VERONA, N.Y. -- Being a boxing fan means you're often left scratching your head. That's especially true when a fighter earns a title shot seemingly out of the blue. On March 9, Maurice Hooker will make the second defense of his WBO junior welterweight world title on DAZN. He will make that defense against Mikkel LesPierre. While LesPierre is ranked in the top 10 by the WBO he doesn't crack the top 15 in the WBC, WBA, or IBF rankings and has never fought a notable opponent.
Hooker (25-0-3, 17 KOs) is a tall and rangy junior welterweight. His 80-inch reach allows him to find plenty of success from the outside with his jab and straight right hand out of the orthodox stance. Hooker will also throw a left hook but he tends to get a bit wide with that punch and it isn't as dangerous as his right hand that he can throw from various angles. 'Mighty Mo' as he's know also moves pretty well in the ring and his movement and long reach make him a hard target to consistently hit.
The 29-year-old began his career with a draw and then put together a 12-fight winning streak before fighting to another draw. He then put together another streak of nine wins before facing off against Darleys Perez in a fight that once again ended in a draw. Since that fight Hooker has gone 4-0 with one knockout and beat Terry Flanagan via split decision to capture the WBO title he still holds. He followed that win up by stopping Alex Saucedo in the seventh round and he will now defend his title against LesPierre.
LesPierre (21-0-1, 10 KOs) is a southpaw who you've probably never heard of. He likes to change the speed on his jab and has a pretty good one. He won't put in a ton of work with his left hand but he does have a right hook he likes to bang to the body, especially when he's on the inside. LesPierre's footwork isn't as good as Hookers and he's typically more of a stationary target, although he has shown a good chin and has never tasted the canvas as a pro.
The reason you've probably never heard of LesPierre is because he's never really been in a high level fight. Hooker will be by far the best opponent of his career and it will be his first title shot. In fact, this will be just the third time that LesPeirre has been scheduled to go 10 or more rounds in his career. The second fight of his career ended in a draw and since that draw he's been a perfect 20-0 with nine knockouts.
Hooker is, and should be, the heavy favorite in this fight. This will be a big step up fight for LesPierre who, at 34 years old, will be getting the first title shot of his seven year career. Look for Hooker to show off his superior pop early so LasPeirre can get a taste of his power. Then expect the champion to use his footwork to keep LesPierre on the outside while tagging him with sharp jabs and right hands. LesPierre will try to make this an inside fight and to do that he will need to get to Hooker's body early and often. While Hooker will be looking to put on a boxing display, expect LesPierre to try and make this an ugly inside fight.
PREDICTION: There is a reason that Maurice Hooker is the favorite in this fight. He hits harder, moves better, and has fought at a higher level than Mikkel LesPierre. Hooker might not win all 12 rounds but this fight certainly won't be close as Hooker cruises to a wide unanimous decision victory.
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| Hooker celebrating his victory with his WBO belt |
The 29-year-old began his career with a draw and then put together a 12-fight winning streak before fighting to another draw. He then put together another streak of nine wins before facing off against Darleys Perez in a fight that once again ended in a draw. Since that fight Hooker has gone 4-0 with one knockout and beat Terry Flanagan via split decision to capture the WBO title he still holds. He followed that win up by stopping Alex Saucedo in the seventh round and he will now defend his title against LesPierre.
LesPierre (21-0-1, 10 KOs) is a southpaw who you've probably never heard of. He likes to change the speed on his jab and has a pretty good one. He won't put in a ton of work with his left hand but he does have a right hook he likes to bang to the body, especially when he's on the inside. LesPierre's footwork isn't as good as Hookers and he's typically more of a stationary target, although he has shown a good chin and has never tasted the canvas as a pro.
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| LesPierre throwing a wild left hand, leaving himself exposed |
Hooker is, and should be, the heavy favorite in this fight. This will be a big step up fight for LesPierre who, at 34 years old, will be getting the first title shot of his seven year career. Look for Hooker to show off his superior pop early so LasPeirre can get a taste of his power. Then expect the champion to use his footwork to keep LesPierre on the outside while tagging him with sharp jabs and right hands. LesPierre will try to make this an inside fight and to do that he will need to get to Hooker's body early and often. While Hooker will be looking to put on a boxing display, expect LesPierre to try and make this an ugly inside fight.
PREDICTION: There is a reason that Maurice Hooker is the favorite in this fight. He hits harder, moves better, and has fought at a higher level than Mikkel LesPierre. Hooker might not win all 12 rounds but this fight certainly won't be close as Hooker cruises to a wide unanimous decision victory.
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