Monaghan vs. George: BoxingScene Staff Predictions

By Jake Donovan

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Given the location of the main event fighters and recent baseball results, the matchup between Sean Monaghan and Donovan George reads more like a prelude to the National League Championship Series between the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs.

Both fighters did their part to play up that angle, as well as the possibility of tearing each other's head off over the course of their scheduled 10-round clash. 

Monaghan (25-0, 16KOs) checked in at a fighting fit 174.6 lbs. for his third fight of 2015, all of which have taken place in the New York/New Jersey region. The fighting pride of the Long Beach section of Long Island, New York has developed into a major draw in the region, but at age 34 looks to take his career to the next level. 

Still, the unbeaten contender is brimming with confidence following a 9th round stoppage of veteran Fulgencio Zuniga this past June at Madison Square Garden Theatre. 

His perceived toughest test to date comes in the form of Chicago's George (25-4-2, 22KOs), who came in right at the divisional limit of 175 lbs. 

The bout marks first ring appearance in 14 months. A healthy portion of the layoff stemming from a suspension dealt to the Chicagoland boxer following a failed drug test surrounding his win-turned-No-Contest versus Dyah Davis last August. 

Still, the 11-year ring veteran is well aware of who he is as a fighter. George - who turns 31 in November - promises to either knock out Monaghan or go down swinging, given his blatant disregard for defense and all-action fighting style. 

Read on to see how the staff at BoxingScene.com believes the light heavyweight action will go down. 

SEAN MONAGHAN vs. DONOVAN GEORGe

George has a few moments early on but the naturally bigger Monaghan drops George late and wins wide on points. 

I expect it to be bombs away for however long it lasts. Still, George moving up in weight and having not fought in 14 months... as much as it pains me to pick against a Donovan, I'm doing so in going with the Long Island guy. Win-win for this hack, but Monaghan will know he was in a fight before ultimatel forcing a late stoppage.

Tougher fight than most think.

The year-plus inactivity along with coming up in weight against a guy that spent his entire career at light heavy will be too much for George.

This could be the place where Monaghan gets derailed. I think he keeps rolling against a George with some miles on him

It will be a fun fight but Seanie will win this fight on size and strength, expect a stoppage late

Monaghan is untested at all but George - specifically this high in weight will not make up for a good test. He will make it relatively close but will not be active and willing enough to get a W mark.