Boxing Picks 2020- Dillian Whyte vs Alexander Povetkin (August 22nd)

Fight Camp has been every bit of a success for Eddie Hearn and his Matchroom promotion and the final card is set to take place on Saturday with the best card of the lot ready to go.

Things have worked out so well for Hearn over the last month that he has suggested he will run the four week event again next summer even if the Coronavirus outbreak is contained to the point where fans are allowed back into Stadiums.

It has been fun for the fans over the last month too with some very good fights put together and I do think there are some quality bouts in this weekend's event too.

Jack Cullen vs Zak Chelli

The opening bout in the final Fight Camp card of August comes from the Super Middleweight Division as two fighters look to bounce back from losses and turn their careers back into a positive direction.

Jack Cullen was beaten for the second time in his career by Felix Cash in what was a real gritty fight. Even in the loss Cullen's reputation was improved and that has seen him given this opportunity as he moves up to the Super Middleweight, although he will be the naturally smaller man in the fight.

The Boxer from Bolton has an edge in terms of height, but Zak Chelli is coming down from Light Heavyweight where he suffered a loss in his last fight against Kody Davies. That is the first defeat that Chelli has suffered in the professional ranks having opened with seven straight wins and the Londoner is confident that his power is going to make the difference.

Zak Chelli did manage to put down Davies before suffering an Unanimous Decision defeat and he does believe that power can tell against Jack Cullen who was put down multiple times by Felix Cash. The latter thinks the move up will make him more durable and he might not respect the power of an opponent who has three stoppages in his seven wins, but Cullen is going to be tested.

The fact of the matter is that Jack Cullen doesn't mind mixing things in a firefight and it may mean he gives Chelli the chance to unload something big on him. Both of Cullen's previous losses have come in stoppages and that makes this a fight that is more difficult to read, but I do think the slight underdog has a bit better in-ring experience that can aid him through some difficult moments.

He showed enough against Felix Cash to believe Jack Cullen can still have a very positive career and he has to show that in this effectively 50-50 bout.

Both fighters are young enough to come again, but my feeling is that Cullen is going to have a slight edge in the bout. Being able to back him as the underdog is fine by me here.

I do worry that Jack Cullen may get into a firefight that could see him caught by a heavy enough hitting Zak Chelli, but I think the former can out-box Chelli and that may lead to a win on the cards even if he has to ride out a storm or two.

Alen Babic vs Shawndell Winters

There was a real bit of needle between two Heavyweights fighting on the undercard at Matchroom HQ on Saturday.

At one point in the presser it felt like Alen Babic and Shawndell Winters might get up to trade blows days before they are due to meet in the ring, but ultimately things calmed enough.

Alen Babic is the up and comer at 3-0 who has yet to hear the bell for the Third Round in his short professional career. He has been working with Dillian Whyte and Babic is seen as someone who can be built in the Division, but this is also a considerable step up for him.

No one will confuse Shawndell Winters with a contender at this weight, while at 39 years old the American is probably past his best. His fights have tended to be exciting with only two of the sixteen professional bouts hearing the final bell.

Shawndell Winters is 13-3 as a professional and has twelve stoppages on his record, but he has also been stopped twice in his three defeats. One of those defeats came in the Fifth Round against Joseph Parker, but Winters could easily have been stopped before that and Babic has made it clear he wants to get the job done quicker than the former Heavyweight Champion.

That outing against Parker came earlier this year before the suspension of sports, and Babic has not been in the ring since October 2019. It might mean the Croatian Heavyweight has to take a couple of Rounds to build his rhythm, but I don't think he will have to go looking for Winters in this Eight Round bout.

It should mean an entertaining scrap for as long as it lasts and my feeling is that Babic is going to be able to put his shots together to get the job done before the end of the halfway mark of the contest. He might have to show off his own whiskers, but Babic should be able to get the job done a little quicker than Parker to show his intent at 29 years old to start making some real leaps in the Rankings.

Luther Clay vs Chris Kongo

Another pick 'em fight on the card comes from the Welterweight Division as Luther Clay looks to defend his WBO Global Title against the avoided Chris Kongo.

The man from South London is unbeaten in eleven fights and has found six stoppages, but Chris Kongo is taking a big step up compared to the other Boxers on his resume. Dillian Whyte has taken over the management of Kongo's career and that has given him a chance to showcase his talent on a big card as he looks to win a belt and then call out some of the big names in the Division at British and European level.

Chris Kongo very much believes he should be at that level already, but he is an awkward height for the weight and I think that does make Kongo well avoided.

He has the size in this bout against Luther Clay who has won eight in a row since his sole loss as a professional. The last five wins have all come against Boxers who held a winning record when Clay met them, while the Champion has also shown some power and strong Boxing in beating two opponents with a combined 32-2 record.

Luther Clay has also shown he can do the Ten Rounds scheduled for this bout, while Chris Kongo has not been beyond Six. I do think the latter will be ready to fight the full thirty minutes considering who has been training him, but there is still something different about going into territory you are unfamiliar with.

Both fighters will likely show some toughness as they get forward and look to meet in the middle of the ring and I do think the underdog is worth backing at the prices. The Champion has shown he can take on and beat opponents who have more experience than Chris Kongo and Luther Clay may just bite down on the gumshield and force the favourite to have to find something that has not been asked of him before.

I would not be surprised if it goes to the cards and it might be difficult to earn a Decision against an opponent who is under the management of the headline act. Even then, Luther Clay might just show he is ready to take the next step forward in his career and he can earn the win over Chris Kongo who is potentially rusty having not fought since April 2019.

