WBO Super Lightweight champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker gets ready for a showdown with Alex “El Cholo” Saucedo.
Date: Friday, November 16, 2018
Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Where to watch: ESPN
Time: 12:00am (EST)
In College Football, very few rivalries are as intense as the one that exists between Texas and Oklahoma. Deemed the “Red River Shootout” because of the iconic river that divides the two states, its fireworks whenever they meet. The crowd is loud and passionate. The excitement from each hit captivates you, knowing the significance attached to the game. Well, for Texas-bred WBO champion Maurice Hooker and Oklahoma raised Alex Saucedo, this will be their “Red River Shootout”. The only difference is they don’t wear football helmets or catch touchdown passes; they fight! Their primary objective is to separate their opponent from his senses.
Maurice Hooker (24-0-3, 16 KOs)
Competing to prevail in the hostile territory shouldn’t be anything new for the champion. In June, he traveled across the pond to battle hometown fighter Terry Flanagan for the vacant WBO super lightweight title. Flanagan, at the time, was undefeated and the favorite by many to beat the American. The grueling twelve-round fight would highlight good moments for each fighter as the action showed their grit. Hooker, however, walked away with the victory in a very close contest.
Showing the ability to bite down on his mouthpiece against good opposition is what Hooker has been missing. As long as he understands that solely boxing won’t always do the job, he has a chance.
Advice to Hooker: Mentally prepare for another tough fight.
Alex Saucedo (28-0, 18 KOs)
When Alex Saucedo steps in the ring, he fights like it’s his last. The young Mexican contender has shown, time and time again, why he belongs among the best in his division. He set out to once again prove this in June when he fought Lenny Zappavigna. The rugged Australian entered the ring with as many knockouts as Saucedo’s fight count, plus more experience. What ensued next was arguably a candidate for “Fight of the Year.” Both fighters battled through hard punches, swollen eyes, and fatigue to produce an instant classic. Saucedo started fast; knocking the Aussie down with an overhand right in the third round. However, Zappavigna’s determination willed him to his feet and in the fourth round, a well-placed combination severely hurt Saucedo. The explosive fight would finish with Saucedo scoring a seventh-round stoppage.
Saucedo’s aggressive come-forward style is what makes him very entertaining; it also gets him in trouble.
Advice to Saucedo: Apply pressure and make the fight as rough as possible.
Outcome: Hooker wins by split decision.
By: Cessell Robinson
