Saturday, July 11, Premier Boxing Champions continues its network television takeover with the debut of PBC on ESPN.
The fight card features 12-round main event fight between Clearwater, Florida’s Keith “One Time” Thurman (25-0, 21 KOs) and Brooklyn, New York’s Luis Collazo (36-6, 19 KOs). The fight is being held the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida.
In the co-main event, Middleweight prospect Tony Harrison (21-0, 18 KOs) will face Willie Nelson (23-2-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round bout.
The action will air live on ESPN at 9:00 pm, EST.
Read on for Round By Round Boxing’s staff predictions for each bout and let us know who you think will win.
All photos by Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions
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Tony Harrison
vs.
Willie Nelson
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
Interesting matchup here. Harrison (21-0, 18 KOs) is an undefeated 24 year old Detroit native who is intent on putting his hometown back on the map. “If I win this bout, Detroit is back and we get the recognition we deserve as far as being the Mecca of boxing again.”
At 28, Nelson (23-2-1, 13 KOs) is a southpaw who is both experienced and dangerous.
I like Harrison to win and continue his march towards an eventual title shot.
Prediction: Harrison
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
The undefeated Harrison is certainly someone to keep an eye on, though his record has been padded with fighters ranging from awful to corpse-like. Willie Nelson is like, Big Bird tall, and he’s got the wingspan of a pterodactyl, but he doesn’t use it to his advantage at all.
I’m expecting his trainer Jack Loew to be censored for pretty much the entire fight as he screams USE YOUR FUCKIN JAB, WILLIE!!! repeatedly. It won’t help. Harrison by KO.
Prediction: Harrison
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
Willie Nelson has been M.I.A since losing to Vanes Martirosyan late last year, in a fight I thought he was capable of winning. Willie’s main problem is one similar to Paul Williams: for a guy with his lanky stature and reach advantages, he refuses to fight tall. This may cost him against a guy like Tony Harrison, who can punch.
Harrison has been on a tear, already fighting twice in 2015, neither bout making it past the third round. He also has a notable stoppage win against Grady Brewer last year, an enthusiast favorite. Although, Harrison has been running through B level fighters and below, I think he’s on the upswing and Nelson may be slowing as his career has gone in the direction many projected two years ago.
I’ll take Harrison.
Prediction: Harrison
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
Willie Nelson would like nothing more than to win an exciting battle on a big stage. PBC provides a great platform on which to build his brand, but Tony Harrison poses what I think will be an insurmountable obstacle.
He is athletic, strong and an excellent puncher. The likable Nelson will be worn down and likely suffer a late stoppage.
Prediction: Harrison
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
I really like this bout. I think Willie Nelson has enough talent and ability left to actually push Tony Harrison past the first few rounds and give us a glimpse of what the Detroit native really has to offer. Though Harrison is undefeated and has looked phenomenal as of late, it’s been against questionable competition. Is Harrison the real deal–this fight should give us some answers.
I like Nelson’s physical tools, but I just don’t think he’s disciplined enough to stick to a game plan (like using his jab/reach) and make Harrison work hard for an entire fight. I think Harrison should be able to get inside and rough up Nelson en-route to a decision victory.
Prediction: Harrison
Keith Thurman
vs.
Luis Collazo
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
The last time Luis Collazo (36-6, 19 KOs) was on the big stage, he wasn’t impressive at all in taking a 12 round whooping from Amir Khan. He does carry with him a reputation for stepping up when it comes to big name opposition. At 34, and more than likely with his better days behind him, he’s going to have his work cut out for him against Keith Thurman (25-0-0-1, 21 KOs).
The undefeated Thurman faces yet another experienced veteran in Collazo. The 26 year old will have something of a home court advantage fighting in Tampa.
Thurman will prove to be too much. He’s stronger, faster, and until he moves up to the elite level where he can really test himself, the only person that can beat Thurman is Thurman.
I like Thurman by unanimous decision, however, a stoppage isn’t out of the question.
Prediction: Thurman
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
I like that the WBA has a “regular” title to fight for, so that it clears up any confusion over who the actual champion is. Irregular champs are not what we’re here for.
Anyway, this fight is a helluva letdown, simply because Keith Thurman is coming off of the biggest win of his career. We’d hoped he would keep the momentum going and take on another big-named fighter, even if Floyd Mayweather was never, ever, ever going to go anywhere near him.
But instead, he’ll fight 87-year-old Luis Collazo, whose biggest win came against Victor “Face Lube” Ortiz. Collazo is a solid boxer, but Thurman is a beast, and he should be WAY too much for him to handle at this point. He may give Thurman a few tough rounds, but in the end, “One Time” is just too good. Thurman all day long.
Prediction: Thurman
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
Being a former Welterweight champ, Luis Collazo has clearly seen better days. His odds don’t fare well against the rising star in Keith Thurman.
He’s dropped fights to every notable fighter he’s faced in recent years outside his upset over Victor Ortiz. Thurman is heating up and Collazo, as a gatekeeper, does nothing to deter Thurman’s momentum right now.
Thurman might become the second guy to stop Collazo; he’s certainly got the right attributes for it.
Prediction: Thurman
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
Keith Thurman is on a tear right now and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.
Luis Collazo, though detoured by Ami Khan is still a tough, capable fighter. It wouldn’t be difficult to envision the former champion pulling an upset… just not against “One Time.”
Collazo is not a scrub by any means but he simply is not on Thurman’s level at this point.
Prediction: Thurman
Brent Herrin, Staff Writer
Keith “One Time” Thurman (25-0, 21 KOs) will entertain the hometown crowd Saturday night in Tampa with a title defense against veteran brawler Luis Collazo (36-6, 19 KOs).
As much as I’d like to see Collazo apply some pressure and make things difficult for Thurman, the reality is Thurman is too strong and too quick for the aging Collazo.
The boxing world would love to see Thurman take on some of the top guys in the welterweight divison at least one time, so maybe he will surprise us in his next outing.
Prediction: Thurman
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
I’ve always been a Luis Collazo fan, and regardless of what happens in this fight I think he’s always been a top-notch guy and a great competitor. Having said all of that, he’s seen better days and I don’t think he’s got much to offer Keith Thurman.
Thurman is fighting a hometown showcase similar to what Deontay Wilder did last month. Hopefully Thurman gets back to facing prime contenders/champions soon.
Prediction: Thurman
