Champions Bracket Finals
Champions Bracket Finals
Finals Bouts - Who does everyone think will win?
106: Luis Yanez v Diego Hurtado
112: Rau'shee Warren v Aaron Alafa
119: Roberto Marroquin v Ronny Rios
125: Raynell Williams v Hylon Williams
132: Sadam Ali v Jerry Belmontes
141: Dan O'Connor v Javier Molina
152: Keith Thurman v Demetrius Andrade
165: Shawn Estrada v Daniel Jacobs
178: Christopher Downs v Yathomas Riley
201: Quantis Graves v Deontay Wilder
201+: Kimdo Bethel v Michael Hunter
106: Luis Yanez v Diego Hurtado
112: Rau'shee Warren v Aaron Alafa
119: Roberto Marroquin v Ronny Rios
125: Raynell Williams v Hylon Williams
132: Sadam Ali v Jerry Belmontes
141: Dan O'Connor v Javier Molina
152: Keith Thurman v Demetrius Andrade
165: Shawn Estrada v Daniel Jacobs
178: Christopher Downs v Yathomas Riley
201: Quantis Graves v Deontay Wilder
201+: Kimdo Bethel v Michael Hunter
I;ll start with my predictions:
106: Yanez wins, but Hurtado will keep it relatively close. I'd say a 5-10 point victory in the end.
112: Warren defeats Alafa by at least 8 points.
119: Rios defeats Marroquin once again, but it will be very close.
125: A Williams wins this bout. Raynell defeats Hylon in a very close bout.
132: Ali-Belmontes. This is going to be a good bout. I think Sadam might win the rematch, but something tells me to go with Belmontes. I wish I could be there to see this bout. Belmontes in a nail biter.
141: O'Connor keeps surprising me, but I don't think he will beat Molina.
152: Andrade defeats Thurman.
165: Jacobs outpoints Estrada.
178: Downs defeats Riley once again. Downs just has Riley's number.
201: Quantis Graves will do much better than he did in his bout against Wilder in Colo Springs in June. Quantis needs to use his foot speed and head movement to get inside. Once inside he needs to use his handspeed and then use combinations and footwork and head movement to not get hit. As long as he does not overreach with his punches, he won't get countered like he did in June. Don't forget to use body punches Quantis and double up/tripple up on his jab to reach Wilder. Finally, Q needs to avoid Deontay's straight right which does pack some TNT. This should be a very close bout and I see Q winning another close bout.
201+: Hunter will win a close bout over Bethel.
106: Yanez wins, but Hurtado will keep it relatively close. I'd say a 5-10 point victory in the end.
112: Warren defeats Alafa by at least 8 points.
119: Rios defeats Marroquin once again, but it will be very close.
125: A Williams wins this bout. Raynell defeats Hylon in a very close bout.
132: Ali-Belmontes. This is going to be a good bout. I think Sadam might win the rematch, but something tells me to go with Belmontes. I wish I could be there to see this bout. Belmontes in a nail biter.
141: O'Connor keeps surprising me, but I don't think he will beat Molina.
152: Andrade defeats Thurman.
165: Jacobs outpoints Estrada.
178: Downs defeats Riley once again. Downs just has Riley's number.
201: Quantis Graves will do much better than he did in his bout against Wilder in Colo Springs in June. Quantis needs to use his foot speed and head movement to get inside. Once inside he needs to use his handspeed and then use combinations and footwork and head movement to not get hit. As long as he does not overreach with his punches, he won't get countered like he did in June. Don't forget to use body punches Quantis and double up/tripple up on his jab to reach Wilder. Finally, Q needs to avoid Deontay's straight right which does pack some TNT. This should be a very close bout and I see Q winning another close bout.
201+: Hunter will win a close bout over Bethel.
