Best Bets for Top Boxing Fights in February

The month of February is a boxing fan’s dream as several high-quality fights are scheduled in Las Vegas and Arizona.  We’re going to break down some of these matches and offer up our best bets in the ring.

Ryan Garcia (-210) vs Mario Barrios (+185): February 21

It’s a fascinating matchup between Ryan Garcia and Mario Barrios as it’s a clash between speed and size vs toughness and grit.  Garcia, the favorite, is the bigger name and the more explosive athlete, but Barrios is the type of opponent who can punish mistakes—especially if the fight goes into the later rounds.

The last time we saw Ryan Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) was last May when he lost a unanimous decision to Rolando Romero on the Times Square card in NYC. Garcia was fairly flat the entire bout and was knocked down early in the second round of the fight.  But he did have an excuse for that fight, as it was reported he had suffered a hand injury in training before the fight and required surgery after his loss.

Mario Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) is undefeated in his last five fights, but his last two, including his latest fight vs Manny Pacquiao, ended in majority draws.  He was promoted to the WBC welterweight title after Terence Crawford’s decision to vacate the title.  

Prediction:  Garcia’s path to victory is pretty clear: he needs to keep the pace high early, use his hand speed to win exchanges, and land his trademark left hook before Barrios settles in.  Barrios, though, has real advantages. He’s physically strong, has experience at higher weights, and tends to stay composed under pressure.  This appears to be Garcia’s comeback fight, and if he can deliver his signature left hook, it could end the fight rather quickly.  BEST BET:  Garcia TKO

Andy Hiraoka (+240) vs Gary Antuanne Russell (-300): February 21

Gary Antuanne Russell will finally get his long-delayed WBA super lightweight title defense against Andy Hiraoka as part of the Barrios/Garcia undercard in Las Vegas.

Gary Antuanne Russell (18-1, 17 KO) will defend his WBA super lightweight title for the first time since winning it last March. When he defeated Jose Valenzuela, the fight wasn’t flashy, but he did show discipline and control over the full 12 rounds.  Of his 18 wins, 17 have come via KO, something that his opponent is well aware of.

Andy Hiraoka (24-0, 19 KO) is undefeated and has been fighting for more than a decade, with 19 wins coming via KO.  The Japanese fighter is on a streak of 10 consecutive stoppage wins.  But he’s only had a handful of fights against recognizable fighters, including Ismael Barroso, while his deepest bout came against Jin Sasaki four years ago. But quality-wise, Hiraoka is stepping up in a big way.

Prediction

While there is a chance at an upset here with Hiraoka, considering he has the size and southpaw stance, Russell appears to be the better overall fighter.  There is a chance he can get a late stoppage, but this has the recipe to go the distance.  BEST BET:  Russell by Decision

Emanuel Navarrete (+175) vs Eduardo Nunez (-215): February 28, Glendale, Arizona

The last day of the month could produce the best fight of February as Emanuel Navarrete and Eduardo Nunez are set to fight in a WBO/IBF super featherweight unification bout. Many expect this to be a Fight of the Year candidate, and with the way these boxers fight, we could be in for a donnybrook. 

Eduardo Nunez (29-1, 27 KOs) packs a serious punch.  27 of his 29 wins are by KO and aside from his power, he finds his openings before looking for the one-shot winner.  Nunez has no problem standing and going toe-to-toe with anyone and has proven he can outwork and outhustle even a seasoned opponent.

Emanuel Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) also has plenty of power, recording 32 knockouts from his 39 victories.  He is a three-division world champion known for his relentless pressure, volume punching, and intimidating reach advantage. He’s only had one win in his last four fights (draw, loss, NC), but his experience and tactical aggressiveness make him a perennial threat at super-featherweight. 

Prediction

This should be a banger as both fighters have the power for a KO in this fight.  While Navarrete has the edge in experience, Nunez’s power keeps him dangerous every minute. This will be fierce, exciting, and close but expect a late-round stoppage for Nunez in this unification fight. BEST BET:  Nunez by TKO

Owen Cooper (+162 ) vs Constantin Ursu (-225): February 28, Derby, England

Constantin Ursu (14-0, 6 KO) defends his Commonwealth welterweight title against Owen Cooper (11-1, 4 KO) with a bonus incentive, the vacant British championship.    Ursu is undefeated and most recently knocked out Eithan James in seven rounds last March and followed it up with a successful title defense against Ryan Amos, a unanimous 12-round decision in November.   Cooper, on the other hand, has just one loss, a 10th-round stoppage loss to Ekow Essuman in July 2024, but rebounded with a victory over Chris Kongo last May. 

Prediction

This matchup is expected to be a competitive clash between two young, hungry fighters looking to establish themselves at the top of the domestic welterweight scene.    Ursu enters the bout undefeated with a high knockout percentage, while “The Worcester Warrior” is coming off a huge win.  Ursu is the favorite, but given the equality of these fighters, going with the underdog offers the best value.  BEST BET:  Cooper ML +162