Boxing moves on this weekend with a couple cards on of course a couple different networks. We have a couple fun rematches on ESPN and a continued rise of a superstar on FOX. Here is my preview of the action on hand this Saturday.

Saturday May 11

Who: Miguel Berchelt (35-1 31 KO’s) vs. Francisco Vargas (25-1-2 17 KO’s)

Where: Convention Center, Tucson

When: 10pm EST/7pm PST

How: ESPN

Implications: A pretty fun rematch here for Berchelt’s WBC Super Featherweight title is going down in my college town of Tucson, Arizona. Top Rank seems to do a show there every year and if they keep bringing Mexican fighters there, fans will continue to come. They fought back in 2017 and it was actually pretty one sided but entertaining until Berchelt got the KO in the 11th. This seems to be a stay busy fight for Berchelt though until he gets a chance to fight the bigger names at either 130 or 135 lbs. (AKA Loma). I do not see Vargas competing here other than trying to throw his hands and land something crazy. Berchelt is really coming into his prime now and looks to become a pound for pound fighter so I think he will want to put on a show. Berchelt by KO round 7!

*Undercard Notes

Another exciting rematch here for the WBO 122 pound title between Champ Emanuel Navarrete (26-1 22 KO’s) and former champ Isaac Dogboe (20-1 14 KO’s). The first fight was supposed to be another step on the path to stardom for Isaac Dogboe, but it did not play out like that as the bigger Navarrete bullied him all night and took the belt via decision. It is good for boxing though that we are getting an immediate rematch, these are two highly skilled and entertaining fighters that will be giving everything in this fight. I am picking Dogboe to reclaim his belt though by a steady diet of body shots that will earn him rounds and get him a decision.

Saturday May 11

Who: Jarrett Hurd (23-0 16 KO’s) vs. Julian Williams (26-1-1 1 NC 16 KO’s)

Where: EagleBank Arena, Fairfax, VA

When: 8pm EST/5pm PST

How: FOX

Implications: Jarrett “Swift” Hurd is one of the rising superstars of boxing. He is already on Pound for pound lists and is only entering his prime now. Swift will be defending his WBA and IBF 154 lb. titles against Julian “J-Rock” Williams, a guy who is always just hanging out near the top of the rankings in the division. Williams one loss came against Jermall Charlo so that is nothing to snuff about, but he has never really beaten a top level guy either. When Hurd beat Erislandy Lara he went up a level in everyones eyes and I think he will be able to knock out Williams as well. Swift by 8th round KO.

Nothing much for the undercard here, as per usual with PBC, so I hope everyone enjoys the fun title fights at least!

*My pound for pound list can be found here.