Gregory Tony (+500) - medium rare With very little to choose from this weekend, I took a long look at this one, watching a lot of video of both guys. Tony has made a very successful transition from kickboxing and K1 to boxing. He has shown considerable improvement even in his kickboxing career before concentrating on boxing. His boxing victory over Carlos Takam was very impressive. What I notice from Tony is that he does not hesitate. With over 70 kickboxing matches he is very comfortable in the ring and lets his punches flow, unlike a lot of career boxing guys who wait and wait for perfect positioning which rarely comes. He also has a hell of an uppercut, something I see from very few boxers these days. I think he could catch Helenius off-guard, who has a habit of waiting himself. For Helenius' part, although he does punch with some authority, he is a bit slow, lumbering, and methodical. I think Tony might be the more natural 'fighter' here. I thought Helenius would beat a shopworn Bidenko, and Brewster was just a shell, and always overrated, so I really don't put much stock in those victories. Check out his fight on youtube against Gbenga Oloukun...very unimpressive, and I think there was very little to choose from between the two. To me, this fight could well have been a draw over 8.
I could be entirely wrong here. It could be that Helenius strong amateur background will clearly tell vs. a loose guy like Tony. But at plus 5 I will take a shot that Tony will pull off the unlikely upset here.
Matt Godfrey (+950) - very very small I don't think so, but I also think the line is off. I think it should be set at about half of here. Godfrey very unimpressive as of late, but his solid amateur background gives him a shot. I think he will be well-trained and ready, giving himself the best opportunity to win. Huck can be a little off-balance at times, and if Godfrey keeps his composure he can be effective at landing well timed and placed shots. Hard to imagine a scenario where Godfrey can outlast Huck, but Huck has faced few men as well schooled as Godfrey.
Michael Grant (+850) - very very small I'm willing to take a few laughs for this one, and I may be the only boxing guy who thinks Grant has a prayer. I'm just playing the widespread odds for a little fun, and no I don't think it will happen...but I am not as high on Adamek at heavy as the fraternity seems to be. His fight with Estrada was give and take, and Arreola fought a horrible fight. IF Grant believes in himself, and can land a few of those jackhammers down the pike, I do think the possibility exists. I think Grant's size will pose some problems for Adamek, and he may well tire in dealing with the huge size and strength differential. Adamek has tired before.
Okay, will not be surprised at all to see myself go 0-3 here, but I do like all my plays at the price.
Also parlayed the three together at about the ratio of a six-pack for a car. :mj07:
Good luck fellas! If anyone has any plays that is.
