Joseph Parker v Hughie Fury
Hughie Fury can become emulate his cousin Tyson by winning the WBO heavyweight world title in Manchester on Saturday night.
Fury is unbeaten in 20 fights so far but has never really faced an elite opponent, and Parker is clearly a step up for him.
The New Zealander was one of the division’s most exciting fighters, although he has been less impressive in his last two fights.
Parker took a close decision against Mexican Andy Ruiz to win the belt last December, and in May he won on points against Razvan Cojanu – a fighter he should have walked through in a few rounds.
The 25-year-old is clearly a big puncher, with 18 KOs in 23 fights, but he’s never shown much footwork and doesn’t seem to have a plan B.
He struggled to bypass Cojanu’s jab, and Fury has a similarly awkward style with the ability to make the fight dirty on the inside.
He’s by no means the new Tyson, but Fury is the bigger man in this fight and has the advantage of fighting in his own city.
That should be enough to earn the 23-year-old the nod from the judges, and it’s worth backing him to take the belt on points at .
Jorge Linares v Luke Campbell
Saturday night is another chance for British fans to see Jorge Linares in action.
The 32-year-old is one of the best boxers in the world, and was an absolute joy to watch in his last two fights – both unanimous decision wins over Manchester’s Anthony Crolla.
Linares combines slick movement with incredible hand speed, and has won 11 successive fights since his last defeat in March 2012.
The three-weight world champion’s only real weakness is his suspect chin. He’s been knocked out on three occasions, all by Mexican power punchers.
Fortunately for the Venezuelan, Campbell isn’t the kind of fighter who’s going to seriously trouble him.
The 29-year-old has won five fights in a row since a shock defeat to Yvan Mendy two years ago, and was really impressive in stopping former world champion Darleys Perez to earn this title shot in April.
Linares is a level above Perez, though, as Crolla learned last September.
‘Coolhand’s’ strength is – unsurprisingly – his speed, and he’s outmatched in that area.
Campbell will box from the outside and look for openings, but Linares is too skilful to give him an opportunity and it should be a frustrating night for the Yorkshireman.
Back a win for the Venezuelan – priced at .
