Maurice Hooker-Alex Saucedo - Friday night

[Fenster]

Saucedo is the favourite (1/2) but Hooker (6/4) has the better form on paper. Saucedo is great to watch but his defence has always been so leaky it's only a matter of time before he comes unstuck, his face last time made the elephant man look pretty.

I think it's most likely a PTS fight, however, Saucedo is hard-as-nails, relentless and especially strong downstairs with his left hand, but his own vulnerabilities boost the chances of himself being stopped, especially against a slickster.

Hooker KO/TKO - 7/1
Either win by KO/TKO - 5/2

[greynotsoold]

Hooker didn't deal well with the pressure when they sparred and, while Hooker was able to regularly land his right hand, Saucedo got the better of it, pretty clearly. That was some years back, though, and Saucedo was more experienced despite being several years younger.

I don't think that either has improved, in the sense of eliminating flaws from their games or developing new skills. In my estimation, they both have had access to better sparring so they've gotten better at doing what they do in the way they do it. Certainly they have both gained by the power of association, Saucedo with GGG and Hooker with Crawford.

Saucedo is going to be bringing it in his hometown and I figure he is going to stop Hooker and it wouldn't surprise me if it was within 5-6 rounds. But it also wouldn't surprise me if Hooker handles him easy and wins in 9-10, because that is in Saucedo's future. I just don't expect it to be Hooker that does it.

[Spicoli]

For whatever reason this one is buried tonight with a single bout card slated to start at 11pm with an NBA game proceeding it. If it starts on time I'll be surprised. Doesn't Hearn promote Hooker?

Should be a fun fight though and interested to see which way Hooker goes as a 'champion'. Saucedos last fight was a bloodbath with both fighters rocked and he really did great with self promotion and a massive fight hungry massive fan turn out in of all places Oklahoma City. Great energy!

[TitoFan]

I just saw it scheduled for 1 am local time. Needless to say I won't be watching it.

[Fenster]

For whatever reason this one is buried tonight with a single bout card slated to start at 11pm with an NBA game proceeding it. If it starts on time I'll be surprised. Doesn't Hearn promote Hooker?

Should be a fun fight though and interested to see which way Hooker goes as a 'champion'. Saucedos last fight was a bloodbath with both fighters rocked and he really did great with self promotion and a massive fight hungry massive fan turn out in of all places Oklahoma City. Great energy!

This is an Arum show (TopRank), he won the purse bids from Hearn (Matchroom), hence Saucedo gets hometown advantage.

[Spicoli]

For whatever reason this one is buried tonight with a single bout card slated to start at 11pm with an NBA game proceeding it. If it starts on time I'll be surprised. Doesn't Hearn promote Hooker?

Should be a fun fight though and interested to see which way Hooker goes as a 'champion'. Saucedos last fight was a bloodbath with both fighters rocked and he really did great with self promotion and a massive fight hungry massive fan turn out in of all places Oklahoma City. Great energy!

This is an Arum show (TopRank), he won the purse bids from Hearn (Matchroom), hence Saucedo gets hometown advantage.

Thanks bud wasn't sure, Arum is mucking it up. Good news is Bucks lead the Bulls 108-94 with 5 min to go. Fight should start on time .

[Spicoli]

Very impressive looking turn out for Oklahoma fight fans. Saucedo really turning into hooks in first and Hooker reacts like he felt them.

[Fenster]

Hooker didn't deal well with the pressure when they sparred and, while Hooker was able to regularly land his right hand, Saucedo got the better of it, pretty clearly. That was some years back, though, and Saucedo was more experienced despite being several years younger.

I don't think that either has improved, in the sense of eliminating flaws from their games or developing new skills. In my estimation, they both have had access to better sparring so they've gotten better at doing what they do in the way they do it. Certainly they have both gained by the power of association, Saucedo with GGG and Hooker with Crawford.

Saucedo is going to be bringing it in his hometown and I figure he is going to stop Hooker and it wouldn't surprise me if it was within 5-6 rounds. But it also wouldn't surprise me if Hooker handles him easy and wins in 9-10, because that is in Saucedo's future. I just don't expect it to be Hooker that does it.

Good luck mate (I assume you're not on bad terms with him )