Haye v Bellew Undercard Preview and Tips
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Sam Eggington v Paulie Malignaggi
When he first started boxing, Sam Eggington had ambitions of being a journeyman. All he wanted was to fight, and most likely lose, week in and week out to earn a steady income of money. Instead, he had an unexpected rise through the ranks which saw him claim the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles.
He lost those titles to Bradley Skeete last year, however he bounced back with a dramatic stoppage win over Frankie Gavin. Now, he has a chance to make waves beyond the UK shores when he meets former two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi.
The Italian American is way past his best – back to back stoppage losses to Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia attest to this – but his slick and awkward style could make things difficult for the marauding Brummie.
Eggington’s rise began in 2014 when he upset Denton Vassell. He then ruined the unbeaten records of Shayne Singleton and Glenn Foot, and defeated Dale Evans before running into Skeete.
Malignaggi’s last real test was Garcia back in 2015, though in his last two fights he outpointed Antonio Moscatiello and Gabriel Bracero and looked good doing it.
Eggington has been sparring Gavin – whose style is very similar to Malignaggi’s – in preparation for this one. The Brit has virtually everything, bar perhaps experience and speed, in his favour. He is bigger, stronger, taller and younger than Malignaggi. He might struggle at first, but expect Eggington to walk Malignaggi down and make it his sort of fight, winning a decision.
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Ohara Davies v Derry Mathews
In keeping with the North vs South theme of the show, Hackney’s Davies will face his toughest test to date when he meets seasoned Liverpudlian Mathews over 12 rounds at super-lightweight.
Similarly to the main event, there’s been a fair bit of back and forth between these two – though most of the mud-slinging has come from young Davies. The unbeaten 25-year-old is no stranger to belittling opponents and while he does have his fans, he’s also turned a lot of people off with some of his comments and actions.
Mathews is a straight-shooter and has been around the game long enough to slip Davies’ verbal jabs with minimal fuss – but it hasn’t gone unnoticed, and the 33-year-old wants to teach Ohara a lesson.
However, Mathews has never had a competitive fight at 140lbs. At lightweight, he has fought for world titles and been in some memorable nights, upsetting the odds on numerous occasions. On the flip side, not having to boil down to 135lbs may enhance his performance.
Davies has flirted with the lightweight class, but has wisely committed to super-lightweight and in his last outing earned a decent points win over Andrea Scarpa. His freakishly long arms means he can stay out of range and pepper opponents with his jab, but he has a tendency to lunge in at times.
As mentioned, Mathews has produced some phenomenal come-from-behind wins in the past so Davies will need to stay composed, but he should have enough to win on the cards.
Lee Selby v Andoni Gago
IBF featherweight champion Lee Selby was left bitterly disappointed last month when his mandatory defence against Johnny Barros in Las Vegas was scrapped at the last minute when the challenger failed his medical. When Haye, who co-promotes this show, heard the news he began working toward having Selby box on this show in order to keep him active and ensure his camp didn’t go to waste.
The IBF granted him permission to box in a non-title fight, above the featherweight limit, while they make a decision about his mandatory obligations. So, he will fight Spain’s Andoni Gago over 10 rounds.
Gago, who turned to boxing late in life, will find himself in over his head against the gifted Welshman. Selby is a spiteful, smart and elusive operator and the few extra pounds he is allowed in this fight will likely do him a world of good. Gago, meanwhile, has only ever fought out of his home country once – he lost to Viorel Simion in Romania last year – and has never boxed anyone remotely near Selby’s level.
The main aim here is for Selby to get some rounds in, having not fought in a year, and to keep himself on the same timeline as the other leading featherweights such as Carl Frampton, Leo Santa Cruz and Gary Russell Jnr.
His last two wins weren’t too impressive, so he will want to put on a show and should stop Gago around the fifth stanza.
Thurman v Garcia Preview
Boxing News and two division world champion Ricky Hatton step into the ring with this comprehensive preview to the Thurman Garcia clash.
Best of the rest
Women’s boxing trailblazer Katie Taylor finds herself on another big show, though at the time of writing does not have an opponent selected yet. Either way, it’s encouraging to see her yet again in the limelight and she’ll likely be given a high spot on the Sky Sports Box Office broadcast.
Representing Ireland, Taylor amassed and incredible amateur record, becoming her countries most decorated amateur boxer. She was a huge part of getting women’s boxing included in the Olympic Games and she hopes to make similar impacts in the paid ranks. The problem is that there is a lack of depth of talent in women’s boxing, and Taylor is not surrounded by the sort of rivals who can elevate her status to top levels.
However, she is aggressive, extremely talented and is a magnetic character. Her journey will be a fascinating one.
Other prospects without opponents on this bill are super-welterweight Ted Cheeseman and cruiserweight Craig Glover. Cheeseman, a very good amateur, stopped Lloyd Ellett inside two rounds in November, passing his biggest test to date with flying colours. Liverpool’s Glover turned over last year and also looks to have the goods.
Haye v Bellew Preview
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About George Gigney
George Gigney is the reporter of Boxing News, the oldest boxing publication in the world. Established in 1909, Boxing News’ reputation as the market authority comes from over 100 years of experience in the hardest game.
