Predictions: Andrade vs Williams and Gongora vs Pearson

Demetrius Andrade is set to defend his WBO middleweight title against Liam Williams Saturday on DAZN, while Carlos Gongora and Christopher Pearson meet in a solid co-feature at super middleweight, with the winner in the mix for something bigger.

Who wins the two fights? We’ve got our picks in.

Scott Christ (22-6-1)

Gongora’s win over Ali Akhmedov last December was a good one, but it’s also all there is of note on his pro record. Was it really an upset? That’s what we find out going forward with Gongora, who is already 31. He can fight, I’m sure of that, but how good is he? Pearson lost a couple fights years back and stalled as a prospect, but he can box. His win over Yamaguchi Falcao two years ago (the last time we saw Pearson in action) was also a good one, and also by far the best thing on his record. He’s 30, also a southpaw — these guys are in similar spots. Both also are fighting at 168 but really natural middleweights. I’m going with the upset to happen again here, which means I’m going with Pearson. It’s a risky pick for sure, he might be rusty, he might have just had his “one big night” against Falcao, but talent has always been there for Pearson. Pearson SD-12

Wil Esco (23-5-1)

Not gonna lie, I had to go to the tape to familiarize myself with the stylings of Gongora. He appears to be a pretty good technical fighter who uses his ability to keep a moderate pace and place his punches accurately. As for Pearson, he’s a southpaw as well, but I just don’t think he’s that great in general. I think he’ll make a go of it in the early going but will eventually start fading as Gongora start racking up on points. I’m not gonna overthink this one and psych myself out, just gonna pick Gongora to take a clear decision. Gongora UD-12

Patrick L. Stumberg (21-7-1)

Even if I’m not sold on Gongora being a credible title threat, he should be a fair bit too much for Pearson. Beyond the worrying inactivity he showed against Yamaguchi Falcao, which allowed the Brazilian to rack up an insurmountable early lead, Pearson’s been out for nearly two years and is moving up from middleweight. Beating the red-hot Ecuadorian under these circumstances would be a tall task even if the stylistic matchup worked out in the American’s favor, which it very much doesn’t appear to.

Having survived and overcome a far scarier hitter in Akhmedov last time out, Gongora should be able to sharpshoot his way past Pearson without too much trouble. Slickness and superior volume carry him to a comfortable win. Gongora UD-12

Lewis Watson (23-5-1)

Gongora is really fun to watch trudging forward throwing his heavy, long leavers. It’s a style that’s really easy on the eye. It looks like he’s got a real shot to kick on now after his dramatic win over Akhmedov last December, but can Pearson be the man to stop him? Considering his inactivity, you’d expect not. I can’t admit to knowing much about Pearson, but his career has really stagnated with a lack of rounds or notable victories holding him back. Still, let’s hope this southpaw duo can catch fire. Gongora TKO-6

And the staff winner is…

Carlos Gongora (3-1)!

How to Watch Andrade vs Williams

Date: Saturday, April 17 | Start Time: 3:00 pm ET
Location: Seminole Hard Rock – Hollywood, FL
Streaming: DAZN
Online Coverage: BadLeftHook.com

Scott Christ (22-6-1)

I really like Liam Williams and think he has a shot here, but it’s going to go one way or the other. Either he’ll be able to put the heat on Andrade and make him uncomfortable, giving himself a real shot to win this fight, or Andrade will be too slick and too skilled. I also think there’s a far better than normal chance we see a truly inspired Andrade coming to do damage and make a statement. These guys have talked a lot. And I think at 33, Andrade knows the clock is ticking fast on getting that Big Fight at 160 or 168. If he wins here, there is no good reason to not do Golovkin-Andrade at 160 unless GGG just retires out of the blue. I think Andrade will prove to be too good on the night (early evening, really), but Williams will have some pockets of success and make it a decent fight. Something like 9-3 Andrade. Andrade UD-12

Wil Esco (23-5-1)

I’ll keep this short. I’m still waiting for Demetrius Andrade to get that elite level fight so we can finally end any debate as to how good he actually is. As for this fight though, I have no real reservations about Andrade being much more talented and just generally better than Williams, and I think that’ll prove itself evident once the bell rings. I’m not predicting a flashy performance from Andrade that’s going to make everyone say ‘wow’ but I do think he’ll definitively win on the scorecards since he’s not th type to press for a knockout. Andrade UD-12

Patrick L. Stumberg (21-7-1)

The million-dollar question for Williams is whether he can consistently get past Andrade’s ridiculous reach, and the answer seems to be “only if Andrade wants him to.” While Williams was able to walk down the likes of Alantez Fox, Andrade boasts a level of distance management, footwork, and head movement that “The Machine” has never dealt with. Even if Andrade can’t cow Williams with an early knockdown like he did Maciej Sulecki, Williams hasn’t demonstrated the skills necessary to shut down “Boo Boo’s” long-range offense if Andrade doesn’t voluntarily elect to throw leather.

Even if Williams does manage to find his way inside and get some work in, Andrade isn’t the sort to crumble when things get hairy; he’s more than able to knuckle down and slug it out if it’s the best or only option. Unable to handle Andrade at a distance and highly unlikely to decisively turn the tables during his brief stints in the pocket, Williams’ first title bid ends in a wide 8-4, 9-3 sort of decision loss. Andrade UD-12

Lewis Watson (23-5-1)

Williams has been a different animal up at middleweight. He’s aggressive, carries power and is tough as they come, but it’s hard to see a one-dimensional attacking gameplan breaking “Boo Boo”. Andrade is slick and a competent counter-puncher and doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy who is going to let his heart rule his head and become embroiled in a brawl. Williams will want that, but after a spirited start, I can see him getting picked off by the champion in tight, competitive rounds. Andrade is far too slippery to fall into a Williams trap. Andrade UD-12

And the staff winner is…

Demetrius Andrade (4-0)!