Erislandy Lara v Jarrett Hurd - Super Welterweight

For the IBF, IBO and WBA Titles, this is a much more intruiging contest than the Truax- Degale fight. The clever and skillful Cuban, Lara will probably dominate the early rounds working behind his text-book southpaw jab and using his superior footwork and hand speed. Hurd however, is massive at the weight, has a huge height advantage and lots of power and a particularly heavy right uppercut. I can see this fight going one of two ways. Either Lara will outmanoeuvre Hurd for the first 8 or 9 rounds, then get on his bike and coast to a fairly clear points victory. Or Hurd will start to hunt him down relentlessly from about the 9th round onwards, wear him down and eventually land the big one and take the 35 year-old out. It is the biggest test so far for the unbeaten Hurd, and I wouldn't rule out a stoppage in his favour. However, I think that Lara is worth a bet at the odds to trade out after he has established  a clear lead on points. Lara is in great condition for his age and has never been stopped, although he has been down once or twice. The winner is likely to look for a fight with Charlo.