Tag: Yuriorkis Gamboa

Good, bad, worse: Is Errol Spence Jr. vs Terence Crawford next up?

A critical look at the past week in boxing GOOD Errol Spence Jr.’s dominating victory over Yordenis Ugas was special … but it was nothing compared to what might follow. Spence was nothing short of sensational on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside …

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

Errol Spence Jr.’s dominating victory over Yordenis Ugas was special … but it was nothing compared to what might follow.

Spence was nothing short of sensational on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside Dallas, coldly, methodically breaking down an accomplished opponent before stopping him in the 10th round to unify three welterweight titles.

The performance was particularly impressive given the obstacles he had to overcome – a horrific car accident in 2019, a detached retina last year and a 16-month layoff.

Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) is No. 5 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound – a similar position to most rankings – but some might argue that he should be closer to the top, closer to Boxing Junkie’s No. 1-ranked fighter, Terence Crawford.

That’s what makes a potential showdown between Spence and Crawford so compelling. Not only would the fight establish an undisputed welterweight champion; it would also pit two Top-5 pound-for-pounders against one another.

It doesn’t get better than that.

And the chances of it actually happening after years of anticipation appear to be high, as Spence and free-agent Crawford no longer fight for competing entities. Plus, Spence never made it more clear than he did after the fight on Saturday that he wants to meet Crawford in the ring.

I wish the fight had happened a few years ago, when Crawford (who turns 35 in September) was in his physical prime. However, this wouldn’t be like Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, which had the feel of an old-timers game because it happened far too late.

Spence demonstrated on Saturday night that he’s at least close to his best. And Crawford is coming off an impressive knockout of former champion Shawn Porter in November, evidence that he remains near the top of his game.

Spence vs. Crawford might be the biggest possible fight in boxing. Fingers crossed it happens in the fall.

 

BAD

Yordenis Ugas was deavstated after his setback. AP Photo / Jeffrey McWhorter

“I feel sad because I trained really hard for this fight,” Ugas said after falling short of goal to become unified welterweight champion. “All respect to Errol Spence. He’s a great champion. I’m just sad with what happened tonight.”

Ugas’ sentiments are understandable. He experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows in consecutive fights, which is always takes a toll.

The one-time Cuban amateur star had come a long way, overcoming the trials of defection from his native country, back-to-back losses in 2014 and a subsequent two-year hiatus from the sport to build himself into a top 147-pound contender.

And his ascent was capped with a monumental upset of Manny Pacquiao last August, which gave him his first major title at the age of 34 and made him a major player in the division.

Then, in one night, it must have felt as if he were back in 2014. He fought gallantly but was outclassed by Spence in the end, which left him on the wrong end of a one-sided beating and with a broken orbital bone. Ugas is good, Spence is special.

Thus, it was easy to understand Ugas’ anguish the fight. However, time will provide perspective.

The fact he was able to overcome the obstacles to reach the pinnacle of the sport is an accomplishment that will always bring him pride. Unlike Pacquiao, who was 42 when they fought, Ugas is young enough to continue with his career.

And, finally, we shouldn’t feel too sorry for him: He should walk away with at least $2 million after pay-per-view revenues are divvied up. That should help alleviate some of the emotional pain he’s feeling after his disappointment.

 

WORSE

Ugas wasn’t the only older fighter to have a rough time Saturday.

First, in England, 34-year-old Chris van Heerden, a solid fighter since turning pro 16 years ago, failed to survive two full rounds against rising star Conor Benn. The Los Angeles-based native of South Africa didn’t have time to show anything.

Then, on the Spence-Ugas card, Josesito Lopez, 37, Francisco Vargas, 37, and Yuriorkis Gamboa, 40, looked their ages.

Lopez (38-9, 21 KOs) gave welterweight contender Cody Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) some resistance early in their scheduled 10-rounder but seemed to get old mid-fight and was barely able to hear the final bell, as Crowley won a wide decision.

