Antwone Smith vs Richard Gutierrez Boxing Odds
By Brad Marchetti, Doghouse Boxing (May 21, 2009)  
The "step up" fight is always fun to watch when you get to see how far a prospective contender can go when they face a bona fide fighter. Such is the case when Welterweights Antwone Smith vs Richard Gutierrez face off in a 10-rounder on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights. The 22-year old Smith, 15-1, 8 KO's, is coming off a career win over formerly unbeaten Norberto Gonzalez, 16-1, 12 KO's, and will now face an even more dangerous brawler in Richard Guiterrez, 24-2-1, 14 KO's. Now on the big stage, the Miami prospect Smith will be meeting a battle tested vet in Gutierrez that always comes to fight. The boxing betting odds for the Antwone Smith vs Richard Gutierrez fight have not been listed but I expect the line favor Smith slightly at 6-5.

Antwone Smith has not been babied in his 3-year pro career and has passed almost all of his tests in the ring. Smith's sole loss came against a tall, skilled lights out puncher in Ed Paredes, 21-3, 13 KO's, in just his 6th fight and has made steady improvement since. Paredes also will be fighting on the undercard against Gilbert Venegas, 10-6-3, 7 KO's, in what should be an indicator of how the two would fare in a return bout. Smith is a well-conditioned counterpuncher that makes excellent use of shoulder rolls on defense and throws crisp combination's to the head and body on offense. Smith's power comes more from speed than anything else but does have enough pop to inflict damage. Antwone has some athleticism and is a mobile boxer with good reflexes. Smith does have a tendency to stay in his shell defense for too long often allowing his foes opportunities to land right hands. Smith also a habit of pawing with his jab rather than effectively snapping it. From a durability standpoint Antwone has shown a good chin and plenty of gameness to weather the heavy artillery that Gutierrez is likely to bring. The boxing betting odds for the Antwone Smith vs Richard Gutierrez fight have not been listed but Smith should have about a 53% chance of winning.

With a herky jerky, awkward style, Richard Gutierrez can make things difficult for his opponents in the ring. Unpredictable in his attack and heavy-handed, the Colombian has a win over KO artist Teddy Reid and has given the likes of Joshua Clottey and Alfredo Angulo a run for their money. Also giving Gutierrez an advantage against Smith is the fact that he has campaigned at 154 Lbs. frequently making him the bigger man. While not a defensive whiz, Gutierrez knows how to move his head effectively and sling shots from unusual angles. Richard also has some good mobility and knows how to effectively box and counter. Gutierrez is a warrior with a good chin but he has only fought twice in the past 12 months and may be a little ring worn after the war with Angulo. Gutierrez also has a history of uneven performances which could indicate a lack of focus or consistent conditioning. The boxing betting odds for the Antwone Smith vs Richard Gutierrez fight have not been listed but I expect the line favor Smith on the moneyline at -120.

Antwone Smith vs Richard Gutierrez Tale-Of-The-Tape

Antwone Smith

From: Miami, FL U.S.A

Ht. 5'7"

Wt. 147

Age: 22

Reach: ??

Style: Counterpuncher\Boxer


Marchetti Power Ratings 1-10

Size: 6

Power: 6 (x200%)

Hand Speed: 8

Stamina: 7

Defense: 7 (x200%)

Durability: 7

Cuts: 8

Heart: 8

Legs: 7

Jab\Reach: 5

In-Fighting: 6

Ring IQ: 6

Peak: 7

Marchetti Rating 1-10: 7.4

Richard Gutierrez

From: Miami, FL via Colombia

Ht. 5'9"

Wt. 147-154

Age: 30

Reach:

Style: Slugger\Counterpuncher

Marchetti Power Ratings 1-10

Size: 8

Power: 7 (x200%)

Hand Speed: 6

Stamina: 6

Defense: 6 (x200%)

Durability: 8

Cuts: 8

Heart: 9

Legs: 7

Jab\Reach: 6

In-Fighting: 6

Ring IQ: 7

Peak: 5

Marchetti Rating 1-10: 7.3



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