Knockout Kings II
Saturday July 27, 2013 live from the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX, Golden Boy Promotions presents, Knockout Kings II. The card promises three action-packed bouts.
The live television broadcast starts at 9 pm, EST on Showtime.
Read on for Round By Round Boxing’sstaff picks for Andre Berto versus Jesus Soto Karass, Omar Figueroa versus Nihito Arakawa and Keith Thurman versus Diego Chaves.
Let us know who you think will win each bout by using #RBRBoxing.
Keith Thurman vs. Diego Chaves
Gino Garcia, Contributing Writer
Keith Thurman
Thurman wins with a TKO between rounds 7-9. Chaves is very gifted, however I don’t think he is taking Thurman’s power seriously. I see this one just like what happened to Donaire in April.
John Garita, Photo Editor/Contributing Writer
Diego Chaves
Diego Chaves TKO in Round 10. One word WAR! Thurman will come out charging like a beast, but the Argentine will stop him with his skill set and power in the second half of the fight.
Gabe Rivas, Contributing Writer
Keith Thurman
Both are undefeated and both have almost 20 knockouts. It is hard to see this fight going the distance. I’ve seen Thurman at a media workout at my gym and his size, power, and sheer energy is scary. Chaves is also a very strong fighter. However, I predict a late round stoppage with Thurman as the winner.
Alex Burgos, Founder/Lead Writer
Diego Chaves
Both men are heavy handed and have talked a big game going into this fight. I believe if Chaves handle of the pressure of the big stage and can weather Thurman’s early storm, he can stop “One Time” late. Chaves is an athlete and must not only bang, but box as well. Chaves by KO in Round 11.
Omar Figueroa vs. Nihito Arakawa
John Garita, Photo Editor/Contributing Writer
Omar Figueroa
Figueroa will dismantle Arakawa early in the fight. Figueroa is the real deal and at only age 23, in the lightweight division, the ceiling is high. Omar Figueroa Jr. by TKO in Round 4.
Gabe Rivas, Contributing Writer
Omar Figueroa
Omar’s last knockout was a statement and his ability to switch from orthodox to southpaw makes him a tough boxer to get used to. Figueroa by early stoppage.
Alex Burgos, Founder/Lead Writer
Omar Figueroa
“Panterita” is the real deal. This isn’t the matchup where we learn what he’s really made of. The only question here is will Figueroa KO Arakawa or win by decision. I’m going with mid-rounds knockout.
Andre Berto vs. Jesus Soto Karass
Gino Garcia, Contributing Writer
Andre Berto
Berto wins by SD over Karass. I think they are evenly matched. Berto only gets the SD by status in my opinion.
John Garita, Photo Editor/Contributing Writer
Gabe Rivas, Contributing Writer
Andre Berto
Berto has trouble with people who can outwork him and his defense isn’t something to be proud of. However, I know he has been visiting Virgil Hunter’s training camp and I am hoping he has learned something. Karass’s lack of foot work makes him a target for the uppercut. Berto by decision.
Alex Burgos, Founder/Lead Writer
Andre Berto
After his loss to Robert Gurrero, Andre Berto fired his life-long trainer, Tony Morgan. It’s obvious that Berto was looking for an identity in the ring. To me, he’s not a technically impressive boxer. He’s got a body builders physique but he’s been taken to the school on the inside. I believe his work with Virgil Hunter may suit him better than what he was trying to do against Guerrero, but it won’t be pretty for the fans. Think a poor man’s Andre Ward. Very poor. Berto by 12 Round UD.
