All photos by Tom Hogan/K2 Promotions
On Saturday, September 9, 2017, a stacked tripleheader dubbed “SuperFly” invades the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
The HBO Boxing After Dark card features Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Carlos Cuadras, Naoya Inoue vs. Antonio Nieves and a highly-anticipated rematch between Srisaket Sor Rungvisai vs. Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez.
Read on for Round By Round Boxing‘s staff predictions for the HBO tripleheader and let us know who you think will win.
Round By Round Boxing Staff Predictions - 2020
| Name | Win | Loss | Total Fights | Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Burgos | 3 | 3 | 6 | 0.5 |
| Hans Themistode | 4 | 2 | 6 | 0.66666666666667 |
| R.L. Woodson | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0.8 |
| Robert Contreras | 6 | 0 | 6 | 1 |
Carlos Cuadras vs. Juan Francisco Estrada
Liam Brady, Graphic Designer/Staff Writer
First off, what a great fight. On one hand, you have Juan Francisco Estrada, a former unified Flyweight champion who has now moved up to Super Flyweight. And on the other hand, you have former WBC Super Flyweight champion, Carlos Cuadras, who is looking to regain his title.
What makes this all the more interesting is that both fighters have a history with Roman Gonzalez. Both Estrada and Cuadras have been defeated by Gonzalez, with both fights being extremely competitive. And with the fight between Cuadras and Estrada being an official WBC eliminator, chances are they will not only have a shot at the belt in their next fight, but also a chance to avenge their defeat if Gonzalez defeats Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in the main event.
In terms of the fight, Cuadras is a fighter who likes to stay on the move and box on the back foot, though occasionally he can be wild and swing heavily at his opponent. As a result, he can be wide open to counters. However, this makes Cuadras very dynamic, which makes him hard to read in terms of what fighting style he will utilize.
It also makes him compelling to watch, as he is drawn into brawls with his opponents, even though he could make the fight less grueling by sticking to his boxing skills. As for his opponent, Estrada is someone who, for the most part, prefers to be up close, so he can unload combinations to the body and head. Therefore, with both fighters willing to trade on the inside, this fight could be assigned to the “barn burner” category once it is finished.
As for the winner, I am picking Cuadras by decision. Although the inside fighting between Cuadras and Estrada will result in close rounds, I believe the dynamism and movement of Cuadras will frustrate Estrada, when Cuadras decides to box rather than fight.
Inside fighting aside, I can see Cuadras moving on his feet a lot, and hitting his opponent from range when Estrada tries to pursue him and close the distance. Granted, Cuadras didn’t look convincing in his previous fight against David Carmona, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.
I think he will be switched on for this fight, considering he is taking on a much tougher opponent in Estrada, as well as the fact he has a shot at the belt if he wins. Overall, I think Cuadras has more variety as a fighter, being able to switch fighting styles, and this will be a crucial aspect in the fight in my opinion. That’s if he doesn’t get drawn into a brawl constantly, as he can be overzealous sometimes.
Prediction: Cuadras
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
This will be a great fight for the purists. It’s guaranteed this will be an all-action bout as these fighters are two of the best in the weight class.
Not only that, but they are similar in fighting styles and punching power. In addition, they both fell to Chocolatito in their previous losses.
You can’t go wrong picking either guy, but I’ll take old bacne (Carlos Cuadras) by late stoppage. I believe that Cuadras has a slight edge in technique and power over Juan Francisco Estrada.
Prediction: Cuadras
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Cuadras
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
There will be plenty of Mexican on Mexican violence in another example of excellent, even matchmaking with Carlos Cudaras taking on Juan Francisco Estrada.
The participants both have solid, similar experience and solid power as well. This is a very difficult one to call.
“Prediction? (Mr. T’s voice)…….Pain….”
It’s hard to forget the spirited and extremely impressive performance that Cuadras put on against streaking, undefeated and consensus top five pound-for-pound champion Roman Gonzalez despite not emerging with the decision.
The results of these three fights will set up awesome unification possibilities that should be worth the wait.
The one moving forward in this hard-fought skirmish will be Cuadras by well-earned decision.
Prediction: Cuadras
R.L. Woodson, Staff Writer
This is a very evenly matched fight. I’ll take Carlos Cuadras to grind out a win, and impress enough to make his case for the rematch with Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez that’s eluded him longer than he’d probably like.
Prediction: Cuadras
Ty Paul, Staff Writer
In an all-Mexican showdown that leads off the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast, this is a exquisite fight that also has a title shot on the line as it is a WBC Super Flyweight title eliminator.
Both styles should mesh well. Juan Francisco Estrada loves to bring the fight to you and apply constant pressure.
Carlos Cuadras loves to use his jab and stay on the outside and try to dissect you. Both fighters have great KO percentages, but I believe this one goes the full 12 rounds. Cuadras edges it.
