Maurice Hooker could have his hands full with his first WBO junior welterweight title defense, but he is not overly concerned with his next fight.
Hooker spoke with Fightful on his upcoming world title defense against Alex Saucedo on November 16. This will be Hooker's first fight since winning the WBO title back in June when he defeated Terry Flanagan. Comparing Flanagan's skillset to Saucedo is almost night and day with the two having vastly different styles. When asked about which fighter he would feel better fighting, Hooker said he prefers Saucedo because Hooker knows his opponent will come to him and it will make for an easier gameplan for victory compared to the tactically superior Flanagan.
“I’d say Alex because he’s going to deliver himself to me. He’s coming forward right into my punches. Terry Flanagan was different because I had to go to him sometimes and use my jab, but with Alex Saucedo, he’s going to be like a moving punching bag, He’s a good fighter. He brings a lot of pressure, but he doesn’t have any defense. He’s just another fighter with heart and I’m taking it away from him on November 16. I think everything is going to play out my way. I think they are going to have to stop the fight because he’s going to be bleeding badly and everything will come my way. I’m ready, more than ready for this fight. I can’t fight,” Hooker said.
With all that in consideration, how does Hooker foresee his fight against Saucedo play out? The WBO champion believes it will with his hand raised in victory after knocking out Saucedo.
“I think it will be a knockout. I know he’s been training hard, I’ve been training hard, it’s going to be a good fight. But it’s going to end in a knockout. I’m ready for it. I’m making his dream become a nightmare. I will show him that there are levels to this and he’s not ready for me. The last guy that he fought hurt him. I got power in both of my hands and when I hurt him, I’m going to get him out of here,” Hooker said.
The card, which will take place from the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, will also feature a welterweight title eliminator between Egidijus Kavaliauskas and Roberto Arriaza. Hooker's fight against Saucedo will be the main event of an ESPN broadcast.
