Richard ‘The Boxing Prophet’ Solomon’s Picks Of the Week
Richard’s love of boxing preceded his love of solid food. Doctors report he came out of his mother’s womb throwing a jab. As a child he would only ever count from 1 to 10, and his favorite superhero didn’t wear a cape- he wore leather gloves that were A Thrilla In Manila. With his uncanny ability to predict fights, his parents gave up dreams of him becoming President and set their sights higher: Boxing Prophet.
His claim to fame: telling the whole world in Feb of 1990 that James Buster Douglas was going to beat Mike Tyson. Through jeers and laughs he stuck to his prediction. Rich was an overnight sensation. A folk hero in his town. The prophet was born. His parents wept.
For every 10 fights Richard predicts – he guarantees 8 out of 10 are correct. He prides himself on not only picking the winner of the fight, but also whether it’s by decision or knockout – being so bold as to even pick the exact round.
Richard went to Adelphi University and holds a Master’s degree in Special Education. He teaches preschool children with learning disabilities and special needs. His kids are fighters and Richard genuinely appreciates and nurtures that spirit in them.
Richard started his career on Adelphi radio in a weekly sports talk show and went on to co-host other boxing radio shows during his career. He is now the RCM Boxing Radio Co-Host since April 2013.
Sam Soliman (44-11, 18KOs) vs. Jermain Taylor (32-4-1, 20KOs)
Call me crazy, but I am looking forward to this clash of aging fighters. Soliman, an Australian who turns 41 in November, won the IBF middleweight title in his last fight in May by unanimous decision over Felix Sturm in Germany. With the win over Sturm, Soliman won his first ever major title belt and in the process has prolonged his career. In his last nine fights, Soliman has an impressive record of 9-0 with 5KOs. His last loss was in 2008 to Anthony Mundine. Taylor ended a 14-month ring absence in December with a 7th Round TKO win over Juan Carlos Candelo. Taylor has fought top level opposition throughout his career including, Arthur Abraham, Carl Froch, Kelly Pavlik, Cory Spinks and Winky Wright. He is the only fighter to beat Bernard Hopkins twice. Needless to say, his resume speaks for itself. Taylor turned 36 this year. He is looking for his fifth straight victory against Soliman. Before facing Candelo, Taylor had not fought since destroying Raul Munoz back in October 2012. Back in 2009, Taylor received a CT Scan and an MRI as well as other tests. He was coming off of two frightening losses to Froch and Abraham. Taylor was diagnosed with a concussion, short-term memory loss and bleeding on the brain. Shockingly, or maybe not, Taylor was still unanimously approved for a boxing license by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in September 2011. Let’s get right down to business. I have always been a Jermain Taylor fan. However, given his recent competition, the long layoff, a plethora of injuries and let’s not forget the most recent distraction of his legal issues, I would be shocked if Taylor turns in a great effort and pulls off the upset win. Make no mistake about it, I am rooting for him. Let’s get one thing straight: Sam Soliman is by no means close to being an elite fighter. Taylor will have his moments early. However, Soliman should have more than enough to beat this version of Taylor. If the fight goes 12 full rounds, never count out the judges on turning in dreadful scorecards. I mean Taylor winning would be a feel good story after all. Right? Come to think of it, I might just have to change my pick. Lol. I’ve learned over the years that when it comes to making predictions, you have to think with your head and not your heart. My pick: Soliman wins by a 10th Round TKO.
Andre Dirrell (22-1, 15 KOs) vs. Nick Brinson (16-2-2, 6KOs)
Dirrell is coming off of an impressive 5th round TKO win over Vladine Biosse in his last fight. It was his first fight back in action since being out of the ring for a year and a half. Dirrell is trying to restart his career. He wants a rematch with Carl Froch, who beat Dirrell by a controversial decision in 2009. For the record, I had Froch winning that fight by two points. Unfortunately, the chances of Dirrell and Froch meeting in the ring again are slim and none. If you want my opinion, Dirrell should go after Arthur Abraham, who he beat back in 2010. Abraham’s best days are far behind him. Dirrell has to take care of business against Nick Brinson. At best, I view Brinson as a capable fighter who tries real hard, but does not deserve to be in the same ring with Andre Dirrell. Brinson is looking to rebound from a decision loss to Dominic Wade. This should be an easy fight for Dirrell. Look for Dirrell to use his jab and boxing skills in the first few rounds and then go for the stoppage win. Do not think Dirrell’s stock will rise if he wins every round and Brinson goes the distance. This is why I think you will see a more aggressive Dirrell than usual. My pick: Dirrell wins by a 7th Round TKO.
The Boxing Prophet’s Record (25-5)
RCM’s Boxing Record (24-6)
RICHARD’S RADIO SHOWS: richard-the-boxing-prophet-solomon
TWITTER: @boxingprophet68
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