What happens when two aggressive fighters with crowd-friendly styles clash? And what if a win ensures the winner will find himself on the cusp of a title fight? The tension and stakes will be high when Alan David Picasso and Azat Hovhannisyan fight it out for a spot at the top of the 122-pound division. Will it be the hot prospect in Picasso who will paint his future bright and realize his potential? Or will it be Hovhannisyan who finally rises to the occasion and mends his past mistakes?

The fans will find out when the two super bantamweight boxers will square off on the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. John Gotti III undercard on August 24 in Mexico City. The fight promises fireworks as a young, and up-and-coming prospect, Picasso, fights a former world challenger, Hovhannisyan. Before the two take center stage and unload heavy punches, let’s have a look at how they stack up.

Alan David Picasso vs. Azat Hovhannisyan: Tale of Tape

What separates Picasso from the rest? The 24-year-old has left an imprint on fans’ minds and proved that he can slog it off or punch his way to victory. He has the necessary skills to emerge victorious against any opponent and in any condition, and his unblemished record of 28-0-1 with 16 KOs tells the same story. The Mexican fighter’s KO ratio of 57.14% also cemented his reputation as a fan favorite. What’s more? He likes to stay active and has already gone through the ropes twice this year, securing two dominating victories against Erik Ruiz and Damien Vazquez. He might appear to be a daunting foe to anyone, but Hovhannisyan.

The 36-year-old veteran has enough in his store to rack up wins against fighters of all sizes and styles, but always comes short when it matters the most. Undoubtedly, the Armenian boxer is more experienced between the two and has more fights under his belt, at 21-4 with 17 KOs. But it’s his fighting approach that has made him a household name. You know, when Hovhannisyan enters the ring, the fight will probably not go the distance. The Yerevan native’s KO ratio of 80.95% also adds to his allure.

You could point at Hovhannisyan’s dimensions, as at 5’6″ (168 cm), he is not the tallest of featherweights and also boasts a reach of 66.5″ (169 cm). He has tried to make up for his size disadvantage with more power. What he lacks in size and weight, the orthodox boxer covers up with more knockout power and experience. But will it be enough to fend off a new-generation boxer in Picasso?

Prediction: X factor, and where will the fight be won?

What exactly works for Picasso? Coached by famed Erik Morales, the Mexico City native is a high-volume puncher, who has a long list of appreciators and followers. He is touted to be the champion of the next crop of Mexican fighters. Picasso had exhibited all the markings of a future champion since turning pro at 16 and now he finds himself a couple of fights away from realizing the same. What has nudged him ahead of others is his never giving up spirit, which was on display against Erik Cruz, when he overcame a rib injury to collect a win.

It’s not every day that you fight with a broken rib cage and still get your hand raised. But you should pay attention to ‘El Rey’s hand speed, power, and combination punching, which have overwhelmed every competitor he has faced in the ring. However, Hovhannisyan is not too different. He has Freddie Roach in his corner, under whom he has added every possible weapon in his arsenal over the years. ‘Crazy A’ puts relentless pressure while throwing punches, which produces many favorable results for him.

But Hovhannisyan is coming off an 18-month layoff and when he fought last, Luis Nery tore him apart round-by-round and dropped the fight with a knockout. And at 36, he has sustained enough wear and tear. So, the signs are not encouraging for the former world title challenger. You can still bet on his devastating power and experience to pull off a win against anyone. But will he be able to do it finally and amass another title opportunity? It remains to be seen.

What do you make of this coming fight between Alan David Picasso and Azat Hovhannisyan? Who do you think will leave the arena as a victor? Let us know in the comments below.