Miller vs Galarza Preview

Ladarius Miller and Dennis Galarza battle for the right to move one step closer to taking a stab at dethroning the reigning 135-pound kings when they meet tomorrow night in the main event of PBC on Bounce (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. P.T.) at Sam’s Town in Las Vegas

This 10-round battle of well-regarded lightweight prospects promises to be an interesting contrast of styles as well as a true test of where each might stand on the world stage.

Miller (16-1, 5 KOs) is one of the top young prospects at Mayweather Promotions, recruited to “The Money Team” by Floyd Mayweather and Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe in 2014.

The 24-year-old Memphis, Tennessee native now trains out of the Mayweather Gym in Las Vegas and is clearly a product of the Mayweather boxing mindset.

Miller has good reflexes and quick hands from the southpaw stance, and not unlike Mayweather, likes to work up and down, shooting out a space-defining jab to the body of an opponent to set up potshots upstairs. He’s a cautious fighter by nature, sitting back and preferring to respond rather than initiate, but can also be an efficient attacker, especially with his solid jab and quick right hook off that lead hand.

If “Memphis” can tighten up his inside game and make better use of his left hand, which he sometimes swings from too far out, he’ll be a top-level star. His main stage potential was clearly evident back in August of last year when he beat former Olympic standout Jamel Herring via 10-round unanimous decision.

As it stands now, Miller is what he is—a high level prospect, still developing the skills and tactical ability to go along with his athleticism. Grounded and aware of where he is, Miller sees this upcoming challenge in proper context.

“Galarza is another step up for me and someone who I’m very aware of,” Miller said. “I have to be patient in this next fight. If I see an opportunity for a knockout then I’ll go for it, but it’s not the plan. I have the skillset. All I can do is go out there, download his plan, and react.”