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Preview: Premier Boxing Champions ‘Figueroa vs. Burns’ on CBS




Super Lightweights

Omar Figueroa (24-0-1, 18 KOs) vs. Ricky Burns (37-4-1, 11 KOs)
Former lightweight champion and Weslaco, Texas, native Omar Figueroa makes his 140-pound debut close to home when he squares off against ex-two division title holder Ricky Burns at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.

The latest installment of Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions airs Saturday on CBS beginning at 4 p.m. ET/ 1 p.m. PT. No title belts will be on the line, but with Mayweather-Pacquiao just barely in the rearview mirror, perhaps a good old fashioned scrap without all the legacy talk is exactly what everyone needs.     

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The matchup: Figueroa has been on the shelf since a victory over Daniel Estrada last August, as a cut opened over his left eye in the eighth round of that bout took longer than expected to heal. The 25-year-old vacated his 135-pound title in November, announcing his plans to move up 140 pounds. Figueroa, who reportedly weighs as 170 pounds when not in camp, was beginning to struggle to make the lightweight limit. In theory, he could be less drained come fight night without having to endure such a demanding cut. Eventually, Figueroa could even compete at 147 pounds.  

Burns, meanwhile, ended a rough-stretch with an eight-round decision over Alexandre Lepelley in his 140-pound debut this past October. While it was a bout he was expected to win, it was much needed following consecutive defeats in 2014 against Dejan Zlaticanin and Terence Crawford. Perhaps some of Burns’ struggles can be attributed to a broken jaw suffered in a contentious split-decision triumph over Raymundo Beltran in August 2013, an injury which required surgery to insert a titanium plate.  

Whether it was the fight with Beltran or simply a product of overall wear-and-tear, the 31-year-old Scotland native does not resemble the fighter who earned victories over the likes of Kevin Mitchell, Paulus Moses, Michael Katsidis and Roman Martinez earlier in his career. This matchup with Figueroa could go a long way toward determining how much Burns has left in the tank, or if he will be relegated to the role of gatekeeper over the rest of his professional tenure.  

One thing about Burns that isn’t in question is his resilience, which was on full display in a May 2013 win over Jose Gonzalez. Likely behind on the scorecards late in the bout, Burns turned the fight into a brawl and forced Gonzalez to quit on his stool after the ninth stanza. His ability to go for broke in the face of adversity makes him dangerous despite what appears to be a diminished skill set.  

Unfortunately for Burns, the style that works best for him plays right into Figueroa’s hands. The Texan is known for an ultra-aggressive style and is capable of an extremely high work rate. Case in point: He memorably landed 450 power punches in a 12-round decision triumph over Nihito Arakawa in 2013, according to CompuBox figures.  

Although he is strong, rugged and durable, Burns lacks the athleticism to combat a patented Figueroa blitz, and his lack of hand speed and punching power will be exposed should he elect to trade with his opponent. Figueroa struggles against foes who can befuddle him with movement and technique, but Burns isn’t the type of slick, technical boxer who can test him in that regard.  

Figueroa has experienced issues with hand injuries in the past, and that is something that could slow his momentum here if those problems continue to plague him. Still, as long as he’s healthy, he should be able to put the pressure on an adversary who is looking increasingly vulnerable.  

The Pick: This should be an entertaining fight while it lasts. Burns won’t quit, but Figueroa has power in both hands, and eventually he will overwhelm his foe with accuracy and volume. Figueroa by late KO/TKO.  
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