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ringsidemike
- Heavyweight

- Posts: 299
- Joined: 01 Jan 2006, 13:25
106: Luis Yanez - so much more powerful than everyone else at same weight
112: Rau'shee Warren - nearly impossible to beat him
119: Ronny Rios - could go either way, but Rios was impressive vs DiPace
125: Hylon Williams - hometown, so instead of 2 trainers, he has entire gym there coaching him, including shields and holyfield
132: Jerry Belmontes - Ali leaves himself too open, Belmontes godo defense and counters
141: Javier Molina
152: Demetrius Andrade - Thurman could pull it out, but Andrade's experience will get him thru - probably match of the day
165: Daniel Jacobs - well schooled, smart and composed
178: Christopher Downs - another close one to call, Riley's got a future, but Downs time is now
201: Deontay Wilder - emerging star
201+: Michael Hunter
112: Rau'shee Warren - nearly impossible to beat him
119: Ronny Rios - could go either way, but Rios was impressive vs DiPace
125: Hylon Williams - hometown, so instead of 2 trainers, he has entire gym there coaching him, including shields and holyfield
132: Jerry Belmontes - Ali leaves himself too open, Belmontes godo defense and counters
141: Javier Molina
152: Demetrius Andrade - Thurman could pull it out, but Andrade's experience will get him thru - probably match of the day
165: Daniel Jacobs - well schooled, smart and composed
178: Christopher Downs - another close one to call, Riley's got a future, but Downs time is now
201: Deontay Wilder - emerging star
201+: Michael Hunter
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holeymoley99
- Heavyweight

- Posts: 110
- Joined: 26 Nov 2005, 11:08
Picks
106)Yanez-Though Hurtado was an Olympic trials runnerup to Warren in 2004 so he has been through this pressure cooker before.
112)Warren- Just too good for Alafa at this stage
119)Rios- Marroquin's string of close wins ends here but Russell will come through the loser bracket to claim the spot in the end
125)Raynell- Beating Pagan by 10 in the semis shows he is in the zone
132)Ali- He beat Crawford and Gonzalez back to back so he should be favored here as well
141)Molina- The kid has been a roll since I saw him at the Eastren Trials, I dont think O'Conner will stop it
152)Andrade- Wish this one was being filmed
165)Estrada- Very close fight,could go either way
178)Riley-Downs has had his number of late by a 1 pt win over Concepcion shows Chris isnt at his best right now
201)Wilder-I am a big fan of this guy and though he is still a novice in some regards he is a huge strong novice who keeps winning
201+)Bethel-Kimdo is always in close fights with many tiebreakers and 1 pointers, I think he wins by a single point here as well
112)Warren- Just too good for Alafa at this stage
119)Rios- Marroquin's string of close wins ends here but Russell will come through the loser bracket to claim the spot in the end
125)Raynell- Beating Pagan by 10 in the semis shows he is in the zone
132)Ali- He beat Crawford and Gonzalez back to back so he should be favored here as well
141)Molina- The kid has been a roll since I saw him at the Eastren Trials, I dont think O'Conner will stop it
152)Andrade- Wish this one was being filmed
165)Estrada- Very close fight,could go either way
178)Riley-Downs has had his number of late by a 1 pt win over Concepcion shows Chris isnt at his best right now
201)Wilder-I am a big fan of this guy and though he is still a novice in some regards he is a huge strong novice who keeps winning
201+)Bethel-Kimdo is always in close fights with many tiebreakers and 1 pointers, I think he wins by a single point here as well
106 - Yanez didn't allow it to be close.
Franklin knocking off Lozano in the Challenger's bracket is a surprise. Ceron barely eeking out a victory over Singleton doesn't bode well for his chances to even win the Challenger's bracket let alone beat Yanez. Yanez is going to Beijing. Like Andrade below, I fully expect him to win a qualifying tourney and go to Beijing.
119 - I was wrong Marroquin won the close one over Rios. I predicted the close win but with Rios getting the nod. DiPace lets his chance slip away - was he injured? Perales will give Russell and/or Rios a big challenge in the Challenger's bracket. This weight class may come down to a final bout on Sunday August 26th.
132 - Ali is impressive by defeating Belmontes in the rematch. Will Belmontes get another shot at him? Belmontes, Crawford or Gonzalez? Belmontes will probably earn the rematch, but will have to win two in a row against Ali. I doubt that will happen. Ali is going to the qualifying tourneys. Can he win so he goes to Beijing? I sure hope so.
152: Andrade defeated Thurman just as I expected. Hatley, Melson and Thurman battling to see who gets another shot at Andrade. Thurman will probably emerge victorious, but Hatley could win the Challenger's bracket. Neither will unseat Andrade. Andrade will be the US rep at 152 for Beijing. Soon he has to start to think about how he is going to win a qualifying tournament which I expect him to do.
178: Christopher Downs defeated Yathomas Riley as I expected, but Riley did make it close. In the Challenger's bracket Conception defeated Shabazz and the shocker is Kearney stopping Crane in the first round. It sort of sounds like Crane was not fully recovered after getting stopped by Riley on Monday. Riley will probably get another shot at Downs but I think the result will probably be the same.