Lopez was one of the toughest fighters in the world between 135 and 147 pounds for years, including a knockout victory over Victor Ortiz. Now it appears he’s finished.

Vargas (27-4-2, 19 KOs) was still warming up when a monster left hand from lightweight prospect Jose Valenzuela knocked him onto his back and out. It’s difficult to imagine the former 130-pound champ bouncing back from that kind of setback but he’s a warrior through and through.

And Gamboa (30-5, 18 KOs) went down four times against juggernaut Isaac Cruz before the fight was mercifully stopped in the fifth round. The 2004 Olympic gold medalist and two-time featherweight champion was willing but no longer has the legs to fight at a high level. He’s shot.

I don’t want to be overly critical of matchmakers who tempt fate by pitting faded champions against hot young stars. Matchmaking is the hardest job in boxing. Plus, older fighters deserve opportunities if they can demonstrate they remain competent.

At the same time, the events of Saturday made it clear that matchmakers and other powerbrokers must be careful about making such decisions.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Benn (21-0, 14 KOs) demonstrated again in his victory over van Heerden that he could develop into a threat to any of the top 147-pounders. He’s a dynamic all-around fighter with big-time power. Ask van Heerden. The only obvious flaw in Benn’s performance was that he was somewhat reckless from the opening bell. If he attacked a Spence or a Crawford with the abandon he went after van Heerden, he’d get knocked out. … Eimantas Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs) took another nice step in his career on the Spence-Ugas card, defeating previously unbeaten Radzhab Butaev (14-1, 11 KOs) by a split decision that should’ve been unanimous. He’s on the precipice of landing a world title fight and he might have the ability to win it. … Valenzuela (12-0, 8 KOs) made a powerful statement with his one-punch knockout of Vargas. The Seattle-based Mexican, a disciple of trainer Jose Benavidez Sr., is one of the top handful of prospects in the world. … I don’t know how far Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) will go but he’s a good, disciplined boxer with the fitness to go 20 strong rounds. That formula is going to make him difficult to beat even at the highest level. … The knockout streak of junior welterweight Brandun Lee (25-0, 22 KOs) ended at 15 when clever Zachary Ochoa (21-3, 7 KOs) took him the distance on the Spence-Ugas card. No shame in that. He probably learned more during the unanimous-decision victory than he would’ve with another spectacular stoppage.

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Good, bad, worse: Is Errol Spence Jr. vs Terence Crawford next up?

A critical look at the past week in boxing GOOD Errol Spence Jr.’s dominating victory over Yordenis Ugas was special … but it was nothing compared to what might follow. Spence was nothing short of sensational on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside …

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

Errol Spence Jr.’s dominating victory over Yordenis Ugas was special … but it was nothing compared to what might follow.

Spence was nothing short of sensational on Saturday at AT&T Stadium outside Dallas, coldly, methodically breaking down an accomplished opponent before stopping him in the 10th round to unify three welterweight titles.

The performance was particularly impressive given the obstacles he had to overcome – a horrific car accident in 2019, a detached retina last year and a 16-month layoff.

Spence (28-0, 22 KOs) is No. 5 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound – a similar position to most rankings – but some might argue that he should be closer to the top, closer to Boxing Junkie’s No. 1-ranked fighter, Terence Crawford.

That’s what makes a potential showdown between Spence and Crawford so compelling. Not only would the fight establish an undisputed welterweight champion; it would also pit two Top-5 pound-for-pounders against one another.

It doesn’t get better than that.

And the chances of it actually happening after years of anticipation appear to be high, as Spence and free-agent Crawford no longer fight for competing entities. Plus, Spence never made it more clear than he did after the fight on Saturday that he wants to meet Crawford in the ring.

I wish the fight had happened a few years ago, when Crawford (who turns 35 in September) was in his physical prime. However, this wouldn’t be like Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, which had the feel of an old-timers game because it happened far too late.

Spence demonstrated on Saturday night that he’s at least close to his best. And Crawford is coming off an impressive knockout of former champion Shawn Porter in November, evidence that he remains near the top of his game.