Luther Clay has had twenty Rounds in the bank since then and could use his experience to edge to the win.

Katie Taylor vs Delfine Persoon

It was probably the best women's Boxing bout I have seen and one in which I thought Katie Taylor was very fortunate to receive a Decision win when she saw off Delfine Persoon on June 1st 2019.

The upset should really have come in that night, although eventually we did see the big one when Andy Ruiz Jr stopped Anthony Joshua.

Katie Taylor has long suggested she deserved the win, but most watching had Persoon winning and I was certainly no different. It was a bout that was fought on Persoon's terms, but I would be very surprised if Taylor was to allow that to happen for a second time.

This time I am expecting Taylor to stick and move and try and build up the Rounds and I do think the fact she has seen the Persoon style once will help her. The Belgian has long campaigned for a rematch and she won't really offer anything different as she looks to get on the front foot and make this a scrap.

Delfine Persoon was beaten in the Olympic Qualifiers which suggests she can be out-boxed by someone with the speed and skill that Katie Taylor has.

I do tend to lean towards the narrative that Taylor is past her peak and I do think she is going to be a vulnerable favourite in the weeks and months ahead. However I think it will take someone a little better than the rugged Persoon to do that and the two minute Rounds should help Taylor keep out of the kind of scrap she was dragged into last time.

No fans will also help the Irishwoman as she will be looking to put a win on the board without risking too much and the feeling is that Taylor wins this one fairly comfortably.

There will be one or two moments for Persoon where Taylor will look to fight fire with fire, but I expect her to have the Rounds in the banks and a Unanimous Decision looks to be on the cards.

That looks the best play in this one even if Katie Taylor looks to be on the downside of her career- I don't think she can stop Delfine Persoon, but I think Taylor will comfortably take six of the Ten Rounds scheduled and she can end the controversy which came out from the first bout.

Dillian Whyte vs Alexander Povetkin

The WBC mandatory position is on the line when Dillian Whyte takes on Alexander Povetkin in what looks to be a very good main event in the final Fight Camp of August 2020.

It has been a long wait for Dillian Whyte to receive the shot at a World Title which he believes is overdue, but the British fighter has taken on all challengers rather than waiting out for his shot at the belt.

Dillian Whyte has won twelve bouts in a row since losing to Anthony Joshua and has rebuilt his career and reputation thanks to some strong wins. The likes of Dereck Chisora (twice), Joseph Parker, Robert Helenius and Oscar Rivas have been seen off, but there is a feeling that Alexander Povetkin may be the biggest challenge of the lot.

At 40 years old I do think Povetkin has long seen his best days behind him and he is 1-1-1 in his last three fights having also lost to Joshua before a win over Hughie Fury and a slightly fortunate Draw with Michael Hunter in Saudi Arabia last year.

Michael Hunter perhaps showed that Povetkin is not the fighter he once was having hurt him multiple times and this from a former Cruiserweight. Now Alexander Povetkin is going to be taking full blooded shots from a big Heavyweight having been stopped for the only time in his career by Anthony Joshua.

If some of the punch resistance has gone I do think an in-shape Dillian Whyte is going to be too strong for Povetkin. The latter was hurt against David Price too and unlike Hunter I do think Whyte will be strong enough to finish the Russian if Povetkin is hurt as badly in this one as he was the last time we saw him in the ring.

Dillian Whyte also fought on the Saudi Arabia card, but he will be the first to admit he was out of shape in the Decision win over Mariusz Wach. The British fighter looked in great shape on the scales on Friday and has dropped 19 pounds from his last bout and I do think Whyte will be too strong for Povetkin.

It wouldn't be surprised if Whyte is hurt at some point too because Povetkin still punches plenty hard enough, but I think the Russian will struggle to stay out of range for the full Twelve Rounds. At some point I expect he will try and stand his ground and that is where a heavy hitting Whyte can become the second fighter to earn the stoppage over Povetkin.

There is no doubt that Dillian Whyte would love to get the job done quicker than Anthony Joshua, but I think it might be a wearing out job. He has shown he can punch very hard even late in fights and I think Whyte will find the stoppage at some point as Alexander Povetkin struggles to get out of the difficult moments this time as he did against a lighter hitting Michael Hunter.

MY PICKS: Jack Cullen to Win @ 2.30 Paddy Power (2 Units)

Alen Babic to Win Between 1-4 @ 2.37 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Luther Clay to Win @ 2.25 Bet Fred (2 Units)

Katie Taylor to Win by Unanimous Decision @ 1.83 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Dillian Whyte to Win by KO/TKO/Disqualification @ 2.37 Paddy Power (2 Units)

Boxing Picks 2020- Felix Cash vs Jason Welborn (August 14th-15th)

Fight Camp has been a huge success for Matchroom Boxing and the third of four events scheduled for August takes place on Friday night.

Thunderstorms are expected in the area which may make the entire outlook of the event feel very different to the first two weeks here, but Eddie Hearn and his team will be aware of the forecast and I have no doubt it will be another strong event.

The card looks a good one from top to bottom and those tuning in on Friday night should get full value for money. This event takes place eight days before the final Fight Camp card which features the big headline names, but I think this one could be as good as any card we see over this month.


There are also other big events taking place this weekend as Matchroom Boxing USA has their first event since the Coronavirus crisis affected sporting events around the world, while Carl Frampton is also in action on Saturday night as he looks to remind everyone that he is still looking for the big fights before he calls time on his career.


In this thread you can read my thoughts on the cards scheduled for the weekend, but I will also be looking forward to the big UFC event on Saturday night which features the completion of the trilogy between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier.

