April 2024 boxing predictions

The March Report

I've long said people underrate Anthony Joshua. It was only a matter of time before I would be on the wrong side of that pithy truism as well. Though the bigger mistake I made was overestimating Francis Ngannou on the strength of a performance where I maybe should have had even lower expectations for Tyson Fury. Usyk-Fury is not the most explosive match-up in heavyweight history on paper, but it is definitely one of the more interesting. Even if I am heavily leaning one way. I'll write about that in a month or so but for now let's review how what I covered in my March predictions (and two addendums) turned out.

• I wrote about Kholmatov-Ford and Lopez-Abe in a separate post here. Kholmatov and Abe were unfortunate on the night. A lot of people pointed to it as yet another example of boxing just being rigged but it would be more accurate to say that life just isn't fair sometimes.
  • Prediction: Ford by unanimous decision
  • Result: Ford by TKO 12
  • Prediction: Lopez by unanimous decision
  • Result: Lopez by TKO 8
• Credit to Nick Ball who rose to the occasion in a scrappy affair against Rey Vargas. It was a valiant performance. But Ball gave away the first half the fight and did not manage to pull it back despite scoring two knockdowns. 7 rounds to 5 feels fair, with the 10-8 rounds making it a draw on my card. The word robbery is being thrown around but since one of the knockdowns was dubious, it's only just that Vargas didn't lose his title.
  • Prediction: Vargas by unanimous decision
  • Result: Vargas by split draw
• I said "Kurbanov doesn't hurt easily" and Israil Madrimov took that personally.
  • Prediction: Madrimov by unanimous decision
  • Result: Madrimov by TKO 5
• Never seemed likely that Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz would stop Romero quicker than Davis did. I disliked how much trashtalking he was doing in the build-up but Romero's postfight interview was quite sad to watch. Poor kid was out of sorts and having thousands of people booing you can't be a nice feeling. I ain't no Christian bruv but wished him a nice Easter all the same. Oscar and B-Hop got no chill.
  • Prediction: Cruz by KO/TKO in the last third of the fight
  • Result: Cruz by TKO 8
• Congratulations to the ageless Cuban wonder, he's got a punch that I continue to underestimate at my own peril.
  • Prediction: Lara by unanimous decision
  • Result: Lara by KO 2
• Fair play to Brian Mendoza for being so game despite being so marked, this was an enjoyable fight and I have a lot of respect for Bohachuk trying to keep up the knockout streak despite obviously being up on all cards in the final round. He risked it for reward and it was entertaining to watch.
  • Prediction: Bohachuk by KO/TKO in the second half of the fight
  • Result: Bohachuk by unanimous decision
• One of the bloodiest fights I can remember in a long time. It was so sanguinary that it reminded me of fights from over 100 years ago. So sanglant that the highlights video is age-restricted on YouTube. On top of taking on a new opponent at short notice, Tszyu was really unfortunate to get such a dramatic cut, in such an awkward location, at such an early stage of the contest. The post-fight interview seemed to tease Fundora-Spence next, and the WBO wants Fundora-Crawford, but I'd much rather see a rematch of this bout.
  • Prediction: Tszyu by KO/TKO in the second half of the fight
  • Result: Fundora by split decision
• gg ez. Ramírez takes the cruiserweight title from Goulamirian to become the heaviest Mexican titlist in boxing history.
  • Prediction: Ramírez by unanimous decision
  • Result: Ramírez by unanimous decision
• Martinez did put Cordova down twice in the third round so I was nearly right 🤓
  • Prediction: Martinez by KO/TKO in the first half of the fight
  • Result: Martinez by majority decision
• A close contest where the two flash knockdowns that Jerusalem scored ended up getting him the nod on two scorecards. He's once again the sole Filipino belt-holder on the world stage.
  • Prediction: Shigeoka Y. by UD
  • Result: Jerusalem by split decision
• My last-minute prediction came to fruition as lil bro Ginjiro made short work of his last-minute replacement.
  • Prediction: Shigeoka G. by KO/TKO first half of the fight.
  • Result: Shigeoka G. by KO 2

I called the correct winner in all but 2 title fights, so things are moving in the right direction. When Ngannou got demolished my friend did his best to console me, he did so because he thought I must have lost a fair bit of money from how distraught I was at calling it wrong. He had sympathy for my wallet but not my pride.

April Schedule

Apr. 6th - Jack Culcay vs. Bakhram Murtazaliev, IBF @154lbs

Murtazaliev, the 31 year old Russian, has been a patient man. For several years he waited to get a shot at Jermell Charlo which never materialised and now the last of piece of Charlo's once undisputed title will be up for grabs. Culcay, who turns 39 in September, is no spring chicken. This is first (and probably last) chance to take part in an actual title fight but I think it's too big of an ask.

Prediction: Murtazaliev by unanimous decision.

Apr. 20th - Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia, WBC @140lbs

There's every chance this fight will get cancelled on account of Garcia's unorthodox fight promotion and/or mental health troubles. That boy ain't been right since losing his undefeated record and getting divorced. As callous as it sounds, that's not Haney's problem when they're in the ring. Though I think outside the ring Haney has made some unsavoury comments too. This fight is a mess. A generational talent against someone being dismissed as over-the-hill at 25 years old.

Haney lacks power, Garcia lacked heart when he failed to beat the count in his only loss. At times he seems to be lacking his marbles too. I only see one winner and I don't think it's going to be pretty. Wouldn't be surprised if we get a 'no mas' moment.

Prediction: Haney by stoppage/retirement in rounds 10-12.

I know. I had the same incredulous thought. Are there really only 2 (two) world title fights scheduled in April? It was enough to raise an eyebrow when March had a unexpected break. With 68 titles being contest 0-3 times per year I thought there'd be cards around the world every week. Shan't complain because it means less work for me, I'm just curious as to the reason if any.

If more do get announced at incredibly short notice I'll make another addendum.