Last Saturday Chris Eubank Jr blasted his way into the World Boxing Super Series semis, joining the classy Callum Smith, but this week one Brit is definitely going out when George Groves takes on rival Jamie Cox in the third quarter-final.
John Ryder faces Patrick Nielsen on the undercard at Wembley Arena and there’s a slew of world title fights in the US that are worth at least a quick going-over.
It doesn’t have the animosity of Froch-Groves yet but the Londoner’s world title contest with Cox is set to get nasty.
George Groves v Jamie Cox – Bet Now
The verbals are more likely to come from Groves, but when the bell goes the flame-bearded champ is a focused fighter. The same can’t be said for Cox.
The thing to remember about Swindon’s super middle, above and beyond his medal-winning amateur career and stop-start but perfect pro record, is that when the bloke gets punched he absolutely loses his head.
In Cox’s two biggest fights he should have been disqualified for headbuts or low-blows, or both, at the same time. Instead he was docked a couple of points and won by a hair’s breadth both times. And these were opponents Groves would toy with.
My guess is that the southpaw challenger will attack with abandon from the start, although trying to anticipate what Cox will do in the ring is like trying to forecast the weather for Dublin. Knocking out Groves is Cox’s only chance and it’s not even appealing at 7/1.
The other thing worth mentioning is that the underdog only moved to super middleweight two years ago and before that he was a light middle, where the limit is a full 6.4 kg, 14 pounds or one stone lighter.
Groves is accurate, fast and the bigger man. He’ll be able to pick off Cox or impose himself at will. Groves in rounds 4-6 at 5/1 is serious bang for your buck and any bet on Groves by KO still comes good if Cox gets disqualified. But for incredible value stick Groves by KO in every acca you place this weekend.
Bet of the bout: Groves to win by KO – 8/11
John Ryder v Patrick Nielsen – Bet now
Groves and Cox will be a dirty fight, but Ryder vs Nielsen will be ugly. Since Wladimir Klitschko retired the new king of the clinch is Nielsen, and Ryder isn’t the tidiest boxer either.
If Paddy offered a special on hug-fest of the night, we would have an easy bet.
To be fair, both boxers are a good level and if someone pulls out of the WBSS it might be the winner of this bout who comes in as the replacement. The Londoner is the more skilful fighter, but the Dane has the reach and possibly the speed.
Neither is really much of a banger however, and the fight is destined to go the distance. In close, scrappy fights the draw is always a good bet, but I can see Nielsen frustrating Ryder and taking the victory by way of the judges.
Bet of the bout: Nielsen to win – Evens
US is ready to rumble
If you turn up to a boxing event Stateside this Saturday you almost can’t fail to see a title fight. The fights are on Sky for anyone on the other side of the pond and the tips are below for anyone interested in an all-American accumulator.
The best of the bunch sees Carl Frampton conqueror Leo Santa Cruz clash with former Frampton victim Chris Avalos. The champ shouldn’t have too much trouble keeping his belt against his exciting, but limited competition. Santa Cruz to win by KO at 1/12 is the punt in this one.
Next up is Jarrett Hurd’s defence of his recently claimed super welterweight strap against former champ Austin Trout. The first-time title holder thinks he’s caught a veteran past his prime, however Trout is a slippery foe. Back Trout to win at 9/4.
In the same division Jermell Charlo faces Erickson Lubin. Charlo and his twin brother Jermall are the real deal and Lubin’s unbeaten run is coming to an end. Charlo is too good, too big and too experienced and he’s great value at 8/11 to win.
Finally, we have Erislandy Lara against Terrell Gausha. When Lara is switched on he’s an elite fighter but Gausha has plenty of skill himself. Take the bet on Lara to win on points at 8/11.
Knockout some boxing punts at PaddyPower.com