Boxing Tips
Chris Eubank Jr Points or Decision
Liam Smith to be Knocked Down Rounds 1, 2 or 3
Frazer Clarke Points or Decision
Mark Heffron To Win in Round 7 – 12
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
10.30pm: Liam Smith V Chris Eubank JR
TV: Sky Box Office
The first fight between Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr in January wasn’t controversial or close but we’ve got the rematch because big names set the terms of the contract. But, despite the rematch not being called for, me and at least 21,000 fans attending the Manchester Arena on Saturday night can’t wait to see it.
The fight at the start of the year was even over the opening three rounds, with both men landing some decent shots, but in the fourth session Liam backed Chris into the corner and dropped Eubank with a cuffing combination – the Brighton man stumbled to his feet but Smith jumped on him and the ref stopped the bout.
‘Beefy’ Smith is a reliable, world-level pro who you know will bring his A-game game again, but questions and variables surround Eubank. There are no shenanigans and the trash talk has been scaled back, but Paddy isn’t buying into a more focused Eubank and he makes Smith a decent favourite.
Chris Eubank Jr Points or Decision
I’ll hold my hands up, my tip for the first fight was a late stoppage win for Eubank. The KO victory for Smith still doesn’t make much sense to me – Junior is famed for his granite chin, while Smith has never been considered a big puncher. I attribute the result to Eubank being weight-drained, and I think that weight cutting is the biggest factor in the contest this weekend.
In October last year Eubank made the 160-pounds limit for his fight with Conor Benn that had already been cancelled, which means that by the time he met Smith in January he’d already spent about six consecutive months cutting weight. That’s tough for anyone, but Eubank weighed 164-pounds for his debut in 2011.
I think Chris is better prepared than for the first fight and apparently he’s taken on the advice of a nutritionist for the first time in his career. Eubank has looked laboured since he dropped back down to middleweight in 2019, but I think his speed and crisp punching will be enough to edge a tight decision on Saturday.
Liam Smith to be Knocked Down in Rounds 1, 2 or 3
Eubank went from ignoring most of what his coaches were telling him to trying to implement the plan that boxing magician-turned-trainer Roy Jones Jr laid out, and he was caught between styles. Chris has moved camps again, but hopefully Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre – the trainer of Terence Crawford – can get the best out of him.
The big man has set out all sorts of special bets in his #WhatOddsPaddy section, and the one that has caught my eye is the massive price on an early knockdown of Smith. Eubank has lots of early wins on his record, and even in recent points wins against DeGale and Liam Williams he scored knockdowns in the first three rounds.
- NEW TO PADDY POWER? PLACE A £5 BET ON SPORTS GET £20 IN FREE BETS!
9pm: Frazer Clarke v David Allen
Everyone wants Olympic Bronze medalist Frazer Clarke to fight for titles, but he’s still only a year-and-a half and seven fights into his pro career. David Allen hasn’t had a serious fight for four years, but he’s been ticking over and he can test ‘Big Fraze’.
Allen is an underrated boxer but he’s famous for his toughness – only world class punchers have managed to stop him late in fights. Clarke looks a bit one-paced and lacking in finishing instinct and power, and while Dave might find he can wing some shots over the top I think Frazer will take the win on points.
8pm: Mark Heffron V Jack Cullen
I would be shocked if this super middleweight clash for the British and Commonwealth belts wasn’t a barnburner. Mark Heffron is a tidy boxer-puncher, while Jack Cullen is tall and long limbed but fights on the inside. They have very different styles but overall I think they are very well matched – I think Heffron’s power just makes the difference and should get him a late stoppage win.
Boxing Tips
Chris Eubank Jr Points or Decision
Liam Smith to be Knocked Down Rounds 1, 2 or 3
Frazer Clarke Points or Decision
Mark Heffron To Win in Round 7 – 12
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
READ MORE
- Punch in your knockout boxing betting tips at Paddy Power News
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO SAFER GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
