Golden Boy Promotions – Page 2

Canelo Edges GGG By MD In Middleweight Thriller

Photo Credit- Tom Hogan/Golden Boy Promotions

It’s not often that a rematch outdoes the original, but on Saturday night from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the 2018 version of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (50-1-2 34 KO) v. Gennady Golovkin (38-1-1 34 KO) was far superior than its 2017 counterpart.

Arguably, you could credit Canelo’s sustained aggressiveness being the difference in 2018. In 2017, Alvarez fought well in many rounds but only for a small portion of the round, he did win some rounds in 2017 but the majority were clearly controlled by Golovkin. Standing-8 scored the 2017 fight 115-113 Golovkin.

Alvarez vowed to move forward and be more aggressive in the rematch promising a knockout, he accomplished all but the latter.

Alvarez moved forward from the opening bell and took the fight to Golovkin. Alvarez used some of the best head movement of his career in slipping many of Golovkin’s punches throughout the fight and his ring generalship and footwork were solid.

Although Golovkin’s jab was strong, Alvarez did something that had not been seen in a Golovkin fight with consistency, he backed up the former champion repeatedly onto his backfoot.

Alvarez also attacked the body early and often which visibly affected Golovkin and took a bit a steam out of his punches at times. Both fighters landed power shots throughout the fight and showed equally impenetrable beards. Both fighters were cut, Golovkin a slight cut over the right eye with an abrasion below it, no doubt a product of his adversary’s left hook, and the much more prominent laceration over the new champions left eye, a product of the Golovkin right.

Just when it seemed that Canelo was controlling Golovkin and beginning to brek him down, the former champion rallied late and controlled most of the final third of the fight, visibly stunning the new champion in the tenth.

Although Golovkin had the higher output, it was Canelo’s power and accuracy that most likely won him the swing rounds on the judges score cards.

Standing-8 scored Rounds 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 for Canelo and Rounds 1, 4, 8, 10, 11, and 12 for Golovkin. Standing-8 final card, a draw, 6 rounds to 6, 114-114.

The official scorecards-

This epic battle between two top pound for pound fighters was fought at the highest of levels. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find one clinch in the fight, there simply was not one, or at least one that I remember. You never saw the referee, he wasn’t needed. Prizefighting at its best, the sweet science on full display.

Said Canelo after the fight, “I’m very excited Viva Mexico” a fitting comment on Mexican Independence Day.

“I looked for a knockout, but he’s a great fighter….He was connecting punches but they were few and far between…If the people want another fight, we’ll do it again”.

Golovkin left the ring and did not provide a post fight interview prior to the end of the telecast.

Lomachenko and Linares finalized for May 12

Updating yesterday’s post, Vasyl Lomachenko and Jorge Linares, as of today, is now more than a rumour and has been finalized. Linares, the lightweight world champ will put his strap on the line against junior lightweight champ Lomachenko on May 12th at Madison Square Garden.

If there is anyone who can move up in weight to challenge Linares, it’s P4P King Lomachenko.

Although Lomachenko’s last four opponents yelled “No Mas Chenko” it’s doubtful that Linares will follow suit. That said, even as masterful a boxer as Linares is, he is going to have his hands full with the Ukrainian.

Lomachenko is flat out on another level until proven otherwise. As Standing-8 likes to say, he’s part throwback, part modern day, and quite frankly, something from the future.

I’m having difficulty thinking about a current fighter or one in recent memory that looks for the toughest opponent every fight out and ensures that their management team gets the deal done. Lomachenko is that fighter.

In any event, this is going to be a cracking fight which will bring out the best version of Hi-Tech yet and that is scary.
Fun Fact- If Lomachenko defeats Linares, he will capture his third belt in as many divisions in only his twelfth fight which will be a record.

Oh, and one other positive here; however, it may be a sign that the apocalypse is upon us, The Cold War keeps getting warmer….TR and GBP playing nice in the sandbox. A tip of the hat here is well deserved.

Box Office Smash-The Real King Kong

Luis Ortiz (24-0 21 KO) is a highly skilled heavyweight southpaw with a high ring I.Q. The Cuban born Floridan stopped Philly’s Bryant Bye Bye Jennings (19-2 10 KO) in the seventh round Saturday night to retain his Interim WBA World Heavyweight Title.