Spence vs. Crawford might be the biggest possible fight in boxing. Fingers crossed it happens in the fall.

 

BAD

Yordenis Ugas was deavstated after his setback. AP Photo / Jeffrey McWhorter

“I feel sad because I trained really hard for this fight,” Ugas said after falling short of goal to become unified welterweight champion. “All respect to Errol Spence. He’s a great champion. I’m just sad with what happened tonight.”

Ugas’ sentiments are understandable. He experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows in consecutive fights, which is always takes a toll.

The one-time Cuban amateur star had come a long way, overcoming the trials of defection from his native country, back-to-back losses in 2014 and a subsequent two-year hiatus from the sport to build himself into a top 147-pound contender.

And his ascent was capped with a monumental upset of Manny Pacquiao last August, which gave him his first major title at the age of 34 and made him a major player in the division.

Then, in one night, it must have felt as if he were back in 2014. He fought gallantly but was outclassed by Spence in the end, which left him on the wrong end of a one-sided beating and with a broken orbital bone. Ugas is good, Spence is special.

Thus, it was easy to understand Ugas’ anguish the fight. However, time will provide perspective.

The fact he was able to overcome the obstacles to reach the pinnacle of the sport is an accomplishment that will always bring him pride. Unlike Pacquiao, who was 42 when they fought, Ugas is young enough to continue with his career.

And, finally, we shouldn’t feel too sorry for him: He should walk away with at least $2 million after pay-per-view revenues are divvied up. That should help alleviate some of the emotional pain he’s feeling after his disappointment.

 

WORSE

Ugas wasn’t the only older fighter to have a rough time Saturday.

First, in England, 34-year-old Chris van Heerden, a solid fighter since turning pro 16 years ago, failed to survive two full rounds against rising star Conor Benn. The Los Angeles-based native of South Africa didn’t have time to show anything.

Then, on the Spence-Ugas card, Josesito Lopez, 37, Francisco Vargas, 37, and Yuriorkis Gamboa, 40, looked their ages.

Lopez (38-9, 21 KOs) gave welterweight contender Cody Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) some resistance early in their scheduled 10-rounder but seemed to get old mid-fight and was barely able to hear the final bell, as Crowley won a wide decision.

Lopez was one of the toughest fighters in the world between 135 and 147 pounds for years, including a knockout victory over Victor Ortiz. Now it appears he’s finished.

Vargas (27-4-2, 19 KOs) was still warming up when a monster left hand from lightweight prospect Jose Valenzuela knocked him onto his back and out. It’s difficult to imagine the former 130-pound champ bouncing back from that kind of setback but he’s a warrior through and through.

And Gamboa (30-5, 18 KOs) went down four times against juggernaut Isaac Cruz before the fight was mercifully stopped in the fifth round. The 2004 Olympic gold medalist and two-time featherweight champion was willing but no longer has the legs to fight at a high level. He’s shot.

I don’t want to be overly critical of matchmakers who tempt fate by pitting faded champions against hot young stars. Matchmaking is the hardest job in boxing. Plus, older fighters deserve opportunities if they can demonstrate they remain competent.

At the same time, the events of Saturday made it clear that matchmakers and other powerbrokers must be careful about making such decisions.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Benn (21-0, 14 KOs) demonstrated again in his victory over van Heerden that he could develop into a threat to any of the top 147-pounders. He’s a dynamic all-around fighter with big-time power. Ask van Heerden. The only obvious flaw in Benn’s performance was that he was somewhat reckless from the opening bell. If he attacked a Spence or a Crawford with the abandon he went after van Heerden, he’d get knocked out. … Eimantas Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs) took another nice step in his career on the Spence-Ugas card, defeating previously unbeaten Radzhab Butaev (14-1, 11 KOs) by a split decision that should’ve been unanimous. He’s on the precipice of landing a world title fight and he might have the ability to win it. … Valenzuela (12-0, 8 KOs) made a powerful statement with his one-punch knockout of Vargas. The Seattle-based Mexican, a disciple of trainer Jose Benavidez Sr., is one of the top handful of prospects in the world. … I don’t know how far Crowley (21-0, 9 KOs) will go but he’s a good, disciplined boxer with the fitness to go 20 strong rounds. That formula is going to make him difficult to beat even at the highest level. … The knockout streak of junior welterweight Brandun Lee (25-0, 22 KOs) ended at 15 when clever Zachary Ochoa (21-3, 7 KOs) took him the distance on the Spence-Ugas card. No shame in that. He probably learned more during the unanimous-decision victory than he would’ve with another spectacular stoppage.