201+: Michael Hunter won as expected over Kimdo Bethel. In the challenger's bracket Andrew Shepherd eliminated Lenroy Thompson and Mike Wilson just barely eliminated Nate James from the trials. Wilson may get a chance at Hunter, but I don't think the winner of the challenger's bracket will be able to post back to back wins over Hunter. Hunter is going to be the US 201+ rep in Beijing, assuming he qualifies for the Olympics. Oh yeah, those stupid qualifying tournaments still have to be contended with. Considering how Mike Hunter seems to have improved in the last few months and with continued hard work, I expect him to be going to Beijing.
Franklin knocking off Lozano in the Challenger's bracket is a surprise. Ceron barely eeking out a victory over Singleton doesn't bode well for his chances to even win the Challenger's bracket let alone beat Yanez. Yanez is going to Beijing. Like Andrade below, I fully expect him to win a qualifying tourney and go to Beijing.
119 - I was wrong Marroquin won the close one over Rios. I predicted the close win but with Rios getting the nod. DiPace lets his chance slip away - was he injured? Perales will give Russell and/or Rios a big challenge in the Challenger's bracket. This weight class may come down to a final bout on Sunday August 26th.
132 - Ali is impressive by defeating Belmontes in the rematch. Will Belmontes get another shot at him? Belmontes, Crawford or Gonzalez? Belmontes will probably earn the rematch, but will have to win two in a row against Ali. I doubt that will happen. Ali is going to the qualifying tourneys. Can he win so he goes to Beijing? I sure hope so.
152: Andrade defeated Thurman just as I expected. Hatley, Melson and Thurman battling to see who gets another shot at Andrade. Thurman will probably emerge victorious, but Hatley could win the Challenger's bracket. Neither will unseat Andrade. Andrade will be the US rep at 152 for Beijing. Soon he has to start to think about how he is going to win a qualifying tournament which I expect him to do.
178: Christopher Downs defeated Yathomas Riley as I expected, but Riley did make it close. In the Challenger's bracket Conception defeated Shabazz and the shocker is Kearney stopping Crane in the first round. It sort of sounds like Crane was not fully recovered after getting stopped by Riley on Monday. Riley will probably get another shot at Downs but I think the result will probably be the same.
201+: Michael Hunter won as expected over Kimdo Bethel. In the challenger's bracket Andrew Shepherd eliminated Lenroy Thompson and Mike Wilson just barely eliminated Nate James from the trials. Wilson may get a chance at Hunter, but I don't think the winner of the challenger's bracket will be able to post back to back wins over Hunter. Hunter is going to be the US 201+ rep in Beijing, assuming he qualifies for the Olympics. Oh yeah, those stupid qualifying tournaments still have to be contended with. Considering how Mike Hunter seems to have improved in the last few months and with continued hard work, I expect him to be going to Beijing.
Last edited by Dennis on 22 Aug 2007, 18:05, edited 1 time in total.
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ringsidemike
- Heavyweight

- Posts: 299
- Joined: 01 Jan 2006, 13:25
Good for both Sammy's. It is smart to protect him from risk of further injury. He is young and has a bright future ahead of him. Sammy IV that is. Sammy III is just getting old like me! Sorry Sammy - I talked to you in Colo Springs and saw you on TV - you're getting old and cranky. LOL. Now go back to your gym and get one of your up and comers a title shot. Good luck to your son should he now decide to turn pro.ringsidemike wrote:Was told that DiPace's father pulled him out due to a head injury.
Based upon what? The fact that the decision didn't go his way or did Shawn Estrada do something very dirty that should have gotten him DQ'd. Estrada has a tendency of doing those things. Who will Jacobs box tomorrow? Porter or Wade or would he get the bye?ringsidemike wrote:Jacobs has filed a grievence..
112: Prediction was Warren defeats Alafa by at least 8 points. Result - he won by 9. Escalante and Muhammad won and they will now be joined by Alafa. It doesn't matter who makes it to Saturday, they will lose to Warren.
125: Prediction was Raynell defeats Hylon in a very close bout. Result - Raynell won by 1 point. Ramos, Pegan and Hylon Williams in the challenger's bracket. Any one of them could win and possibly upset Raynell on Saturday, but I don't see any of them beating Raynell twice in a row.
141: O'Connor keeps surprising me, but I don't think he will beat Molina. Garcia v Bryan rematch should be a good one, but I think Bryan will win again.
165: Jacobs outpoints Estrada. This prediction fell a little short. Porter v Wade tomorrow - Porter will win by 5 points or so or he will win by stoppage/DQ.
201: Prediction - Quantis Graves will do much better than he did in his bout against Wilder in Colo Springs in June. This should be a very close bout and I see Q winning another close bout. Result - Q did better but lost a very close bout. I wish I could have seen this bout. Carey v. Willett - Willett will win. Willett v Graves should be another close bout and it will depend on whether Q really wants another rematch with Wilder. If he does and doesn't look past Willett, he will win a very close bout against Willett. I hope Q wins, but Willett v Wilder would be an interesting bout.
