The Neutral Corner

A pair of former middleweight champions -- Iran Barkley and Vito Antuofermo -- weighed in this week on some upcoming fights.

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao

Barkley: That is a fight that is going to favor De La Hoya. Pacquaio is coming up to be a big man but I have to go with De La Hoya, I think Oscar will win. But it could be an interesting fight. Manny is nothing to sleep on."

Antuorermo: "Why would anyone want to see this fight? It is a shame that a great fighter in Pacquiao is fighting this fight. Pacquiao may have a shot to win but in the end I don't think he'll have much of a chance."

Kelly Pavlik vs. Bernard Hopkins

Barkley: "Hopkins-Pavlik is going to be an interesting fight. I am going with Bernard Hopkins. Kelly Pavlik is like the new guy on the block. He just popped up out of nowhere. He still has a long way to go experience-wise, so I am going to go with the experienced guy. Only if Bernard does not do what he is supposed to do will the inexperienced guy come and snatch that away. Bernard has to forget that he has been world champion, he has to just forget everything and say I am going to take what's mine, I am going to stand for what's mine. If I want this legacy to be where it is that's what I have to do."

Antuofermo: " I like Pavlik. He is younger and bigger. If it was Hopkins 5 years or ten years ago I would give it to Hopkins. Pavlik is bigger and has a long reach. Hopkins never fought guys like Pavlik and he (Hopkins) will be in trouble. You have to go with the younger guy."

Paulie Malignaggi vs. Ricky Hatton

Barkley: "That is another interesting fight. My heart is with Paulie Malignaggi because Paulie is such a good guy but he has hand problems so that he will have to tough it out ....he will have to handle it. I think he is ready to do what he has to do."

IRAN 'THE BLADE' BARKLEY Photos courtesy Gary D. Morgan

These predictions were compiled by Gary D. Morgan

-- CASSIDY