Danny Garcia take on Robert Guerrero this Saturday. (Getty)
Danny Garcia puts his perfect record on the line when he faces off against former world champion Robert Guerrero for the vacant WBC world welterweight title on Saturday at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
The prime-time action kicks off live on FOX at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
In the U.K., Box Nation’s live telecast begins on Sunday at 1 a.m.
Read on for the favorite to win, an introduction to the fighters, and a prediction.
Odds and Favorite to Win
Robert Guerrero is a tough, forward-moving brawler. (Getty)
Danny Garcia (31-0, 18 KOs) enter’s the ring a favorite in Vegas and on online sportsbooks. But Robert Guerrero (33-3-1, 18 KOs) is a rugged, forward-moving veteran that will not give in easily to the undefeated up-and-comer, and Saturday’s encounter will be no walk in the park for ‘Swift.’
With both fighters aiming to back the other up and neither afraid to throw (or eat) some heavy leather– fans are in store for a fistic treat this weekend.
Let’s take a look at how the bookies are calling the fight:
bet365: Danny Garcia -900 Robert Guerrero +550
skyBET: Danny Garcia -800 Robert Guerrero +500
Bet Victor: Danny Garcia -700 Robert Guerrero +450
10bet: Danny Garcia -1200 Robert Guerrero +525
Keep reading for introduction to the fighters, and a prediction.
The Protagonists: Danny Garcia vs. Robert Guerrero
Foto: Idris Erba/Premier Boxing Champions
Garcia, 27 years old, fighting out of Philadelphia, will be making his second ring appearance on Saturday as a welterweight, he made his debut at the 147-pound division in his last fight– a ninth-round TKO win over Paul Malignaggi in July.
“I’m looking to fight anybody at 147,” said Garcia. “I believe I will be a champion in this new weight class. This is another step for me towards taking over the welterweight division.”
Prior to facing Malignaggi, Garcia had fought to a majority decision win over Lamont Peterson in April and stopped an outmatched Rod Salka in two rounds back in August of 2014.
Danny is a complete boxer/puncher with a ‘technical’ ring identity. He cuts the ring effectively, has respectable pop in both hands, and works well to the body. He’s usually the patient, skilled stalker who picks apart his opponents behind heavy jabs and hooks before going in for the kill. But check out this explosive display of power from Garcia against Amir Khan in 2012 on his way to a fourth-round mugging:
Imagine referring to an athlete of 32 years old as a ‘veteran.’ But with the entertaining blue-collar glove-eating fighting style of Gilroy, California native Robert Guerrero, 14 years in the pro game is enough to take its toll. Standing in the pocket and grinding it out is the Guerrero way, and with ring-wear catching up to him, the slugger’s skills have seemed stagnant, if not diminished, in his most recent outings.
Southpaw Guerrero wields a laser sharp jab that he uses to close the distance and get in his wheelhouse to work the body and head from close quarters. His tremendous chin and resilience are his calling cards and he’s going to need every ounce of heart if he’s going to make a statement this weekend.
“I’ve got to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Guerrero. “If I want to get back on top then this is step one. This is a pivotal point in my career.”
Guerrero was last in action with a split decision win over Aaron Martinez in June. Guerrero was coming off a loss to Keith Thurman, and a ‘Fight of the ‘Year’ candidate against Yoshihiro Kamegai in June of 2014, which Guerrero won by unanimous decision. In May 2013, Guerrero took a loss at the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Next, my prediction.
Prediction
(Getty)
I think it’ll be all Danny on Saturday. Guerrero, who will stand his ground and eat leather all night, is tailor-made to showcase Garcia’s power and skills, and the Philadelphian will be looking to use this prime-time opportunity to shine.
“I’m going to go out there and set the tempo,” said Garcia, hinting at what we will see this weekend. “I’m going to back him up. If I have to move around and use angles I will. I’m going to stick to the game plan.”
Guerrero is one tough customer who has never been stopped, but I see Garcia coming out and testing Guerrero for the opening frame, getting to work on him for a few rounds, and cutting him around the halfway point of the fight.
Guy’s pick: Garcia by stoppage.
How do you see the fight going down? Chime in on the comments section below.