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The welterweight title unification fight between Keith Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs) and Danny Garcia (33-0, 19 KOs) on Saturday (CBS, 9 p.m. ET) is a heavily anticipated match and one of the toughest fights to pick in a long time. Both fighters are undefeated and in their prime. So who’s going to win the big fight?
Here are predictions from some top fighters and trainers:
Shawn Porter (former welterweight titlist)
Thurman MD 12 Garcia
I've watched both Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman all the way through the amateurs and now in the pros. They're both really good fighters. Both strong. Both intelligent. Both make good adjustments over the course of a fight. I'm choosing Thurman to stay undefeated because I think not only is he a little stronger, and a little smarter, but I also think his boxing ability is superior to Garcia's. I think he's going to give Danny problems when he moves. I think Thurman is going to have Danny off-balance. I think Thurman is going to make it very hard for Garcia to set up his offense. And I think based off of that one element Thurman will win a majority decision
Mikey Garcia (lightweight titlist)
Garcia W12 Thurman
I think Danny Garcia takes it. He finds a way to win. He has experience and has been able to make adjustments to get the win. Garcia by decision over Keith Thurman.
Jarrett Hurd (junior middleweight titlist)
Garcia W12 Thurman
I haven't seen Danny Garcia hurt before, but I've seen Keith Thurman hurt to the body against Luis Collazo. Garcia took punches from hard-hitting Lucas Matthysse. No matter how much Garcia's been the underdog, he always finds a way to pull the upset.
Andre Berto (former welterweight titlist)
Thurman W12 Garcia
It's going to be a great fight. I'm learning toward Keith Thurman over Danny Garcia.
Robert Guerrero (former two-division titlist)
Thurman W12 Garcia
I'm picking Keith Thurman to win by decision over Danny Garcia. Both fight with a lot of heart, and it's going to be a Fight of the Year type of fight. I just think Thurman has more weapons in his arsenal. Both are undefeated, so may the best man win.
Ronnie Shields (trainer of Jermall Charlo)
Thurman D12 Garcia
Keith Thurman-Danny Garcia is a 50-50 fight. Both guys are well-schooled, and I predict that it will end in a split-draw.
Stephen Edwards (trainer of Julian Williams)
Garcia W12 Thurman
Keith Thurman has the faster feet and more skittish style. Although he is looked at as the puncher, Danny Garcia has to not chase Thurman. Garcia has to make Thurman come to him so he can counterpunch. Garcia's dilemma is does he chase Thurman or does he wait. He always makes the right decision. I say that he waits and wins a controversial decision.
Derrick James (trainer of Errol Spence Jr.)
Garcia SD12 Thurman
It should be an interesting fight. Danny Garcia has the speed, and he should be able to use that to his advantage. On the other hand, Keith Thurman should have more power and if he lands, Garcia may be in trouble. I am focused on our fight with Kell Brook, but I hope that we are able to fight the winner, which I think will be Garcia by close split-decision victory.
Ernesto Rodriguez (trainer of Jarrett Hurd)
Thurman W12 Garcia
I pick Keith Thurman due to adjustments to box when he's in trouble and his ability to hurt you with a punch. Tough bout to pick but I'm picking Thurman to beat Danny Garcia by decision.
Abel Sanchez (trainer of Gennady Golovkin)
Garcia W12 Thurman
In my opinion, Danny Garcia wins a tough, hard-fought decision. I never really thought that Keith Thurman would be able to pull it out in a hard, 12-round fight.
Ruben Guerrero (father and trainer of Robert Guerrero)
Thurman W12 Garcia
I think Keith Thurman is going to win the fight, but he needs a knockout. If it goes to the distance, I think they'll give it to Danny Garcia.
Kevin Cunningham (trainer of Devon Alexander)
Thurman W12 Garcia
I've got Danny Garcia winning by a decision over Keith Thurman.
Final tally: Thurman 6, Garcia 5, Draw 1
