A bumper four fight card on Sky Sports this weekend and plenty of value available to deliver a knockout blow to the bookies!
Frankie Gavin v Curtis Woodhouse (6.30)
Frankie Gavin possible the most talented amateur from the Olympic team will
continue his assent in the paid ranks this weekend against former Sheffield
united star Curtis Woodhouse. "Fun time" Frankie perhaps isn’t the most
dedicated professional fighter but certainly is one of the most decorated
amateurs this country has ever produced, he was heavily critized in the
press last week because he announced he won’t be able to make the 144lb
limit and will be making the fight at Welterweight instead prompting critics
to cast further doubt of whether "Fun time" really does have what it takes to
make it as a pro(myself included).
Woodhouse on the other hand is the polar opposite of Gavin, he certainly isn’t
the most talented fighter I have seen yet is showing really heart and a
determination to make it as a professional, turning his back on professional
football in a bid to fulfil his dream as a professional fighter.
Frankie was lacklustre(to say the least) in his last fight will be looking
to put on a real show this time out but I feel that Woodhouse will be able
to show enough steel and determination to see this through to the latter
stages and more probably through to the final bell.
Recommended bet(on a scale of 0-3 pts):
Gavin to win by decision or technical decision 7-4 Stan James 0.5pts
Ricky Burns v Nicky Cook (9.45)
Got to be brutally honest here and say that Ricky Burns is
currently the weakest world champion in world boxing, and it’s a total
mystery how he managed to beat Rocky Martinez. Frank Warren try’s to give
him another gimmie in former world champion Nicky Cook.
Cook has been once since his March 2009 drubbing at the hands of Rocky
Martinez, Cook who has been too good for British level yet below world level
5 years ago would have blown Burns away in emphatic fashion. I’m not
convinced that it’s the same Nicky Cook, with talk about life outside of
boxing and opening a bar in Tenerife with his new girlfriend I’m wondering
that he isn’t here just to pocket a few quid.
Ricky Burns has improved since his title win and I feel will be too fresh
and determined for his more skilful opponent.
Recommended bets:
Ricky burns by decision or technical decision 0.5 11-8 Stan James
Ricky burns to win by split decision 0.25pts 15-2 Sky Bet
Ricky Burns to win by retired opponent 0.25pts 25-1 Sky Bet (fighter needs to
be pulled out on his stool between rounds)
Tony Bellew v Ovil Mckenzie (9.05)
This is a rematch from the classic 2010 encounter which there was 3
knockdowns and an in running punters dream with real thrills and spills and
price swings all over the shop. Bellew is seriously lacking in the chin
department and looks like an accident waiting to happen where McKenzie is a
man which no British light heavyweight particular fancies fighting, I’m
fancying “Bomber” Bellew to attempt to fight a more controlled fight this
time, fighting to a plan and outclassing his lesser opponent with his
underused(almost nonexistent) jab. Ovil is a fighter I feel is at his most
dangerous early and any fighter has a chance if they catch the bomber clean.
I feel at the prices we can afford to play both likely outcomes
Recommended bets:
0.5 pts Mckenzie to win in rounds 1-6 at 9-2 with Sky Bet
0.5 Bellew to win in rounds 7-12 at 10-3 with Sportingbet
John Murray v Kevin Mitchell(10.30)
John Murray the man with the longest unbeaten run in British Boxing faces
the former holder of that title in Kevin Mitchell. Frank Warren has already
opened talks with Bob Arum in matching(that should read feeding the poor
winner) of this bout against formidable champion Brandon Rios
Kevin Mitchell has to content with a year long lay off and bubbling outside
the ring publicised personal issues is a classy boxer who put on a master
class beating Amir khan conqueror Bredis Prescott over 12 rounds earning
himself a title shot in the process, letting himself down with a flat almost
empty showing against the marauding aussie Michael katsidis at Upton park in
2005
John Murray has suffered with promotional problems which has contributed to
some very stale showing s recently I feel a lack of a challenge has caused
him to really struggle recently. Defensive frailties have reared the ugly
head and I feel will really undue John at the highest level he gets through
recently showings with his massive heart and sheer strength.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Kevin Mitchell gets off to a flying start,
darting around the bigger man firing in lightening shots and making Murray
miss and look a little silly early doors and perhaps rushing to a 4-0 lead.
However it will be at around the point that Murray will be getting it cranked up. Murray
will stalk Mitchell and wait for the smaller man to slow up before
unleashing heavy combinations and assert his pressure style upon the more
inactive man.
In running players should consider that Murray should go bigger in running
as the sky crew will be talking up Mitchell’s chances in their attempt to
make this more exciting than it will ultimately become and hanging about
waiting for some odds against Murray should prove to be a shrewd move.
Murray will get to him eventually as Mitchell is unable to carry out a game
plan for 12 rounds against the Manchester beast who really comes on strong
and I fully expect him to get too him at a late stage in the fight.
Recommended bets:
Lay both fighters in running at 1.66 and green up for a real “hamlet” moment or back Murray at odds against in running
For the more traditional punting in you:
1pt Murray back in running at 2.3 in-running (not traditional but a rather
sexy looking opportunity)
0.5 Murray win in rounds 7-12 at 4-1 with Sky Bet
