Who wins Mikey Garcia-Juan Carlos Burgos? Ask the experts
[nggallery id=8173]
Having stopped 10 of his past 11 opponents, Mikey Garcia enters Saturday's first defense of his WBO junior lightweight title belt against Juan Carlos Burgos riding similar momentum that three-division titlewinner Abner Mares had before a first-round knockout loss to Jhonny Gonzalez in August.
Garcia (33-0, 28 knockouts) came in as the RING 126-pound champion when he faced Puerto Rico's Roman “Rocky” Martinez, against whom he rose from a second-round knockdown to defeat by eighth-round stoppage on Nov. 9, winning the WBO's 130-pound belt in the process.
Garcia already had earned THE RING and WBO featherweight championships during an eight-round technical decision in January of 2013 over Orlando Salido, whom he dropped four times. The 26-year-old counterpuncher followed up that victory with a fourth-round knockout of ex-beltholder Juan Manuel Lopez last June.
In Burgos (30-1-2, 20 KOs), Garcia will face a man who battled Martinez to a split-draw on the Garcia-Salido card, and he will do so while being touted as "a top 10 pound-for-pound fighter right now" by Top Rank CEO Bob Arum.
Mares (26-1-1, 14 KOs) was in nearly identical position as THE RING's No. 5-rated pound-for-pound fighter entering the bout with Gonzalez (55-8, 47 KOs), but the reigning WBC featherweight titleholder was floored twice by the Mexican veteran during the first defense of the belt he won in his 126-pound debut, a ninth-round knockout of Daniel Ponce de Leon in May of 2013.
Ponce de Leon was the last man to defeat Gonzalez in an eighth-round technical decision in September of 2012 that ended Gonzalez's 12-fight winning streak which included 11 knockouts.
Garcia was ringside on Nov. 23 in Macau, China, as promotional and training stablemate Brandon Rios lost by unanimous decision to welterweight Manny Pacquiao. Later, word reached Top Rank CEO Bob Arum that Garcia had aspirations of one day facing Pacquiao.
Mares' was similarly looking forward to bigger and better things prior to being upset by Gonzalez, whom the RingTV.com insiders picked to lose by a resounding 17-0.
Below, RingTV.com, yet again, has sought the opinions of 20 insiders as to their thoughts on what will transpire in Garcia-Burgos.
Mikey Garcia TKO 10 Juan Carlos Burgos: Juan Carlos Burgos is a bonafide Top 10 contender, so this pick is no knock on him — I just think Mikey Garcia is that good, and that dominant over the rest of the field.
A well-intended effort by the challenger quickly develops into a rout, with Garcia breaking him down just before the championship rounds.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Pascal W 12 Bute]
Norm Frauenheim, THE RING magazine, www.15rounds.com
Mikey Garcia TKO 10 Juan Carlos Burgos: It’s been called a dangerous fight. Don’t believe it. Mikey Garcia is smart enough to know what’s at stake in a bout that will test his pound-for-pound credentials.
He also knows not to underestimate Juan Carlos Burgos, who has a durable chin and is a better fighter than his record might indicate. He got a draw against Roman Martinez a year ago in a fight many thought he won.
Martinez scored a second-round knockdown of Garcia in November before Garcia stopped him in the eighth. Garcia got up to win with footwork, speed and accuracy. Martinez had no counter for that deadly mix. Neither will Burgos.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Pascal TKO 8 Bute]
Jeffrey Freeman, www.KODigest.TV
Mikey Garcia TKO10 Juan Carlos Burgos: Rapidly improving WBO super featherweight titlist Mikey Garcia has all the tools to be a top ten rated pound for pound fighter and I would argue that he's already there—with a bullet.
Juan Carlos Burgos is another quality opponent for Garcia to tactically take apart on his way to the recognition he quietly craves and clearly deserves. Look for Garcia to use Burgos' greatest strength (outside boxing skills) against him by out-boxing the boxer and forcing the mover into close quarter exchanges that will favor the superior fire-power of the defending champion.
It's been almost four years since anyone has gone the distance with him but even if Garcia is unable to checkmate Burgos into a stoppage, he'll have built up enough points to win a comfortable unanimous decision.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Pascal W 12 Bute]
Gregory Fulton, guest/fan, Baltimore, Md.