Ortiz was fighting a fight within a fight, teaching himself with lessons learned each passing round.

In the first round, Ortiz attacked the body and had Jennings in early trouble after landing a short right hook. Jennings was shook but made it to the bell.

I tested the right hook, good punch, it hurt him but that’s not it, need another approach…….

Bryant had a good bounce back round in the second landing solid body shots and right hooks mixed with a few uppercuts. Jennings’ speed was the difference in the round.

Must be careful, he’s crafty with speed and a hurt fighter is a dangerous fighter….

A tale of two halves in the third, Ortiz first, again hurting Jennings, this time with a left uppercut then an overhand left. Jennings the second half with more body work, and fighting in close to try and negate Ortiz ‘ s advantage when he fights at distance.

That’s it, the uppercut will be there. He is trying to close the distance so he lessons my power. He is low as he closes the gap, the uppercut will be there…..

After a close fourth, Ortiz got on his toes in the fifth, popping his jab, while committing again to the body and landing another monstrous left uppercut.

There it is again, the uppercut, no doubt now, the uppercut is it. Must move to create distance, soften the body and the head will fall.

In the sixth, both came out swinging in the first several seconds but little else happens until Ortiz applies pressure and lands a solid combo at the bell.

Need to increase the pressure and go for it. Time for the uppercut again but I’ll switch things up. He’ll think the left uppercut is coming but if I time it correctly, the right will stun him just long enough to set up the power.

In the seventh, Ortiz lands a sneaky right uppercut and then two quick devastating left uppercuts in succession dropping Jennings to the canvas.

Jennings is up at the count of seven as Ortiz attacks and lands a short right sending Jennings flying into the ropes. As Jennings recoils off the ropes, Ortiz lands a left hook causing the referee to jump in and stop the fight at 2:41of the seventh.

It may not have been obvious to the casual observer of the sweet science but Ortiz ‘ s victory was calculated from the opening round.

A puncher with a high ring I.Q. is going to be trouble for any of the bigs and this big should be in for a sustained run.

BRYANT JENNINGS vs. LUIS ORTIZ FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS

Press Release For Immediate Release

LIVE FROM TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO IN VERONA, NEW YORK AND BROADCAST ON HBO BOXING AFTER DARK® AND HBO LATINO® BOXING ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19

Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland/HBO

VERONA, NEW YORK (Dec. 17) – Fighters featured on the December 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino shows shared their final thoughts ahead of Saturdays fights at the final press conference today at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Former heavyweight world title contender Bryant “By – By” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) of Philadelphia was joined at the final press conference by his opponent Cuban heavyweight Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (23-0, 20 KOs), who will clash in the main event on the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast on Saturday for the WBA Interim Heavyweight World Title.

Jennings and Ortiz were joined by co-main event fighters former WBA Featherweight and Super Featherweight World Champion Nicholas “Axe Man” Walters (26-0, 21 KOs and Jason Sosa (18-1-3, 14 KOs) who will battle Saturday in a 10-round super featherweight fight.

Also at today’s press conference were HBO Latino Boxing main event fighters Yuneski Gonzalez (16-1, 12 KOs) and Vyacheslav “Lion Heart – Chigonsky” Shabranskyy (14-0, 12 KOs) who will fight a 10-round light heavyweight bout; HBO Latino Boxing co-main event fighters “King” Gabriel Rosado (21-9, 13 KOs) and former IBF Welterweight World Champion Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey (39-5, 22 KOs) who will battle in a 10-round middleweight bout; and former WBA and IBF Featherweight World Champion Yuriorkis Gamboa (24-1, 17 KOs) and opponent Hylon Williams Jr. (16-1-1, 3 KOs) who will open up the HBO Latino Boxing broadcast in a 10-round lightweight bout.

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say at today’s final press conference at Turning Stone Resort Casino:

BRYANT “BY-BY” JENNINGS, Former Heavyweight World Title Contender:

“Thank everyone for this fight and making this event happen. Preparation went as planned. I moved to Florida and had a great camp; it was a great environment. There will be no surprises on Saturday.”

