Chris Colbert returns to the ring against Jaime Arboleda on Saturday on Showtime.
CHRIS COLBERT (14-0, 5 KOs)
VS. JAIME ARBOLEDA (16-1, 13 KOs)
- When: Saturday, Dec. 12
- Where: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Conn.
- TV/Stream: Showtime
- Division: Junior lightweight (12 rounds)
- At stake: Colbert’s WBA “interim” title
- Pound-for-pound ranking: None
- Odds: NA
- Also on the card: Ronald Ellis vs. Matvey Korobov, 10 rounds, middleweights; Richardson Hitchins vs. Argenis Mendez, 10 rounds, junior welterweights
- Prediction: Colbert UD
- Background: Colbert had an excellent amateur career, qualifying for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials before deciding to turn professional in part because he felt U.S. officials had decided that Shakur Stevenson would be selected in his weight class. He reportedly had an amateur record of 103-3. And he’s carried his success into the pro ranks, easily outboxing and/or stopping everyone he has faced, including a unanimous decision over Jezzrel Corrales in January. He’s ranked No. 1 by the WBA – and it’s “interim” titleholder – even though he has yet to beat a top-tier opponent. He could challenge WBA titleholder Leo Santa Cruz next year if things go well on Saturday. Arboleda, 26, is a solid boxer with eye-catching power from Panama. He suffered a shock third-round knockout loss against Recky Dulay in his U.S. debut in 2017 but has won his six fights since the setback, five by knockout. He’s coming of a split-decision victory over capable Jayson Velez in February. Colbert probably won’t have too much trouble if he can avoid getting caught by a big punch.
[lawrence-related id=5279,16178]