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Isaac Cruz batters, stops Yuriorkis Gamboa in fifth round

Isaac Cruz battered and then stopped Yuriorkis Gamboa in the fifth round Saturday in Arlington, Texas.

Artistic? Not at all. Brutal? Absolutely.

Isaac Cruz battered Yuriorkis Gamboa mercilessly until the lightweight fight was finally stopped in the fifth round on the Errol Spence Jr.-Yordenis Ugas card Saturday in Arlington, Texas.

Cruz (23-2-1, 16 KOs) made a strong impression in a losing cause against Gervonta Davis in December, losing a disputed decision.

And the Mexican further enhanced his reputation against the 40-year-old Gamboa, although he had no desire to demonstrate his boxing skills in a seek-and-destroy effort.

Cruz winged mostly wild punches from the opening bell. Many missed, some didn’t, which led to Gamboa’s demise.

The Cuban went down in each of Rounds 2, 3, 4 and 5. He refused to quit after the first three knockdowns, holding, moving, punching back, doing anything to survive.

However, there was no coming back from the last knockdown, the result of a left hook to the head and then a right to the head, which sent a badly damaged Gamboa into the ropes.

At that point, referee Mark Calo oy immediately gave Gamboa a bear hug, his way of saying enough was enough. The official time of the stoppage was 1:32 of Round 5.

Gamboa was stopped by Davis in the 12th and final round and he went the distance with Devin Haney in his previous two fights.

“I came here to box, not dance. I gave a spectacle here in Dallas,” Cruz said.

Cruz is ranked by all four of the major sanctioning bodies. He’ll probably creep higher on each list after his spectacular victory on Saturday.

Isaac Cruz batters, stops Yuriorkis Gamboa in fifth round

Isaac Cruz battered and then stopped Yuriorkis Gamboa in the fifth round Saturday in Arlington, Texas.

Artistic? Not at all. Brutal? Absolutely.

Isaac Cruz battered Yuriorkis Gamboa mercilessly until the lightweight fight was finally stopped in the fifth round on the Errol Spence Jr.-Yordenis Ugas card Saturday in Arlington, Texas.

Cruz (23-2-1, 16 KOs) made a strong impression in a losing cause against Gervonta Davis in December, losing a disputed decision.

And the Mexican further enhanced his reputation against the 40-year-old Gamboa, although he had no desire to demonstrate his boxing skills in a seek-and-destroy effort.

Cruz winged mostly wild punches from the opening bell. Many missed, some didn’t, which led to Gamboa’s demise.

The Cuban went down in each of Rounds 2, 3, 4 and 5. He refused to quit after the first three knockdowns, holding, moving, punching back, doing anything to survive.

However, there was no coming back from the last knockdown, the result of a left hook to the head and then a right to the head, which sent a badly damaged Gamboa into the ropes.

At that point, referee Mark Calo oy immediately gave Gamboa a bear hug, his way of saying enough was enough. The official time of the stoppage was 1:32 of Round 5.

Gamboa was stopped by Davis in the 12th and final round and he went the distance with Devin Haney in his previous two fights.

“I came here to box, not dance. I gave a spectacle here in Dallas,” Cruz said.

Cruz is ranked by all four of the major sanctioning bodies. He’ll probably creep higher on each list after his spectacular victory on Saturday.