LUIS “THE REAL KING KONG” Ortiz, WBA Interim Heavyweight World Champion:

“I have worked very hard to be here, and I will not waste this opportunity. We will see on Saturday who is the best.

“I am a man of few words and will let my hands to the talking.”

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President at Golden Boy Promotions:

“To make the best fights you need to have great partners getting together that will make fair deals.

“These fighters are hungry and ready to brawl on Saturday. Bryant Jennings had a great performance at Madison Square Garden recently. Luis Ortiz is just as hungry. I want to thank Gary Shaw, HBO, Mario Serrano and everyone that has been part of this promotion. It has truly been a pleasure.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Business Partner at Golden Boy Promotions and Future Hall of Famer:

“2015 is the best year I will remember as a promoter. We’ve had excellent fights, competitive match ups this year. This is what boxing needs at this moment, and Golden Boy Promotions has been instrumental in helping deliver these entertaining fights to the fans. Jennings vs. Ortiz will be yet another one of those entertaining, high-action fights the fans want to see.”

MARIO SERRANO, Public Relations Director for Gary Shaw Productions:

“I want to thank HBO, Gary Shaw Productions, Golden Boy Promotions and the WBA. With the WBA Interim title on the line, we at GSP believe Bryant Jennings will be victorious. He has a new coach in John David Jackson and they are working harmoniously together.”

JOHN DAVID JACKSON, Trainer for Bryant Jennings:

“Thank you to Turning Stone Resort casino for hosting this event and to Gary Shaw Productions for making this event happen.

“Thank you to team Jennings, and to Bryant for being part of this team. Saturday, you’ll see. We will prove that we are the best.

“Bryant has worked hard this is what he wants and what he desires. He will be the heavyweight world champion of the world.

HERMAN CAICEDO, Trainer for Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz:

“Camp has been going well. We have been in camp for than more than a year. Luis lives in the gym – he doesn’t take a day off.”

“We have prepared well for this fight, and he has been doing his due diligence. I will not be surprised when he wins.”

“Luis has a lot of reasons to win and persevere. Saturday night, we will have the victory; it’s coming.”

LEE SAMUELS, Director of Public Relations at Top Rank:

“Thank you to HBO for all that they do for boxing. Thank you to Golden Boy Promotions- everyone there is a great person and we have a wonderful relationship.

“This is a big year for Top Rank. Bob Aram is celebrating his 50th year in boxing- Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Herns, Roberto Duran, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, George Forman, and now here we are at Turning Stone Resort Casino for this very meaningful fight for us with Walters vs. Sosa.

“It will be a tough battle with two tough stars and big stakes for the winner.

“Nicholas is very powerful and had a great amateur career. This is his first time at 130 pounds, so we are not sure what we will see on Saturday night with him.”

NICHOLAS “AXEMAN” WALTERS, Undefeated Former World Boxing Association (WBA) Featherweight World Champion:

“As they say, 130 lbs. is his territory. I am willing to fight at whatever weight. I had an excellent training camp in Panama.

“We are going to be OK. I hope he is ready because we are going to put on a good fight. Thanks to HBO and all the promoters. I want to make a big statement for 2016-we are ready.”

JASON “EL CANITO” SOSA, Junior Lightweight Contender:

“Thank you to God; thanks to HBO for believing in me; thanks to Top Rank, Russell Peltz, and Golden Boy Promotions. Training camp has been great, and my game plan is excellent. I’m ready to give the fans what they want.

“Walters is coming in to my territory at 130 lbs. There is a big difference in this weight division compared to what he is used to. He will find out really quick what I am really all about.”

JOE DEGUARDIA, President of Star Boxing:

“It is great to be here at Turning Stone Resort Casino and is a pleasure to work with Golden Boy Promotions, looking to go great things together. Thank you to HBO as well. This will be a spectacular show.

“Yuniesky Gonzalez came up from Cuba, Mexico, and Florida to try and find a manager. He is an accomplished fighter, and I have tremendous high hopes for him. This will be a big fight between two warriors, and he is not going to disappoint.”

