*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at the time of publication but subject to change
In the last 30 years there have only been six unification fights for all four belts – and Josh Taylor vs Jose Ramirez is the seventh! The two best super lightweights in the world will go blow-for-blow on Saturday night in Las Vegas but you don’t have to go to Sin City for some ace tips for the big event.
TV: FITE TV
Start time: From 4am (Sunday morning)
Best Bet: Josh Taylor Win by Points or Decision
Both men will stride to the ring this weekend with one belt over each shoulder and a pristine unbeaten record behind them, but only one will emerge as the undisputed king of the 140-pound division … unless it’s a draw. Paddy makes Scotland’s Taylor a decent favourite and I can see why.
‘The Tornado’ has blown away a line-up of top contenders in the super lightweight class, including the American most people picked to be the best of the lot a couple of years ago – Regis Prograis. It wasn’t an easy night’s work for Taylor but he did enough to earn victory over the exceptionally talented Prograis.
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Taylor also clearly outpointed elite-level measuring stick Viktor Postol, whereas Ramirez could only eke out a mixed decision against the classy Ukrainian. Common opponents aren’t always the best indicator because styles make fights, but there’s no doubt Taylor will be able to take things from Postol’s performance and put them into his own game plan.
The down-to-earth Mexican-American from the farming communities in central California is basically on home turf for this bout but that won’t phase Taylor who competed on Carl Frampton’s US undercards when he was coming through.
Both men are champions of vast quality but the Scot has just a few more dimensions, and I expect him to be able to adapt quicker during the fight. Both blokes are tough, and I think the most likely result is that Taylor takes all the titles with a close decision win.
Long Shot: Josh Taylor to win in Rounds 7-12
If you’re looking for longer odds, Paddy has a price boost that is worth a serious gander. The sensational Scot is only 18 fights into his professional career and he’s raising his game at every outing – I wouldn’t be surprised if the 30-year-old is bigger, smarter and even more vicious than we’ve seen in any of his previous appearances.
After 26 paid contests Ramirez is a fully-formed pro and we know what we are going to get. The American has never stopped an opponent after round six and he seems to fade a bit after fast starts.
Another factor in favour of the away champion is his southpaw stance. Ramirez has only faced one lefty in his last five bouts and that ended in a razor thin points win against the rugged Jose Zepeda – a solid 140-pounder who finds himself on the undercard in Las Vegas this Saturday.
Ramirez likes to come forward and pressurise but he can also be hit a bit too easily. Taylor has all the skills to land accurately and regularly, and wouldn’t be surprised if the ‘Tartan Tornado’ can force a late stoppage in rounds 7-12 in a unification fight for the ages.
Tips for Taylor v Ramirez
Best Bet: Josh Taylor Win by Points or Decision
Long Shot: Josh Taylor to win in Rounds 7-12
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at the time of publication but subject to change
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