Keith Thurman – Robert Guerrero: A Closer Look

By Matt Jones

Tonight is more than just a damn good card featuring two pick-em fights. It marks the return of boxing to network television. The card will be aired live on NBC in the prime time slot. The majority of modern day boxing fans have never seen boxing on network TV, so this will surely be a treat. No expense has been spared in the production of the event. The fighters will be entering the arena is a fashion that can be described as nothing but WrestleMania like. Two gigantic screens have been erected that the fighters will enter in between and NBC will be using a 360 camera system that could possibly change the way boxing is filmed.

All of this stuff is great to read and hear about, but for boxing’s return to network TV to be successful the fights will have to deliver. Luckily for us, on paper at least, the card promises action and drama. Adrien Broner is taking on the tough and rugged John Molina in a 12 round junior welterweight contest. Broner is the clear favorite, but after his struggles making weight he appears to be very vulnerable going into a fight with a naturally bigger and stronger man. Look for Broner to overcome some early troubles and earn a close but clear decision victory.

In the main even Keith Thurman takes on Robert Guerrero in a welterweight fight that has been years in the making. Thurman appears to be the heir apparent to Floyd Mayweather, JR. in the welterweight division, but he will have a rugged and hungry fighter looking to make all those claims look premature. Guerrero is a huge underdog going into this fight at 4.65 to 1, but don’t take those odds to heart. This is a tough fight to pick. Thurman’s best win to date was against Jesus Soto Karras and the smooth talking welterweight has been largely untested for the majority of his short pro career. Guerrero has been in with the far superior opposition, with wins coming against the likes of Andre Berto, Michael Katsidis, and Selcuk Aydin. However, his most valuable experience came in a losing effort to the pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather, JR. Look for Thurman to do his best to box, but occasionally be drawn into a slug-fest. Thurman by UD.