Cuadras-Concepcion: BoxingScene Staff Predictions

By Jake Donovan

Carlos Cuadras and Luis Concepcion have spent all week promising to knock the other out this weekend. Both fighters now have nothing but the fight in front of them, as the pair of diminutive sluggers made weight for Saturday’s headliner in Metepec, Mexico.

Also on the show, Ramon Garcia and Jonathan Taconing collide in a junior flyweight elimination bout. The card will air live on Televisa (Saturday, 10:30pm local time), as part of its Sabados de Box series.

Saturday’s bout marks the third title defense for Cuadras (31-0-1, 25KOs), who won the crown with a technical decision over Srisaket Sor Rungvisai last May. The bout was competitive and entertaining for as long as it lasted, but came to an abrupt ending after eight rounds, as Cuadras was unable to continue due to a cut produced from a clash of heads.

A similar occurrence produced an anti-climactic close to his eventual technical draw with Jose Salgado last September in his first title defense. This time, it was Caudras’ challenger who was unable to continue, as Salgado was forced to bow out just before the end of the 4th round. Because the bout did not reach four full rounds, it was ruled a technical draw.

A conclusive ending was finally found amidst his title reign in his last defense, scoring a one-sided 6th round knockout of Marvin Mabait last November in Washington D.C. The bout marked Cuadras’ first-ever fight in the United States, though he returns home for his latest defense.

Concepcion (32-3, 23KOs) was a perennial bridesmaid during his stay in the flyweight division. The free-swinging Panamanian was good enough for the Top 10 and even a couple of secondary titles, but not enough to land a major title.

The closest he came was his April ’11 war with Hernan ‘Tyson’ Marquez, with both fighters floored early and beating the crap out of each other throughout before Concepcion was stopped in 11 rounds. Their rematch less than seven months later wasn’t nearly as competitive, as Concepcion’s quick start fizzled in a hurry as he was floored three times in a 1st round stoppage.

The rematch loss to Marquez took place in Mexico, the only other time in nine years as a pro that Concepcion has fought outside of Panama. It was his last loss, having won nine straight including a 7th round stoppage of Duvan Hernandez last August to earn the title shot versus Caudras this weekend. 

Read on to see how the staff at BoxingScene.com believes the action will play out Saturday evening in Mexico.

BOXINGSCENE.COM STAFF PREDICTIONS: CARLOS CUADRAS vs. LUIS CONCEPCION

Jake Donovan (Cuadras UD): Going to offer a very unconventional pick and suggest Cuadras boxes his way to victory. Nica is there to get hit, but can also punch a hole through a wall. Cuadras will realize this early on and - after making a mid-rounds adjustment - fight to win rather than to impress.

Lyle Fitzsimmons (Cuadras KO9): Concepcion has done everything he’s been asked at 112 and 115 pounds, except produce in title fights against punchers. A foe with a 78% KO clip here doesn’t bode well.

Takahiro Onaga (Cuadras TKO11): This one going to be a lot of fun but Cuadras too big, too good and too strong for Concepcion and stop him late.

Cliff Rold (Cuadras KO): Cuadras hasn't seen a puncher like this but Nica is so wild. Exciting while it lasts, I'll take the more technically sound battler to land best.

Victor Salazar (Cuadras KO): These two Little guys will provide some entertaining action on Saturday, but I see Cuadras stopping Concepcion to retain his title Saturday.

Reynaldo Sanchez (Cuadras TKO10) Great fight, Cuadras have the opportunity to show that Concepcion no longer in his prime.

Alexey Sukachev (Cuadras TKO4): Both are cool cats but Cuadras is: 1) bigger and stronger; 2) more durable; 3) more reserved. It will result in a short but entertaining slugfest.

Totals:
Cuadras–7
Concepcion–0

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox