Punchers

I'm fired up for the Jeff Lacy-Jermain Taylor bout. Although neither is anywhere near the player he was four years ago, they're still two guys who hit like mules, and are there to be hit. Based on what I saw from Lacy his last time out, the pick is Taylor. As always, the big question with Taylor is if he'll punch enough. I'm not sure I've ever seen such a talented fighter so limited by his refusal to throw his hands.

I also think Monte Barrett could give David Haye a world of trouble in the latter's heavyweight debut, because he neutralizes a lot of Haye's advantages. He's crafty, he'll be ready to go twelve rounds, he has a pretty good chin (although it has let him down at times in the past), and he has decent pop. Haye, on the other hand, likes to knock guys out early, has a dentable jaw, and hasn't shown that he can go to war for twelve rounds with a smart and rugged cruiserweight, much less an experienced heavyweight contender. Also, you get the feeling that Haye is kind of a playboy prima donna, while Barrett is all about boxing. Still, Haye is younger and more athletic. Ultimately, I (kind of) think the Brit will win.

Gancho boxing is 25 up and 9 down on its predictions in 2008.