That will be a cracking event too in a weekend which will be much appreciated by combat sports fans.

John Docherty vs Anthony Fox

There is a big future in front of John Docherty and he has been keen to get back inside a Boxing ring and not allow his career to stagnate while the sports world has had to postpone a few scheduled events.

The feeling that another round of Covid-19 could see another lockdown occur meant Docherty was very keen to get over to Fight Camp and at least put a few more Rounds in the bank.

You could be forgiven that is the thinking for John Docherty because he has been bullish in the build up to this bout in talking about ending the fight as early as many others he has had already. Putting a stoppage on the books against Anthony Fox would be making the kind of statement Docherty wants to make, although there is no doubt it is going to be a test to do that.

John Docherty has power as shown by six stoppages in eight wins, but all of those early nights have come in the first couple of Rounds and the two exceptions have both gone the distance.

That is something that may be on the mind at times for Docherty, especially if Anthony Fox is able to show enough to weather the early storm.

The underdog has an 8-12-2 record as professional, but he has only been stopped once before and that was in his first defeat. That did come in the Second Round so there might be some early problems to get through, but Fox has shown he has become someone who not only can test early professional.

Anthony Fox actually comes into this bout off the back of three wins in a row with one of those being against former Commonwealth Champion Luke Blackledge and another being against an unbeaten fighter in Duane Sinclair. Those wins have to be respected, even if the feeling is that John Docherty is a level or two above Fox and it certainly makes me think that the journeyman can at least force the favourite to see the cards.

A late stoppage can't be ruled out with Docherty going into an Eight Rounder for the first time as he steps up his competition, but I think Anthony Fox can show enough grit to reach the cards even in a losing effort.

Shannon Courtenay vs Rachel Ball

A couple of weeks ago Rachel Ball was a huge price to beat Shannon Courtenay, but the money has been piling in on the underdog to the point where we have a pick 'em in this crossroads bout.

Both women have five professional wins on the resume, but Ball did lose a very close fight to Katherina Thanderz when fighting on very short notice. That defeat has been franked by the fact that Thanderz has gone on to win an interim World Title and many felt that Ball did enough to earn the Decision on the night.

It is the kind of performance which suggests she can give Shannon Courtenay all she can handle as the younger fighter takes another step up in class. Her five wins have come against overmatched opponents, but Rachel Ball arrives with the height advantage and knowing she has done at least Eight Rounds on two different occasions while Courtenay has yet to go beyond the Fifth Round.

Shannon Courtenay is the heavier fighter and will be looking to bully Rachel Ball, but the confidence of the latter cannot be ignored. She has been down before which is a concern for the Ball backers, and there hasn't been a stoppage win on her resume so the power may be with the younger fighter.

However, Rachel Ball's better resume can't be ignored here.

I do think Shannon Courtenay could be favoured by the judges in close Rounds, but Rachel Ball should be able to weather some of the early storm and begin to showcase what I believe to be underrated ability. She has shown she can compete at a high level and there is still enough in the price to back Rachel Ball even if it is no longer the kind of upset many felt it might have been when the fight was first put together.

Zelfa Barrett vs Eric Donovan

Fighting for the first time under the Matchroom Boxing Promotion on Friday night is Zelfa Barrett who has openly admitted he dreams of being the next big Manchester Boxing Icon.

The 27 year old has won the English Title and the Commonwealth Title at Super Featherweight and Barrett could be on the brink of a World Title shot if he can win this fight. It will certainly put Zelfa Barrett on the right path by picking up one of the smaller IBF Titles at the weight, while The Flash will want to put on a performance to light up Fight Camp through the Thunder and Lightning that has been forecasted.

He has won four fights in a row since a Majority Decision loss to Ronnie Clark and Zelfa Barrett has momentum behind him.

On Friday night Eric Donovan will be in the opposite corner and the Irishman has plenty of amateur experience while also being unbeaten in the professional ranks. Eric Donovan has twelve fights behind him but at 35 years old there isn't a lot of room for error if he is going to get into a position to challenge for World honours.

There have been displays of power from Eric Donovan in his first twelve fights, but this is a step up in class. I have little doubt that the Irishman will not take a backwards step, but that may suit Zelfa Barrett down to the ground as he looks to showcase his talents and begin to build a swell of support behind him for when the fans are allowed to return to the Arenas.

It would be a surprise if Zelfa Barrett is able to put one shot together to end the fight, but an accumulation of shots can break down Eric Donovan. In the early Rounds I think the amateur successes Donovan has had will give him a chance to make this a competitive fight, but eventually Barrett's power and ability to put shots together will wear down his opponent.

A second half stoppage looks the most likely direction this fight will take and I will look for Zelfa Barrett do to that and announce himself to a wider audience.

Felix Cash vs Jason Welborn

The Middleweight Commonwealth Title is on the line when Felix Cash defends against Jason Welborn and I would be stunned if this is anything but an all action bout.

Felix Cash is the unbeaten Champion who has put twelve wins on the board and he has shown plenty of power with eight stoppages on the record. There are some good wins on the record, but Cash will be the first to note that this is another step up in his career against an opponent who has fought for a World Title.

Jason Welborn has had a long career and eight defeats may suggest he is not someone that should trouble Felix Cash. However, Welborn has plenty of experience and some of his defeats have come against really strong Boxers which can't be ignored.

The fact Welborn has lost back to back fights is a concern as is the fact that both times he has been stopped to the body, but I have no doubt he will get forward and look to make life very uncomfortable for Felix Cash. The underdog can make things rough and dirty which could take Cash out of his comfort zone and Jason Welborn would love for frustrations to lead to mistakes from the younger Champion.

