It’s a stacked weekend of boxing action from both sides of the pond, as we welcome the return of one of the sport’s greatest sons. Manny Pacquiao enters his 70th professional bout in attempt to take the ‘0’ of Keith Thurman, and Dillian Whyte looks to take a huge step forward towards a shot for the WBC world heavyweight title.
Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman
Thurman’s inactivity could really bite him against a fighter like Pacquiao. Fast hands (still), fast combinations (still) and a tricky southpaw attack will be hard for Keith to negate in the early stanzas – the longer the fight goes on the more success I expect ‘Pac-Man’ to find in this fight. One KO win – against a shot Matthysse – since 2009 convinces me to believe Manny wins this on the cards, with Thurman proving his toughness in the championship rounds. Pacquiao’s defence can be open at times, but Thurman’s power seems to have faded over the past few years. Thurman’s size shouldn’t cause Pacquiao too many problems with a sustained body attack the recipe for success.
Manny Pacquiao to win by Decision or Technical Decision @ 6/4 (BetVictor)
Dillian Whyte vs Oscar Rivas
This is a calculated risk by Whyte. Rivas is being sold as an unbeaten killer to the UK pay-per-view customers, but the Colombian’s record as a pro struggles to stand up. A last-minute stoppage of Bryant Jennings protected his 0 in January, in a fight where the scorecards were fairly balanced going into the twelfth. At 6ft 0″ Rivas will struggle to cope with the strength and stature of Whyte. ‘Kaboom’ may prove elusive in the early rounds before a signature Whyte left hook comes his way. Whyte has shown he is comfortable boxing at distance as well as becoming embroiled in a war and we may see flashes of both against an opponent who was well-schooled in the amateurs. The biggest threat to Whyte will be the overhand right counter from the away fighter, but I can’t see the ‘Bodysnatcher’ slipping up so close to an elusive WBC title opportunity.
Dillian Whyte to win by KO, TKO or Disqualification @ 13/8 (BetVictor)
Dave Allen vs David Price
Allen is finally taking this sport seriously. Under the carefully considered eye of Darren Barker, Allen has got himself into his best shape following a career-high win over Lucas Browne earlier this year. The loser is left with very limited options in the heavyweight scene; who can deal with the occasion at the O2 may well prove the victor. Price will always be chinny, but can still cause problems with a huge right hand. If Allen boxes smart and to a gameplan, the ‘White Rhino’ could punish the long body of Price in the opening few rounds – the Liverpudlian has a history of gassing early. The judges won’t be needed in this one, with Allen handing big Pricey his sixth loss in the middle rounds.
Dave Allen to beat David Price @ 2/5 (BetVictor)
Dereck Chisora vs Artur Szpilka
As long as Chisora is up for the fight, he will perform to his max. We’ve seen Del-Boy cruise to boring wins and even slip up against unlikely opponents, however, the danger that the Polish southpaw brings to the O2 should ignite the fire inside the 35-year-old. There is huge pressure on Chisora to win this fight. He’s still trying to springboard from his ninth pro loss and surely can’t afford another set back if he’s looking for another big payday under the management of David Haye. Chisora has huge power but can be telegraphed at distance; whether the Pole has become gun-shy since his losses to Wilder and Kownacki will impact how many risks he’s willing to take. This will turn into a slugfest in the middle rounds, with Chisora landing the more telling shots.
Dereck Chisora to beat Artur Szpilka @ 4/9 (BetVictor)
