The match-ups for the bantamweight WBSS tournament have been announced!
It has now been confirmed! The top seeds for the WBSS bantamweight tournament will be the following:
- Ryan Burnett
- Naoya Inoue
- Zolani Tete
- Emmanuel Rodriguez
WBA Super Bantamweight champion Ryan Burnett (19-0, 9 KOs) will face Former WBO/IBF Super Bantamweight Champion Nonito Donaire (38-5, 24 KOs) This is classic boxer vs puncher match-up.
Next you have WBA regular Super Bantamweight Champion Naoya Inoue (16-0, 14 KOs) going against former WBA/IBO Super Bantamweight Champion Juan Carlos Payano (20-1, 9 KOs). This will be a very good test for the Inoue who will have the power advantage. Payano brings a very good championship pedigree and will be looking to upset the Japanese phenom.
Zolani Tete (27-3, 21 KOs) will put his WBO Super Bantamweight Title on the line against WBA International Super Bantamweight/Olympic Silver medalist Mikhail Aloyan (4-0, 0 KOs). This is going to be a big test for Aloyan who is virtually unproven as a professional. In addition, Tete will have the advantages in both height, reach and experience.
IBF Super Bantamweight Champion Emmanuel Rodriguez (18-0, 12 KOs) will be facing Commonwealth Bantamweight Champion Jason Moloney (17-0-0, 14 KOs). This contest could be the sleeper of the tournament as both men have faced limited opposition. The records, height and reach of both men are almost identical. The winner may come down to who can capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes first.
One thing is for certain, the WBSS tournament has been able to provide us with great match-ups. Dates and venues for each fight have not been provided as of now.
3kingsboxing will continue to bring you updated information as it is provided.
By: Garrisson “Bo” Bland
