Usyk-Dubois 2 and Manny Pacquiao comeback - Fight Predictions

Plus, Bam returns, Fundora and Tszyu rematch & Diego Pacheco

Jul 16, 2025

Time for some picks from the notoriously bad tipster that I am. Even though I once reigned supreme as the unified Boxing Asylum Prediction League champion, all they remember is my infamous prediction that Avni Yildirim would win the World Boxing Super Series tournament!

If Chris Eubank Jr. had not blasted out Avni, I’m certain the Turk’s name would have been on that trophy. Boxing is all about fine margins 🙂

Anyway, let’s turn our attention to this coming weekend and a host of intriguing matchups, from London to Las Vegas, via California. Heavyweight hitters, comeback kings, and a rising fighting force are all out to deliver entertainment.

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Keep on punching!

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois 2

Potentially an epic heavyweight clash on Saturday night between old rivals. I still don’t know what to make of the first fight’s low blow incident. Having seen it from a number of different angles, I’m not sure how much of an impact it would’ve had. Usyk has been hurt to the body before, though, by AJ.

Dubois is a puncher, brimming with momentum, but Usyk is so experienced and clever. He’ll set a pace and ride out any storms to prevail again, probably by late stoppage.

Prediction: Usyk TKO 12 Dubois

Mario Barrios vs. Manny Pacquiao

Not buzzing about this comeback to be honest. It’s a big grasp for history from Pacquiao, five years after looking jaded against Ugas. A year since he looked terrible against the kickboxing guy in an exhibition.

Barrios is no great shakes, but he’s younger, fresher, and has a solid jab and fundamentals. Can see Pac being pulled out on his stool in the second half of the contest. Similar to what he did to De La Hoya. Be prepared for a sad ending.

Prediction: Barrios RTD 9/10 Pacquiao

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs. Phumelela Cafu

It’s a bit cheeky to announce the Fernando Martinez unification bout before this bout has taken place. That’s the way Turki rolls, I suppose. ‘Bam’ Rodriguez just systematically breaks people down.

Cafu did well to stay in the fight with Kosei Tanaka in October 2024 and take possession of the WBO super-flyweight title. ‘The Truth’ can bang a bit too, seemingly. However, I think Tanaka’s decline aided his cause. Rodriguez will separate levels here.

Prediction: Rodriguez KO7 Cafu

Sebastian Fundora vs. Tim Tszyu 2

Their first fight was a real sliding doors moment as Tszyu came in expecting to win, got badly cut, refused to bail out and lost. Then he came back too tough, too soon and got battered by Bakhram Murtazaliev. No doubting his heart, that’s for sure.

Fundora has matured into a quality champion, imbued with confidence, able to use his size advantages well. There’s no doubting his heart either. I think the ‘Towering Inferno’ might edge this one out, and I think there is the potential for a bit of blood to be spilt from either, or both, as it goes on.

Prediction: Fundora Wins Pts 12 (split?) Tszyu

Diego Pacheco vs. Trevor McCumby

I’m seeing a lot of love for McCumby in this one, given his power and confidence. True, the Illinois native gave Caleb Plant plenty to think about when they met in Las Vegas almost a year ago.

I think Plant took him lightly and Caleb’s performance against Resendiz has shown where he’s at. Not to take anything away from McCumby, who is likely a competent fringe contender. However, Pacheco will look good in this one. I’m expecting a slice and dice inside the distance. Clever matchmaking.

Prediction: Pacheco TKO 8 McCumby

Image Credits: Queensberry Promotions.

There goes my predictions. What are YOU thinking? Let me know in the comments below. And don’t be afraid to return after the weekend and let me know what I got spectacularly wrong!

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