Before Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr. and Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero clash for Money's
WBC welterweight title,
boxing fans will be treated to a sensational
undercard.
There will be an exciting blend of young up-and-coming stars and established veterans. The three fights preceding feature three stars who could headline an event on their own, now or in the future.
Here is a look at the matchups:
J'Leon Love vs. Gabriel Rosado
Love (15-0, 8 KO) is taking on the best opponent he's ever faced in "King" Gabriel Rosado (21-6, 13 KO).
Love has faced mostly journeyman and less-known prospects to this point, so Rosado will test him in a major way. Rosado had an opportunity to fight for the middleweight title in his last fight.
That didn't go so well for King. Gennady Golovkin battered him for seven rounds until Rosado's corner mercifully threw in the towel. Love displayed his boxing ability and underrated jab by defeating rugged Derrick Findley in his last bout.
This is an important fight for both men. Rosado is looking to quickly prove he deserves another run at a title at 160. Love is looking to show the boxing world he is ready for the big time.
This should be an intriguing fight, but one I see Love winning by mid-to-late-round stoppage.
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Alexander Munoz
Leo "Teremoto" Santa Cruz (23-0-1, 13 KO) deserved consideration for Fighter of the Year in 2012. Though it is hard to argue with Nonito Donaire taking the honor, it is impossible to ignore what Santa Cruz accomplished.
He was 5-0 during the calendar year. He won the IBF bantamweight title in June. He defended that title three times in six months. He could have given James Brown a run for the title of hardest working man in show business.
Now he is stepping up to super bantamweight to face hard-punching veteran Alexander "El Explosivo" Munoz (36-4, 28 KO). Munoz has an advantage in experience, but his style seems tailor-made for Santa Cruz.
He comes forward, keeps his guards too low and wants to land the big shot to finish his opponent. Santa Cruz is too tough, accurate and smart for that strategy to work. Expect to see a middle-round stoppage in favor of Santa Cruz.
Daniel Ponce De Leon vs. Abner Mares
Alex McClintock of Queensberry Rules believes this fight will be the best of the night. Abner Mares (25-0-1, 13 KO) almost always produces a ton of excitement.
He brings pressure, toughness and desire that is nearly unmatched by any champion in the sport. Facing WBC featherweight champion Daniel Ponce De Leon (44-4, 35 KO) will present a new challenge for Mares.
Mares is moving up in search of bigger and better opponents, and Ponce De Leon is definitely a difficult assignment. Ponce De Leon has long arms and major power, as evidenced by his 35 KO wins.
He's a southpaw with an awkward style. He keeps his guards in tight and Mares will have to deal with his unconventional style as well as his power.
Ultimately, Mares' toughness, stamina and pressure will prevail. I predict a late-round TKO that will go down as a signature fight in Mares' career.
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