British Super-Featherweight champion Gary Sykes put his title and reputation on the line in a rematch against Gary Buckland tommorow night (Live on Sky Sports 3) and the fight throws up a maximum bet opportunity.
In the first fight Buckland smashed Sykes in 45 seconds, destroying his opponents unbeaten record and his confidence along the way.
That fight was in the “prizefighter” format. Gary Sykes and his followers will no doubt argue that the rematch will be over the traditional 12 round championship format and he will approach the fight in a total different manner.
Sykes last time out defended against Yorkshire rival Carl Johansson. He got dropped in the 9th round and after suffering plenty of shaky moments along the way and hung on for a unanimous decision.
Gary Buckland on the other hand has had a couple of fights against tough journeyman on big fight undercards, and has basically biding his time for this chance to present itself.
He took on John Murray in a failed British Lightweight bid (a weight up), when he was stopped in the 11th round by the referee.
However he proved himself to be a real tough and ballsy operator and he literally blew away the prizefighter field. He knows he can hurt Sykes and I feel a a 100% prepared Buckland will be able to repeat the treatment.
Sykes will look to throw plenty of shots and dazzle Buckland with his movement whilst Buckland will stalk and basically look to take Sykes out with every opportunity that presents itself.
I think Buckland to win by a KO is a massive price and I have been busy shovelling my cash on!
In a bid to extend my winning streak - which has now hit 5 in a row - I really cant see a different outcome as Sykes confidence was smashed away last time and to me he doesn’t look the same fighter.
Recommended bet:
3pts (MAXIMUM) win on Buckland to KO Sykes at 2/1 - generally available
