(Photo by Esther Lin/Showtime)
I was asked to make a prediction for the program for Saturday’s Carl Frampton-Leo Santa Cruz rematch. While what I sent in is not a typical boilerplate prediction but more of an analysis of what might happen, here it is:
For the previously unbeaten Leo Santa Cruz to prevail in this rematch of their 2016 fight of the year, he is going to have to find a way to dictate the pace of this fight in the early rounds. He has to match Frampton’s speed and footwork, which he managed to do in the latter part of their first fight, although not enough to come back for the win. If Santa Cruz, always known for a high work rate, is able to make these critical adjustments, expect him to win a close majority or split decision, setting the stage for a highly-anticipated trilogy. If he can’t adjust, we will likely know early in this fight.
(Eddie Goldman is the host and producer of No Holds Barred, at http://eddiegoldman.com.)
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