Team RSR Fight Picks: Hugo Fidel Cazares Vs Alberto Rossel
Compiled by Mike “Rubber Warrior” Plunkett
This Saturday, Hugo Cazares will defend his WBA World super flyweight title against Alberto Rossel from Centro de Convenciones, Tlalnepantla de Galeana, Mexico. The bout marks the second title defense for “El Increible”, the former WBO and Ring Magazine light flyweight champion who holds key wins over Nelson Dieppa, Kermin Guardia and Nobuo Nashiro, as well as two close controversial losses to Ivan Calderon, Puerto Rico’s talented “Iron Boy”. A win this weekend further positions Cazares for a high stakes unification match with WBO counterpart Omar Andres Narvaez or possibly division star Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire sometime down the road next year in 2011. As for the challenger, at 24-7 this opportunity for a major title against an established world champion represents a significant step up in class and likely his last chance to make an impression on the world stage. Having struggled previously with C-rate opposition, Rossel will need to rise beyond his previous form if he is to at all press the champion in a manner that suggests the possibility of victory.
Ringside Report’s team of writers offer their expert opinions on the outcome:
Geno McGahee
Cazares by UD.
“Bad” Brad Berkwitt
Cazares by unanimous decision.
Brian Wilbur
Rossel’s record is a bit misleading. Some of those losses have come early in his career against quality fighters. However he still lacks history at the championship level, and has yet to record a win over a top 10 contender. We know what we are getting with Cazares. He is a solid, though somewhat pedestrian veteran. Rossel will be able to compete but Hugo Fidel Cazares, the champion, should come out on top with a decision win due to toughness and experience.
Mike “Rubber Warrior”Plunkett
Look for Hugo Cazares to make a statement in this bout. Although Alberto Rossel is a somewhat unknown quantity at the world class level, his earlier career losses suggest that he will be in over his head against a seasoned fighter used to competing with the best in or around his weight class. I expect Rossel to be competitive over the first third of the bout, with “El Increible” assuming control and pulling ahead by the halfway point. Expect the match to be waved off by the referee in the 11th round as Rossel absorbs a sustained pounding from the superior and steady aging champion, setting-up a compelling date with destiny sometime next year.
Delroy Hill
I’m not terribly familiar with Rossel. I’ve only seen him fight a few times. But from what I have saw and what I know about who he’s fought, I’ll take Cazares.
Hermilando “Ingming” Duque Aberia
Rossel in a mild upset.