Big time boxing returns to the York Hall tonight as Lenny Daws defends his British light-welterweight title against the challenge of Jason Cook, live on Sky Sports 1 from 10pm.
Welshman Cook recently returned from retirement to compete in last year’s Prize-Fighter series but after reaching the semi-final stage of the competition, the man nicknamed `The Power` seems to have fallen in love with the sport all over again.
The 5ft 9inch orthodox from Maesteg took four years out and although a win here would cap a fairytale return to the ring for the former European lightweight champion, odds compilers don’t see it happening with Skybet confident enough to offer a bulky 9/2 about a new champion being crowned.
Two time British champion Lenny Daws makes his 9th appearance at the Bethnal Green venue in what will be the first defence of the vacant title won at the same arena back in September.
Although not one for the purists, Daws does guarantee an excellent work rate as well as the backing of a large, vocal support meaning another enthralling night is expected at headquarters.
With only one defeat from a twenty-two fight career, a split decision at the hands of Scotsman Barry Morrison, ‘Lightening’ Lenny Daws may have seven fights less experience than the challenger but with form and youth on his side, the Londoner should take encouragement from his army of followers and outwork the man in the opposing corner.
Bookies only see this going one way, as is evident by the 1/5 on offer from Skybet about a successful defence for the 5ft 10inch orthodox.
Boasting one of the deadliest left hooks in the business, Cook is always going to have a punchers chance on the night but if he fails to catch the champion early, time spent out of the ring should begin to take its toll.
Despite suffering two stoppage defeats to date, Cook is as brave as they come and was arguably the most impressive participant in Prize-Fighter the light-welterweights.
The Welshman is too proud to have travelled just to make up the numbers and although I don’t see the Lonsdale strap heading out of the capital, I think the 2/3 (Skybet) about this tussle passing the 8.5 round mark looks very generous indeed.
