Five for 2016: Zac Dunn vs. Daniel Geale

 
2. Zac Dunn (19-0, 15 KOs) vs. Daniel Geale (31-4, 16 KOs)

 
In both Zac Dunn and Daniel Geale, we have the prime ingredients for an intriguing crossroads battle.

 
Geale, 34, has established himself as one of Australia’s most accomplished pugilists in recent memory, travelling abroad to lift legitimate versions of the middleweight championship on more than one occasion.

 
With that said, the Tasmanian-born Geale has struggled recently. The former Olympian had a forgettable 2015 campaign as he was bludgeoned in four one-sided rounds by then WBC middleweight champion Miguel Cotto.

 
Having suffered two stoppage defeats in his last three starts, Geale has made the decision to move up in weight.

 
The team of Zac Dunn have boldly stated their desire to test the credentials of their charge against the former unified middleweight champion Geale, going as far as predicting a bumper crowd at Geelong’s Kardinia Park.

 
Dunn, 24, is yet to lose a fight as a professional, blasting out a handful of imported opponents while lifting a string of regional baubles en route to the IBO super middleweight title, where he decisioned Max Bursak.

 
The hard-hitting Melburnian has a high ceiling, but with that potential comes several deficiencies.

 
Despite having had nineteen professional fights, Dunn is yet to face a fully fledged super middleweight at fringe world level. In his last two fights – he has faced two middleweights – and tasted the canvas on both occasions.

 
Both Geale and Dunn are undoubtedly gifted and deserve their place amongst the best fighters in their division. But in a crowded domestic landscape, a fight between the two should be mandatory at some point in 2016.

 
What the experts say:

 
Ben Damon, MAIN EVENT:

 
“When he won two genuine world titles in Germany, Daniel Geale cemented his claim as the most successful Australian boxer of his generation.”

 
“The question now is whether he can reach those heights again – campaigning at super middleweight – and set himself up for more big fights in the United Kingdom and Europe.”

 
“Zac Dunn is full of potential. He looks like Ivan Drago and fights like Rocky Balboa, and in a bout with Geale he would get the opportunity to punch his way to stardom,”

 
“Dunn holds a minor version of the world title, and there is ample interest from both parties in making this fight happen. If it comes together this should be one of the most-watched domestic bouts of the year.”

 
Pat Kennedy, Matchmaker:

 
“This fight is interesting because it pits the young bull versus the old bull. A classic confrontation that inevitably takes place in boxing.”

 
Geale, although admittedly not old, has had a couple of tough knockout losses to Golovkin and Cotto in recent times and there are obvious questions about his commitment and desire,”

 
“While Dunn is still largely untested, but brimming with youthful confidence and energy,”

 
“I pick Geale in a wide unanimous decision and if it takes place early 2016 – Geale gets a few more big fights – while Dunn learns more from the fight than all of his professional fights combined,”

 
Likelihood: 8/10

 
 
Photos: Star Boxing/Getty Images