Preview: Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa vs Javier Nicholas Chacon
( image: PBC)
Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa grows weary of being referred to as “Omar’s younger brother” upon any introduction. They’ll always be siblings, but The Heartbreaker believes it’s his turn in the spotlight.
“Omar will be back (he lost his last fight),” Brandon told Jake Donovan, “In the meantime it’s my time to shine, and to show that Team Figueroa is still out there. We won’t cave in.”
Judging the results of previous bouts, 6 straight stoppages, his light is shining brightly! He carries the dubious WBA “Interim” Super Bantamweight Belt. (The regular and recognized WBA/IBF unified champ is Daniel Roman) The WBA will do whatever the WBA wants, and this Saturday August 24th, Brandon puts said belt on the line vs cagey Argentine veteran Javier Nicolas Chacon (29-4-1). The bout will serve as main event of PBC Fight Night on FS1 and FOX Deportes from the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas.
The arena is a short drive from his hometown of Weslaco, TX.
Brandon is very proud of headlining close to where he was raised. “Bringing nationally televised fights to Bert Ogden Arena for the first time means a lot to me.” Brandon said at the initial press conference. “It’s going to be a great night for me and everyone here. I’m so ready to step in the ring and show everyone all the hard work I put into training camp.”
Before he does, lets take a good look at the “Champion” and challenger’s strengths and weaknesses.
( image: PBC)
WBA Champion Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa
From: Weslaco, TX
Record: 19-0 14KO’s Height: 5’9’’
Reach: 72” Stance: Orthodox
STRENGTHS
Pace: Going into his last fight, Brandon held the CompuBox record for most punches thrown in one round. During the bout, he shattered his own record with 142 credited punches for any round! The Figueroa fighting style is very intense!
Body Work: Brandon is merciless when it comes to the body! He delivers a powerful left hook to the liver with ease and throws it consistently. His body work is relentless and very accurate.
Level of Competition: Brandon is 19 fights into his young career, and he hasn’t been brought along slowly. His last four opponents were a combined 84-8-1! Very tough rivals so early with stoppages to show for.
WEAKNESSES
Counter Defense: Even though he won his previous two bouts, Brandon had difficulty defending the counter right. His left eye showed the punching effect in both.
Cutting the Ring off: While I don’t see this being a problem vs Chacon, it’s still worth a mention. Brandon at times is chasing rather than effectively cutting his opponents lateral movements. He also eats a lot of punches in his attempt to smother rivals.
( image: PBC)
Challenger Javier Nicholas Chacon
From: Mendoza, Argentina
Record: 29-4-1 9 KO’s Height: 5’5’’
Reach: Not Listed Stance: Orthodox
STRENGHTS
Veteran: Chacon has over 200 rounds of action under his belt. On top of that experience, the incredibly poor organization of his match vs Isaac Dogboe left him standing in the ring for over 20 minutes! (Dogboe tied his gloves and wrapped his wrists IN THE RING) He’s seen it all!
Great Guard: Chacon possesses a very tight guard! Reminds me of his fellow countryman Omar Narvaez in his bout against Nonito Donaire. He makes you work for your punches!
WEAKNESSES
Fighting off his back foot: Chacon is very comfortable fighting off his front foot. When forced the other way his accuracy and attempts drop drastically.
Too Defensive: Chacon is a defensive fighter who at times plods around. Letting opponents get comfortable by refusing to engage. He’ll try and goad a fighter by asking for more. Often he receives just that.
Lack of Power: With only 9 of his wins coming by stoppage, expect Brandon to aggressively pursue Chacon right from the opening bell.
THE PICK
Brandon Figueroa’s fighting style is all wrong for Chacon. Fast intense pace with no power from Chacon to keep Brandon at bay. The “Champ” will make a statement in what amounts to be a hometown fight. Slowly but surely, people will soon say “Hey, isn’t that Brandon’s older brother?!”. The Heartbreaker in 5.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Panterita Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased through AXS.com.
Click here for more PBC fight information
· Article Written By:
· Manuel “Hopper” Dominguez
· @ManuelDStayTru