Here is my first fight weekend preview of the year. I will go over what is there to watch and how to watch it.

Boxing

Friday January 11 – Devin Haney vs. Xolisani Ndongeni (dont even try)

Where: Stageworks in Shreveport, LA

When: 10ET/7PT

How: Showtime Boxing

Implications: This will probably be Devin Haney’s last fight on SHOBOX which is Showtimes prospect building program. He is a very highly touted prospect with a 20-0 record (13 KO’s) at only 20 years old. I hate saying this but he has a very similar style to Pernell Whitaker or Floyd Mayweather where he is incredible defensively, supremely athletic, but picks his spots when to throw. He is a master counter puncher but that does not always translate to the most eye catching fight. So be ready for a boxing match and do not expect a brawl.

His opponent Mr. Ndongeni is much of an unknown because this is his only his second fight outside South Africa. He is 25-0 (13 KO’s) however, again has not face any notable competition except Juan Garcia Mendes again on SHOBOX. From my (untrained) eye he is a counter puncher who throws good straight punches; however when he throws hooks he tends to miss wildly.

I believe Haney will pick him apart and win a very wide decision, probably a shutout.

Sunday January 13 – Jose Uzcategui vs. Caleb Plant

Where: Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, CA

When: 8ET/5PT

How: Fox Sports 1

Implications: This is the Premier Boxing Champions debut on FS1 since signing their new television deal. It kicks off with Venezuelan Jose Uzcategui’s second fight since winning the IBF Super Middleweight title (168 lbs) in his rematch with Andre Dirrell (Uzcategui was DQ’ed for punching after the bell in the first fight). He is 28-2 (23 KO’s) with his losses coming to the aforementioned Dirrell and Matt Korobov (who just fought Jermall Charlo tooth and nail.) He is a come forward fighter who might not have the quickest hands but he will continue to come at you. He is never in boring fights so this should not be any different.

Caleb Plant is a guy who is on the come up and he is 17-0 (10 KO’s) however this is his first real step up in competition. He has a stick and move style where he will jab until he finds a good counter punch and will hit you with an uppercut or hook. He has been talking a lot ahead of this fight so we will see if he can back it up.

The style match up is great for this because you have a good fighter who comes forward and a good counter-punching fighter. I am going to go with the challenger for this fight and say Caleb Plant wins a close decision to become the new IBF Super Middleweight Champion.

No MMA this week but I will be back next week for a massive fight preview.