Welcome to the busiest weekend of the year so far for fight fans as I look to uncover the best value on offer for Punt In Play followers.
Ashley Sexton kicks off a tantalizing weekend of pugilism tonight when challenging seasoned British flyweight champ Shinny Bayaar at the Goresbrook leisure centre, live on Sky Sports from 10pm.
22 year old current English champion Ashley Sexton isn't the most experienced man to challenge for the famous Lonsdale strap but with a perfect nine fight record, he is certainly one of the most promising.
The 5ft 5inch orthodox from Cheshunt has gained admirers across the country with his aggressive yet intelligent take on the sport, and the men in charge obviously agree, making this two year novice second in the UK ratings behind current Commonwealth King Chris Edwards.
‘Flash Ash' scored a devastating first round knockout win over the cocky Usman Ahmed, much to the delight of a capacity crowd in Essex back in January, bringing his vital statistics to five stoppage wins from nine outings and bookmakers believe this trend will continue, pricing the youngster up as a 4/11 (Skybet) favourite.
32 year old opponent Shinny Bayaar first set foot in a professional boxing ring in Mongolia when Sexton was enjoying life as a school boy. The 5ft 5inch awkward southpaw now resides in Oldham after arriving on these shores with a pitiful record of two fights - no wins. The tough left hander carved out an impressive career in Britain however with his tough attitude gaining him an International Master Super-flyweight title as well as a British gong.
The challenger has learned his trade the hard way, completing a twelve round exam in only his second fight, and he brings with him an impressive CV of fifteen wins, four inside the distance, against four defeats and one draw. Despite enjoying a nine fight undefeated run stretching back to 2004, Sporting Bet are confident enough that this is a done deal and trade at a bulky 11/4.
I was ringside for Ashley Sexton's last contest against Ahmed and although it lasted little more than a few enthralling seconds, it was obvious that he possesses the skill and confidence to build on his great career start.
Bayaar is an experienced operator and will look to utilise that over the younger man in front of him but Sexton has youth, speed and power on his side and should be good enough to score a perfect ten. Although the challenger isn't known for his punch power, Sexton has halted each of his last two opponents inside one round and won't need to be asked twice on Friday.
Bayaar suffered a cut during a recent bout and with both fighters bringing a style that suggests heads could come together again, the 7/4 about this one not reaching the final bell deserves a bet at interest stakes.
Be sure to return to Punt In Play on Saturday where we will preview all the action from Upton Park where Kevin Mitchell faces his toughest test to date in Aussie hard man Michael Katsidis before Amir Khan shares the New York canvas with Paulie Malignaggi.
