Coming up on July 29th there is a big fight happening in the junior welterweight division with Mikey Garcia taking on Adrien Broner.
This fight wasn’t one that was expected to be made due to the Garcia holding a title at 135lb, while Broner has been campaigning at 140lbs lately. No one is really complaining though, as this is a great style match-up that probably won’t disappoint.
Mikey Garcia
Mikey Garcia is undefeated at 36-0 with 30 KOs as a professional, and at the age of 29 has already won world titles in 3 separate weight classes. Mikey has been largely inactive the past couple of years but he returned in a big way earlier this year scoring a sensational knockout over Dejan Zlaticanin to capture the WBC world lightweight title.
Garcia began boxing at age 14 and racked up 56 amateur bouts before turning pro, and he has surely blossomed as a professional, winning world titles in 3 weight classes. He definitely ranks in the top 10 pound-for-pound, but it seems like he still has his biggest accomplishments ahead of him yet. Mikey’s style is entertaining and he is a great puncher with knockout power in either hand. He has solid fundamentals and defense even though he’s not a boxing stylist. The KO finish in his last fight was a KO of the year candidate. He will be looking to bring that power to the table this weekend.
Adrien Broner
At only 27 years old, Adrien Broner also has already racked up a list of accomplishments in the sport that few can match. Closing up an extensive amateur career of 300-19, Broner has won world titles at 130lbs, 135lbs, 147lbs, and 140lbs. His professional record is 33-2 with 24 KOs.
Broner’s two losses came from two of the best fighters in the welterweight division, and he lost by decision in both instances. Broner is known for his bravado outside of the ring, and rumors seem to persist regarding his commitment to training. While he hasn’t had a huge win in the past few years, he is still regarded as someone who has potential to beat almost anyone in and around 140lbs. He is at a turning point in his career, this fight will prove whether Broner is still a top boxer or possibly a fighter who peaked early and is now post-prime.
My Prediction
Firstly I have to say that this is a great match, partly because neither guy really HAD to take it. They could have fought whoever was available in their respective weight classes but they chose to get together because pound-for-pound this is a much more even match than could have probably been made otherwise.
It’s almost a 50/50 fight for me, but I’m gonna have to favor Garcia to win by decision, and in a similar manner that Maidana did.
It won’t be easy for Mikey, as Broner is very tricky and a great counter puncher. Mikey doesn’t have the awkward style that Maidana did, but it is similar enough to rough up Broner and take advantage of his inactivity during the rounds. If Mikey could somehow stop Broner, that would raise his stock tremendously, but I wouldn’t bet on that specific outcome. Mikey is one of the best punchers in the sport, but Broner has never been finished, only knocked down in one fight, and has very defense.
Another reason for my pick is due to Broner’s performance in his last fight. He had a very competitive fight with Granados who was supposed to be an easier opponent for him, so maybe he actually has peaked early and is no longer in his prime? Also, the rumors seem to always be around that Adrien is out partying and not taking training camp seriously. If these rumors are true then Mikey takes this one for sure.
Pics:
instagram.com/teammikeygarcia/
HBO via bloodyelbow.com/2013/11/10/5086304/rocky-martinez-vs-mikey-garcia-results-gifs-hbo-boxing-fight-video-live-fight-coverage
wifflegif.com/tags/63392-adrien-broner-gifs?page=3
Sources:
http://boxrec.com/boxer/455859
http://boxrec.com/boxer/364679
http://roundbyroundboxing.com/mikey-garcia-delivers-scary-knockout-over-zlaticanin-to-win-wbc-title/