The IBF junior middleweight champion Cornelius “K9” Bundrage (32-4) is defending his title against Ishe “Sugar” Smith (24-5) at The Masonic Temple in the motor city Detroit, Michigan. The last time Bundrage defended his belt he knocked out Cory Spinks in the seventh round but Spinks was close on the scorecards before the stoppage. Smith is on a 3 fight win streak going into his title shot, his most recent loss was at the hands of Fernando Guerrero back in 2010. Guerrero is set to face the WBO middleweight champion “Kid Chocolate” Peter Quillin on April 27th.
This fight was supposed to be alongside Devon Alexander’s first title defense against Kell Brook but Alexander pulled out due to a bicep injury. So now that leaves Bundrage versus Smith as the main event. So how will it all go down? Ishe Smith isn’t known for his power so he will try to outbox and outwork the awkward and clumsier Bundrage. Bundrage also been known to tire in later rounds, if Smith can stand K9’s power he can pull off the decision victory. He will have to get in get off and get out before K9 can retaliate.
K9 will need to cut off the ring well to stop Smith movement and he will also want to dig to the body to slow him down. What he really wants is to bait Smith into trading with him that is where Bundrage definitely has the upper hand. Old habits die hard but Bundrage will have to fight his issue with being a headhunter. Although he wanted a shot to unify against the WBC champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, he will have to focus on the man in front of him whom seems determined to pull out a victory. Smith tweeted Thursday “The fight almost went down today. This dude will pay for all the disrespect.”
This fight will be speed versus power and this time I see power winning. Bundrage will get Smith to fight his fight and get the knockout victory before round 8. Don’t get me wrong Smith will keep it close and entertaining but will succumb to the power. For those of you who are part of “The Money Team” you will be happy to know that Floyd Mayweather will be in attendance. Mayweather recently signed a six fight deal with Showtime and is also going to be there promoting his next fight against Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero I’m sure. So tune into Showtime 9pm eastern and witness a great middleweight bout.
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