Yuniesky Gonzalez, Light Heavyweight Contender:

“Thank you to God for giving me this moment. Thank you to my promoters, Star Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions and HBO for everything.

“I feel good. I have the reality of Shabranskyy, but I feel very good. He is a good fighter, but I have come a long way and I am going to make a statement.”

Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, Undefeated Light Heavyweight Contender:

“Thank you. I am ready and it will be a great fight. I am ready to go.”

JOSHUA “GRAND MASTER” CLOTTEY, Former IBF Welterweight World Champion:

“Thanks to HBO for everything they have done for me. I wouldn’t be where I am in my career without them. I am ready for this opportunity.”

YURIORKIS GAMBOA, Former WBA and IBF Featherweight champion:

“Thank you to God and thanks to HBO for trusting me. That is what I am here for, to give an exciting night. Thanks to SMS Promotions for having me here and to continue my promotional deals.

“Thanks to HBO for the opportunity, and we look forward to working with you in the future.”

HYLON “Kid Cosmo” WILLIAMS JR., Lightweight Contender:

“This going to be a great show on Saturday. I am glad to be here. I’ve come to do what I’ve come to do. Thanks to SMS Promotions for having me and for supporting me.”

Tickets for the Dec. 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino Boxing event start at $25, $35 and $60 for ringside seats plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Jennings vs. Ortiz is a 12-round heavyweight bout fight for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and is sponsored by Corona, Mexico – Live It to Belive It! and Carmelita Chorizo. Walters vs. Sosa is a 10-round junior lightweight bout presented by Top Rank in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions and Warriors Boxing Promotions. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET and first fight begins at 6:05 p.m. ET, and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Gonzalez vs. Shabranskyy, is a 10-round light heavyweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT (tape delay).

Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. The December 19 fight will mark Turning Stone Resort Casino’s 16th nationally-televised boxing event in three years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights. Located in Upstate New York, the destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, two luxury spas and several nightlife options.

BRYANT JENNINGS & LUIS ORTIZ TO BATTLE FOR THE WBA INTERIM HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

Press Release For Immediate Release

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 23, 2015) – Two heavyweight titans will close out the 2015 boxing year with a bang on December 19, as former world title contender Bryant “By-By” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) takes on recently crowned WBA Interim Heavyweight belt holder Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (23-0, 20 KOs) in a 12-round championship fight. The event will take place at Turning Stone Resort Casino, in Verona, New York and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark.

“To headline an HBO event and fighting a former world title contender like Jennings is what I have been preparing my whole career for,” said Luis Ortiz. “I know that after this fight people will know that I deserve a shot at becoming the ‘Heavyweight Champion of the World.’ I think Jennings doesn’t even know what he’s stepping in to on the 19, I’m coming to make a statement. This fight is going to be an exciting stepping stone to achieve my dream.”

“With a mix of speed, power and amateur pedigree that is second-to-none, Luis Ortiz has quickly established himself as a force in the heavyweight division,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Luis is so hungry to continue his rise in the division that he has agreed to fight an enormously talented opponent in Bryant Jennings just two months after Luis’ destruction of Matias Vidondo to win the WBA Interim title. Boxing fans looking for a premiere heavyweight fight should make sure to tune in to HBO’s Boxing After Dark on December 19th.”

“It’s my pleasure to bring another great heavyweight showdown to the boxing fans with Bryant Jennings taking on an undefeated fighter like Luis Ortiz. The fans know that I have always, and will continue, to put on real competitive fights,” said Gary Shaw.

Shaw continued, “Jennings is a true professional who remains in phenomenal shape throughout the year. He showed in his last fight versus Klitschko that he belongs with the elite heavyweights and understands the challenges that lie ahead. Ortiz, who brings a high knockout ratio to the ring, will have his hands full, and Jennings is nothing like the fighter he just fought, whom he knocked out in the third round. Ortiz has never faced a challenge of a Philadelphia fighter like Bryant Jennings and he’s going to find out real quick that this is another level. Jennings is ready to continue his quest to become heavyweight champion with VADA testing agreed to by both promotional companies for this fight.”

