A bit of fun. I've picked eight Super Middleweight prospects, none of whom have fought for a World title (to my knowledge) to fight each other in a Prizefighter type tournament (except the bouts are over 12 rounds & not all on the same day).
My missus randomly picked the numbers as to who fights who (I listed them below alphabetically) so lets have it. Please let me know who you think will win each bout. In a couple of days I'll get the next round put up based on your votes. You can even put how you think the fight will go if you're as big an anorak as me. All the fights are in Las Vegas.
James DeGale - 12(9)-1, London UK.
Anthony Dirrell - 24(21)-0, Flint, MI, USA
Don George - 23(20)-2-1, Chicago, USA
George Groves - 15(12)-0, London, UK
Thomas Oosthuizen - 20(13)-0-1, Johannesburg, South Africa
Marco Antonio Periban - 19(12)-0, Mexico City, Mexico
Edwin Rodriguez - 21(14)-0, Massachusetts & Dominican Republic
Adonis Stevenson - 18(15)-1(1), Quebec & Haiti
Fight One: Oosthuizen v Stevenson
Fight Two: Periban v George
Fight Three: Groves v Dirrell
Fight Four: DeGale v Rodriguez
Fight One: Oosthuizen v Stevenson.
Smart money would have to be on Oosthuizen. No ways Stevenson can win this on points, Oos has the better work rate and superior boxing skills. Adonis can crack however and if he lands early he can floor anybody. I don't think Thomas has ever been dropped though so it would be a big ask.
Fight Two: Periban v George.
I have only ever seen highlights of Periban's fights, so can't really comment on this bout. The little bit I have seen has impressed me though and I'm inclined to think he beats George who despite being a decent fighter is on a level below the others here IMO.
Fight Three: Groves v Dirrell
This is probably the toughest one to call. Both very skilled guys. I would lean towards Groves simply because Dirrell has been so inactive. Then again Dirrell is such an athletic and capable fighter that you get the feeling he could easily overcome any ring rust with a few hard sparring sessions.
Fight Four: DeGale v Rodriguez.
I'd pick Rodriguez here. Edwin has looked solid against his last few opponents and is a pretty good all-round fighter. To me DeGale has been much less impressive when facing high quality opposition.
Fight One: Oosthuizen v Stevenson - Oosthuizen
Fight Two: Periban v George - Periban
Fight Three: Groves v Dirrell - Groves
Fight Four: DeGale v Rodriguez - DeGale in a very close decision.
I agree with 1, 2 & 4. 3 would all depend on whether Groves boxed or brawled.
Fight One: Oosthuizen v Stevenson - Oosthuizen
Fight Two: Periban v George - Periban
Fight Three: Groves v Dirrell - Groves
Fight Four: DeGale v Rodriguez - DeGale in a very close decision.