By Ian S Palmer
The vacant WBO Featherweight Title will be on the line in Las Vegas this Saturday, October 12 when Orlando Salido takes on Orlando Cruz on the Timothy Bradley vs Juan Manuel Marquez undercard. The 32-year-old Salido is a former WBO and IBF champion and will climb through the ring ropes with a record of 39-12-2 along with 27 Kos. Cruz has a record of 20-2-1 along with 10 Kos to his name.
Salido was in over his head slightly last in January when he was stopped by Mikey Garcia. He’s now looking to regain the WBO crown against Cruz, but it won’t be an easy task to accomplish. Cruz, who hails from Puerto Rico, is also 32 years old. He’s a southpaw who has a good defence as well as quick hands. He’s got good experience and has faced some decent opposition over the years.
He doesn’t really have much in the way of power though with just 10 Kos and his chin is also a little questionable. He’s been stopped twice in his last half dozen contests and he will probably also have some ring rust since he’s been out of action for most of the past year with just one fight. He managed to beat Aalan Martinez in March and looked pretty good doing it.
He’s got good boxing skills and likes to utilize his right jab and follow it up with straight left hands. He’s at his best when he controls the pace by throwing flurries and then getting out of the way of any counter shots. Salido has more experience though and also has good hand speed, His defence isn’t bad and he’s also tasted the canvas before.
Salido likes to throw as many power punches as he can and is quite aggressive. He’d prefer not to go to the scorecards if possible. His main goal seems to be landing the hardest shots he can and he’s been successful with that style over his career even though his losses have reached an even dozen. Cruz will likely be facing an onslaught of punches from Salido. If his chin holds up and he can slip most of the incoming shots he’ll have a chance.
Prediction
Salido is motivated to become champion again. He doesn’t mind slugging it out, especially with somebody who doesn’t have as much power as he does. Cruz will probably be more focused on trying to avoid being hit and then attempting to land counter shots. Look for Salido to eventually catch up to him and take the title by a stoppage.
