Photo courtesy of Esther Lin/Showtime Sports
On August 23, 2013, live from the Stub Hub Center in Carson, California, Showtime Championship Boxing presents an exciting boxing doubleheader.
In the opening bout, Leo Santa Cruz faces off against Victor Terraza with Terraza’s WBC Super Bantamweight championship on the line.
The main event features WBC Featherweight champion, Abner Mares squaring off against former world titlist, Jhonny Gonzalez.
Read on for Round By Round Boxing’s staff predictions for each fight.
Click here to see each writer’s prediction record so far this year.
Photo courtesy of Esther Lin/Showtime Sports
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Victor Terrazas
Gino Garcia, Contributing Writer
Pick: Leo Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz wins by SD over Terrazas. I can see a knock down by both sides possible, but this fight should go the distance.
Brendan Montenegro, Contributing Writer
Pick: Victor Terrazas
By the time this fight is done, it will be a candidate for fight of the year. Everyone is looking forward to the Mares-Gonzalez fight, but this fight will take over the night.
Santa Cruz is looking for the upset to possibly set a fight with Mares, which Golden Boy seems to be be doing by having Santa Cruz fight on a few of Mares’ undercards. Terrazas who is definitely a fighter to watch as he won the WBC belt against Cristian Mijares who is a superstar in Mexico.
Santa Cruz is one of the Golden Boy’s fast rising stars, which is looking to really looking to make a name for himself with a win over Terrazas. If he does pull off the upset, then Mares would definitely need to watch his back, as Santa Cruz would be on his tail. In the end I believe Terrazas will win by split decision.
Jose Sotomayor, Contributing Writer
Pick: Leo Santa Cruz
These two will create an exciting and explosive atmosphere from the sound of the bell. Terrazas is a tough veteran who has been in wars and is riding an 11 fight win streak and has not lost since his TKO loss to Rendall Munroe back in 2010.
As a result, look for Leo Santa Cruz to apply continuous pressure throughout the fight as he searches for the stoppage. Terrazas has won his last two fights by split decision and will have a tough time obtaining that against Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz by late rounds TKO.
Alex Burgos, Editor in Chief
Pick: Leo Santa Cruz
Leo Santa Cruz is one of the best pressure fighters in the game. He doesn’t have exceptional defense so as long as he take Terrazas punches well–which I believe he will–he will wear the tough Mexican down and win by middle-rounds TKO.
John Garita, Photographer/Contributing Writer
Pick: Leo Santa Cruz
Leo Santa Cruz, an emerging boxing star, will be test tonight against WBC Super Bantamweight champion, Victor Terrazas. Santa Cruz’s speed and power hitting will be a major factor and will stop Terrazas in Round 9 by TKO.
Santa Cruz will become the new champion but must weather a storm to earn the victory.
Photo courtesy of Esther Lin/Showtime Sports
Abner Mares vs. Jhonny Gonzalez
Gino Garcia, Contributing Writer
Pick: Abner Mares
I believer Mares will win this fight by eights-round TKO over Gonzalez. I see this fight as a good matchup, however Mares should break down Gonzalez in Rounds 6 and 7.
Brendan Montenegro, Contributing Writer
Pick: Abner Mares
Both fighters are extremely tough, both straightforward fighters. In the end I see Mares coming away with the win. Gonzalez record looks impressive having 46 Kos and having the overall ring experience but Mares is the hungrier fighter who doesn’t want to let go that belt.
Gonzalez has lost to Daniel Ponce De Leon who Mares beat to win the title. Gonzalez has a punchers chance and Mares knows that which is why Mares will be more defensive in this fight and still retain the title.
Jose Sotomayor, Contributing Writer
Pick: Abner Mares
This will be an interesting fight for both fighters. Both Abner Mares and Jhonny Gonzalez are know for their relentless and aggressive boxing in the ring. The two fighters possess KO ability and fight can end at anytime.
Fortunately, these two fighters have durability and charisma to last ages. Jhonny Gonzalez is not a walk in the park and although he has an 8 in the loss column, he has been in the ring with the likes of Ponce De Leon and many other well-seasoned veterans. His KO percentage is high, so he has a punchers chance.
Unfortunately, Mares showed that he has really good boxing skills in his last fight with Ponce De Leon. Look for Mares to box early and turning it up in the third round.
Alex Burgos, Editor in Chief
Pick: Abner Mares
Jhonny Gonzalez’s–while tough–does not have the best set of whiskers. The early rounds will be competitive, but once he is hit flush by Mares, the tide will turn and the champion will earn an impressive mid-round TKO.
John Garita, Photographer/Contributing Writer
Pick: Jhonny Gonzalez
Abner Mares will make his first WBA Featherweight title defense against power-punching veteran Jhonny Gonzalez. Blood will be shed and Mares’ toughest opposition to date wil stop him in Round 10 by TKO.
[table caption=”Round By Round Boxing Staff Predictions” width=”400″ colwidth=”20|100|50″ colalign=”left|left|center|left|right”]Writer,Wins,Losses, Draws, Win-Loss-Draw Record, Win %
Alex,1,2,0,1-2-0, 33%
Brendan,0,0,0,0, 0%
Gabe,2,1,0,2-1-0, 66%
Gino,1,1,0,1-1-0, 33%
John,1,2,0,1-2-0, 50%
Jordan,
Jose,
Lenin,
[/table]
