Tevin Farmer vs. Joseph Diaz headlines Miami Fight Night

The first big boxing event of the year takes place Thursday, Jan. 30 at Meridian at Island Gardens, with three title fights that feature top contenders. Tevin Farmer vs. Joseph Diaz highlights the action, but there's a lot to like about all three bouts on the card.

Tevin Farmer vs. Joseph Diaz

As Farmer continues to search for a meaningful fight at junior lightweight, he will face his toughest foe to date in former featherweight challenger Joseph Diaz. Compared to Farmer’s recent opposition, Diaz is a tremendous talent who looks fresh and strong after moving up in weight.

Farmer is a smooth operator, who works behind judicious hand speed and ring generalship, and often frustrates opponents to overexert themselves. His limited punching power is something Diaz is sure to identify early in the fight, so Farmer needs to land a series of shots and move out of danger before Diaz can respond.

Diaz needs to fire at will, as Farmer is not going to give him many looks to land his big shots. Diaz will have to give chase, because Farmer wants no piece of him, but Diaz's pursuit may help him, even if he can’t pin his opponent down. We’ve seen Diaz exhibit good speed and footwork, and he’ll need to corner Farmer and tag him hard once he does.

Farmer’s lack of pop is gives Diaz as many chances as he needs to to impose his power. Farmer can get off to an early lead, but he is not going to win a lot of rounds if he shows no willingness to engage and Diaz forces him back.

Though it will be close, Diaz’s harder shots and aggression are going to go over better with the judges. Farmer won’t be able to slow Diaz down to outwork him. Diaz wins a close, potentially controversial decision.

Boxing free pick: Diaz +110

Daniel Roman vs. Murodjon Akhmadaliev

Akhmadaliev’s extensive amateur pedigree makes him an attractive pick, but this might be too much, too soon. He will face an established world champion, who is not old and has not faded, just eight fights into his career.

Roman might struggle early against Akhmadaliev’s hand speed, but Akhmadaliev still fights like an amateur and hasn’t fought beyond eight rounds during his short career. Roman might need a few rounds to figure things out, but unless Akhmadaliev stops him early, Roman will make the adjustments to put on the pressure. Akhmadaliev will start to tire around the sixth round, and Roman will win a clear decision.

Boxing free pick: Roman +145

Demetrius Andrade vs. Luke Keeler

As Andrade shouts that he wants only big fights, Keeler is another entry on a résumé packed with overmatched, no-hope challengers for the underachieving champion. With no power to hurt him, speed to trouble him, or technique to confuse him, Andrade should jump on Keeler from the opening bell.

But anticipate this fight to go the distance. Andrade will win a virtual shutout, a performance that will do him no favors to secure the payday he feels he deserves.

Boxing free pick: Andrade -2125

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