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Andre Berto vs. Jesus Soto Karass Showtime Preview

By Tom Mauriello, Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

San Antonio, TX (July 25th, 2013)– Andre Berto (28(22 Kos)-2-0) was the next big thing as of 2011. Quick hands, vicious power, the heart to fight in the pocket with skill to go with it. That was until his showdown with Victor Ortiz, where he was dropped twice and lost via Unanimous Decision is an all out war. He would succumb to a similar fate as he was yet again dropped twice against Roberto Gurrerro in another memorable fight, which now leaves him in an interesting situation. It may be do or die for Berto this Saturday night as he takes on the rough and tough Mexican veteran Jesus Soto-Karass (27(17 Kos)-8-2)

Soto-Karass is another fighter known to mix it up and get himself into wars. Most memorable was his loss to Marcos Maidana where both men left fight fans in awe and asking for more. Soto-Karass earned a lot in defeat that night, and after defeating Selcuk Aydin, leaves him in a position to fight for a world title.

Styles make fights, and with the styles these two men possess, we have a lot to look forward to as fight fans. Soto-Karass is relentless in his attack, and keeps moving forward. He sometimes throws caution to the win, and comes in to fight you. As mentioned before, Berto has fallen into these styles of fights before and it has ended badly for him against Ortiz and Gurrerro. While Andre Berto has the hand speed, skill and power to be a freak in the sport, his chin is still suspect. He has success with his shoulder roll defense, but seems to be caught when engaging. There is a hole in his game that has been exposed in recent fights. Soto-Karass will be more then happy to check Berto’s chin, and has the power to put him out. Soto-Karass has a solid chin which has been put to the test on numerous occasions as he will put his hands down and allow opponents to take their best shots at him. Karass fights with all heart, and seeing as this may be his last opportunity at a world title, he will be going for broke.

In order for Karass to take home a win, he must do what he does best, and stay on top of Berto much like Gurrerro did. Smother him, do not allow him to use his speed and not allow Berto to get comfortable. Karass cannot box with Berto, he does not have the skill set for that, and he must make this fight ugly.

As for Berto, his main concern is to avoid the aggressive fighters head. I feel Berto will slip and move under the wide and sometimes looped punched of Karass, but he has to be aware of the head butt’s. Berto needs to follow the blueprint set by Mike Jones and attack the body of Soto-Karass. Berto must go for that gas tank and not allow Karass to be as active as he wants to be. Through solid bodywork Berto will be able to keep Karass still where he will certainly out box him, and ultimately put him away. With his new trainer Virgil Hunter, it seems conditioning will not be an issue for Berto. If you follow any of his social media accounts (which we all know is a reliable source –coughs-), you will see the work has been put in, and Berto should be able to take the vet into the late rounds and get the stoppage. Berto is the better fighter here, the only question is will he get himself into trouble with the always aggressive Karass and will his chin hold up. Get your beer and popcorn folks, I have the feeling that someone is going to go down in an all out war between these two.

On the undercard, Omar Figueroa Jr. (21(17 Kos)-0) looks to live up to his hype as he takes on Nihito Arakawa (24(16 Kos)-2-1) for the Interim WBC lightweight title. Figueroa fights like a baby gorilla, looking to inflict punishment with every punch. His small frame posses a ton of power and he will look to put another world title around his waist. Arakawa comes to the states for the first time and looks to upset the highly pushed Texan. The Japanese native will need to keep moving as he always does and keep Figueroa off him with his jab. IMO, he is severely out matched and it will only be a matter of time before Figueroa gets another highlight reel KO.

 

In our opening card, someone is going to go home with their first loss as a professional as Keith Thurman Jr. (20(18 Kos)-0) takes on Diego Gabriel Chavez (22(18 Kos)-0) for the interim WBA World welterweight title. Thurman is a patient, disciplined fighter who mixes it up with great combination and is constantly making his opponents work. He posses power on top of all this and will put you on the mat if you give him the opportunity. He has the potential to be a serious threat in the Welterweight division. Chavez is a sound fighter who has a right hand that resembles Randy Johnson throwing a fastball. He looks to represent Argentina and bring home another title. Chavez has decent skill, but throws bombs. He is not afraid to go in for the kill if he smells blood in the water and can finish the fight with both hands. It will be a very interesting test for Thurman who has not yet been in the ring with a caliber of fighter such as Chavez. Chavez clearly has his hands full with his toughest opponent to date in Thurman. Another barnburner for us fans that will keep us on the edge of our seats.

Follow Tom Mauriello on Twitter @OfficialT_Mauri

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