Isaac Cruz: ‘We’ll see if Yuriorkis (Gamboa) comes out to fight or dance’

Isaac Cruz: “We’ll see if Yuriorkis (Gamboa) comes out to fight or dance.”

Editor’s note: This article was originally published at DAZN.com.

With the confidence that came from facing Gervonta Davis in a losing effort back in December, Isaac Cruz is ready to get back on the winning track.

“Pitbull” is scheduled to face former titleholder Yuriorkis Gamboa in a 10-round 135-pound bout on the undercard of Saturday’s Errol Spence Jr.-Yordenis Ugas welterweight title-unification fight on pay-per-view.

The 23-year-old Mexican will be facing an experienced former Cuban Olympian, who will be looking for a victory that will catapult him once again into title contention.

“I will give my best to make it an entertaining fight,” Cruz said in an interview with DAZN News after finishing his training camp in Mexico City. “It’s up to Yuriorkis Gamboa if he comes out to fight or dance.

“We know that he is hardly going to present an aggressive fight, but we are preparing for any kind of fight that Gamboa can give us. Fighting, dancing, or any kind of trickery… we work for all scenarios.”

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Despite a 17-year age difference between the two, Cruz insisted that he is not overconfident and expects the best version of Gamboa to arrive.

“I expect a Yuriorkis with hunger, who will launch himself to recover his career,” Cruz said. “Let’s see if he really wants to continue [in boxing] or his time has passed because I’m in my moment, and I’m going to give my best. …

“I’m not going to give anything away to anyone. I’m going to give my best and conquer Dallas.”

But the goal does not end with a victory over Gamboa. Cruz said he would look for figures like Ryan Garcia, George Kambosos, Devin Haney and even Davis again after this fight.

“The result of the fight against Gervonta gave me a lot of confidence,” he said. “… That’s why I have no problem looking for Ryan again as long as they stop with the circus, as they wanted to do everything through social networks.

“They should get in touch with my company (Manny Pacquiao Promotions). and I have no problem facing any fighter.”

Isaac Cruz: ‘We’ll see if Yuriorkis (Gamboa) comes out to fight or dance’

Isaac Cruz: “We’ll see if Yuriorkis (Gamboa) comes out to fight or dance.”

Editor’s note: This article was originally published at DAZN.com.

With the confidence that came from facing Gervonta Davis in a losing effort back in December, Isaac Cruz is ready to get back on the winning track.

“Pitbull” is scheduled to face former titleholder Yuriorkis Gamboa in a 10-round 135-pound bout on the undercard of Saturday’s Errol Spence Jr.-Yordenis Ugas welterweight title-unification fight on pay-per-view.

The 23-year-old Mexican will be facing an experienced former Cuban Olympian, who will be looking for a victory that will catapult him once again into title contention.

“I will give my best to make it an entertaining fight,” Cruz said in an interview with DAZN News after finishing his training camp in Mexico City. “It’s up to Yuriorkis Gamboa if he comes out to fight or dance.

“We know that he is hardly going to present an aggressive fight, but we are preparing for any kind of fight that Gamboa can give us. Fighting, dancing, or any kind of trickery… we work for all scenarios.”

[lawrence-related id=26608,26598,26548]

Despite a 17-year age difference between the two, Cruz insisted that he is not overconfident and expects the best version of Gamboa to arrive.

“I expect a Yuriorkis with hunger, who will launch himself to recover his career,” Cruz said. “Let’s see if he really wants to continue [in boxing] or his time has passed because I’m in my moment, and I’m going to give my best. …

“I’m not going to give anything away to anyone. I’m going to give my best and conquer Dallas.”

But the goal does not end with a victory over Gamboa. Cruz said he would look for figures like Ryan Garcia, George Kambosos, Devin Haney and even Davis again after this fight.

“The result of the fight against Gervonta gave me a lot of confidence,” he said. “… That’s why I have no problem looking for Ryan again as long as they stop with the circus, as they wanted to do everything through social networks.

“They should get in touch with my company (Manny Pacquiao Promotions). and I have no problem facing any fighter.”