Mikey Garcia UD 12 Juan Carlos Burgos: Timing is everything in this fight. For Juan Carlos Burgos to win, he needs to allow Mikey Garcia to come forward, take a step back himself, and then land the counter-left hook when Mikey throws his big right.
For Garcia, he needs to jab to the body and then time Burgos with a looping or a straight right hand. He can also use it to counter Burgos's wide lead left hook. Boom! I think that scenario is more likely. Garcia drops Burgos en route to a decision.
Record: 0-0
Mikey Garcia UD12 Juan Carlos Burgos: I’ve made no secret of my admiration for Mikey Garcia and I think he’s too well rounded for Juan Carlos Burgos.
Garcia has been linked to some huge paydays down the road and I expect him to box a disciplined fight and protect his future.
Burgos will be hungry, after coming out on the short end of a draw against Roman Martinez, but I think he’s out of his league in this one.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Pascal TKO 10 Bute]
Mikey Garcia TKO 11 Juan Carlos Burgos: Mikey Garcia has got a real fight on his hands because Juan Carlos Burgos has the precise style and volume that could take advantage of Garcia's one glaring weakness — slow starts.
However, if Garcia can get past the early rounds, he can turn the tables by exploiting Burgos' occasionally leaky defense. Garcia has the power and precision to get over the hump, especially once his motor is running at full speed.
Record: 0-0
Andreas Hale, KnockoutNation.com
Mikey Garcia TKO 8 Juan Carlos Burgos: Juan Carlos Burgos clearly deserved to earn a world title against Rocky Martinez, but he ended up with a questionable draw.
He wants to wrap his hands against Mikey Garcia's belt and prove the naysayers wrong, but he'll likely get knocked out for his troubles. Garcia mowed down his 2013 competition with one spectacular finish after another.
His combination of timing and menacing power have spelled the demise for many of his foes. Burgos is no pushover, but he'll become knockout victim No. 29 late in this fight.
Garcia may take a minute to get on track as Burgos isn't the type of fighter that will waltz into his wheelhouse, but Burgos can't get away for 12 rounds.
Even though Burgos has solid defense, his lack of offensive pop means that Garcia will walk him down and ransack his body and face with power shots until Burgos can take no more.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Pascal UD 12 Bute]
Keith Idec, The Record/BoxingScene.com
Mikey Garcia TKO 10 Juan Carlos Burgos: Mikey Garcia will methodically break down Juan Carlos Burgos, much the way the patient champion did on his way to an eighth-round knockout of Rocky Martinez in his last fight.
Like Martinez, Burgos enters his fight against Garcia without a knockout loss on his record. That, too, will change.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Pascal TKO 10 Bute]
Ryan Maquinana, CSNBAYAREA/BoxingScene.com
Mikey Garcia TKO 10 Juan Carlos Burgos: Juan Carlos Burgos got the short end of the stick against Roman Martinez in his last high-profile fight. Now Burgos gets the man who shook off an early flash knockdown from Martinez en route to stopping the Puerto Rican.
Burgos is an underrated fighter who is good enough to win a belt at 130 pounds; unfortunately, he's up against a complete fighter in Mikey Garcia, who I feel will eventually counter-punch Burgos into submission late in the bout.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Pascal W 12 Bute]
Rich Marotta, KFI Radio, Los Angeles
Mikey Garcia UD 12 Juan Carlos Burgos: Very good matchup. I look at this as a bout between two fighters of similar nature, long, rangy, patient, when they get a guy hurt, they finish. I don't see a KO in this fight.
For a good five or six rounds this is going to be a chess match. Second half of the fight, they'll mix it up. Juan Carlos Burgos is hungry and a real warrior. He is, however, facing a guy who is just a little better in most departments.
I think that slight edge in talent is going to carry Mikey Garcia. Somewhere in the last two or three rounds he'll hurt Burgos, and while Mikey won't be able to finish his opponent as he normally does, Garcia will carry the night by decision.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Pascal TKO 11 Bute]
John J. Raspanti, Doghouseboxing.com/KO Monthly Magazine/examiner.com
Mikey Garcia TKO 11 Juan Carlos Burgos: WBO junior lightweight champion Mikey Garcia defends his title for the first time against snake-bitten challenger Juan Carlos Burgos at legendary Madison Square Garden.
Burgos thought he won the title last year against Rocky Martinez. Most who saw the fight agreed with him. Garcia won his belt by knocking out Martinez a few months ago. He’s a crisp puncher-boxer.
