Jesus Soto Karass vs. Yoshihiro Kamegai
Shelbi Keyes, Staff Writer
Jesus Soto Karass and Yoshihiro Kamegai will collide in the next edition of LA Fight Club, in what is expected to be an all-out slugfest. The sold-out fight, presented by Golden Boy Promotions, will take place at the Belasco Theater on April 15.
Yoshihiro Kamegai is well aware of how important winning this fight is for his future in boxing. He believes a win will set him up for “bigger and better things.”
Yoshihiro stated, “I hope to provide an entertaining and exciting fight. I not only want to win but I want the fans to be entertained.” Kamegai has explained to the media that he has had great sparring practice, picking partners that mimic Soto Karass’ style, and that he is prepared for war.
That being said, Soto Karass has faced several world-class heavy hitters. He acknowledged the fact that Kamegai is a warrior and will present a tough challenge, but he also added that he didn’t think he’d have a problem taking his punches.
With both fighters amped up and ready for battle, I expect this to be an exciting matchup. Though I have always been a huge fan of Jesus Soto Karass, his career is winding down. Kamegai is motivated and hungry to prove that he’s ready for the next step, so my prediction is that he will take the win.
Prediction: Kamegai
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
This should be a fan friendly, all-action affair for as long as it lasts. A gatekeeper like Jesus Soto Karass has a lot of experience and notoriety from memorable performances in losing efforts against some of boxing’s brighter starts.
Yoshihiro Kamegai previously only fought in two US televised bouts, but his efforts made a lasting impression on fans who saw them. Both fighters are known for their willingness to slug it out with their opponents, however Kamegai stated that he doesn’t want to be known as a fighter that walks in face-first. He said he’s been improving his technique and defense to mitigate the punishment he suffers.
While Soto Karass has the clear edge in experience, in terms of boxing skills, what you see is what you get. He’s a decent puncher, but Soto Karass rarely puts his punches together beyond three at a time.
Kamegai on the other hand can be a vicious puncher, evidenced by how he hurt Robert Guerrero–who is known for having a solid chin–in their scrap, and that 23 of his 26 victories came before the final bell.
In comparison to Soto Karass’ unwillingness to move beyond his plateau in terms of technique and skill, Kamegai actually tries to improve on his defense and technique. That gives him all the edges in my book. Kamegai wins by stoppage, down the stretch.
Prediction: Kamegai
Milo Taibi, Staff Writer
I’m going with Jesus Soto Karass to emerge victorious from a fan-friendly slugfest. “El Renuente” is no spring chicken–having amassed a 28-10-3 mark–but has faced better competition than Yoshihiro Kamegai.
While Kamegai gave Robert Guerrero all he could handle in a 2014 UD loss, Soto Karass has defeated bigger names, such as Andre Berto, Euri Gonzalez, and Selcuk Aydin.
Despite his prolonged layoff, I think Soto Karass’ experience will top Kamegai’s aggression.
Prediction: Soto Karass
Robert Contreras, Staff Writer
Yoshihiro Kamegai has been outboxed before but Jesus Soto Karass won’t be doing any of that.
This fight has action written all over it. Soto Karass is on the downside of his career, even losing once in the BKB.
Kamegai is a relentless brawler. I think he has just enough left in the tank to pull out a stoppage victory here. It’ll be fun for as long as it lasts.
Prediction: Kamegai
Liam Brady, Staff Writer/Graphic Designer
Based on their styles, this should obviously be nothing less than an action fight from the start. From what I have seen, Jesus Soto Karass and Yoshihiro Kamegai have similar tendencies, namely the high guard as they walk towards their opponent.
However, Soto Karass does seem to utilize the jab before stepping in with his power shots, whereas Kamegai neglects his jab and charges forward immediately. This could be an advantage for Soto Karass, as the jab can assist him in landing the right hand.
Soto Karass is also a more active fighter than Kamegai, based on his previous punch statistics. I believe outworking Kamegai on the inside will be the way he wins this fight, which is why I pick Soto Karass by decision.
Prediction: Soto Karass
Jack O’Connell, Staff Writer
Mexican punching machine vs. Japanese Sherman tank. Matchmaking like this is what fight fans love about boxing. Hey promoters and match makers, pay attention. This is what fans want.
Yoshihiro Kamegai must have a little voice in his head that’s constantly telling him to come forward. The Japanese warrior is going to march forward all night, using his brute strength to dish it out and take it.
Jesus Soto Karass, however, has a little voice in his head saying “you know better.” He knows he can’t duke it out all night with a boulder like Kamegai. When Soto Karass took on the bullish Selcuk Aydin, he fought smart, boxing brilliantly to frustrate the forward-driven Aydin.
If Soto Karass remembers to take a step back and box every now and again, he is going to win. Kamegai won’t back down from his game plan, eating punches to get inside and deal out damage. This didn’t exactly work against Alfonso Gomez, who badly outboxed Kamegai. I expect the same for Soto Karass. Soto Karass by very exciting, competitive decision.
Prediction: Soto Karass
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
I expect a lot of reckless aggression between Jesus Soto Karass and Yoshihiro Kamegai, but make no mistake, it’ll be fun to watch.
I’m not sure what Soto Karass has left, so although Golden Boy Promotions is calling him a “future star,” if he loses this fight I think it’s time to hang up the gloves.
I think Kamegai has more left in the tank so expect a decision or late-rounds stoppage victory.
Prediction: Kamegai
Photos by Golden Boy Promotions
