A closely matched championship fight is becoming a rarity in boxing, but that’s not the case for this Saturday’s bout for the vacant welterweight title between Tony Bellew - 26-2-1, 16 KOs - and Ilunga Makabu - 19-1, 18 KOs. On top of that, Makabu just so happens to be one of the most devastating punchers in the cruiserweight division. Let’s take a look at the card.
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WBC Cruiserweight Championship
Ilunga Makabu -156
Tony Bellew +131
Prediction: Ilunga Makabu TKO Bellew, Round 10
While Bellew will be fighting in his hometown of Liverpool, he’s a slight underdog. It’s a very winnable fight for the Brit, as he carries a noticeable size and reach advantage over Makabu. Obviously, he’ll need to stay on the outside and avoid fighting Makabu at close distance. And he has to do everything in his power to stay away from Makabu’s left uppercut.
Because that left uppercut is quickly becoming one of the most feared punches in the weight class -- it’s right up there with Adonis Stevenson’s. It’s a bit odd that it’s his only punch with that kind of power, but it saved his ass against Thabisu Mchunu last May in a come-from-behind victory in the 11th. That’s not to say that Makabu is one-dimensional -- he’s a skilled boxer that just happens to have a nuclear weapon.
Light Heavyweights
BBBofC British Light Heavyweight Title
Tony Dodson +375
Hosea Burton -550
Prediction: Hosea Burton UD Tony Dodson
At 35 years old, this might be Tony Dodson’s - 32-8-1, 15 KOs - last chance at claiming the British title. In fact, he pulled out of an undercard fight on the David Haye card for the opportunity to face undefeated Hosea Burton - 15-0, 6 KOs. As expected, Dodson is a big underdog going into the bout.
While Dodson is the more well-known pugilist, he represents a stepping stone for Burton, who has been facing subpar competition. Burton won the vacant British title against Miles Shinkwin back in February, then beat Michal Ludwiczak earlier this month in a tune-up bout. A win over Dodson would pave way for a high profile bout later this year.
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