“I’m excited to be getting back in the ring against Luis Ortiz, another big heavyweight,” said Bryant Jennings. “He’s coming off an impressive win and he thinks he’s at the top of his game. These are the typical type of opponents I like to showcase my skills against. I’ve come a long way since my last fight against Klitschko, and I have continued to train with a fierce intensity. When you suffer defeat for the first time you learn things about yourself you never knew. I’ve improved a great deal on all aspects of my game both mentally and physically. The world will see a great fight when I square off against Ortiz, that I can guarantee you. I’ll be driving the WBA belt back home to Philly.”

“This fight is between two evenly matched heavyweights, and that always has a purity to its mystique,” said Peter Nelson, vice president of programming for HBO Sports. “Jennings has proven to have heart in equal scale to what Ortiz has shown in power. On December 19, we will see a battle of wills.”

“We’re looking forward to hosting another exciting night of boxing at Turning Stone with HBO, Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO. “In three years, we’ve hosted 16 nationally-televised fights, distinguishing our resort as premier destination for world-class boxing.”

Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz had amassed nearly 350 wins before making his way to the United States to chase championship gold as a professional. Unbeaten in 25 bouts, the 36-year-old southpaw holds a knockout win over Monte Barrett and in June needed less than a round to dispatch Byron Polley. Ortiz was last seen on the undercard of Golovkin vs. Lemieux as part of the pay-per-view live telecast defeating Matias Ariel Vivdondo by third round knockout and gaining the WBA Interim Heavyweight World Title.

Hailed as one of the best heavyweight boxers in the sport, Bryant Jennings has faced some of the most feared fighters in the sport. In 2014 alone, Jennings defeated Mike Perez via split decision in July and Artur Szpilka via technical knockout in January. In 2013, Jennings passed his first career tested when he defeated Andrey Fedosov via sixth-round knockout in June. Most recently, Jennings was seen in the ring against the heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in April, suffering his first defeat since his professional debut in 2010. Now, the titan is looking for redemption and another shot at world title stardom when he faces Ortiz for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title.

Jennings vs. Ortiz is a 12-round heavyweight bout fight for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. The December 19 fight will mark Turning Stone Resort Casino’s 16th nationally-televised boxing event in less than two years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights. Located in Upstate New York, the four-season destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, luxury spas and several nightlife options.

Professional media requesting credentials for the December 19 fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at (315) 366.9291 or kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

Tickets will go on sale in early November. Additional ticket information will be announced soon.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.garyshawproductions.com www.hbo.com/boxing and www.turningstone.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @TurningStone and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/Gary-Shaw-Productions, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @turningstone.

Herrera-Lundy, A Hidden Gem Awaits

Mauricio Herrera (21-5 7 KO) is not a gatekeeper. There have been a few fighters over the past year who have foolishly selected him as an opponent thinking that was the case and right or wrong have escaped with a victory.

Nicknamed “El Maestro”, meaning “The Teacher”, Herrera has been known to school an opponent or two only to see the decision go against him. The problem is, the judges have viewed Herrera more as the student, and themselves, a non-flexible school board voting against a referendum they dislike no matter how good it looks leaking a stench of political bureaucracy.

In his last fight eight months ago, Herrera faced undefeated rising prospect and boxing prodigy, Jose Benavidez. Giving up several inches in height and reach and twelve years in age, Herrera was thought to be a tough “test” for the kid with the solid amatuer pedigree, but not good enough to upset the apple cart…oops.

Herrera controlled the large majority of the rounds by walking down the youngster with excellent head movement and a stiff jab while destroying his body and landing big power shots as they presented themselves. Not surprisingly, according to Compubox, Herrera landed more and was the busier fighter connecting on 295 out of 870 compared to Benavidez, 250 out of 647.

After the scores were tallied, Herrera had lost his interim WBA light welterweight title which he had won in defeating Johan Perez. The scorecards for Benavidez were preposterous, the first, a mind boggling “what the hell fight were you watching- “ score of 117-111 , and two cards of 116-112. The kid had a few moments but surely not enough to take the title and warrant the scores that he received. Most everyone seated on press row had the fight for Herrera by a wide margin. Consider the apple cart annihilated.

