OKLAHOMA CITY -- ESPN will host a battle of unbeaten fighters on Nov. 16 with a junior welterweight title on the line. Bringing the WBO strap to the ring will be Maurice Hooker (24-0-3, 16 KOs). He will be challenged by the young Alex Saucedo (28-0, 18 KOs), getting his first first shot at a title.
Hooker is an orthodox fighter with a lanky frame. He likes to work behind a busy jab but doesn't always look to land it, often just using it as a measuring stick. Following that jab is Hooker's best punch, his right hand. Along with those weapons Hooker will occasionally throw a left hook but he often slaps with that punch. His movement helps him defensively and he's at his best when he can sharp shoot from the outside.
While Hooker has some notable veterans on his resume, it isn't a resume that jumps off the page. He won his first title in his last fight against Terry Flanagan and that win, via split decision, was the most important of his career. Against Saucedo he will be making his first title defense but he will have to do it in his challengers hometown of Oklahoma City. The junior welterweight division is very talented so a win for Hooker could help set up a potential unification bout.
Saucedo is a tall junior welterweight who plies his trade out of the orthodox stance. He has fairly quick hands and some good pop on his punches. He fights behind a stiff jab and throws an excellent short left hook. Saucedo also loves to bang the body and he's at his best when he can plant his feet in the pocket and bang away. Along with the stiff jab and strong left hook, Saucedo also throws a thudding right hand. However, because of his propensity to sit in the pocket he tends to eat plenty of leather.
The hometown fighter Saucedo is coming off a fight against Lenny Zappavigna that will be a contender for the 2018 Fight of the Year. However, he also showed in that fight that he was vulnerable. Outside of Zappavigna, Saucedo hasn't faced many notable opponents and beating Hooker to capture a title in his first attempt would be by far the biggest victory of his young career.
This fight should come down to distance. Hooker doesn't really like to mix things up on the inside and is at his best when he can stick and move from distance. Saucedo is the total opposite. He loves to sit in the pocket and trade leather. If Hooker can control Saucedo with his jab and right hand and keep him on the outside he could end up boxing his way to a decision victory. However, if Saucedo can consistently get in the pocket he should be able to do some damage and could leave with the title.
PREDICTION: Maurice Hooker is a fine fighter but he won't be able to keep Alex Saucedo at bay for all 12 rounds of this WBO title fight. Saucedo will be able to stay in the pocket for long stretches and he will stop Hooker in the ninth round.
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| Hooker catching Terry Flanagan with a short right hand |
While Hooker has some notable veterans on his resume, it isn't a resume that jumps off the page. He won his first title in his last fight against Terry Flanagan and that win, via split decision, was the most important of his career. Against Saucedo he will be making his first title defense but he will have to do it in his challengers hometown of Oklahoma City. The junior welterweight division is very talented so a win for Hooker could help set up a potential unification bout.
Saucedo is a tall junior welterweight who plies his trade out of the orthodox stance. He has fairly quick hands and some good pop on his punches. He fights behind a stiff jab and throws an excellent short left hook. Saucedo also loves to bang the body and he's at his best when he can plant his feet in the pocket and bang away. Along with the stiff jab and strong left hook, Saucedo also throws a thudding right hand. However, because of his propensity to sit in the pocket he tends to eat plenty of leather.
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| Saucedo punishing Lenny Zappavigna with a right hand |
This fight should come down to distance. Hooker doesn't really like to mix things up on the inside and is at his best when he can stick and move from distance. Saucedo is the total opposite. He loves to sit in the pocket and trade leather. If Hooker can control Saucedo with his jab and right hand and keep him on the outside he could end up boxing his way to a decision victory. However, if Saucedo can consistently get in the pocket he should be able to do some damage and could leave with the title.
PREDICTION: Maurice Hooker is a fine fighter but he won't be able to keep Alex Saucedo at bay for all 12 rounds of this WBO title fight. Saucedo will be able to stay in the pocket for long stretches and he will stop Hooker in the ninth round.
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