Burgos is slower, but slightly taller. Garcia has more natural talent. I see Garcia stopping Burgos in round 11.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Pascal MD 12 Bute]
Matt Richardson, Fightnews.com
Mikey Garcia late TKO Juan Carlos Burgos: I like Mikey Garcia to continue to impress in a systematic beat-down of Juan Carlos Burgos. Burgos is a tough little fighter, but Garcia is on a totally different level.
Unless I'm totally overrating Garcia, it will take a special fighter to defeat him. Burgos ain't it. Call it Garcia by late TKO.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Pascal W 12 Bute]
Mikey Garcia W 12 Juan Carlos Burgos: Juan Carlos Burgos should give a spirited test and could test a Mikey Garcia, who isn't as proven as he is hyped right now. Ultimately, the development of Garcia continues with a decision.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Pascal KO Bute]
Michael Rosenthal, THE RING Magazine
Mikey Garcia KO 8 Juan Carlos Burgos: Juan Carlos Burgoes is one of those veteran fighters with the solid skills and toughness to give almost anyone trouble but is not good enough to hang with a fighter of Mikey Garcia's exceptional all-around ability. Garcia KO in eight.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Pascal W 12 Bute]
Joseph Santoliquito/THE RING Magazine/RingTV.com/CBS Sports
Mikey Garcia KO 8 Juan Carlos Burgos: Mikey Garcia has too much firepower for Juan Carlos Burgos, who's been in more than his share of wars.
That has to catch up to a fighter sometimes, and it seems it has Burgos. Garcia is a rising star, and there is no way he loses to a game, yet over-matched Burgos.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Pascal KO 10 Bute]
John Scully, former trainer of RING and WBC lightheavyweight champion Chad Dawson
Mikey Garcia KO Juan Carlos Burgos: I'm looking for Mikey Garcia to come through with a stoppage victory over Burgos in a good fight while it lasts. I really like Burgos, but Garcia is on a streak not to be derailed anytime soon.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Pascal W 12 Bute]
Mikey Garcia UD 12 Juan Carlos Burgos: I have Mikey Garcia winning this by unanimous decision, with a knockdown or two against Juan Carlos Burgos.
Garcia is a splendid young fighter who will be a champion for a long time. I think his adherence to his style, mental toughness and superior power will lift him to victory.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Pascal W 12 Bute]
Mikey Garcia UD 12 Juan Carlos Burgos: Mikey Garcia is quickly becoming a star in the sport and will only be tested by the elite. Juan Carlos Burgos is a very good fighter and will not back down but he isn't special.
It just might take a special talent to be able to defeat Garcia especially because he hasn't reached his prime yet. Most boxing pundits feel that Burgos clearly beat Roman Martinez depute the draw.
However, Garcia dominated Martinez and figures to be too skilled for Burgos. I look for Garcia to box his way to an easy decision or win by late stoppage.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Pascal UD 12 Bute]
Mikey Garcia TKO 9 Juan Carlos Burgos: Mikey Garcia has everything you look for in a fighter. He’s technically very sound, with excellent boxing skills.
He’s smart and patient, finding his opponents’ weaknesses, then exploiting them, and finally with tremendous punching power goes in for the kill.
I don’t know of any fighters his size that can handle that combination, Juan Carlos Burgos included. It could end even earlier.
Record: 0-0
Mikey Garcia W 12 Juan Carlos Burgos: I expect Mikey Garcia's skills and boxing ability to give Juan Carlos Burgos plenty of trouble. Burgos is a tough seasoned guy who I think will go the distance but lose a wide decision.
Record: 1-0 [Last pick: Pascal W 12 Bute]
By a shutout 20-to-0, the experts see Mikey Garcia having no problem defending his WBO junior lightweight belt against Juan Carlos Burgos.
Read more:
Jim Lampley, experts weigh in on Jean Pascal-Lucian Bute
The experts weigh in on Lamont Peterson-Dierry Jean
Photo Gallery / Chris Farina-Top Rank
Trending
Fight Night Program – Week of April 26-May 1
Gabriela Celeste Alaniz vows to be ‘relentless’ in her rematch vs. Marlen Esparza
Jermaine Franklin returns to action against Devin Vargas on May 23
Mielnicki-Cruz and Ramos-Gonzalez added to Canelo-Munguia undercard
Andy Ruiz: After I win me and Jarrell Miller will grab a burger together