Ultimately I think that Welborn makes it competitive for a while, but Felix Cash may end up being a little too fresh and accurate with his punches. That should see him begin to take over the fight and perhaps come on strong in the second half of the bout.

A body shot may be the key to the outcome and I will look for Cash to just showcase some of his skills early and flash power late to get this one done. I expect a great fight in the main event and I am expecting plenty of big punches to land amongst the expected thunderstorm in this part of the United Kingdom.

Archie Sharp vs Jeff Ofori

For the fourth time Archie Sharp will be defending his European Super Featherweight Title and in this one he takes on someone that he will be familiar with in Jeff Ofori.

The latter is coming down from Light Welterweight to take on this fight, but Jeff Ofori has struggled when he has stepped up in class and was stopped by Ohara Davies in his last fight.

Coming down may mean Ofori can take a little more punishment at this weight, but Archie Sharp puts his punches together and this is largely seen as a tick-a-long fight for him.

The power is coming for Sharp, but I think he will be a little too accurate with his punches which can see him break down an overmatched opponent. Archie Sharp has managed to find the stoppage in two of his last four fights and I think he will show he is levels above his opponent in this one as he finds an early enough stoppage.

Backing this fight to end in the first 7.5 Rounds looks the call here as Sharp looks to move his career forward.

Carl Frampton vs Darren Traynor

It is wasn't for the Covid-19 outbreak Carl Frampton would have been fighting for a World Title in a third different Division and become the first Irish fighter to try and win belts in three classes.

With the long lay off that has had to be dealt with by all, Frampton returns on Saturday with a tune up fight before he heads into bigger fights again.

There is no doubt that Carl Frampton is dropping to domestic level when taking on Darren Traynor who is a late replacement. The Scottish Boxer has been beaten three times in his career and he has been stopped by both Ryan Walsh and James Tennyson inside Five Rounds.

This feels like a big step up for Traynor again and I do think he will only last as long as Frampton allows him to.

Boxing is very much about levels and Frampton has long operated on a different plane to Traynor- he may not be the fighter he was, but Carl Frampton should be able to showcase his talent and put a comfortable win on the board.

Only one of his last nine fights have ended in a stoppage win, but Carl Frampton can put the pressure on early in this one and break down Darren Traynor within the first Five Rounds.

Otto Wallin vs Travis Kauffman

It has been a touch over eleven months since Otto Wallin pushed Tyson Fury all the way and was very close to breaking up the impending Wilder-Fury clash which had been signed off.

On another day a referee may have waved things off as Wallin opened up a cut which needed 47 stitches to close and ever since Fury went on to win the WBC World Title the Swedish Boxer has been calling for a rematch.

He impressed enough to have another opportunity in the United States and the southpaw is a big favourite to see off veteran Travis Kauffman who returns to the ring after a twenty month absence.

The last time Kauffman was in the ring he was being stopped by Luis Ortiz on the Wilder-Fury 1 undercard in December 2018. The veteran will be looking to show there is still something left in the tank, but this feels like a fight in which Wallin will dominate and be able to at least give the fans something to talk about,

Travis Kauffman has lost three times and two of those have come in stoppages- he has also been Knocked Down four times in his last two fights and I do think the time spent away from the ring is not going to be beneficial for him.

Otto Wallin did have an injury which postponed an outing earlier in the year, but he should be fully healthy now. He is perhaps not the biggest punching Heavyweight out there, but I think he will have enough to wear down Travis Kauffman and could get the referee to step in at some point across the Ten Rounder scheduled.

MY PICKS: John Docherty Win by Decision/Technical Decision @ 2.00 Paddy Power (2 Units)

Rachel Ball to Win @ 2.00 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Zelfa Barrett to Win Between 7-12 @ 2.87 William Hill (2 Units)

Felix Cash to Win Between 7-12 @ 2.62 Sky Bet (2 Units)
Archie Sharp-Jeff Ofori Under 7.5 Rounds @ 1.91 Bet Victor (2 Units)
Carl Frampton to Win Between 1-5 @ 2.10 Sky Bet (2 Units)
Otto Wallin to Win by KO/TKO/Disqualification @ 2.20 Bet365 (2 Units)

Boxing Picks 2020- Terri Harper vs Natasha Jonas (August 7th)

You would just have to have something against Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing if you described Fight Camp Week One as anything but a success.

There were some quality fights put on and the setting was pretty special in unprecedented times- with three more weeks of Fight Camp to come it does feel like a time when we can enjoy Boxing even through the troubles all around us.

Boxers deserve the chance to make some money at a time when so many have had careers put on hold and I don't begrudge those who wish to be on the current cards even with no fans in attendance.

There were teething issues with some criticising the artificial sound, but I was not too bothered and enjoyed the card where all of the fights were decent to watch. The main event between Sam Eggington and Ted Cheeseman lived up to most expectations to the point that I would not be disappointed if we saw a rematch, while James Tennyson continues to impress and be involved in great scraps.

Hopefully Week Two of Fight Camp lives up to the standards set with the cameras back at Matchroom HQ on Friday evening instead of Saturday for the next two weeks.

Anthony Fowler vs Adam Harper

There was a lot of hype around Anthony Fowler when he turned professional, but the defeat to Scott Fitzgerald sixteen months ago has just derailed the expected progression up the World Rankings.

