American talent Gervonta Davis (17-0) will make the first defence of his IBF World super-featherweight title against Cromer’s Liam Walsh (21-0) at the Copper Box Arena in London on Saturday 20th May.
The 22-year-old southpaw from Baltimore is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the World, a certain Floyd Mayweather making all the noise for him.
Most boxing fans feel privileged to have such a talent, along with his legendary manager, fighting on our shores, which will actually see him showcase his talent overseas for the first time in his career.
Former champion Jose Pedraza took a voluntary defence of his IBF title against the rising star in January this year and was sensationally dethroned, propelling the ‘Money Team’ member into super-stardom overnight.
With 16 from 17 fights coming inside the distance, ‘The Tank’ carries immense power, something that Walsh will have to be aware of.
The 31-year-old earned his mandatory status to the IBF World Title with a classy display over Russian Andrey Klimov back in October last year.
It’s been a long overdue shot at for Walsh with injury keeping him out of previous World title shots. He’s a classy operator and has all the tools to be a World-beater.
In terms of skill, I place these two on an even level. The one thing that Davis has over Walsh is the awesome one-punch KO power.
Walsh’s defence doesn’t come into question, for me, I think Davis has the best chance of landing that blurring uppercut during holds and when in close.
I think Walsh can win on points in this battle of the southpaws if he can avoid getting hit cleanly, which is a hard ask for 12-rounds.
Chris Hobbs v Anthony Yarde
I like Chris Hobbs (6-1-1) and I hope that he fairs well in this maiden defence of his Southern Area light-heavyweight title against challenger Anthony Yarde (10-0).
I just believe that these fighters are on different levels to each other and one of these is destined to go on and achieve so much more in his career – Yarde.
The ‘Beast of Ilford’ has eaten up all opponents so far in his two-year-long career, nine out of 10 never heard the final bell.
Chris is tough and will be stubborn to the last but I think Yarde will get rid of him within three rounds.
Ryan Walsh v Martin McCullogh
Twin brother of the headliner Ryan Walsh (21-2-1) aims to win the Lord Lonsdale belt outright but he has to get past Belfast’s Marco McCullough (17-3) to do so.
I think the pair are quite evenly-matched but the desire to keep that beautiful belt and join the illustrious list of names that include Henry Cooper, Alan Minter, Lennox Lewis, and Carl Froch will be enough to give Walsh the edge on the night.
Two points losses to Dennis Ceylan and Lee Selby are nothing to be ashamed of and he has beaten some very good names to have won and kept the British belt so far.
Gary Russell Jr v Oscar Escandon
Former Eggington victim Frankie Gavin (23-3) will have a stern test against tough Frenchman Renald Garrido (18-14-1).
Terence Crawford v Felix Diaz
Former Eggington victim Frankie Gavin (23-3) will have a stern test against tough Frenchman Renald Garrido (18-14-1).
Hassan N’Dam v Ryan Murata
Former Eggington victim Frankie Gavin (23-3) will have a stern test against tough Frenchman Renald Garrido (18-14-1).