One more time . . .
This weekend's rematch between Lucian Bute and Librado Andrade is sure to carry with it a handful of fireworks to keep the attention of the HBO audience. Bute prevailed victorious in the rivalry's first installment, despite being dropped violently in the bout's final round. However, the IBF Super Middleweight Champ was greatly aided when referee Marlon Wright's count went on so long that it was actually equal parts pathetic and laughable. Despite Bute holding a solid lead on all three cards, the controversy that came toward the end of Round 12 practically guaranteed us that a rematch was to follow.
Although I find Bute to have a more complete skill-set than Andrade, I anticipate the challenger to control the pace and tone of Saturday's rematch. Look for Andrade to stalk Bute around the ring in an attempt to pin the champion into the corners for periodic flurries. This may help the challenger in swaying the judges' attention away from Bute's superior ring generalship.
In their previous outing, Andrade showed that he is capable of hurting Bute. He will have to perform a similar feat if he hopes to pull out a win this weekend. If the fight goes the full twelve, expect Lucian Bute to retain his belt and wait for the winner of Showtime's 168 lb. unification tournament. However, if Andrade can chop away on the champion throughout the first six rounds, then don't be shocked to see a stoppage somewhere between Rounds 8 and 10.
I'd have to call this fight a "push".
But it's the holidays and I'm feelin' funky . . .
ANDRADE KO 10 BUTE!
| Lucian Bute vs. Librado Andrade II predictions | ||
| Examiner | Winner | For More... |
 Matt Stolow Dallas Boxing |
Bute |
Housecat notes, Pacquiao, Roy Jones, Jr. and Kessler |
 Scott Heritage Pittsburgh Fight Sports |
Bute Unanimous Decision |
Librado Andrade vs. Lucian Bute prediction |
 Samuel Rossi Columbus Boxing |
Bute 10th Round KO |
Forecasting Bute - Andrade II |
 Colin Seymour SF Boxing |
Bute |
Déjà vu conclusion to Bute-Andrade II will lead to serial rematches |
 Joseph Bourelly Oakland Fight Sports |
Bute |
Librado Andrade looks to drown Lucian Bute in deep water again |
 Colin Linneweber Boston Boxing |
Bute Decision |
"Mister KO" will again defeat Andrade by decision |
 Vivek Wallace Boxing |
Andrade Split Decision |
Prediction: Andrade/Bute, Funeka/Guzman |
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