The Liverpudlian has won three fights in a row since the close defeat to Fitzgerald, but Anthony Fowler has not really impressed in the manner you would have expected. A couple of comfortable Points wins over Brian Rose and Harry Scarff was followed by a First Round blitz of Theophilus Tetteh, but Fowler will know there are going to be eyes on him this Friday and he does want to show a lot more.

He has Ten Rounds to do that in against Adam Harper who is in the ring for the first time in a little under two years. Adam Harper has had some real ups and downs already as a professional, but he was almost medically retired in the months after becoming English Super Welterweight Champion before being given a chance to resume his career.

There has to be some nagging doubts about Harper in terms of whether it is the right move to get back in the ring despite being given the all clear, but the Boxer himself is keen on making up for lost time. A positive outlook on life means Adam Harper is willing to take risks to achieve his goals, but there is no doubt this would be a big step up even if he had been a very active fighter.

Instead Adam Harper comes in off a long lay off and facing an opponent who has been operating at a much higher level. There are a couple of decent wins on the Harper CV, but his sole loss was an easy Points defeat to Michael Zerafa in Australia and even the last win came via a Majority Decision against someone at English Title level.

Adam Harper understands there is an opportunity in front of him with a win over Anthony Fowler likely to set up a British Title shot, but it is very difficult to see him achieving that here. The latter has the better resume in getting to 12-1 as a professional and 'The Machine' is confident he can make a statement by putting a big performance on the board.

I do think Anthony Fowler can use his size and superior Boxing ability to comfortably get ahead on the cards and he should be able to start punishing Adam Harper once we get through the first couple of Rounds. There is no doubting that Harper has some toughness, but you do have to wonder if his corner will be looking out for a Boxer who was almost forced to medically retire from the sport.

My feeling is that this is either going to be a very wide Unanimous Decision for Fowler or a stoppage in the second half of the fight- my lean is that the Anthony Fowler will start finding real success from the middle of the bout and it may mean Adam Harper's corner decide to pull out their valiant man rather than allowing him to take unnecessary punishment and go out on his shield.

I would have little doubt that Adam Harper can show enough to be given another opportunity by Eddie Hearn, but on this night I expect Anthony Fowler to display the levels to the sport and come away with a second half stoppage. More than half of Anthony Fowler's previous nine stoppage wins have come in the second half of the scheduled Rounds and I think he will begin to tee off and find his range around the middle of this one before breaking down Adam Harper for a second half stoppage.

Chris Billam-Smith vs Nathan Thorley

Two Cruiserweight Boxers meet for the Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title on Friday and this is a big stepping stone to some top domestic fights as well as a chance to push on to European and World Title bids.

Chris Billam-Smith won the vacant Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title with an impressive stoppage of Craig Glover as he bounced back from a Split Decision defeat to Richard Riakporhe. That defeat was a contentious one and I do think Billam-Smith will be desperate to avenge it, but he can't overlook an unbeaten Nathan Thorley who will know he can move into a strong Ranking spot with a victory on Friday.

This is a big step up for the 27 year old who had tried to boil down to Light Heavyweight before deciding that Cruiserweight may be the best option for him. This is the first time Thorley will have been scheduled in a Twelve Round bout, while he has only been past the Sixth Round once before.

Nathan Thorley does not have a strong resume and only two of his fourteen wins have come against an opponent with a winning record. One of those opponents now holds a losing record, while the other had been stopped in the First Round twice before.

Taking on Chris Billam-Smith will be a real challenge for Nathan Thorley considering the obvious punching power that the former possesses. Nine of this ten wins have come by stoppage and he comfortably holds the best win of the two Boxers when crushing Craig Glover last November.

Both Boxers have not been in the ring for a competitive fight in 2020 and so it may be a slow start as they just shed some of the ring rust which can build up. Even then I do think Chris Billam-Smith will get into his stride fairly quickly against someone who has a lot more to prove in terms of being able to handle an opponent with this quality.

Nathan Thorley has been put down before despite not really facing anyone of note and I do think the Chris Billam-Smith punching power will be the difference maker. The 30 year old will be looking to make some noise to put his name forward for bigger fights in the coming months and Billam-Smith can do that with an early nights work in the Matchroom HQ garden.

Terri Harper vs Natasha Jonas

The truth of the matter is that Natasha Jonas was expected to move through the pro ranks and pick up a World Title while Terri Harper would have been working full time in a Fish 'n' Chips shop, but the last two years have moved vastly differently than those expectations.

In that time Terri Harper has not only become a World Champion, but also Unified part of the Division and there is a confidence behind her that will make it hard to shake her from the current path she is on.

In the other corner, Natasha Jonas is hoping for a fourth win in a row after the stunning upset defeat to Viviane Obenauf when being stopped in the Fourth Round. The amateur career was a good one, but Jonas has quickly found out it is a whole different ball game in the pros and that defeat came in the one fight where she has really stepped up the level of opponent.

Obenauf is one of two Boxers that Natasha Jonas has fought when they have held a winning record and both are common opponents with Terri Harper. The World Champion beat Obenauf comfortably on points and also stopped Feriche Mashauri, an opponent that Jonas had to beat on points.

The 'one fighter beat an opponent that the other fighter lost to' argument is one that rarely works in Boxing, but I do think Terri Harper has shown a considerably higher upside than Natasha Jonas. I am not going to get into the mind games of the suggestion that Harper was Knocked Out in sparring which has been released by the Jonas camp and I do think that the latter is going to be stepping up to a level in which she struggled the only other time she has done that.

Terri Harper might only have stopped half of the opponents she has faced, but she has Knocked Down others and I do think she hits plenty hard enough to hurt Natasha Jonas. The underdog's best chance may be to make this a firefight and see whether she can land something special, but I think Harper will control her behind the jab early on and will force Jonas onto a counter which will hurt her.

