By Gav Duthie: January can often be a quiet month for top level boxing but there are some very interesting fights happening in the next few weeks. Here is the list of my top 5.
(5) Anthony Joshua 10-0 (10) v Kevin Johnson 29-6-1 (14)
31 January
London
Kevin Johnson may have lost his last 3 fights but is a very respected tough and skilful heavyweight among his peers. At present Johnson has never been stopped and was one of only a few to take Vitaly Klitschko the scheduled distance. Johnson’s lack of title success is largely due to a lack of effort as opposed to skill and this is a huge step up for AJ. Joshua is likely to get some much needed rounds under his belt in this one but if he does knock Johnson out then this will gain him massive respect.
Joshua UD 10
(4) Kevin Mitchell 38-2 (28) v Daniel Estrada 32-3-1 (24)
31 January
London
This is an interesting bout as both Mitchell and Estrada target Jorge Linares WBC Lightweight title. Estrada was the victim in one of the knockouts of the year as he fell in the 9th round against Omar Figueroa. Kevin Mitchell scored a good 11th round stoppage of Ghanian Maduma although he was behind on the cards at the time. Both Mitchell and Estrada’s performances last time out make this bouts final eliminator status questionable but both are desperate for the opportunity. This would be Mitchell’s 2nd crack at a world title after being stopped by Ricky Burns and he may not get another.
Mitchell UD 12
(3) Gilberto Ramirez 30-0 (24) v Maxim Vlasov 30-1 (15)
24 January
Colorado
Very intriguing fight as Gilberto Ramirez is one of the hot prospects looking to take over the Super Middleweight division with the possible retirements of Carl Froch and Andre Ward looming. Ramirez alongside the Dirrell brothers, Andre and Anthony as well as British duo James DeGale and George Groves. Vlasov has only 1 defeat to the awkward South African Isaac Chilemba who now campaigns in the light heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions.
Ramirez TKO 8
(2) Mike Alvarado 34-3 (23) v Brandon Rios 32-2-1 (23)
24 January
Colorado
Both men find themselves needing a morale boosting win since mixed fortunes following their last bout together. At present they both have one win a piece with the loser of this bout in serious trouble at world level. Alvarado failed to out-slug Ruslan Provodnikov and failed to outbox Juan Manuel Marquez whilst Rios was dominated by Manny Pacquiao before gaining a DQ win over Diego Chaves.
Rios KO 10
(1) Bermaine Stiverne 24-1 (21) v Deontay Wilder 32-0 (32)
17 January
Las Vegas
The most intriguing heavyweight bout for a long time. Its no disrespect to the Klitschko’s I am actually big fans its just that I always expect them to win. Both Haitian Stiverne and American Wilder look good but are largely untested. Champion Stiverne has two good wins both against Chris Arreola and Wilder’s only impressive scalp is Malik Scott who didn’t really look like he wanted to be there. I think if Stiverne wants to stand against the ropes he could lose early but if he can take it to the mid rounds he would no doubt be the favorite.
Stiverne KO 5
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