Photo by Esther Lin/Showtime
On Saturday, June 21, 2014, former four-division world champion, Robert Guerrero faces off against Welterweight contender Yoshihiro Kamegai in a 12-round fight that headlines an intriguing boxing triple-header promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T.
In the co-main event, undefeated Gary Russell Jr. faces his toughest test to date in Ukrainian star Vasyl Lomachenko in a 12-round showdown for the vacant WBO World Featherweight Title.
And in the opening bout, Devon Alexander will face off against Jesus Soto Karass in a 10-round super welterweight matchup which is a crossroads bout for both men.
The fights take place at the StubHub Center in Carson, California and will air on Showtime Championship Boxing starting at 10:00 pm, EST.
Read on for Round By Round Boxing’s staff predictions for Guerrero vs. Kamegai, Russell Jr. vs. Lomachenko and Alexander vs. Soto Karass.
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Devon Alexander
vs.
Jesus Soto Karass
Photo by Esther Lin/Showtime
Lou Catalano, Staff Writer
A battle where the underachiever meets the overachiever. Devon Alexander was last seen getting outworked and defeated by Shawn Porter. Jesus Soto Karass was last seen being violently concussed by Keith “San Diego!” Thurman.
Alexander’s southpaw style and boxing ability make him a difficult foe, but for all of his skill, he has shown a tendency to keep his fists holstered, allowing other fighters like Porter and Tim Bradley to out-hustle him. Soto Karass is not only a busy fighter, he can bring the pain and his skull seems to be made of pavement.
I think this fight would be a rougher one a couple of years ago, and though Soto Karass will make Alexander work, I don’t think there’s enough tread left on the tires for him to spring an upset. I like Alexander to win on points.
Prediction: Alexander
Lenin Acevedo, Photographer
It doesnt take Nostradamus to predict this fight. Jesus Soto Karass loses this fight.
I like Soto Karass, but in terms of boxing ability, Devon Alexander is light years ahead. Alexander takes this by decision.
Prediction: Alexander
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
For me, both men need a win in this fight. Jesus Soto Karass needs it because he’s trying to push past the “tough guy who always loses” label. Devon Alexander needs a win to prove he can still get back to the championship level after losing his title to Shawn Porter.
Yes, Soto Karass did beat Andre Berto, but at this point that’s not saying much. Soto Karass could probably still get network fights even if he loses, but he’ll certainly be labeled more of a gate keeper. The rugged Mexican will need to put pressure on Alexander in an intelligent manner, meaning he must cut off the ring. Alexander will want to box and show the slower Soto Karass angles all night.
As the better athlete and more polished boxer, I think Alexander should be able to earn a decision victory as long as he stays out of range of Soto Karass’ bombs. If Alexander gets caught in exchanges, Soto Karass could pull off the minor upset.
Prediction: Alexander
Gary Russell Jr.
vs.
Vasyl Lomachenko
Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank
Lou Catalano, Staff Writer
It’s absurd to think that Vasyl Lomachenko, with a pro record of 1-1, has the better resume than the 24-0 fighter. But that’s what happens when you fight an assortment of ticket brokers, Wall Street traders, and the guy from the Allstate commercials. Russell has brilliant hand speed and is certainly the flashier fighter, but Lomachenko had a legendary amateur career and has already been in two tough fights as a pro.
There’s no doubt that Russell has the talent, but is he the real deal? There’s just not enough evidence yet to prove one way or the other.
I’ve gone back and forth on this fight, but I’m going with Lomachenko for the win.
Prediction: Lomachenko
Lenin Acevedo, Photographer
A chess match indeed. I’m really not sure who will win this fight. It’s definitely a 50/50 chance for both fighters. In my opinion, the boxer who becomes the brawler in this bout will come out on top.
Vasyl Lomachenko is a natural talent, but I think he’s a bit “brawler shy.” He’s afraid to step out of his comfort zone and I think this will hurt his chances.
Gary Russell Jr. is great boxer, but he has shown a thirst for brawling in the past, and this gives him an edge. Russell Jr. wins this bout.
Prediction: Russell Jr.
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
For me, this bout is the main event. Two young, talented fighters with different opinions on how to become a successful professional boxer. On one hand Vasyl Lomachenko jumped into the professional ranks head first, getting a title shot against the always-tough Orlando Salido in only his second bout.
On the other hand, Gary Russell Jr. has consistently shown off his skill for over four years, building up a 24-0 record against cab drivers. For the decorated Ukrainian, things didn’t go as planned against Salido as the Mexican veteran came in bigger, stronger and dirtier than Lomachenko thought. It can be argued that regardless of competition, the experience of professional rounds is key to the development of a fighter and regardless of Lomachenko’s amateur accolades, Russell Jr. is in a better position at this point in time.
This matchup is so intriguing because both men can quiet critics with a victory and show that their particular path to becoming champion was the correct one. I believe that Lomachenko’s defense is not the best and he can be hit often. Against the fastest hands in boxing, that could mean trouble. If Russell Jr. boxes and puts together quick combinations, he can befuddle the two-time Olympic gold medalist and cruise to a victory. It still remains to be seen how Russell Jr. takes a punch against someone with power, which Lomachenko surely has.
Tough call, but I think Russell Jr. takes this one by decision.
Prediction: Russell Jr.
Robert Guerrero
vs.
Yoshihiro Kamegai
Photo by Esther Lin/Showtime
Lou Catalano, Staff Writer
Does Robert Guerrero still have the fire? After being white washed by Floyd Mayweather, Guerrero took a long break and is finally back in action against Yoshihiro Kamegai, who is not Floyd Mayweather. He does seem to enjoy hitting people and even better, doesn’t seem to mind being blasted in the face himself. Bottom line: this fight should be a fun one.
The good news for “The Ghost” is that Kamegai will be right there in front of him, so this is the perfect “look good” fight. If he hasn’t lost his defensive abilities, he should be able to rebound nicely here. Look for Guerrero to start hitting Yoshi with straight left hands right around the beginning of the national anthem on his way to a badly-needed KO victory.
Prediction: Guerrero
Lenin Acevedo, Photographer
This is a very exciting matchup on paper. They both have decent records with knockout potential. I believe Robert Guerrero is exactly what his name means in Spanish, he’s a relentless warrior, who doesn’t stop coming at fighters. Guerrero will mentally tire out Yoshihiro Kamegai and earn a knockout victory.
Prediction: Guerrero
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
It’s nice to know that Robert Guerrero still fights. Floyd Mayweather sent “The Ghost” into hiding after the one-sided beat down he delievered in May of 2013, so it’ll be interesting to see how Guerrero’s confidence and desire measures against the relatively unknown Yoshihiro Kamegai. Kamegai has faced decent competition and has scored a knockout in 21 of his 24 victories, so on paper it certainly seems that he can bang. Guerrero looks physically bigger–which can be attributed to his new training regimen–so we’ll see if he decides to exchange with Kamegai on the inside. I think Guerrero might show a little ring rust early on, but as long as he doesn’t decide to square up and brawl all night, he should be able to earn a decision victory.
Prediction: Guerrero