The World Champion has had more Rounds in the bank at a higher level than Natasha Jonas and I do think she is going to be too strong for her here. There is a chance that Jonas bites down on the gum-shield and finds her way to the cards, but I think Harper will take over the fight in the mid-Rounds and has shown she can punch with enough authority to take out the former Olympian.

The two minute Rounds in Women's Boxing does their side of the sport no favours in all honesty, but Terri Harper can still make a big statement by stopping an opponent who had a 'bigger future' in the sport when both began as pros.

Kerman Lejarraga vs Tyrone Nurse

It really felt like Spain had a huge monster fighter at the Welterweight level when Kerman Lejarraga ripped his way through to 27-0, but stoppage losses to David Avanesyan (twice) have meant a change in plan.

The second defeat came inside the First Round and Lejarraga decided he would move up to Light Middleweight and try and rebuild his career there.

He has won two fights at that weight class and now takes on British fighter Tyrone Nurse who is also looking to move up a Division and try his luck there.

Tyrone Nurse had been on a run of four straight defeats and his career looked to have stalled permanently, but he has won two in a row since then. Both have come in Six Round fights against opponents with losing records, but Nurse has never been stopped and that looks like being the biggest challenge in front of the home favourite.

The underdog has been down in a number of fights before though and I do think the Kerman Lejarraga power is for real and can break down Tyrone Nurse in this one. There are some mental demons in the mind of Lejarraga which comes with the kind of stoppage losses he had to David Avanesyan, but he is also a deadly finisher when he has someone hurt.

Kerman Lejarraga should have the power to hurt Tyrone Nurse and I do think he has enough time to become the first fighter to stop him. When the Spaniard tends to hurt an opponent he does find a way to get the job done and even in a Ten Rounder there may be enough moments where he can start putting it on Tyrone Nurse and force the stoppage.

MY PICKS: Anthony Fowler to Win Between 6-10 @ 2.62 Sky Bet (2 Units)

Chris Billam-Smith to Win Between 1-6 @ 2.25 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Terri Harper to Win by KO/TKO/Disqualification @ 1.72 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Kerman Lejarraga to Win by KO/TKO/Disqualification @ 2.10 Paddy Power (2 Units)

Boxing Picks 2020- Sam Eggington vs Ted Cheeseman (August 1st)

Who would have thought that the Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury Rematch was going to be the last really big Boxing event for months?

That fight might only have occurred five months ago, but with all the goings on in the world it does feel like it has been a lot, lot longer than that.

Things have yet to return to normal, but the UFC have shown you can put on fascinating cards even though those have to be behind closed doors- their business model is a lot different to Boxing which means those big fights are easier to arrange, but Dana White has shown you can put the right protocols in place to have combat sports return even in the current environment.

Eddie Hearn was always going to try and do something a bit special and organising four weeks of Fight Camps in his back garden is definitely a bit different. The first of those four weeks begins on August 1st and, unlike some other promoters, Hearn is making sure they are four good looking cards.

The final one looks the best with the likes of Dillian Whyte, Alexander Povetkin, Katie Taylor and Delfine Persoon all on that one, but the opening weekend is giving the fans some good looking fights albeit at a lower level than those World level fights arriving later in the month.

We also have a couple other cards taking place this week which means the Boxing begins on Friday and goes through to the early hours of Sunday morning in the United Kingdom.

While it is going to take a while for things to get back to the normality of seeing fans in the stands and watching the big names face each other, it is good to have Boxing back and there are plenty of big fights to look forward to.


The early suspension of sporting events came at a time when the 2020 Boxing season has not really gotten underway and so there have been very few picks made so far this year. Things should be different over the next month with the cards that are in place, but the situation could change quickly and all it takes is a couple of failed tests and these cards could all have a different feel.

I hope everyone stays safe and healthy that are involved in all of these events being put together for our entertainment.

Lyndon Arthur vs Dec Spelman

If it wasn't for the Covid crisis that took over the world, Lyndon Arthur would have been set to fight Anthony Yarde as he looks to prove himself the best in Britain at Light Heavyweight level.

Make no mistake, it was a huge step up for Arthur who is unbeaten in sixteen fights but who would then be going in with a former World Title challenger. Anthony Yarde was not far away from Knocking Out Sergey Kovalev, but for now Arthur has to focus on other targets before trying to renew hostilities with the 'Lion in the Camp'.

That fight may be put together before the end of the year and confidence has not been dampened in the meantime. Lyndon Arthur has made it clear that he expects to be considered better than both Yarde and Joshua Buatsi by the end of 2020, two high profile Light Heavyweights that are close to World level already.

It will be sounding like a very hollow statement if Arthur is not able to beat Dec Spelman in this main event fight from the BT Studios in Stratford on Friday evening.

Dec Spelman has a 16-3 record and two of those losses have come against English Light Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters. The other defeat came to Scott Westgarth who tragically later passed away and it is that event which inspires Spelman to try and be the very best he can be.

I have no doubt that Spelman will come forward and try and close the gap to the bigger man, but I also have to be wary of the fact that the Boxer has been Knocked Down a couple of times. Now he is facing a pretty big hitter in Lyndon Arthur who has stopped twelve of his sixteen beaten opponents and even managed to put down tough Emmanuel Anim when winning the Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Title.

He won't need to go looking for Spelman in this Title fight and I think that will play into Lyndon Arthur's hands, which look to be heavier than his opponent's. Over Twelve Rounds I would expect Arthur to begin to punish Dec Spelman and it may result in either the referee or the corner looking to pull out their man.

