Prize-Fighter returns to its spiritual home of the York Hall, Bethnal Green tonight and bookmakers have wasted no time in offering their views on the outcome.
Undoubtedly one of the most exciting aspects of the eight man, straight knockout competition is the betting frenzy that accompanies the pugilism, with odds compilers usually at a loss to predict the eventual winner.
Pre-fight favourite Gavin Rees won December’s instalment at light-welterweight but now it’s the turn of the light-middleweights and we take a look at the best prices offered for the competitors as they put the finishing touches to their preparation.
Market leader, Bradley Pryce enters this one as the 10/3 favourite with Skybet to scoop the £32,000 prize money.
There are question marks over the Welshman's chin after he was stopped in just two rounds by Mathew Hall recently but the former Commonwealth champion has suffered only one defeat since 2005 and his silky style should suit this set-up.
The 28 year old, nicknamed `Sweet Sugar` has the height, experience and intelligence to merit favouritism and with a 49% KO average of his own, he should be trusted to get his career back on track.
Second favourite for the crown, Neil Sinclair can be picked up at 4/1 (Skybet) but the 36 year old has a tough opener against Pryce and that should prove his undoing. Although regarded as the 'banger of the bunch', the Belfast man has endured a gruelling career and that may catch up with him over the three round duration. You have to be extremely quick out of the blocks in Prize-Fighter and I see that being a problem for 'Sinky'.
Punters looking for slightly bigger odds may want to consider Danny Butler's 13/2 (Bwin). 22 year old Butler reached the semi-final stage of the Middleweight version in 2008 and his previous should count for alot here.
The Bristol orthodox was fabulous in the opening stages of his British title decider against Darren Barker in his last outing.
Taking the fight at short notice eventually played its part and Butler was stopped in seven rounds but I was ringside that night and I saw enough from the youngster to suggest he will enjoy himself in the slightly easier half of the draw.
2/1 (Skybet) about Butler reaching the final seems fair, whilst a Pryce/Butler finale is priced at 13/2 (Skybet).