125: Prediction was Raynell defeats Hylon in a very close bout. Result - Raynell won by 1 point. Ramos, Pegan and Hylon Williams in the challenger's bracket. Any one of them could win and possibly upset Raynell on Saturday, but I don't see any of them beating Raynell twice in a row.
141: O'Connor keeps surprising me, but I don't think he will beat Molina. Garcia v Bryan rematch should be a good one, but I think Bryan will win again.
165: Jacobs outpoints Estrada. This prediction fell a little short. Porter v Wade tomorrow - Porter will win by 5 points or so or he will win by stoppage/DQ.
201: Prediction - Quantis Graves will do much better than he did in his bout against Wilder in Colo Springs in June. This should be a very close bout and I see Q winning another close bout. Result - Q did better but lost a very close bout. I wish I could have seen this bout. Carey v. Willett - Willett will win. Willett v Graves should be another close bout and it will depend on whether Q really wants another rematch with Wilder. If he does and doesn't look past Willett, he will win a very close bout against Willett. I hope Q wins, but Willett v Wilder would be an interesting bout.
I think we have a pretty good idea of who the team will be - I think at least one winning fighter will lose twice to the winner of the challenger's bracket.
It's wrong to criticize the winners, because they've earned it - but I selfishly kind of hope that Russell can come back and take down Marroquin. It sounds like Russell is struggling some, but we know he can win internationally, while Marroquin did not fare well in the Pan Ams or Pan Am Qualifications. If Roberto wins, then fair play to him, but Russell is the better bet for a US medal.
And Estrada is a surprise of course. Given his reputation for getting DQ'd, I'm a little leery of seeing him try to get to Beijing - but realistically, a medal at 165 was always a long shot, so I wish him the best. I was kind of hoping Guerrero would show himself to be the guy at that weight, but obviously he was not on that level.
This team could have a lot of interesting stories that might get some publicity at the Olympics. Wilder is a great story, and Downs is the requisite old Army guy who can tap into some of the feelings for the military. If Sadam Ali gets through, I think an Arab-American kid from New York will be a good story, and will get him a lot of admiration from Arabs across the country (plus some interest from NY, which hasn't been very successful and getting top amateurs lately). And I'm personally interested to see what Raynell Williams and Javier Molina can do with a little bit of international experience. I'm really looking forward to Chicago.
It's wrong to criticize the winners, because they've earned it - but I selfishly kind of hope that Russell can come back and take down Marroquin. It sounds like Russell is struggling some, but we know he can win internationally, while Marroquin did not fare well in the Pan Ams or Pan Am Qualifications. If Roberto wins, then fair play to him, but Russell is the better bet for a US medal.
And Estrada is a surprise of course. Given his reputation for getting DQ'd, I'm a little leery of seeing him try to get to Beijing - but realistically, a medal at 165 was always a long shot, so I wish him the best. I was kind of hoping Guerrero would show himself to be the guy at that weight, but obviously he was not on that level.
This team could have a lot of interesting stories that might get some publicity at the Olympics. Wilder is a great story, and Downs is the requisite old Army guy who can tap into some of the feelings for the military. If Sadam Ali gets through, I think an Arab-American kid from New York will be a good story, and will get him a lot of admiration from Arabs across the country (plus some interest from NY, which hasn't been very successful and getting top amateurs lately). And I'm personally interested to see what Raynell Williams and Javier Molina can do with a little bit of international experience. I'm really looking forward to Chicago.
I fully agree with your statement, except I doubt it will be 106 or 112. Any of the other weight classes are possible. Remember if the winner of the challenger's bracket were able to stop the winner of the winner's bracket by RSC-H, they wouldn't box on Sunday. There are a few that could do it, but there are others who could win on points 2 days in a row.emile wrote:I think we have a pretty good idea of who the team will be - I think at least one winning fighter will lose twice to the winner of the challenger's bracket.
As far as I know, Sammy DiPace did not have a head injury. He had a very tough bout with Ronny Rios and was due to box Gary Russell next.
Jacob's people filed a grievance due to incorrect mechanics on the part of the referee. A mistake was made and then corrected. Regardless of this, Danny still lost to Shawn on a 13-13 tie (33-23).
Jacob's people filed a grievance due to incorrect mechanics on the part of the referee. A mistake was made and then corrected. Regardless of this, Danny still lost to Shawn on a 13-13 tie (33-23).