So, last week was a bit of a disaster. Thankfully, there are more fights to choose from this weekend, which, with a little luck, should hopefully bring some success.
The Longshot
Despite three significant cards taking place today, it was tricky to identify a big priced selection. Eventually, I believe I found some value in the fight between Pat McCormack and Dimitri Trenel.
McCormack had a highly distinguished amateur career which saw him medal at every major tournament in the unpaid ranks, culminating with a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The Sunderland man made an impressive start to his professional career back in March, as he stopped Justin Menzie in the opening round.
Given McCormack’s extensive amateur pedigree, he will likely be progressed quickly. Menzie held a 5-5-1 record ahead of their bout and was a former Southern Area title challenger. Trenel represents another slight step up in class, having only lost one of nine fights; which came at the hands of, McCormack’s for GB team mate, Cyrus Pattinson.
The Frenchman made it in to the third round against Pattinson, but was unable to handle the body shots thrown by his opponent.
McCormack targets the midsection effectively and appears to carry more power than Pattinson. I suspect McCormack could get rid of Trenel inside the opening three minutes, if he felt inclined to. However, the two-time Olympian and his trainer, Ben Davison, have both spoken of the importance of McCormack getting rounds under his belt. It makes sense, if the 27-year-old is going to fast-tracked, he will need to gain experience as a pro, but I don’t think Trenel will be able to survive for long against the talented prospect.
I suspect McCormack will take his time in the opening round, before stopping Trenel in the second. McCormack to win in the round two is priced at 3/1.
The Double
Josh Kelly has his second fight up at 154lbs tonight, as he takes on Lucas Brian Ariel Bastida. The Argentinian is a decent operator and will have significant height and reach advantages. However, there is a level at which Kelly looks very impressive at and I believe Bastida falls into that category. Things got a little heated at yesterday’s weigh-in as both men had to be separated. The 2016 Olympian will be looking to make a statement here and I believe he can force the stoppage. If Kelly backs his rival on to the ropes and lets his hands go, the referee will likely be quick to step in – as has happened in the past. Kelly to win by knockout is available at 27/20 with Betfred.
On the undercard of the European and Commonwealth cruiserweight title fight between Chris Billam-Smith and Isaac Chamberlain, Olympic silver medallist Ben Whittaker makes his professional debut. Olympians are often matched with opponents they can despatch of early in their first pro fight, and this is no different. Whittaker takes on Greg O’Neil, who has been stopped four times in six defeats; with two of those coming in the opening round. I believe O’Neil will suffer that fate a third time tonight. Whittaker to win in the opening round is priced at 11/5.
The double is available at odds of over 6/1.
The Treble
On the same card as Whittaker’s debut, Hassan Azim takes on Jacob Quinn. There is a currently a lot of hype surrounding Azim’s brother, Adam, but Hassan appears to be a good prospect, too. Quinn is a solid professional and it will be interesting to see how Azim fares against a Southpaw. Quinn was previously stopped in the fourth round against Pierce O’Leary. The Irishman is a massive puncher and I would be surprised if Azim was able to get rid of Quinn sooner. The pick here is Azim to win in rounds 4-6 at 11/8.
If you like all three of this week’s selections, the treble is priced at over 16/1.