Lurato called Geoff Neal a “match-up-predicated” fighter who shines when an opponent is willing to square up and trade in pocket exchanges. He likened Neal to teammate Chris Curtis – deadly when allowed to find rhythm mid-range – and predicted Carlos Prates will oblige that style. Prates’ tendency to march forward upright and plant to throw combinations should give Neal the stationary target he needs for his south-paw straight left and short hooks. Lurato warned that if you let Neal “catch a little rhythm and square up in the pocket, you’re asking for trouble,” and believes that scenario unfolds Saturday. He’s taking the underdog money on Neal and likes sprinkling Neal by KO/TKO, projecting a mid-fight finish once the Texan finds timing on Prates’ entries.

Madlab Michael Lurato called Geoff Neal a must-bet underdog, predicting a knockout despite the +210 price. Lurato argued Neal’s chin and willingness to walk through kicks let him crash the pocket where his crisp boxing and heavy left hand shine—an angle he called the "southpaw-vs-southpaw killer." He cited Ian Garry’s success pressuring Prates with calf-kicks as a proven blueprint, noting Neal brings even more punching power. Because Prates keeps his left hand low and needs space to kick, Madlab expects Neal to land the decisive counter once he enters mid-range. He advised playing Neal money-line or KO props and fading the ‑260 favorite.