Nicholas Walters vs. Miguel Marriaga: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info
Nicholas "The Axe Man" Walters (25-0, 21 KO) will take his hacks at the undefeated Miguel "The Scorpion" Marriaga (20-0, 18 KO) on Saturday night from Madison Square Garden in New York. This will be Walters' first defense of his WBA featherweight championship and his first time fighting in one of the true meccas of the sports world.
Walters has the potential to become a major star in the featherweight division, but he must take down a tough Colombian who has yet to taste defeat to make the next step.
When: Saturday, June 13 at 10 p.m. ET
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Where: Madison Square Garden in New York
TV: HBO
Live Stream: BoxNation (Region Restricted)
Last Time Out
Walters
Some in boxing's hard-core circles knew about Walters before he thrashed former pound-for-pound contender and five-division champion Nonito Donaire to win the WBA title in October 2014. Afterward, Walters' name gained even more notoriety.
We'd seen Donaire beaten before by Guillermo Rigondeaux but never beaten up. Walters stopped Donaire in the sixth round after dropping him in the third.
The Axe Man had officially announced his arrival to the mainstream, and he'd done it in most impressive fashion.
Marriaga
The 28-year-old hasn't faced many fighters most boxing fans will recognize in his career. In his last fight, he stopped Carlos Fernando Perez Martinez in the third round in December 2014.
Before that, Marriaga had his lone fight in the United States when he knocked out Christopher Martin in the sixth round at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. The fight was broadcast on ESPN's Friday Night Fights, and it gave Marriaga the chance to gain the exposure he needed to land this bout with Walters.
Even with that stateside experience, it's safe to say fighting in MSG could be overwhelming for the Arjona native. He'll need to rise to the occasion to remain competitive with a hungry and dangerous champion.
What's at Stake
Walters
Should he beat Marriaga, a huge unification bout with WBO champion Vasyl Lomachenko is on the table for Walters next. It seems he and his promoter Bob Arum are eager to make the fight.
Per Keith Idec of Boxing Scene, a profane and accurate Bob Arum said: “That’s the fight I want to make. No f---ng around – go right into that fight. People would love that fight. That would be a great f---ing fight.”
Walters added: “It’s a big fight. The world wants to see that fight. Like I say, Uncle Bob is the man who makes the fights. I’m the guy who fights the fights. You talk to Top Rank, HBO and if they can make the fight, I’ll fight the fight.”
Per Nat Gottlieb of HBO.com, here's what HBO analyst Max Kellerman said about the potential of Walters' and Lomachenko's presence in the featherweight division: "If not for [Vasyl] Lomachenko's presence at 126, he [Walters] would be viewed as a potentially dominant champion."
Stylistically, it could be an epic bout: Lomachenko's speed and technical savvy against Walters' heart, relentlessness and power. However, if Walters can't beat Marriaga, the bout won't happen—at least not anytime soon.
Marriaga
A future as a legitimate contender or champion is on the line for Marriaga. Walters and Top Rank deserve credit for putting the champion in the ring with someone who at least has an undefeated record, skills and decent experience.
Marriaga is still young enough to make a name for himself, and he's flashed enough potential and power to prevent this defense from being a one-sided showcase that fans see coming a mile away.
If Marriaga wants more American appearances and fights against well-known opponents, he has to show well on Saturday night. Even if he doesn't pull off the improbable win, he needs to be competitive and show heart.
Who Wins
Walters' power shots get a lot of attention, but his jab is an underrated weapon. He has long arms for a featherweight with his 73" reach, and that will be a major factor for him against the rugged and game Marriaga.
The Colombian fighter has some throwback characteristics to his game. He comes forward constantly while winging hard shots to the body and head. He paws a jab, but it is just used to help him close the distance to get into range for power shots.
The pressure may take some getting used to for Walters, but ultimately he'll find the jab to be the space-maker he needs to open up his power game.
This will not be an easy fight for Walters, but ultimately he'll win because of his power and reach. With the jab leading the way, Walters will score an eighth-round TKO to set up the meeting with Lomachenko.
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