Litzy Vazquez Ochoa vs Stephanie Pineiro Aquino

I make this a pick’em fight. Pineiro has the experience and southpaw jab to make Litzy work for every opening, but I fancy the younger woman’s strength and heavier punching to edge a very difficult contest.

Litzy’s knockout ratio suggests Pineiro cannot afford to dismiss her power. She doesn’t need a stoppage for that power to matter. Hard body shots can slow Pineiro’s feet and make it harder for her to reset between exchanges. Litzy must close the distance behind her hands, though. Marching straight in gives Pineiro chances to land the left and turn away.

Pineiro’s advantage is her ability to interrupt an attack with the jab and score before moving. If she controls the distance, she can bank rounds while Litzy is still trying to get into position. The danger comes when she stays close after punching and lets the younger woman build pressure.

I expect momentum to shift throughout. Litzy’s youth, engine and more damaging shots will just see her through. Litzy by a narrow points decision.