On Saturday, September 6, 2014, Adrien Broner takes center stage in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio against Emmanuel Taylor in a 12-round super lightweight bout.
The bout–which is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and R&R Promotions in association with Star Boxing–will headline a Showtime triple header which also includes hard-hitting Argentine Lucas Matthysse facing off against Roberto Ortiz in a 10-round super lightweight bout.
In the televised opener, former welterweight world champion Andre Berto will face Philadelphia’s Steve Upsher in a 10-round welterweight matchup.
Read on for Round By Round Boxing’s staff predictions for Adrien Broner vs. Emmanuel Taylor, Lucas Matthysse vs. Roberto Ortiz and Andre Berto vs. Steve Upsher.
All photos used by Stephanie Trapp/Showtime
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Andre Berto
vs.
Steve Upsher
Lou Catalano, Staff Writer
Here is where we find out how much is left of Andre Berto, who has the ring I.Q. of Ricardo Mayorga on acid.
He’s probably got enough left to defeat Steve Upsher, who has no power and hasn’t won a fight in two-and-a-half years. I don’t know what it will prove, but he has name recognition so he’ll probably get another big fight soon, and he’ll more than likely be drilled into snoozeville.
But in any case, Berto should get the win here.
Prediction: Berto
Donte Brown, Donte’s Boxing Gym
I’m picking ALL of the big name stars this week. These fights are all “showcase” fights that will make the fighters look good this time around, just to set up bigger fights in the future.
Prediction: Berto, Matthysse and Broner
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Andre Berto is in a must-win situation. That may have been said before, but it’s really true now. If he loses to unknown opponent Steve Upsher–who has never fought in a bout scheduled for more than 8 Rounds–he can kiss any career in boxing goodbye.
I don’t think this is the fight that stops the Berto train, though I don’t think he has much to offer as an elite-level fighter. I like Berto over Upsher by decision.
Prediction: Berto
Lucas Matthysse
vs.
Roberto Ortiz
Lou Catalano, Staff Writer
“The Machine” is coming off a war with John Molina, who gave an unexpectedly fantastic showing of himself before wilting to Lucas Matthysse’s monster bombs.
I hate picking these types of fights because we don’t know if Ortiz is for real. He’s fought pretty much nobody of note. I’m going to say that Lucas has too much power for him. Matthysse by KO.
Prediction: Matthysse
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Roberto Ortiz is 31-0-1 with 24 KOs. I dare you to name one of his opponents. I’ll wait. That’s what I thought. While Ortiz is seemingly a young and powerful fighter, we just don’t know what he will be able to do against a machine.
Lucas Matthysse on the other hand has shown the ability to persevere and also walk through opponents. I think Matthysse gives a Ortiz a taste of his power early on and before you know that will be all she wrote.
Prediction: Matthysse
Adrien Broner
vs.
Emmanuel Taylor
Lou Catalano, Staff Writer
Adrien Broner has spoken of cleaning up his act and getting serious about boxing. If he trained well, he should have an easy time with Emanuel Taylor, who just doesn’t have the work rate or talent to keep up with “The Problem.”
I expect loads of them for Taylor. Broner should cruise to a win and then show Jim Gray his penis.
Prediction: Broner
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Emanuel Taylor is a skilled challenger and should put a good fight against Adrien Broner early on. My problem with Taylor has always been his output. Sometimes he seems to sleepwalk through rounds and against Broner that will be trouble because for all of his technical deficiencies, Broner is accurate.
Broner will be looking to ooh and ahh the hometown crowd which may or may not be a good thing. As long as Broner doesn’t get too wrapped up in the moment, I think he secure an impressive decision victory. Though to really impress and throw himself in the mix of top 140-pound fighters he will need a show-closing KO against Taylor. I just don’t think he has it in him.
Prediction: Broner
