Eaton Thatcher
Once every so often, the stars align perfectly and we get an event that’s almost too good to believe. This Saturday (September 9th) is one of those moments. The StubHub Center in presents … SuperFly!
An action-packed card that brings the five top-ranked super-flyweights (according to The Ring) to one place, “SuperFly” will put the little guys in the spotlight, with two titles on the line, one American debut, and a gripping grudge match all on the card.
Headlining the event is the WBC title rematch between Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (43-4-1, 39 KOs) and Román “Chocolatito” González (46-1. 38 KOs). Chocolatito suffered his first professional defeat to Rungvisai back in March, losing his title along with The Ring Magazine’s top pound-for-pound ranking.
Despite out-landing Sor Rungvisai in 10 of the 12 rounds and breaking the super-flyweight record for power shots landed, González didn’t do enough to sway the judges, losing a razor-thin majority decision (113-113, 114-112, 114-112). Sor Rungvisai employed a handful of dirty tactics, clinch punching and headbutting Chocolatito throughout the fight. The Thai boxer was docked one point for his antics but the damage had already been done. A brutal head clash split Chocolatito’s eye, causing blood to stream down his face for most of the fight. It made Sor Rungvisai appear more effective than he was, and may have swayed the judges’ final decision. González will return to the ring prepared for Sor Rungvisai’s unorthodox fighting style, and, hopefully, so will the judges and referee.
Also on the card is a title eliminator between two Mexican super-flyweight contenders, Juan Francisco Estrada (35-1, 25 KOs) and Carlos Cuadras (36-1-1, 27 KOs). Both former champions suffered their most recent defeat in title fights against Chocolatito. Now one will earn another shot at the WBC belt. Estrada already has some decoration around his waist. After losing to Chocolatito back in 2012, Estrada went on to claim the WBA and WBO flyweight titles and made eight successful title defenses.
Cuadras defeated Sor Rungvisai back in 2014 to claim the WBC super-flyweight title and managed six successful title defenses before losing to Chocolatito. Both he and Estrada are on the cusp of breaking through in the super-flyweight division, but it’s Estrada who has faced the tougher opponents throughout his career.
Last but not least, we have Naoya “The Monster” Inoue (13-0, 11 KOs)! At just 5”4, “The Monster” doesn’t seem like a fitting nickname for Inoue, but wait until you see him punch. The 24-year-old WBO champ is already the top-ranked super-flyweight in the world despite never really being tested. Now, after 13 fights in Japan, he is ready to make his American debut, facing Antonio Nieves (17-1-2, 9 KOs). Nieves is a decent boxer but woefully under-equipped for a fighter like Inoue. This is simply a chance for Inoue to showcase his power and boxing prowess in front of an American crowd. As the odds (below) reflect, it’s not going to be a competitive fight.
How should bettors approach this one-of-a-kind super-flyweight showcase? My advice is to head over to STAPLES, buy all of the chalk, and then sign-up at one of our trustworthy sportsbooks if you haven’t already.
SuperFly Odds & Picks
Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (+250) vs Roman Gonzalez (-300), Draw (+2200)
- Pick: Roman Gonzalez (-300)
Juan Francisco Estrada (-150) vs Carlos Cuadras (+150), Draw (+2200)
- Pick: Juan Francisco Estrada (-150)
Naoya Inoue (-1400) vs Antonio Nieves (+1300), Draw (+3300)
- Pick: Naoya Inoue (-1400)
