Showtime Championship Boxing Preview

Showtime Championship boxing is back Saturday with two good matchups for our viewing pleasure. Gary Russell Jr. (25-1 14kos) will face Jhonny Gonzalez (57-8 47kos) in the main event. Also Jermell Charlo (25-0 11kos) will face the tough veteran Vanes Martirosyan (35-1-1 21kos)

Jermell Charlo vs Vanes Martirosyan is an important fight for both. The two super welterweight fighters can put themselves in position to be major players in the division with a win. Martirosyan is more experienced than the young Charlo and has been in with Erislandy Lara and Demetrius Andrade. Martirosyan was able to get a draw against Lara who is perhaps the best in the division but suffered his lone loss to Demetrius Andrade.

The experience of Martirosyan will play a huge role in this fight because of Jermell Charlo's lack of experience against high level competition. Charlo may not have the experience of fighting guys like Lara and Andrade but he has the experience of sparring with Martirosyan. Charlo was only a teenager at the time but maybe that experience will help him in this fight. The winner will undoubtedly be in play for a title shot. The stakes are very high and both fighters agree that this fight will have a major impact on their careers going forward. One thing is for certain, we will learn a lot about the young undefeated Charlo and see him tested against the toughest opponent of his career.

The main event of this card will be an excellent one when Gary Russell Jr. faces 126lb world champion Jhonny Gonzalez. Gonzalez shocked the boxing world when he knocked out the previously undefeated Abner Mares in just one round and has successfully defended his title twice since then. Gonzalez is a rugged power puncher and poses a serious threat to Gary Russell Jr. If Russell Jr is to win this fight it will be very important for him to avoid the power of Gonzalez.

Gary Russell Jr looked as if he was on the fast track to stardom before Vasyl Lomachenko completely dominated him in his first attempt to capture a world title. Gary has fought once since that horrible defeat and was able to beat Christopher Martin with a unanimous decision after 10 rounds. Russell has a lot to prove. After his one sided loss to Lomachenko boxing fans and writers pointed to his terrible opposition leading up to his title shot. If Russell takes another bad loss his legitimacy as a true title contender will be shot dead. Gonzalez is the real deal and won't be beaten easily. Gary Russell Jr. has all the skills necessary to win but he has to use his skills effectively. Russell likes to stay in the pocket and throw his lighting speed combinations but against Gonzalez he will need to use more movement. The only way Russell wins is by outboxing Gonzalez and staying away from his power. If Russell elects to trade it won't end well for him. Regardless of what strategy Russell uses it should be a very entertaining fight.

http://www.v2boxing.co.uk/#!Gary-Russell-JR-vs-Jhonny-Gonzalez-Preview/c1xmj/551617870cf21e26bab68097