Prediction: Cuadras
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
This is probably my favorite matchup on this card. Really evenly matched and I just think throughout the last few years Juan Francisco Estrada should’ve been on more television screens in the US.
He’s got his chance Saturday night at StubHub against the always-tough Carlos Cuadras.
I like Estrada’s technical ability to carry him to a hard-fought victory over Cuadras.
Prediction: Estrada
Naoya Inoue vs. Antonio Nieves
Liam Brady, Graphic Designer/Staff Writer
At 24 years of age, Naoya Inoue is a prime example of the wealth of talent in Japanese boxing. A two-division champion in just 13 fights, Inoue has shown punching power that reaffirms why his alias is “The Monster.”
So far, he has shown great punch variety, composure, and an ability to finish fights when the opportunity arises. Once his opponents are in danger, Inoue has proven that he is merciless, by throwing combinations and hurtful body shots that usually put an end to the contest.
Antonio Nieves is tough, but I see him suffering the same fate as Inoue’s previous opponents, in what will be a showcase fight that introduces him to the American audience.
Granted, harder tests await that will test Inoue’s mettle, but thus far he appears to be a formidable champion who is very young and will only get better as time goes on. I say Inoue will stop Nieves by the sixth round.
Prediction: Inoue
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
This is will business as usual for Naoya Inoue. I think he steamrolls Antonio Nieves in his American debut.
A successful sixth defense of his title will hopefully lead to the fight we’ve been waiting a couple years for, a clash between Inoue and Chocolatito.
No disrespect to Nieves, but Inoue is the goods at Flyweight and I believe the difference in class will show up early.
He won a world title in his sixth pro fight.
Prediction: Inoue
CJ Halloran, Staff Writer
Not gonna lie, I saw the name Nieves and was seriously worried for our own Peter Nieves’ safety for a few seconds.
That being said, Naoya Inoue has been tearing up everyone he comes against and I dont see this being any different.
Inoue in the eighth round.
Prediction: Inoue
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Inoue
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
Naoya “Monster” Inoue defends his WBO title against Antonio “Carita” Nieves.
While Nieves will be engaging in his 21st professional match on fight night to Inoue’s 14th, the level of the competition on which the experience was garnered will be a factor in favor of Inoue.
Expect Inoue to make the necessary adjustments and secure a stoppage victory in Round 9.
Prediction: Inoue
R.L. Woodson, Staff Writer
A somewhat tough fight to call, with Naoya Inoue “The Monster”–making his U.S. debut. Antonio Nieves has fought at higher weights a number of times throughout his career, he works a full-time job in the banking industry, and he’s motivated not to squander this prime-time opportunity to upset the Japanese slugger.
However, his performance in his March loss to Nikolai Potapov came across as a little too cautious for me, or that the Cleveland native just didn’t sell out in a winnable fight.
Nieves isn’t being brought in to derail a potential fight with Inoue and the Srisaket Sor Rungvisai-Roman Gonzalez winner. And, he doesn’t, as Inoue gets his hand raised for win number 14.
Prediction: Inoue
Ty Paul, Staff Writer
“The Monster” is coming. Naoya Inoue, the Japanese sensation and world champion with just 13 fights under his belt, will be making his American televised debut Saturday night at the StubHub Center.
Antonio Nieves is a nice fighter, and would love the chance to spoil The Monster’s debut on US soil, but I don’t see it happening.
Some publications already have Inoue on their top 10 pound-for-pound list. Inoue is in another class here and his power is the real deal. The Monster stops Nieves in the mid rounds.
Prediction: Inoue
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
“The Monster” from Japan, Naoya Inoue, will be looking to add to his lore as he invades the legendary StubHub Center in search of a knockout victory.
We don’t know much about Antonio Nieves, and although he is aligned with a good stable of fighters in Salita Promotions, the Japanese power puncher will give the blood-thirsty fans in Carson just what they’re looking for.
Prediction: Inoue
Srisaket Sor Rungvisai vs. Roman Gonzalez
Liam Brady, Graphic Designer/Staff Writer
Roman Gonzalez’s first fight against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai may have suggested that the four-division champion has plateaued, in terms of dominance.
It is apparent that Gonzalez’s jump to Super Flyweight has been far from plain sailing, when compared to his supremacy at lower weights. Thus far, Gonzalez’s run at 115 consists of a hard-fought decision win over Carlos Cuadras, to win his fourth championship, as well as a highly-disputed decision loss against the fighter he rematches this Saturday.
While Gonzalez has consistently shown above average power and offensive ability, it is clear to see that the Nicaraguan’s shots are not having the same effect on Super Flyweights as they once did on fighters in the Flyweight division and below.
Therefore, the naturally bigger fighters he comes up against are unable to be halted or discouraged, which means that Gonzalez’s modus operandi has changed since entering the Super Flyweight division. Where he would usually end a fight early, unscathed, Gonzalez has had to fight tooth and nail against the bigger fighters at 115, and to his credit he has dug deep.
What’s more, it makes for compelling viewing, to see such a dominant fighter being evenly matched. As for the fight, I see a very similar contest to the first one, as it’s unlikely that he will take Sor Rungvisai out early. Therefore, he must solely rely on his other strengths, which are volume punching and combinations, in order to regain his WBC title. Gonzalez will probably take a lot of damage again, due to his power being nullified at Super Flyweight, which has failed to deter his opponents at 115 thus far.
Furthermore, Sor Rungvisai is relentless as well as rugged, and he will be fighting hard to keep hold of the belt he won in March. However, I believe Gonzalez is much more refined, and cleaner, on the front foot than his opponent, which means he will land cleaner shots that will gain the attention of the judges more.
Overall, I see a motivated Roman Gonzalez, who will start a lot quicker this time, in order to gain most of the early rounds and prevent a dubious decision going against him. However, if the fight is as rough and turbulent as the first one, you cannot rule out the possibility of the judges scoring the fight closer than it actually is.
Prediction: Gonzalez
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
Srisaket Sor Rungvisiai got off to a great start in the previous battle with Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez. I think we were all shocked to see Gonzalez floored by an awkward body shot that looked about as damaging as Kevin Walker’s infamous tackle on Bo Jackson in ’91.
Bloody from all the incidental head butting, Gonzalez turned the tide in a fight that many believed he won in the first place. However, Sor Rungvisai proved not only that he was freakishly strong, but also that he was tough enough to survive, upsetting the then ranked No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
I do not think Chocolatito allows that to happen again. I think he will be sharper and start more aggressively than he did the first time around, resulting in a unanimous decision. Well, as long as he can avoid those headbutts.
Prediction: Gonzalez
CJ Halloran, Staff Writer
Prediction: Gonzalez
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Gonzalez
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
Six months ago these two scrappers engaged in an epic, pitched battle that saw Srisaket Sor Rungvisai not only take Roman Gonzalez’s WBC Super Flyweight belt, but his undefeated record as well.
There have scarcely been competitors more evenly matched than the southpaw champion from Thailand and rugged, once beaten Nicaraguan. Stance in fact, is the major difference.
The fighters are 5’3″, ranked No. 1 and 2 respectively, 64” reach, a year apart in age and Sor Rungvisai has 48 fights to “Chocolito’s” 47.
This is a hard one to pick, but judging from their first encounter the fans will once again be the big winners.
Gonzalez will pull out the decision by a hairsbreadth in another barn burner which will demand a classic rubber match.
Prediction: Gonzalez
R.L. Woodson, Staff Writer
I thought Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez won the first fight. I’m concerned that Srisaket Sor Rungvisai will be more emboldened, and will try to walk through the former No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the early rounds looking to hurt or stop the smaller man.
Chocolatito expended so much energy in the first fight–punching, moving, overcoming headbutts and shoving Rungvisai’s weight off of him. Personally, I thought Chocolatito’s performance was one of the most courageous 12 rounds I’ve seen from a fighter in quite a long time, as he got up off the canvas in Round 1, and still spent a minimal amount of time trying to work from the outside versus a bigger man that can crack.
I like Gonzalez to avoid giving the southpaw fewer opportunities for bigger shots (and headbutts) through the early rounds, opting to box more until Rungvisai is less “weapons hot” either on the inside or at medium range.
Rungvisai seems like he could run out of gas later in the fight after fully committing to so many of his shots, but I’m not sure that fatigue is such that Chocolatito can get a stoppage.
The champion will use his size advantage, power punching and physicality to do his part to make the rematch as wildly entertaining as part 1, but a determined Gonzalez earns a split decision victory.
Prediction: Gonzalez
Ty Paul, Staff Writer
First things first, I thought Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez won their first fight rather comfortably by two-to-three rounds. Gonzalez showed his brilliance after a first-round knockdown at the hands of Srisaket Sor Rungvisai.
No doubt the waves of blood coming down Chocolatito’s face influenced the judges that night in New York–Feldman, Lederman, and Roldan. But, give Sor Rungvisai credit, he’s one tough guy from Thailand and never showed that he didn’t belong with Roman that night back in March.
For the rematch, no doubt we’re going to get much of the same action at the StubHub Center. It would be shocking if we didn’t.
This time around, Chocolatito will leave the judges no choice in the end and he will get back his WBC strap via decision.
Prediction: Gonzalez
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Roman Gonzalez will be zoned in, looking to regain his title and top stop among the Fly’s.
Srisaket Sor Rungvisai will obviously be on a mission to show that his first victory over Nicaragua’s hero was no fluke.
It’ll be a tough back-and-forth scrap similar to the first fight, but I think Gonzalez does just enough to take the decision.
Prediction: Gonzalez