Chris Colbert says Tugstsogt  Nyambayar’s mission is impossible

Chris Colbert says Tugstsogt  Nyambayar’s mission on Saturday night is impossible.

Yuriorkis Gamboa? Tugstsogt  Nyambayar? Wouldn’t matter to Chris Colbert which one he faces. The result, he said, would be the same.

Colbert, the hot 24-year-old junior lightweight contender from Brooklyn, was scheduled to face Gamboa on Saturday in Carson, Calif., but the Cuban pulled out with an injury last week. Nyambayar, the 2012 Olympic silver medalist, will take his place.

Colbert was planned to stop Gamboa. And he has the same thing in mind for Nyambayar, who is moving up from featherweight for the fight.

“He’s a good fighter,” Colbert told me and Kenneth Bouhairie on The PBC Podcast, referring to Nyambayar. “He’s an Olympian, right? He got an Olympic medal. But he’s never fought ‘Prime Time.’ I think I’m too fast, too big, too strong.

“Him coming up in weight and taking the fight on a week and half notice? That’s dangerous.”

Could Colbert (15-0, 6 KOs) have problems adjusting to a new opponent so close to the fight?

Nah. First, he believes Gamboa and Nyambayar (12-1, 9 KOs) have similar styles, slick, somewhat quick, sneaky power. And, second, he described himself as a “human adapter, one who’s “ready for anything they bring to the table.”

He even believes he knows how the fight will play out.

“Me being smart the first round or two,” he said. “See what he’s got, test him out, feel his power. After the second round, start applying my pressure and start applying my power and show him there’s levels to this s—.

“You can’t take a fight against a monster like myself on a week’s notice and move up in weight to fight me at that and think you’re going to win.”

Colbert’s prediction? “I don’t plan to have this fight go the distance.”

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Chris Colbert says Tugstsogt  Nyambayar’s mission is impossible

Chris Colbert says Tugstsogt  Nyambayar’s mission on Saturday night is impossible.

Yuriorkis Gamboa? Tugstsogt  Nyambayar? Wouldn’t matter to Chris Colbert which one he faces. The result, he said, would be the same.

Colbert, the hot 24-year-old junior lightweight contender from Brooklyn, was scheduled to face Gamboa on Saturday in Carson, Calif., but the Cuban pulled out with an injury last week. Nyambayar, the 2012 Olympic silver medalist, will take his place.

Colbert was planned to stop Gamboa. And he has the same thing in mind for Nyambayar, who is moving up from featherweight for the fight.

“He’s a good fighter,” Colbert told me and Kenneth Bouhairie on The PBC Podcast, referring to Nyambayar. “He’s an Olympian, right? He got an Olympic medal. But he’s never fought ‘Prime Time.’ I think I’m too fast, too big, too strong.

“Him coming up in weight and taking the fight on a week and half notice? That’s dangerous.”

Could Colbert (15-0, 6 KOs) have problems adjusting to a new opponent so close to the fight?

Nah. First, he believes Gamboa and Nyambayar (12-1, 9 KOs) have similar styles, slick, somewhat quick, sneaky power. And, second, he described himself as a “human adapter, one who’s “ready for anything they bring to the table.”

He even believes he knows how the fight will play out.

“Me being smart the first round or two,” he said. “See what he’s got, test him out, feel his power. After the second round, start applying my pressure and start applying my power and show him there’s levels to this s—.

“You can’t take a fight against a monster like myself on a week’s notice and move up in weight to fight me at that and think you’re going to win.”

Colbert’s prediction? “I don’t plan to have this fight go the distance.”

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Gervonta Davis vs. Mario Barrios: 5 questions (and answers) going into showdown

Gervonta Davis vs. Mario Barrios: 5 questions (and answers) going into the pay-per-view showdown on Saturday.

Gervonta Davis is moving up from 130 pounds to 140 to face unbeaten Mario Barrios in a pay-per-view fight Saturday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

“Tank” is perceived as the better fighter but Barrios (26-0, 17 KOs) has a distinct size advantage, which some believe could be an equalizer.

