Champ Is Moderate Choice
Jonathan Gonzalez defends his newly-minted WBO Light Flyweight title Friday night against the returning Mark Anthony Barriga. Gonzalez is favored at -400 on the boxing betting lines, though Barriga presents a challenge for the champion. Both are fast and highly-technical fighters, and this one will likely go to the judges in what should be a close decision. Who has the edge?
Check the latest news, stats, injury reports and boxing odds for Gonzalez vs Barriga. There are plenty of predictions for you to consider.
Gonzalez An Adept Technician
Many will claim the lighter weight classes are the best in boxing. That’s because of how much more adept the boxers are in those weight classes. That’s the case with the champion, Gonzalez, who’s one of the best tacticians in the division. Gonzalez may own a few knockouts on his record. These weren’t beause power, though. Rather the result of accumulation.
Gonzalez narrowly defeated Elwin Soto. It was some of the best work by Gonzalez. He frustrated his opponent to the point that Soto twisted his arm during the clinch, subsequently warned for it. In this bout, Gonzalez picked Soto apart from the outside. This is something he’ll look to do to Barriga, though this time, as the champion.
Being the champ work to the favor of Gonzalez, since judges may look more kindly on his style. The onus is on Barriga to take the fight to Gonzalez, which may allow the Puerto Rican to capitalize on the Filipino’s mistakes here. A bet online on Gonzalez could end fruitful, if not for the steep asking price.
Barriga’s Style Is Mayweather-esque
Floyd Mayweather Jr. may be busy doing exhibition fights against YouTubers but he remains the greatest boxer of his era. Mayweather has that polished defensive style that may be hard to watch for casual fans, but it is a boxing connoisseur’s dream. Hence, why Mayweather is unbeaten. This is how Barriga aims to fight.
“To me, boxing is like chess. It is scientific,” Barriga said. “It is rather simple. Why would I brawl if I can toy with my opponent? I can win that way and get out of the ring still handsome.”
His moniker, “Da Baby Boy,” already has a similarity with Mayweather’s “Pretty Boy” nickname. Barriga has, more importantly, recaptured his hunger as a boxer. He’s in a better place mentally, and is fighting in his natural weight class of 108 lbs. So, the price on Barriga in the sportsbook could be a steal.
Gonzalez vs Barriga Head-to-Head
Both Gonzalez and Barriage are southpaw boxers with defensive styles. Height and reach are nearly identical, though the champion carries a one-inch advantage in reach. However, the biggest advantage for Gonzalez, statistically, is his experience. He’s also been more active, though Barriga has taken less damage over his career.
Gonzalez vs Barriga Fight Information
- Records: Gonzalez (25-3-1, 14 KOs) vs Barriga (11-1-0, 2 KOs)
- Location: Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, FL
- Day/Time: Friday, June 24, 7:00 p.m. ET
- Gonzalez vs Barriga Live stream: Box Live
Gonzalez vs Barriga Betting Lines
Gonzalez vs Barriga Prediction
Betting lines are a bit too wide here. From a prediction perspective, take the champion: Jonathan Gonzalez. He’s been more active, fighting some elite competition while Barriga was in hiatus. However, a resurgent Barriga can be a handful, as not only is he slippery and speedy, he’s also hungry.
It’s likely going to decision as the betting prop (-350) indicates. Gonzalez isn’t a power puncher, doing his best work by outpointing his opponent. In what should be a close fight, back the challenger.
