Weekend Predictions - The Nicholas Walters, Slim Fast Edition!

New York will play host to Walters-Marriaga

Well, it's Friday. That means it's time for Weekend Predictions. As always, we cannot predict every fight in the exceedingly wide world of this sport. We can, however, predict some of the big ones. Enjoy.

Artur Beterbiev (8-0) v Alexander Johnson (16-2): I've got to go with Beterbiev on this PBC bout that's being broadcast Friday on Spike TV. He may have only fought eight times, but all of his fights have been won by way of knockout. What's more, he's bested big names like Gabriel Campillo and Travoris Cloud. Johnson, on the other hand, only has seven KOs to his name, which tells me he won't be strong enough to hold the up and comer off.

Erislandy Lara (20-2-2) v Delvin Rodriguez (28-7-4): This main event of the Spike card is for the WBA junior middleweight title. I expect Lara to best my fellow Connecticut native in a fight which might be more interesting than many may think (remember, I'm the guy who said the same about Khan-Algieri). This is likely Rodriguez' last chance at glory and he's going to make the most of it. Still, I don't see him being able to best Lara's skill set. Lara can continue to be ignored, but for how long?

 Nicholas Walters (25-0) v Miguel Marriaga (20-0): I was as surprised as everyone else to learn Walters had his WBA super featherweight belt taken away because he couldn't make weight for this one, which will be aired Saturday on HBO. Still, I think the "Axe Man" will walk away with the win. Marriaga has a whole lot of KOs on his resume, but so does Walters. Plus, Walters has faced better competition.

Felix Verdejo (17-0) v Ivan Najera (16-0): On the same HBO card as Walters-Marriaga, rising star Felix Verdejo will be putting his ring flair to the test against Najera in a lightweight bout. In a world of hype, Verdejo appears to be the real thing. Who do I think is going to win this one? Let me put it this way - Verdejo can drop opponents while going backwards. How many fighters do you know who could have the  same said of them?

Deontay Wilder (33-0) v Eric Molina (23-2) Showtime is airing a card of its own on Saturday, the main event being Deontay Wilder showcasing his skill and power against a fighter no one's heard of. At least that's how it looks on the surface of things. While anything can happen in boxing, it might be telling that WBC heavyweight champ Wilder is facing a guy who was knocked out by Chris Arreola instead of facing Arreola himself. Barring any surprises, Wilder will win this one, no problem.