And although Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) has been a huge puncher at lower weights, no one knows whether he’ll be able to carry his power to the higher division or take shots from a bigger, stronger man.

Bottom line: It’s a fascinating matchup, one that raises a number of questions. Here are five:

WILL DAVIS CARRY HIS POWER TO 140 POUNDS?

That’s the key question going into the fight. The answer? I think so. Davis will be fighting a legitimate 140-pounder for the first time, which could be a challenge for him. We’ve seen many fighters – some of them outstanding — plateau as they move up in weight. I’ll just tell you what I believe: Davis is a born puncher with a special delivery system, which he has demonstrated fight after fight. The uppercut that ended Leo Santa Cruz’s night in October might’ve stopped the average middleweight. Cynics might point out that it took him 12 rounds to stop 38-year-old Yuriorkis Gamboa at 135 pounds in 2019 and ask, “How is he supposed to hurt a prime Mario Barrios at 140? Well, I wouldn’t read too much into the fight against Gamboa, who was in survival mode from beginning to end. Davis can crack. And I’m pretty sure that won’t change at junior welterweight.

WILL DAVIS BE ABLE TO HANDLE BARRIOS’ POWER?

That’s a tougher question. I don’t remember ever seeing Davis hurt, which suggests to me that he has been durable at 135 and below. However, he’s now facing a bigger man now. And Barrios is no ordinary junior welterweight when it comes to power. He has stopped nine of his last 10 opponents, meaning he has actually knocked out foes at higher rate as he has stepped up his opposition. He can punch. The natural question here is: Will Barrios be able to land the kind of shots or shots that might buzz Davis? That could be the key to his success. If he’s able to land hard, damaging blows, that could throw Davis off his game and make this a closer fight than most people believe it will be.

WHO’S THE BETTER BOXER?

Davis. Barrios’ ability shouldn’t be underestimated. He had a long, productive amateur career that gave him a solid technical foundation. And he’s now working with renowned guru Virgil Hunter, who has put polish on an already-glossy product. Barrios is a very good boxer. His problem? Davis is a special boxer, the type that doesn’t come around often. He has natural gifts, speed, athleticism, that power. He also had a successful amateur career, reportedly finishing 205-15. And, under the expert guidance of trainer Calvin Ford, he has evolved into a formidable technician. That ability has allowed him to land the well-timed, precise punches that have stopped all but one of his opponents.

WHAT DOES A VICTORY DO FOR BOTH MEN?

If Davis wins, he will have defeated notable opponents at three different weight classes consecutively. Who does that? It’s way too early to compare him to the likes of Henry Armstrong, who held championships in three divisions simultaneously. At the same time, Davis’ accomplishment will have an old-school feel that will be appealing to many fans. This is a bold move for Davis even if you don’t see Barrios as a legitimate threat. A victory surely will add to his already-massive following. Barrios? Size advantage or no size advantage, he will instantaneously become a major player if he can pull this one off. That would mean fame, fortune and the thing about which all fighters dream: a shot at a legitimate world title.

WILL THE FIGHT BE COMPETITIVE?

Probably not. Davis is a level above Barrios pound-for-pound. He’s a better boxer with more experience in big fights. And although we don’t know whether he’ll bring his power up to 140, he has been one of the most-devastating punchers in the sport at lower weights. Again, Barrios is good; Davis is special. Barrios’ not-so-secret weapon could be his size advantage, which also includes height and reach. If he can exploit his advantages – and keep Davis honest with his punching power – he’ll have a chance. That’s a big “if,” though. I learned a long time ago that you should pick the more-talented guy to win unless he’s in an unusually difficult situation. This isn’t one of those. Davis will win by late knockout.

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Gervonta Davis vs. Mario Barrios: 5 questions (and answers) going into showdown

Gervonta Davis vs. Mario Barrios: 5 questions (and answers) going into the pay-per-view showdown on Saturday.

