Jorge Arce vs. Jesus Rojas: Fight Time, Date, Preview and More

While most fans will be tuning in to watch the main-event bout between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley, the fight that has the best chance to steal the show will be the co-main event between Jorge Arce and Jesus Rojas.

The veteran Arce will defend his WBO bantamweight championship against young star Jesus Rojas in what has the potential to be an explosive fight.

Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

When: Saturday, June 9 at 9 p.m. ET

Watch: HBO PPV

Live Stream: TopRank.com

Fight Card

Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley Jr., 12 rounds, for Pacquiao's WBO welterweight title

Jorge Arce vs. Jesus Rojas, 10 rounds, junior featherweights

Mike Jones vs. Randall Bailey, 12 rounds, for vacant IBF welterweight title

Guillermo Rigondeaux vs. Teon Kennedy, 12 rounds, for Rigondeaux's WBA junior featherweight title

Mikael Zewski vs. Ryan Grimaldo, 8 rounds, welterweights

Andrew Ruiz vs. Tyler Larson, 4 rounds, welterweights

Jesse Hart vs. Manuel Eastman, 4 rounds, super middleweights

Ernie Sanchez vs. Wilton Hilario, 8 rounds, junior lightweights

What They’re Saying

Always a man willing to talk, Arce told BoxingScene.com about his outlook on the fight and what he expects its outcome to be:

"

Do not worry, I am always ready for war, for a big fight. I'm very motivated and I am very excited because I'm going to support a Manny Pacquiao card. I know Pacquiao's fights are watched all over the world and that motivates me. I am ready to go twelve rounds, I'm ready for a big fight. If Rojas comes very well prepared, we're definitely going to steal the show, but if he isn't ready - we'll go to dinner early.

"

Nationally syndicated radio show Ring Rust Radio reminds us why we should care every time Arce is fighting:

"

No matter who wins the main event, at least we can rest assured #JorgeArce will make the night interesting! #PacquiaoBradley #Knockouts

— RingRustRadio (@RingRustRadio) June 6, 2012"

Jorge Arce’s Keys to Victory

In this prototypical battle of a journeyman veteran facing an up-and-coming potential star, Arce must use his vast in-ring knowledge to his advantage.

With no shortage of big fight experience, Arce knows that Rojas will come out fast looking to knock him out in the first few rounds to make an impression.

If the veteran can withstand the early barrage, Rojas may just tire himself out enough to get knocked out in the latter rounds. We can’t forget that Arce knocked out Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. in the 12th round on the Pacquiao-Mosley undercard.

Jesus Rojas’ Keys to Victory

While many think Jesus Rojas will lose this fight, there is no reason that the young fighter can’t come out and prove everyone wrong.

Over his short career, the young fighter has amassed 18 wins (13 KOs) and his one loss came via decision. Rojas will not take his opponent lightly and will be ready for everything Arce can throw at him.

The key for Rojas is patience.

It’s a huge stage and he will try to rush the fight, but if he can keep his head level and not get overwhelmed, we could be looking at the next WBO bantamweight champion.

Prediction: Jorge Arce via 5th-round KO

With a long history of knockouts—60 wins with 46 coming via KO—and a younger opponent making his grand debut to a major audience, the Arce has to be the clear favorite.

Rojas will be attacking Arce hard early, but he will start to tire himself out and will get caught in the fifth round. I expect a knockout from Arce and plenty of interesting comments after.

Check back for more on boxing as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s Boxing page or listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics.

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