
Ricardo Salas has been on a roll since fighting to a draw back in the fall of 2023, having strung together four straight victories — three by knockout, and his latest, a majority decision over Jesus Mauricio Estrada in August.
Now, the ‘Magic Man’ returns to action Sunday night when he will take on fellow Mexican prospect Jesus Saracho at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The welterweight bout will serve as the co-main event to the Jai Opetaia vs. Brandon Glanton headliner for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight title.
Like Salas (22-2-2, 16 KOs), Saracho (16-2-2, 12 KOs) has erected a win streak since fighting to a draw, having won his last two fights over Joepher Montano and Peter Dobson in May and November, respectively.
Will Salas make a splash and further position himself at 147 pounds? Or will the underdog Saracho seize the spotlight with a wave of his own? DAZN News examines who has the edge heading into this bout.
Both Ricardo Salas and Jesus Saracho enjoy action on the inside. The difference is once they force their way into the pocket, Salas is more of a catch and shoot fighter who launches a stinging check hook after absorbing contact.
Saracho, a southpaw, relies on distraction and deception punches to set up bigger shots. Plus, he owns a splintering uppercut.
Both men can be hit and split the other’s guard with persistence. This bout has fire fight written all over it with the slight edge in styles going to Salas due to his sharper counterpunching ability.
Prior to his last fight going the distance, Salas ended four of his five bouts via knockout in a flex of his punching power.
Saracho has pop to his punch as well, but Salas takes this category and his counterpunching sharpness helps make that possible.
Salas and Saracho are entering Sunday night’s bout with similar expectations for an all-action fight.
“When two Mexicans go at it, it’s a guarantee of a war, so you can bet on it,” Saracho said during the fight press conference Friday.
Salas added: “As he said, a war between two Mexicans is bound to happen. It’s always guaranteed and we’re going to put on a show on Sunday for you.”
Reference Salas’ knockout of Roiman Villa in September 2024 and you will see a fighter rocked early only to dramatically turn the tide of the fight in his favor for an exciting stoppage.
Confidence and ring savvy come with a resolute showing like that.
Salas is installed as the favorite by oddsmakers for a reason and DAZN News agrees, giving him the 3-0 edge. If this fight ignites into a fire fight, Saracho has the punching pride to change that expected outcome with an exclamation point. But he will have to prove it against Salas.
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