Gervonta Davis is moving up from 130 pounds to 140 to face unbeaten Mario Barrios in a pay-per-view fight Saturday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

“Tank” is perceived as the better fighter but Barrios (26-0, 17 KOs) has a distinct size advantage, which some believe could be an equalizer.

And although Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) has been a huge puncher at lower weights, no one knows whether he’ll be able to carry his power to the higher division or take shots from a bigger, stronger man.

Bottom line: It’s a fascinating matchup, one that raises a number of questions. Here are five:

WILL DAVIS CARRY HIS POWER TO 140 POUNDS?

That’s the key question going into the fight. The answer? I think so. Davis will be fighting a legitimate 140-pounder for the first time, which could be a challenge for him. We’ve seen many fighters – some of them outstanding — plateau as they move up in weight. I’ll just tell you what I believe: Davis is a born puncher with a special delivery system, which he has demonstrated fight after fight. The uppercut that ended Leo Santa Cruz’s night in October might’ve stopped the average middleweight. Cynics might point out that it took him 12 rounds to stop 38-year-old Yuriorkis Gamboa at 135 pounds in 2019 and ask, “How is he supposed to hurt a prime Mario Barrios at 140? Well, I wouldn’t read too much into the fight against Gamboa, who was in survival mode from beginning to end. Davis can crack. And I’m pretty sure that won’t change at junior welterweight.

WILL DAVIS BE ABLE TO HANDLE BARRIOS’ POWER?

That’s a tougher question. I don’t remember ever seeing Davis hurt, which suggests to me that he has been durable at 135 and below. However, he’s now facing a bigger man now. And Barrios is no ordinary junior welterweight when it comes to power. He has stopped nine of his last 10 opponents, meaning he has actually knocked out foes at higher rate as he has stepped up his opposition. He can punch. The natural question here is: Will Barrios be able to land the kind of shots or shots that might buzz Davis? That could be the key to his success. If he’s able to land hard, damaging blows, that could throw Davis off his game and make this a closer fight than most people believe it will be.

WHO’S THE BETTER BOXER?

Davis. Barrios’ ability shouldn’t be underestimated. He had a long, productive amateur career that gave him a solid technical foundation. And he’s now working with renowned guru Virgil Hunter, who has put polish on an already-glossy product. Barrios is a very good boxer. His problem? Davis is a special boxer, the type that doesn’t come around often. He has natural gifts, speed, athleticism, that power. He also had a successful amateur career, reportedly finishing 205-15. And, under the expert guidance of trainer Calvin Ford, he has evolved into a formidable technician. That ability has allowed him to land the well-timed, precise punches that have stopped all but one of his opponents.

WHAT DOES A VICTORY DO FOR BOTH MEN?

If Davis wins, he will have defeated notable opponents at three different weight classes consecutively. Who does that? It’s way too early to compare him to the likes of Henry Armstrong, who held championships in three divisions simultaneously. At the same time, Davis’ accomplishment will have an old-school feel that will be appealing to many fans. This is a bold move for Davis even if you don’t see Barrios as a legitimate threat. A victory surely will add to his already-massive following. Barrios? Size advantage or no size advantage, he will instantaneously become a major player if he can pull this one off. That would mean fame, fortune and the thing about which all fighters dream: a shot at a legitimate world title.

WILL THE FIGHT BE COMPETITIVE?

Probably not. Davis is a level above Barrios pound-for-pound. He’s a better boxer with more experience in big fights. And although we don’t know whether he’ll bring his power up to 140, he has been one of the most-devastating punchers in the sport at lower weights. Again, Barrios is good; Davis is special. Barrios’ not-so-secret weapon could be his size advantage, which also includes height and reach. If he can exploit his advantages – and keep Davis honest with his punching power – he’ll have a chance. That’s a big “if,” though. I learned a long time ago that you should pick the more-talented guy to win unless he’s in an unusually difficult situation. This isn’t one of those. Davis will win by late knockout.

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