On Saturday, January 23, 2016, Premier Boxing Champions debuts on FOX.
The main event of the evening pits undefeated Danny “Swift” Garcia (31-0, 18 KOs) against former world champion Robert “The Ghost’ Guerrero (33-3-1, 18 KOs) in a welterweight world title battle.
Also featured in televised action is a welterweight showdown between Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez and Aron Martinez.
Televised fights begin broadcasting on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 8:00 pm, EST.
Scroll through for Round By Round Boxing’s staff predictions and let us know who you think will win each bout.
All photos by Premier Boxing Champions
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Sammy Vasquez
vs.
Aron Martinez
Ismael Gallardo, Photographer
Prediction: Martinez
Liam Brady, Graphic Designer
Prediction: Vasquez
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Sammy Vasquez is one of the best contenders in the 147-pound division. Aron Martinez had a huge 2015, almost knocking off Robert Guerrero and playing the spoiler against Devon Alexander.
I like Vasquez’s pace, cleaner combinations and overall collectedness in the ring. I think he will put people on notice with a strong performance against Martinez, stealing the spotlight in PBC’s first ever event on FOX.
Prediction: Vasquez
Danny Garcia
vs.
Robert Guerrero
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
This would have been a better fight a couple of years ago, but suddenly, “The Ghost” looks like he’s lost quite a bit. Losing to Keith Thurman is nothing to be embarrassed about, but he followed that up by looking absolutely god-awful against Aron Martinez last June.
He squeaked out a questionable victory, but something’s up–he ain’t right. Danny Garcia has alternated poor performances with knockouts since he beat Lucas Matthysse in 2013, but those knockouts game against Rod Salka and Paulie Malignaggi.
Why those guys, you ask??? Because he can. He’s going to get paid to fight stiffs for as long as they’ll let him. Guerrero is no stiff, but he’s clearly not what he used to be.
Plus, he’s not the type of fighter that gives Garcia trouble–guys with good movement and punch output. If it’s a pocket fight, and I think it will be, Garcia is better suited for it. Garcia by wide decision.
Prediction: Garcia
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
Robert Guerrero is about the most straightforward fighter you can find at 147 pounds, with some notoriety. He’s declining, but dangerous enough to offer Danny Garcia’s run in the division some validity in a conversation for the vacant WBC belt that includes his PBC stablemates, Shawn Porter and Keith Thurman.
Guerrero’s been in more than his share of wars, and the toll they’ve taken on his body is becoming more apparent. His struggles against less than stellar opposition recently, only furthers that narrative. Guerrero would tell you that he intentionally chose to slug it out with opponents that he felt he could easily outbox. It’s hard to believe that’s a choice when he counter-intuitively goes to war against guys he should beat–even to the detriment of his career.
Ironically, Danny Garcia doesn’t fare well against boxer types who utilize mobility. So if there is boxing ability in Guerrero, this would be the ideal time for him to utilize it.
However, I’m sure none of this is missed by Garcia’s handlers in choosing this matchup. I think Garcia has the advantages in youth and experience. Even though it’s not a significant gap, I believe Garcia to be the more technical of the two. While Garcia has demonstrated punching power in the past, I believe Guerrero’s chin holds up enough to last to the final bell and lose by unanimous decision.
Prediction: Garcia
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Guerrero
Ismael Gallardo, Photographer
Prediction: Guerrero
Liam Brady, Graphic Designer
Prediction: Garcia
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
This is a good fight, but not one that should crown the WBC Welterweight champion. I think Danny Garcia might struggle a bit early on if Robert Guerrero decides to move around and box.
If Guerrero let’s it become a test of who has the biggest huevos, expect Garcia to eat “The Ghost” up.
I would be surprised if Garcia gets a stoppage win, but either way he’s too much for Guerrero at this point.
Prediction: Garcia
