Mauricio Herrera vs. Frankie Gomez
Liam Brady, Staff Writer/Graphic Designer
I love this veteran vs. prospect matchup, which I do see being competitive. Mauricio Herrera can make a night awkward for anyone, as shown before, and Frankie Gomez can box, but also unload some excellent combinations.
I see this being tentative at first, but I see Gomez running away with the fight eventually once the fight starts opening up.
I believe Gomez offers more dimensions as a fighter. I feel his combination punching on the inside will win the rounds and as a consequence, I see him winning by decision in a competitive fight.
This will be a great opponent on the record of Gomez if he wins, and is an ideal opponent for this stage of his career.
Prediction: Gomez
Ismael Gallardo, Photographer
Prediction: Gomez
Jack O’Connell, Staff Writer
If all goes well and judges decide to not be blind, incompetent fools, Mauricio Herrera should actually be able to win a decision, controversy-free.
Stylistically, Herrera is poison for the prospect Frankie Gomez. Herrera’s late start to the sport helped to produce his awkward, unconventional style. This lack of formality truly shines against fighters with polished, amateur credentials.
Herrera picked apart Danny Garcia and José Benavidez, confusing them with his jerky movement and off beat jab.
Gomez, an amateur standout, offers the same skill set Herrera is known to neutralize. Gomez also brings along a host of bad habits. He keeps his hands low, inviting the jab of Herrera
to sneak in. Gomez also has a habit of backing himself into the ropes, a place Herrera truly shines. Finally, Gomez’s disciple to the sport has always been in question. Too often, he comes
in out of shape or misses weight for his fights. His trainer Freddie Roach has even stated how Gomez should be fighting as a light welterweight with proper discipline. The fact that this fight is taking place at welterweight…not a good sign.
Frankie Gomez definitely has talent, he shouldn’t be completely blown away by Herrera. However, “El Maestro” should be too crafty for the young prospect to handle. Let’s just hope the judges get it right.
Prediction: Herrera
Michael Burnell, Staff Writer
Mauricio “El Maestro” Hererra squares off against undefeated, but relatively untested Frankie Gomez in his Welterweight maiden voyage.
Expect “El Maestro” to conduct a symphony on Gomez’s face for the majority of the night and cruise to a clear 10-round decision.
Prediction: Herrera
Ardy Ajoste, Graphic Designer
Prediction: Gomez
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Herrera
Shelbi Keyes, Staff Writer
Veteran Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera, 22-5, 7 KOs will be taking on the young and hungry Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez who has an undefeated record going into Saturday night’s fight, 20-0, 13 KOs.
This fight will undoubtedly be one to remember in what is expected to be an all-out battle between one of boxing’s hottest up-and- coming prospects and one of the most respected contenders in boxing.
Gomez’s explosive offensive style makes for exciting fights to watch. He has the ability to close distance quickly which allows him to punish the body of his opponents. His nickname “Pitbull,” is testimony to his unrelenting aggression coming forward. While Gomez is here to prove he is a legitimate world-title challenger, at the age of 35, Herrera wants to continue to prove he is nobody’s stepping stone.
Herrera uses his jab and crafty footwork to disrupt his opponents’ rhythm and take away their angles of attack, which also allows him to stay out of dangerous situations. Though I think Gomez will be the more active of the two fighters, I see Herrera landing more shots.
I am expecting this fight to be a close one, much like Herrera’s previous fights against Danny Garcia and Jose Benavidez in 2014. I see this fight being close enough that the judges will give the decision to Gomez though many fans will feel Herrera deserved the win.
Prediction: Gomez
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
I’ve never been sold on Frankie Gomez, and maybe Golden Boy Promotions isn’t either. I would not want my fighter to be facing “El Maestro” his first step up fight.
I think Herrera, while excruciating to watch, is effective and crafty and will give Gomez tons of trouble.
Herrera by decision.
Prediction: Herrera
