The PBC card on Fox from Oxon Hill Maryland has the biggest name of the night as WBA and IBF junior middleweight champion Jarrett Hurd defends his titles for the first time in his home area against mandatory contender Julian "J-Rock" Williams.
Hurd, who would have been facing Jermell Charlo in a title unification fight in this slot had Charlo not been upset via controversial decision by Tony Harrison in his last outing (the rematch will be held next month), instead tackles Williams, who was once thought to be a rising star before being brutally knocked out by Jermall Charlo in his previous title challenge.
Williams has worked his way back to title contention with four straight victories against good, but not great competition and this is a second chance for stardom in the division.
I've always liked Williams skills and I think he'll have some moments against Hurd, but I'm not sure Williams can hurt Hurd and the size difference that was visible at the press conference is likely to play a part in the outcome as the larger Hurd wears down Williams in what could be a good fight.
The other two televised fights on the Fox slate are worth a look, as well as undefeated junior welterweight Mario Barrios, faces Juan Jose Velasco and middleweight contender Matt Korobov tackles Immanuel Aleem.
Barrios is an exciting prospect against Velasco, who lost his first fight in his last appearance, in a fight that should expose Barrios to viewers as the PBC entry in a 140-pound division filled with promising young contenders.
Korobov is coming off a spirited close loss to Jermall Charlo as a late substitute and is a favorite against Aleem, who has been in several good scraps against average competition but is taking a jump up in level against Korobov.
The Fox card looks like it has the potential to have three strong fights and should be a very interesting evening from rockin' MD.
ESPN is live from Tucson, Arizona and the home of "Bear Down" will have two title rematches at the top of the card and both could be entertaining.
WBC junior lightweight champion Miguel Berchelt faces the man that he defeated for his title in Francisco Vargas after four successful title defenses.
The always aggressive Vargas always makes great action outings, but his walk forward style is tailor-made for the long and lean Berchelt, who I think has an argument as the best fighter in the division along with WBA champion Gervonta Davis and I think this fight ends in a similar fashion as their first with Berchelt grinding down Vargas for a late round stoppage.
The other bout is a rematch from last year as WBO junior featherweight champion Emmanuel Navarrete battles former champion Isaac Dogboe after Navarrete's upset decision win last December.
Navarrete's surprising win ended a streak of quality wins by Dogboe, who seemed a bit weary from that run entering the fight.
Navarrete's five-inch height advantage was used well in the first fight and the bigger fighter can make an argument to being the bigger puncher as well.
I think Dogboe will be improved in this one and I think it will be closer than the first, but the physical edge for the champion and ability to hold Dogboe at bay from the outside will make the difference for the more versatile Navarrete.
In the boxing challenge, I lead Ramon Malpica 116-100.
WBA/IBF Junior Middleweight Titles 12 Rds
Jarrett Hurd vs Julian Williams
R.L: Hurd KO 8
TRS: Hurd KO 10
Junior Welterweights. 10 Rds
Mario Barrios vs Juan Jose Velasco
R.L; Barrios Unanimous Decision
TRS: Barrios KO 6
Middleweights. 10 Rds
Matt Korobov vs Immanuel Aleem
R.L: Korobov Unanimous Decision
TRS: Korobov KO 8
WBC Junior Lightweight Title. 12 rds
Miguel Berchelt vs Francisco Vargas
R.L: Berchelt KO 7
TRS: Berchelt KO 10
WBO Junior Featherweight Title. 12 Rds
Emmanuel Navarrete vs Isaac Dogboe
Both: Navarrete Unanimous Decision
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