Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. vs. Rafael Rivera:
Saturday night will be a busy one for boxing fans with a lot of fight cards taking place. One of those cards will be on HBO Latino and the main event will be a 10-round featherweight fight between Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (24-5-1, 19 KO) and Rafael Rivera (20-0-2, 14 KO). Vazquez, who was once a top prospect has really had a difficult time as of late. In his past 10 fights his record is 5-5 and his last fight ended in a loss to a 29-9-3 fighter. The good news for Vazquez is that in those past 10 fights there is a pattern, he wins a fight, then losses a fight, and if that pattern continues who should win come Saturday night. Meanwhile, Rivera has only been a pro for three years and his level of competition has been atrocious. His opponent's combined record stands at 35-117-9 so it is clear that he has never faced anyone nearly as talented as Vazquez. Vazquez is an orthodox boxer who has some power but he isn't a one punch knockout artist. The Puerto Rican fighter does have quick hands which allow him to flash a good jab and a very good straight right hand. While his left hook isn't always the crispest punch it does land with some power. Since there is no tape of Rivera online he remains a mystery. All that is really known about him is that he is an orthodox fighter with some pop on his punches, although he isn't an overwhelming puncher. Also, Rivera has only gone eight rounds once in his career and his longest fight before that only last four rounds. This fight should be all about Vazquez because a loss would severely hurt his career. Vazquez won't have to worry about though because he is at a different level than Rivera and will win this fight by the way of unanimous decision.
Alexander Brand vs. Medzhid Bektemirov
: The co-feature for Saturday's HBO Latino card features two fighters most fans have probably never heard of, Alexander Brand (24-1, 19 KO) and Medzhid Bektemirov (16-0, 12 KO). The two pugilists are scheduled to go 10 rounds in the light heavyweight division and it will be a big opportunity for both men. Neither fighter has a very good resume but Brand does have one notable name on his, a young Badou Jack who he lost a split decision to back in 2012. One thing to take note of in this fight is the fact that Brand is a full 10 years old than Bektemirov and he will also be moving up from his usual super middleweight division. Brand is an orthodox fighter who looks his age. He moves slowly in the ring and really relies on his power more than anything else. Like many Columbian fighters Brand isn't the most skilled but does throw heavy leather. While Brand has a strong left hook his overhand right is his most dangerous weapon and he also does a tremendous job of banging that right hand to the body. As for Bektemirov, he is also an orthodox fighter and he is the naturally bigger man when compared to Brand. Bektemirov is a solid offensive fighter and he shows a stiff jab that sets up his power punches. One thing Bektemirov does well is turn over his left hook quickly and he also does a nice job of sticking his straight right hand to the belly of opponents. Not only is Bektemirov 10 years younger than Brand but he also has a more classic boxing style. This fight will probably make it to the final bell and when it does it will be Bektemirov who comes away the winner via unanimous decision.
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