Chavez’ team members held aloft a giant sized void penalty cheque, in reference to the fine Chavez would have had to pay had he done as some expected and came in heavy. Instead, Chavez has clearly worked hard, his body looking hard, his conditioning looking excellent. Looks can of course be deceiving, but if Chavez fights as good as he looked on the scale, it could be bad news for Vera; a fighter many felt should have been awarded the decision after the first action-packed fight between he and the Mexican star.
My prediction: Chavez by 8th-round stoppage.
There was today one fighter who failed to make weight and will be fined as a result. Orlando Salido, who was the WBO featherweight champ, came in at a heavy 128.25 and lost his belt before his defence against amateur superstar Vasyl Lomachenko. Salido will have to forfeit a portion of his purse to the man who will, in just his second pro bout, challenge for a world title – a title which is now vacant. Lomachenko, looking in superb shape, came in at a ready 125.25-pounds.
My prediction: Lomachenko on points or late stoppage.
