The future looks bright in the Junior Welterweight division
Don’t call it a comeback! The Junior Welterweight division is in the midst of a resurgence with a deep pool of talented fighters, in a wide open division.
First up let’s talk about the young guns! Regis Prograis officially arrived last Friday night after destroying former unified champion Julius Indongo in two rounds to be crowned the interim WBC Junior Welterweight champion. Prograis is a ferocious power puncher with a point to prove.
Next up is Josh Taylor a talented boxer puncher who has impressive victories over O’Hara Davies and Miguel Vazquez. Taylor appears to be a complete fighter who’s capable of beating anyone.
We can’t forget two more hard hitting contenders in Amir Imam and Jose Ramirez. Those two will face off this Saturday night in New York at the Garden. They’ll be fighting for the vacant WBC Junior Welterweight title. Imam has the power to change any fight, while Ramirez can box and punch. Expect fireworks in their fight.
Rounding out the last of the young guns at 140 is Ivan Baranchyk. Baranchyk is a guy you all should keep your eye with a record of 18-0. He’s shown the ability to box and punch and recently scored his most notable victory over longtime contender Petr Petrov this past Friday night.
Last but certainly not least, let’s take a look at the seasoned veterans of the Junior Welterweight division. Adrien Broner, who is arguably the biggest star in the division, is a skilled guy although he’s underachieved he’s capable of beating anyone on a given night and is a former four division champion.
Mikey Garcia, perhaps is the best and most well rounded fighter in the division just won the IBF Junior Welterweight title, out pointing the very tough and strong former champion Sergey Lipinets, who I may add isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Garcia’s power, boxing skills and experience makes him a tough out for anyone just ask Broner who lost to him last July via an unanimous decision.
Then we have to look at a guy who held the WBC title before losing it to Terence Crawford, Vitkor Postol. The tall Ukrainian boxer can box and has underrated power, he stopped hard hitting former 140 pound contender Lucas Matthysse to win that belt a few years ago. Well his best days may be behind him he’s not a guy who should be taken lightly, because he has the skills to give any fighter at 140lbs fits.
For the first time in a long time you can talk about the Junior Welterweight division without laughing and wondering where’s the quality fighters at. They’re right in front of your eyes, you just have to pay attention.
By: Jerrell Jasper
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