Frank Galarza (R) looks to extend his unbeaten record this Saturday. (frankgalarza.com)
Somebody’s ‘O’ must go this Saturday, when undefeated prospects Frank Galarza and Jarrett Hurd face off in 10 rounds of super welterweight action at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The live Showtime telecast kicks off at 10:45 p.m. ET / 7:45 p.m. PT.
Read on for an introduction to the protagonists and my prediction for the fight.
Frank Galarza vs. Jarrett Hurd
Fighting out of Brooklyn, New York, 30-year-old Frank Galarza (17-0-2, 11 KOs) has been racking up the wins and slowly stepping up his competition with recent outings versus Sheldon Moore, Sebastien Bouchard, and John Thompson. This weekend, Galarza takes it up another notch meeting his biggest test yet in his first 10-round fight.
“I’ve been here before but I know that I still have something to prove,” said Galarza via press release. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’m ready to show the world I’m one of the best 154-pound fighters in all of boxing.”
The up-and-coming Galarza is an athletic boxer/puncher who is equally as comfortable banging on the inside as he is working the perimeter behind a solid jab. A patient and selective puncher, he possesses a smart pair of dancing shoes, a reliable chin, and a good head on his shoulders.
He enters the ring coming off of a three-round kayo win over Sheldon Moore in April. Prior to the Moore encounter Galarza had dispatched Mexican palooka Raul Munoz in February and Jonathan Batista in September of last year.
Watch ‘Notorious’ decapitate John Thompson with a devastating left hook:
Jarrett Hurd (16-0, 10 KOs), a 25-year-old from Accokeek, Maryland, will also be taking a step up in opposition this weekend when he takes on his most formidable opponent to date, also in his first 10-rounder.
Hurd has quick hands and sports an active jab that he uses to command the action and set up combinations. A good body puncher who wields a powerful lead right, Hurd has posted four knockouts in his last five bouts.
“It is better to have less thunder in the mouth and more lightning in the hands,” said Hurd. “I’m excited about this fight and ready to show the world my ability come November 14.”
Prediction
The day of reckoning has arrived for one of these rising stars. Will the two hungry, unbeaten warriors lay it all on the line when they take the grand stage of a Showtime main event, or will they play it safe and box to a decision?
I predict both– a tactical fight punctuated by high-action exchanges. Look for a patient and measured start to the encounter, with both fighters testing each other’s power and whiskers and looking to establish their distance. I see Frank quickly taking to the perimeter, with Hurd on the hunt from the middle of the ring trying to cut off Galarza and unload against the ropes.
I expect both boxers to come in prepared and in top shape, but ultimately, I see Hurd’s advantage in hand speed and his higher punch output giving him the edge on his way to a close decision over the Brooklynite.
Guy’s prediction: Jarrett Hurd by split decision.