Former WBC Cruiserweight Champion, Tony Bellew, has made his prediction ahead of Josh Taylor’s upcoming title defence against Teofimo Lopez this weekend.
Josh Taylor has gone from the undisputed king at super-lightweight to one of four current champions without losing a fight, having vacated three world titles in the last twelve months.
However, he will be keen to ensure that he maintains his champion status with a victory over former unified lightweight champion, Lopez, in what will be his sixth consecutive title bout.
There has been plenty of controversy in the build-up to the contest, after Teofimo Lopez claimed to want to kill Taylor in the ring. As a result, Top Rank have forked out an additional five thousand dollars on securing for fight week to ensure that the event goes ahead and to avoid too much drama at the press conference and the weigh-in.
Despite that, Bellew believes that the winner will get there with a composed game plan. He made his prediction on DAZN.
“Two excellent fighters and it’s going to come down to who wants it the most on the night,”
“We’ve seen what both of these fighters are capable of when at their best and if we get the best version of both men then this fight could be something special.
“Josh is the naturally bigger man and I think he’d be wise to use his size. Make it his fight early and then stay on top. If he can do that then he’ll outwork Lopez and take this fight on the cards.”
After controversial victories in their last outings, the clash has developed a ‘must-win’ feel for both men.
The 140lbs pair will settle their differences this Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, in an event that can be watched live on Sky Sports for UK viewers and ESPN in the States.