe so.
Badou should be able to disrupt Bute’s rhythm using body work. Against Groves, Jack displayed aggressive body work, chipping away at the young bomber. Bute seems vulnerable to the ribcage, as he took body shots all night from DeGale.
You can’t count Bute out, however. His uppercut still remains a game changer. However, Jack should fight smart, slowly wearing away at the old warrior. Jack by competitive decision.
Prediction: Jack
Chris Nicastro, Staff Writer
Badou Jack reminds me a bit of Danny Garcia. I always count him out, but he somehow manages to pull out a victory.
Against a post-prime Lucian Bute? I’m counting him in.
Al Haymon is setting up a showdown with James DeGale, which I’m all for. Jack is liable to outbox Bute—possibly knocking him down once or twice on the way.
Prediction: Jack
Shelbi Keyes, Staff Writer
On Saturday night at the DC Armory in Washington DC, Badou Jack (20-1-1, 12 KOs) will defend his WBC Super Middleweight title against former champion Lucian Bute (32-3, 25 KOs). Jack is making his second defense of his title, while it will be Bute’s second straight chance to win a 168-pound title. Bute formerly held the IBF title from 2007 to 2012 before losing it to Carl Forch.
Bute is known to be a crafty fighter with the ability to go to the body well. But Bute isn’t as quick as he once was, and it seems that his punches are lacking the snap that they once had. While Bute’s career is winding down, Jack is continually rising to the occasion. I foresee Jack being the aggressor in this fight–closing space and decimating any attempt of Bute’s to maintain distance.
Jack will wear down Bute with his top-level counterpunching, and ability to land vicious body shots. Though I think Bute is still stiff competition–I anticipate Badou Jack will beat Lucian Bute via unanimous decision and retain his title.
Prediction: Jack
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
I’ve gone against Badou Jack in his last two fights, but he keeps proving me wrong. He outworked “The Dog,” Anthony Dirrell and convincingly beat George Groves.
I think this is a good test for Jack, as long as Lucian Bute puts up a good fight like he did against James DeGale.
With his stiff jab and good power, I think Jack has the stuff to put Bute away, perhaps for good. I see Jack and DeGale going at it later this year in a unification bout.
Prediction: Jack
