The Champ’s Keys to Victory

The Battle at the Academy Boxing Event takes place this Saturday and will be headlined by two #1 ranked fighters.  Light Heavyweight Mike Barragan, LAPD vs. Super Middleweight Ricky Seward, Big Bear City FD. Aside from both fighters having superior boxing skills they have something else in common, they both suffered defeats to the same man.  Matt Wurdinger, Santa Clara PD defeated both fighters to prove his superiority in the light heavyweight division to become the UCA Light Heavyweight Champion. Both fights were highly anticipated matchups that turned into a memorable slugfest. Taking into account the styles of Barragan and Seward this fight promises to be a knockdown drag out brawl. With Barragan and Seward having defeats to Wurdinger, who better to ask to break down the fight than the Champ himself, Matt Wurdinger.

Wurdinger’s Breakdown:  Barragan, LAPD vs. Seward, Big Bear City FD

Ring Generalship:

I think Ricky will dictate how the fight will flow.  He moves well and appropriately mixes in his combos with good timing.

Mental/Focus:

Both are equally extremely tough competitors.  They both have the will and determination to win.  Both will be focused and mentally prepared because they are both used to the big stage.  One of the hardest things to deal with as a fighter is the nerves going into a fight.  Both guys have had that big fight before, so that shouldn’t play a big role in the outcome.

Speed:

Both bring in a different kind of speed to the ring.  Ricky utilizes his speed by moving well and hitting from different angles, but Mike puts together faster combinations.

Power:

I can’t remember which guy hit harder.  Probably because I got knocked around by both!

Footwork:

Ricky has great footwork.  He utilizes his space well so that you are never in a perfect position to hit him… he’s always either too close or too far.

Defense:

Ricky’s best defense is his movement.  But Mike does a better job of keeping his hands up to avoid punishment.

Toughness:

Both guys are remarkably tough.  I can almost guarantee that neither one with go down.

Cardio:

I think Mike may have the edge here.  Ricky mentioned he got tired early in both our fights.

Prediction

Mike Barragan is a conventional fighter, great classic technique. He keeps his hands up, throws lots of straight punches in bunches. Whereas Ricky Seward throws from different angles and moves a lot, more unconventional. Both are warriors, no question. It’s a toss-up for me.

Venue: Los Angeles Elysian Park Police Academy, 1880 N. Academy Road. Doors open at 4pm, Fights start at 5pm. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at the LAPPRAC Gift Shop. 323-221-5222 ext.231