Maurice Hooker vs Alex Saucedo Preview Nov. 16th
The WBO Jr. Welterweight title is on the line this Friday, November 16th as Maurice Hooker of Dallas, Texas will be taking on Alex Saucedo of Mexico in a battle of unbeaten boxers. Hooker was last in the ring in June when he beat former champion Terry Flanagan by a split decision to win the crown. Saucedo last fought in June as well when he stopped Leonardo Zappavinga in the seventh round for the vacant WBO International Super Lightweight Title. While he also defended his WBA-NABA USA belt. The 12-round bout will be held at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Saucedo’s adopted hometown of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and can be seen live in the USA on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Fans in the UK and Ireland can catch it live on BoxNation while those in Canada can see it on TSN 3.
Hooker vs Saucedo Betting Odds
Here are the winner odds from online sportsbook 5dimes.eu
- Maurice Hooker +145
- Alex Saucedo -185
My Pick
The 29-year-old Hooker climbs into the ring with a record of 21-0-3 along with 16 Kos. He’s not known as a bigger hitter, but has a current knockout ratio of 59 per cent and has boxed 115 rounds since turning pro in 2011. Before that, Hooker was a Dallas regional Golden Gloves Champion and had a fine amateur record of 85-7. Since turning pro he’s drawn with Darleys Perez (10 rounds) and Abel Ramos (eight rounds) as well as Tyrone Chatman over four rounds in his pro debut.
Hooker hasn’t really beaten anybody of note other than Flanagan, but also has wins over the likes of Santos Benavides, Tye Barnett and Cristobal Cruz. He’s also won the WBO NABO Super Lightweight Title as a pro and defended it four times. Although Hooker has decent power and a good chin, he’s gone the distance in his last four outings. Hooker stands 5-feet-11-inches tall and has a reach of 80 inches. He’s got fine boxing skills and is somewhat underrated.
As for Saucedo, he’s just 24 years old and carries a perfect record of 28-0 with 18 Kos under his belt. He’s 5-feet-10-inches tall with a 72-inch reach so gives up an inch in height to Hooker as well as eight big inches in reach. Saucedo has pretty good power with a current knockout ratio of 64 per cent and has stopped his last three opponents. He turned pro back in 2011 and has 110 rounds of experience under his belt since then.
Saucedo hasn’t met any top contenders as of yet to sill be taking a step up in class against Hooker. His biggest wins up to now have been against Gilbert Venegas, Edgar Ortega, Clarence Booth, Raymond Serrano, Johnny Garcia, Abner Lopez and Gustavo Vittori. As mentioned, Saucedo has won a few minor and regional titles, but this will be his first crack at a world championship. He’s well known for his relentless style and power and has a decent chance here.
Prediction…
I can see this fight going one of two ways. Hooker will use his superior boxing skills and considerable reach advantage to keep Saucedo on the outside and retain his belt by a decision. On the other hand, if Hooker doesn’t have the power to keep him at bay, I think Saucedo will start to walk through him and get inside and punch away relentlessly to take the title. The deciding factor could be Saucedo fighting in front of his home fans, and I’ll take a chance and go with Saucedo here.
The champion Hooker’s actually the underdog here.
Play Saucedo -18 5 @ 5dimes.eu
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Alex Saucedo betting • Maurice Hooker betting