Boxing Preview: Juan Carlos Burgos vs. Vyacheslav Gusev

ByMichael Worden

Fight fans have seen the scenario set up a million times; a young undefeated prospect with a possible world title bout looming on the horizon faces off against a widely unknown opponent trying to make a name for himself with a career boosting victory.

What plays out depends largely on the strength and focus of the men inside the ring.

Tonight, at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California, this scenario has once again peeked its head as the hard punching, undefeated WBC #3 ranked featherweight Juan Carlos Burgos, 21-0 (15), puts his WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) title on the line against Russian Vyacheslav Gusev, 16-1 (3).

Burgos comes from a fighting family. His uncle Victor Burgos was the IBF Junior Flyweight titlist whose career tragically ended at the hands of Vic Darchinyan in 2007.

It is the same heart and drive that his uncle showed in the ring, alongside devastating power in both hands, that has landed Juan Carlos in the mix at the top of the featherweight division and has many boxing insiders pegging him as world champion caliber.

His last bout in February helped him to solidify his position among the top in the featherweight division as he stopped Fernando Lizarraga, 16-7-1 (12), in just two rounds. Burgos has recently been clamoring for a shot a WBC featherweight champion Takahiro Aoh, 17-1-1 (8,) but he first must focus on the challenger in front of him on Friday night.

This will be Gusev’s first fight outside of Russia, where he has managed to put together a solid record, albeit against limited opposition.

Gusev is riding high of 11 straight victories and his lone loss came at the hands of undefeated Alisher Rahimov, 18-0 (10), via an eight round decision in only the fifth fight of his career. However, the test for Gusev on Friday night will be one the likes of which he has never seen.

Burgos has been ascending quickly up the featherweight rankings. His last bout in February helped him to solidify his position among the top in the division as he stopped Fernando Lizarraga, 16-7-1 (12), in just two rounds.

The undercard features a host of unbeaten prospects seeking to showcase their abilities in front of the Ontario fight fans, one of which is undefeated welterweight Mauricio Herrera, 10-0 (5), against Jose Alfredo Lugo, 10-9-1 (5), for the vacant WBC USNBC Welterweight strap.

Also on the card promising featherweight Jesus Antonio Hernandez, 8-0 (2), faces off against Aaron Garcia, 9-1 (1), and junior welterweight Marlo Cortez, 2-7 (1), takes on Ignacio Garcia, 2-1 (1).

Rounding out the night, two four round bouts will feature junior middleweight Alberto Herrera, 1-0 (1), against DeMarcus Stephens and the professional debut’s of lightweights Miguel Uronia and Oscar Chincilla.

The card is titled “New Blood IV” and is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions. Tickets for the event are available by calling 714-935-0900. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineland Ave, Ontario, CA.