Estrella TV Quick Pick

Teixeira hopes to look good against Mouton

Patrick Teixeira vs. Don Mouton: On Friday night before HBO and Showtime annoy fans with competing cards Estrella TV will provide some action.  The main event of that card will be a 10-round, middleweight bout between young Brazilian prospect Patrick Teixeira (25-0, 21 KO) and veteran gatekeeper Don Mouton (14-9-1, 12 KO).  At 5-foot 11-inches Teixeira is a tall middleweight and he is very skinny which gives him an awkward look in the ring.  He fights out of the southpaw stance and has a decent jab which he uses to help set up his powerful straight left hand and right hook.  The hands of Teixeira aren't very fast though and he will often fight off of his back foot which is strange for a power puncher.  The lanky Brazilian does throw nice uppercuts on the inside but he has some work to do if he wants to take on the best.  At 24-years-old there is plenty of time for Teixeira to grow as a fighter and while his knockout numbers have been impressive, he has mostly fought sub par fighters.  Mouton may not represent a big step up in competition for Teixeira but he is a power puncher who could surprise the young fighter.  For years now Mouton has acted as a tough gatekeeper for young prospects like Curtis Stevens, Badou Jack, Anthony Dirrell, Gilberto Ramirez, and Antoine Douglas.  Unfortunately for Mouton he has never been able to upset the apple card although he typically gives a good effort and has only been knocked out once in his nine career losses.  In his last 10 fights Mouton is 5-5 but four of his five wins came by knockout so he is certainly a dangerous puncher.  Mouton is an orthodox fighter who likes to get in the pocket, square up, and tee off.  Don't expect to see a jab from Mouton who instead relies on looping left hooks and wild right hands.  Clearly Mouton is here to play the role of opponent for a solid looking young prospect and the fight should play out accordingly.  Mouton's aggressive style should keep him on his feet until the final bell but it will be Teixeira who wins the fight via unanimous decision.