Telemundo Quick Pick

Cartagena will look to win two fights in a row 

Miguel Cartagena vs. Ricardo Rodriguez: Most boxing fans are already looking passed the entire week and dreaming about Saturday.  That is because on Saturday will be the first fights of the month featuring top pugilists.  In action will be the likes of Terence Crawford, Leo Santa Cruz, Carl Frampton, and Scott Quigg.  There will be action on Friday as well when Miguel Cartagena (14-2, 5 KO) takes on Ricardo Rodriguez (12-3, 4 KO) in a 10-round bout in the junior bantamweight division on Telemundo.  Both fighters are similar in that they're young and can't really afford many more losses on their records.  Also, both fighters are the same height, 5-feet 4-inches, and neither carries much pop on their punches.  Cartagena is an orthodox fighter who likes to work behind his jab.  The young fighter also has a nice straight left hand and while his left hook is short it is lacking power.  The problem for Cartagena is his chin and he has been knocked out by a single punch before.  In fact, in Cartagena's two career losses both him come by the way of knockout.  Cartagena actually moves pretty well in the ring and does a nice job of staying on the outside, the problem is when punches land he doesn't usually take them very well.  Rodriguez is also an orthodox fighter and recently has fought better opponents than Cartagena has, most notable David Carmona.  Carmona accounts for two of Rodriguez's three career losses but he has never been knocked out as a pro.  While Cartagena likes to stay on the outside and use his jab, Rodriguez likes to get in close and bang.  Rodriguez has a solid left hook and a clubbing overhand right that he will often throw behind the head if his opponent is bent over at the waist.  While Rodriguez isn't the most accurate puncher when he gets inside he really lets his hand go.  Because Rodriguez has faced the better opposition and lets his hands go with more authority he will win this fight by the way of unanimous decision as long as he can get inside and stay there.