By Amy Green

Opinions & Predictions - Best Damn Women’s Championship Fight Night, Period.

On Thursday, February 7, the women again take center stage at the Pechanga Resort in Temecula, California on Fox Sports "Best Damn Sports Show, Period." The bouts will promise lots of action and with this line up, a surprise or two could well be in store for fight fans. Holly Holm (20-1-2) faces Belinda Laracuente (23-19-3) in defense of her IFBA welterweight title; Chevelle Hallback (25-5-1) takes on the feisty Melissa Hernandez (71-1-) for the vacant IFBA lightweight crown and in a much-anticipated rematch, Jeri Sitzes (14-5-1) battles Lisa Brown (13-3-3) for Brown’s IFBA junior featherweight title.

A team of women’s boxing experts weighed in this week on the women’s title fights. Read their predictions and opinions to see what people "in the know" of women’s boxing are saying about this weeks show, which will be broadcast Friday, February 8, on Fox Sports. 

David Avila, MSNBC Contributor

Holm vs. Laracuente - It's great that Holm is finally fighting outside of New Mexico. Laracuente has talent but is content to pose and mug instead of fight. Holm should win in a boring fight from the outside.

Chevelle Hallback vs. Melissa Hernandez - Chevelle Hallback doesn't know how to fight boring. Her fight against Terri Blair last year was the Fight of the Year. Hernandez is small but feisty and she can give anyone trouble who underestimates her. But Hallback is too big. It's a knockout for Hallback.

Lisa Brown vs. Jeri Sitzes

Brown comes strong but Sitzes loves to bang. It's all about heart in this fight. It's a toss up. Brown in a close one.

 

Chris Cozzone, Editor/Boxing Photojournalist

Holm - Laracuente - On paper, a terrible mismatch. Laracuente fights from 126 to 140 and is way too small for Holm, who should have an extremely easy time unless it means chasing Laracuente.

Hernandez vs. Hallback - Best fight on card - got to go with experience and go with the bigger, apparently stronger Hallback.

Sitzes vs. Brown - Another great fight and rematch long in the waiting. Sitzes is on a blazing win streak and should eke out a very, very close decision this time around.

 

Layla McCarter, WBA lightweight champion

Holm vs. Laracuente - Definitely Holm wins because Belinda's style has not been aggressive enough lately for the "bunny rabbit" evasion style of Holm. The promoter wants people to think that Holly is taking a risk finally, by fighting outside of Albuquerque; but I think on the road, they are only willing to take a "safe bet."

Hallback vs. Hernandez - If Chevelle is training, she should beat Hernandez, but Hallback has been quite inactive lately. If Chevelle hasn't been in the gym, Hernandez might outwork her, but it's doubtful. I see Hallback as the winner.

Brown vs. Sitzes - Tough to call! Brown must have beat Sitzes well to win in Missouri in '04...but then again, that was in '04. Sitzes has been on a winning streak lately (though in Missouri) while Brown has had a few setbacks. Lisa Brown lost to Anyos in Australia by majority decision...which in boxing often means something else entirely. Sitzes lost to Raika the same way in Tokyo; however, I think that Sitzes fought the better opposition overall. She has also the advantage of youth (28 years old to Brown's 37 years). It should be interesting, but I predict Sitzes will win the rematch.

 

Corrine Van Ryck de Groot, Undefeated Featherweight

Holly Holm vs. Belinda Laracuente - A mismatch. Belinda is so talented as a fighter; she can beat most fighters out there with her skills in her own weight class. Belinda can get early rounds with her defensive skills. But Holm being the natural welterweight is just too big, and will likely win by unanimous decision.

Chevelle Hallback vs. Melissa Hernandez - Melissa is a little spitfire and very aggressive. Chevelle is very talented with great skills. Her power and experience will help her win over Hernandez.

Jeri Sitzes vs. Lisa Brown - Jeri is very talented, with great skills and great defense. She is on a huge winning streak and will ride that wave. Lisa has great legs and can move around the ring very well. Her defense coming out of clenches, she has her hands down. Jeri will throw a lot of combinations and can catch her, and she also has reach and height. It’s a redemption fight for Jeri. Experience wise Lisa will fare OK, but redemption, youth and skills will win the fight for Jeri over Lisa.

 

Jackie Kallen, "First Lady of Boxing"

Holly Holm vs. Belinda Laracuente - Very interesting match-up. Holly is not the most devastating puncher out there but she is a solid fighter who hasn't suffered a loss in several years. Belinda has never been stopped (knocked out) and has over 40 fights under her belt. This one should go the distance and I believe Holly Holm will walk away with the victory.

Chevelle Hallback vs. Melissa Hernandez for the IFBA Lightweight title - Chevelle is a tough opponent and will be there to WIN. She has the edge when it comes to experience but Melissa is younger, is hungry for the win and is coming off a "redemption" win over Layla McCarter. If it goes the distance--I pick Melissa. But I have a hunch that Chevelle will be gunning for an early knockout.

Jeri Sitzes vs. Lisa Brown for Brown's IFBA Jr. Featherweight title - Neither girl has ever been stopped and they have comparable ring experience. However, I see Jeri's career as rising and it seems as though Lisa's is winding down. So I am going with Sitzes on this one.