The Mancunian has suggested that he could finish this early, but I do give Dec Spelman's toughness some credit and will just look for Arthur to find a finish at some point over the thirty-six minutes they are in the ring with each other.

Jordan Gill vs Reece Bellotti

Both fighters are under 30 years old, but this is very much a crossroads night for both Jordan Gill and Reece Bellotti who both looked destined for big things before running into upset losses.

Twenty-three straight wins for Jordan Gill had him headlining events, but he was stunned in being stopped by Enrique Tinoco and in the last fifteen months he has had just six more Rounds since then.

Also, Jordan Gill has dealt with some health issues which even put his Boxing career in jeopardy and you do have to put this together and begin to wonder how much he has left to give. There is no doubting the skill levels of Gill and he is the superior Boxer in this fight, but you do have to wonder how much his body can take if Reece Bellotti can fire up some of the big punches he is known for.

A misdiagnosis hindered Jordan Gill's ability to move past his Thyroid Disease, but he has made it clear that he is better now and ready to refocus on his Boxing career which stalled in that loss last year.

Jordan Gill will be looking to contain the press that Reece Bellotti is going to try and put on him and he should be able to get the better of the pure Boxing exchanges. However, Bellotti has been known to work hard and hit harder even though he has been beaten in three of his last five fights.

They have a common opponent in Ryan Doyle who stopped Reece Bellotti in an upset before being stopped by Jordan Gill in his next fight. I don't think that is going to be something that bothers Bellotti who has also suffered a couple of Split Decision defeats since then and the loss to Doyle can be put down to a lack of focus on the part of the Watford man.

Reece Bellotti knows it is looking like a 'win or bust' night for him on Saturday and I think that inspires him to close the gap whenever he can and unload on Jordan Gill. A counter could be his downfall, but Bellotti will want to test out the Gill body and see whether he is capable of standing up to his level of puncher having stopped twelve of the fourteen fighters he has beaten in the pro ranks.

On the cards I think it will be very difficult for Bellotti to win this fight, but I do think he is good enough to force the fight and make Jordan Gill work at a pace he may not like. That pressure and aggression could see Bellotti sneak a couple of early Rounds and I think he will be the fighter who comes on strong the longer this goes on.

It is a Ten Rounder which lessens the enthusiasm to back Reece Bellotti, but I do think this is a closer fight than the oddsmakers do. If Jordan Gill is still having a few health issues and is perhaps a little soft in the body, Reece Bellotti hits hard enough to ask a lot of questions and I think he is worth a small interest to earn the big upset.

The reality is that Jordan Gill prior to the loss to Tinoco would have been a similar price to the one we are seeing for this one in my opinion- only now we know Gill might not be the most confident in being able to absorb punishment in the body and he has largely been inactive over the last fifteen months.

Reece Bellotti has not exactly been fighting every week, but he has had fourteen Rounds in the bank since Jordan Gill's defeat in May 2019 and that is eight more Rounds than his opponent. As long as Reece Bellotti isn't reckless, I think he can make this very competitive and force the pace against a superior Boxer, one that Jordan Gill may not enjoy.

Dalton Smith vs Nathan Bennett

A strong amateur career was not signed off with an appearance at the 2020 Olympics and with the way things have gone in the world it might have been the best decision Dalton Smith has made.

He enters his sixth professional fight this weekend and is a big favourite to see off 9-1 Nathan Bennett, although the latter is speaking confidently about taking an opportunity to change his life.

An upset win for Bennett will do that as he will likely get plenty more work with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom promotion, but this will be the first time the Liverpudlian has taken on an opponent with a winning record. Only two stoppages in nine wins suggests Nathan Bennett doesn't really hit hard enough to earn the respect of Sheffield's most successful amateur Boxer who has stopped his last four opponents since turning professional.

Dalton Smith has revealed he had a lot of hand injuries during his time in the amateurs, but he feels those are now behind him and he has yet to be taken beyond the Fourth Round. This is the next step on his progression as a Boxer as he moves into his first fight scheduled for more than Six Rounds, but I do think Smith can get on top early and have another relatively early night.

There are levels in Boxing and I expect Smith to clearly show he is levels above Nathan Bennett. I expect the latter to give it a go, but I think he will quickly learn that his opponent has the heavier hands and I do think Dalton Smith gets this over with in the first half of the scheduled Eight Rounds.

Fabio Wardley vs Simon Vallily

With very little experience, Fabio Wardley decided to move into the professional Heavyweight ranks of Boxing and so far it is so good for Dillian Whyte's protege. We are going to learn a lot more about Wardley on Saturday evening as he gets set to take on Simon Vallily who looks to be the toughest opponent of his relatively young career so far.

Size is very much on the side of Fabio Wardley, but he has also displayed plenty of athleticism in his career so far. However, Simon Vallily will be the first to tell you that Wardley has not fought anyone of note yet and he wants to bring the fight to the 25 year old and see exactly what he is made of.

Simon Vallily moved up to Heavyweight having lost the last fight at Cruiserweight to Craig Glover. Since then he has four fights at this weight, won three by stoppage and also beat common opponent with Wardley in Phil Williams. Simon Vallily needed the cards to earn the win over Williams but Fabio Wardley stopped him in Three Rounds, although that rarely means a lot in Boxing.

What it should underline is that Wardley is the bigger puncher in this contest and a lot is going to depend on how much Vallily can take from him. All of the indications from the underdog is that he is looking to test Fabio Wardley and will go looking for him and I am not sure that is the right approach at a weight where Wardley is the more natural.

