Lucas Matthysse vs. Humberto Soto: Date, Fight Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule

A long, drawn-out build will finally come to an end this weekend, when Lucas Matthysse takes on Humberto Soto in Los Angeles on the undercard of the Victor Ortiz-Josesito Lopez show. 

Matthysse is one of the sport's most exciting fighters, ending 28 of this 30 career victories by knockout. He destroyed late-replacement Angel Martinez in his previous fight to get this fight with Soto. Another win could set him up for a title shot in the not-too-distant future. 

Soto may not be quite as efficient as Matthysse in the knockout department, but he has run through his last 14 opponents and has not lost a fight in four years. He keeps climbing up the ladder in the junior welterweight division, with this being his greatest test to date. 

Where: Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA

When: Saturday, June 23 at 9:00 p.m. EST

Watch: Showtime

Live Streaming: Showtime Anytime

Matthysse's Keys to Victory

Dictate pace early; use power to go for the knockout.

While Matthysse doesn't get as much credit as he deserves for his stamina, we all know that his bread is buttered by the power in his punches. He needs to take Soto out of his comfort zone in the early portion of the fight, keeping him off balance and forcing him to use all his energy right away. 

If Mathysse is able to control the pace, he will be able to set Soto up for the haymaker that will drop him to the canvas. His power has carried him to this point, so there is no reason to abandon it in this fight. 

Soto's Keys to Victory

Force Matthysse into a long fight; don't try to match power.

Soto has good power, but he is not as strong or as crisp with his striking as Matthysse. Therefore, he needs to make sure to use his head and body movement to keep the fight rolling along at his pace. 

Matthysse is least comfortable when he has to fight long, drawn-out battles. He has done it but never looks completely at ease. Soto has the ability to make this fight go exactly as he wants, by using his speed and motion to get Matthysse to move around. 

What They Are Saying

Everyone expects this to be an exciting fight, especially given the pedigree that both Soto and Matthysse bring with them. But Soto feels that he has a distinct advantage in one area that will put him over the top. 

From Boxing Scene:

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"There is no doubt that Lucas is a strong opponent and a strong fighter. He comes forward and always looks for a fight. The difference in this fight is the experience. I have a lot of experience, and that's what's going to lead me to victory."

"

It always amazes me when athletes talk about experience like it is that big of a deal. Plus, Matthysse has 33 professional fights on his resume, so it's not like he is some rookie off the street. 

Prediction

As much as I like Soto's speed and movement, I think Matthysse is going to have the power to keep him contained. It will be close early before Matthysse blows it open in the middle rounds. 

Matthysse wins via eighth-round TKO.

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