Brick City Boxing

By: Brad Marchetti, Doghouse Boxing (Oct 2, 2009)
(Editors Note* Brickcityboxing is picking Paterson, New Jersey's Henry Crawford to win a unanimous decision)

An intriguing 10-round Welterweight fight between two promising young prospects will go down tonight on Showtime when Antwone Smith takes on Henry Crawford at 11 PM ET. Smith, 16-1, 8 KO’s, is coming off an impressive decision win over former contender Richard Gutierrez and has been instilled as a 7-5 boxing betting favorite over Crawford. Henry Crawford, 22-0-1, 9 KO’s, is muscle-bound 28-year old that will be facing the stiffest test of his career in Smith. The Antwone Smith vs. Henry Crawford betting line is Smith-160.

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Both of these prospects have a nice blend of speed, boxing skill and conditioning. The Miami native Smith is a clever boxer\counter puncher in the mold of Floyd Mayweather Jr. The New Jersey native Crawford is an aggressive boxer\puncher that throws well placed combination's. Neither of these fighters are big punchers but both have enough power to get the others attention. The Antwone Smith vs. Henry Crawford Over\Under is at 9.5 rounds with the Over at -260.

Crawford is the taller fighter at 5’10” against the 5’7” Smith but Crawford prefers to brawl which will negate his reach advantage. Crawford is a good fighter having been a Golden Gloves champion in the amateurs but Smith is a better boxer. Smith has a lot of slick defensive moves and has fought the better opposition. Smith may also be a touch faster and has better counterpunching skills. We expect Smith to win a close decision victory.

Prediction: Antwone Smith -160 (1 UNIT) .