Two fights prior to the Benavidez fight, Herrera faced Philadelphia’s undefeated WBA/WBC light welterweight champion Danny Garcia in Puerto Rico. Garcia, of Puerto Rican descent, would be fighting in front of a partisan crowd but would need to be dominating. Again, enter Herrera, just the type of opponent that would be needed, a tough rugged pugilist who would be just dangerous enough to make for a good fight but not dangerous enough to pose a serious threat to the champion….right?

Oops… Herrera, un-gatekeeper like, frustrated Garcia for most of the night with surprisingly fast hands, an active jab, committed body work, and sneaky power shots while negating Garcia’s signature left hook. Herrera appeared to do better than two of the judges gave him credit for but there he was again, a majority decision loser, 114-114, and 116-112 X2. Although Garcia outlanded Herrera in power shots, their percentage landed was roughly the same. Herrera almost tripled Garcia in jabs landed and held a slight edge in total punches thrown and landed.

This Saturday night airing on HBO Latino from the Los Angeles Sports Arena, Herrera faces another Philadelphia fighter, “Hammerin” Hank (Henry) Lundy (25-4-1 12 KO) for the vacant NABF Super Lightweight title.

Lundy, like Herrera, has also seen his share of close bouts, albeit not as controversial. Lundy’s last fight was also in December where he lost to Thomas Dulorme by split decision and missed out on a chance to capture the WBO junior middleweight title. In the fight against Dulorme, Lundy showed his mettle after being knocked down early and battling back gallantly almost capturing the victory.

Back in 2013, Lundy lost a close unanimous decision to Viktor Postol, and prior to that fight a majority decision loss to Raymundo Beltran. Lundy’s first loss came by way of stoppage back in 2010 to John Molina Jr. by TKO in round 11, a fight he was actually winning handily at the time of the stoppage. Lundy is 3-3 in his last six fights and we have to wonder if the real “Hammerin” Hank will ever stand up.

Interesting to note here is the history of the reach advantage/disadvantage as it relates to each fighter. For Herrera, he seems to struggle against fighters with a shorter reach as all of his losses (with the exception of Benavidez, which was arguably a win) have come against fighters with a shorter reach and those closely resembling that of Lundy. By comparison, all of Lundy’s losses with the exception of Beltran, have come at the hands of fighters with a longer reach, closely resembling that of Herrera. That said, whoever establishes their jab, which both fighters use to great advantage to set up the other aspects of their game, may be an early tell on how the fight may progress.

Both fighters are mirror images of each other in some aspects. They both like to move forward and bang when needed while using an active jab, and committing to the body. Lundy will have the speed advantage, Herrera the higher work rate, Herrera the faster starter, Lundy stronger late.

Herrera could benefit from backing Lundy up and asserting himself early while banking rounds and tipping the score cards in his favor. Lundy, moving inside the length of Herrera to throw punches in bunches and then defensively moving to defend against the relentless counter attack of Herrera may allow him to control rounds.

Said Herrera-
“I feel great. I feel prepared and ready to beat Lundy and if he wants to brawl, box or do whatever, I’m ready. I feel there is a big possibility that I can stop him.”

Countered Lundy-
“He [Herrera] may have beaten another Philly fighter, Danny Garcia, but he’s got to realize I’m another type of animal. I’m a throwback fighter and on Saturday, Herrera is going to see what Hammerin’ Hank is all about.”

This could be a close fight and another scorecard fiasco. If this fight is a draw after the final bell, they need to invoke the ESPN Boxcino tiebreaker format. Fight one more round for all the marbles and if it still is a draw, the fans decide the winner via social media vote. Just saying.

Herrera and Lundy are what is right about boxing, hard working blue collar fighters who work on their craft and come ready to give their all from the opening bell.

A true crossroads fight for both and one that has the makings of something special. The “styles make fights” idiom can be used here with no apologies. When you pit two hungry fighters in against each other, each searching for that one career defining win and searching for respect, we may get something special.

The winner catapulted to contender status in the division, the loser, well, there’s always work for a gatekeeper, buyer beware.

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