In his two stoppages at Cruiserweight, Simon Vallily was knocked down early in both although one of those defeats came against the quality of Mairis Breidis. You do have to question how much he can take from someone like Fabio Wardley who clearly does hit very hard and I think this could be a rough, early night for the veteran fighter.

I expect Simon Vallily to show heart and guts, but Wardley will be expected to have too much for him. He sets up his shots well and I think once he has Vallily hurt he will get the job done, although Fabio Wardley still has plenty of learning to do before he is ready to take the next steps in his career.

The anger displayed from Simon Vallily in the last presser may work into Fabio Wardley's hands who may not have to look too far to find his target in this bout.

James Tennyson vs Gavin Gwynne

There are some good looking fights on the opening card that Matchroom have put together in Eddie Hearn's back garden and this looks like being another.

James Tennyson has very little give in him and he takes on a tough Welshman in Gavin Gwynne who has a single loss on his record against Joe Cordina last year.

His Northern Irish opponent has been beaten three times and all by stoppage, but Tennyson has looked stronger at Lightweight and has four wins behind him and all before the scheduled Rounds were completed. Three of the four fighters faced since his loss to Tevin Farmer have had winning records when they have entered the ring and the stoppage of Craig Evans in November 2019 was a very strong win for James Tennyson.

Neither has been in the ring in 2020 which means there are some doubts as to how they are feeling as they deal with ring rustiness, but I can't see anything but a physical, tough fight where the two Boxers will be trading some heavy leather for as long as it lasts.

Gavin Gwynne doesn't have the strongest of resumes, and he came up short when fighting for the British Lightweight Title last year. However there is no doubting that he won't take a backward step in this one and Gwynne may be the naturally bigger man having had some fights at the Light Welterweight Division since turning professional.

The experience edge may be with James Tennyson who has had more fights and fought for a World Title, but being the bigger man has to be a factor for Gavin Gwynne. He may try and outbox Tennyson using his length, but much is going to depend on how he handles the power that the Northern Irishman has clearly brought up to the Lightweight Division.

It really does feel like both men may end up meeting in the middle of the ring and letting their hands go and Gavin Gwynne will be well aware that as hard as James Tennyson hits, he has been stopped in all three of his previous defeats. Those have come at the hands of smaller men than Gwynne, although two stoppages in twelve wins for the underdog is not exactly screaming out 'Knock Out' in this one.

He is a tough fighter though and I think this is going to be a bout in which James Tennyson is going to have to wear down Gavin Gwynne. The latter may try and use his size to keep clear of the heavy artillery that is going to be thrown his way, but I think eventually we will see Tennyson catch up to him and that should lead to a stoppage win for the favourite.

Stopping Gavin Gwynne will really lay down a marker for the future for James Tennyson and I think the fighter from Belfast will eventually be able to do that.

Sam Eggington vs Ted Cheeseman

It doesn't feel that long ago that Ted Cheeseman was headlining events and looking like a Boxer that was going to be pushed along for World honours.

Things have not really gone as expected for Cheeseman since 2019 and he has not won any of his last three fights, losing two and earning a draw in the other. Out of the ring issues have not helped Ted Cheeseman either, but the 24 year old will be frustrated that the last Decision went against him when facing Scott Fitzgerald.

Some will think it is harsh to suggest it is a crossroads fight for both Boxers, but you have to believe that is the case. Ted Cheeseman can't afford to drop another defeat to a British level opponent, while in the other corner Sam Eggington has already been fortunate enough to remain on track for a World Title bid despite having six defeats already.

Every time it has felt like Sam Eggington has hit a wall in his career he has bounced back with some big performances and I do think the fan friendly style is giving him more opportunities than others may have not been afforded.

This should be another one, although you can see a situation where Ted Cheeseman looks to showcase his superior Boxing skills and pick off the rushing Sam Eggington. That was the tactic employed in the close defeat to Scott Fitzgerald, although Cheeseman is looking to impose himself and bully his opponent a little more in this one.

For the early Rounds I do think Cheeseman will look to frustrate Eggington before he begins to break down what have been vulnerable defences showed by the latter. Ted Cheeseman is indicating he is in a much better space mentally now and I do think he will want to avoid another Decision he doesn't agree with having felt he did enough to beat Fitzgerald and Kieron Conway.

I have no doubt that the Sam Eggington tactic will be to get forward and try and land as much as possible to allow his power to make the difference. Ultimately he has been found out when he has stepped up and I do think Ted Cheeseman has better all around skills which will allow him to dictate the direction in which this fight goes.

A points Decision would not surprise me in favour of Ted Cheeseman, but I do think he will push for the stoppage once he gets through the early storm. Sitting down on a few shots against Sam Eggington who likes to defend using his head rather than his hands could prove to be telling by the latter Rounds and I do think Cheeseman will look to settle the fight without the need for the judges.

The last two defeats suffered by Sam Eggington have come in stoppages and I do think Ted Cheeseman might have enough volume to secure another one late on in this bout.

MY PICKS: Lyndon Arthur to Win by KO/TKO/Disqualification @ 1.80 Bet365 (2 Units)

Reece Bellotti @ 4.50 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Dalton Smith to Win Between 1-4 @ 2.75 Paddy Power (1 Unit)

Fabio Wardley to Win Between 1-5 @ 1.66 Sky Bet (2 Units)
James Tennyson to Win by KO/TKO/Disqualification @ 2.37 Paddy Power (2 Units)
Ted Cheeseman to Win Between 7-12 @ 4.00 Sky Bet (1 Unit)