Brook and Joshua should secure victories with little fuss, while Mitchell and Selby can complete the Brit rout
Kell Brook Vs Frankie Gavin – IBF Welterweight Title
The headline act on Saturday night sees IBF Welterweight Champion Kell Brook face Frankie Gavin in a battle of the Brits.
It’s a major leap up in class for Brummie Gavin who failed to overcome Leonard Bundu for the European title back in August.
Unsurprisingly, ‘The Special One’ Kell Brook goes into the fight a 1/11 favourite to retain his coveted title. The 29 year old is brimming with confidence after KO’ing Jo Jo Dan in-front of his home fans in Sheffield and I think we could have a similar outcome this weekend with Kell Brook 1/2 to finish Gavin inside the 12.
World Amateur Champion Frankie Gavin won’t make it easy however. A fighter who prides himself on being extremely hard to hit in his awkward Southpaw stance, expect the fight to make it into the later rounds. Brook is 9/2 to stop Gavin between rounds 10-12.
Kell Brook v Frankie Gavin betting
Anthony Joshua Vs Kevin Johnson – WBC International Heavyweight Title
This Heavyweight contest seems to be a classic duel of Hero vs Villain. Olympic Gold Medallist Anthony Joshua has already won the hearts of the adoring British Public and has been quite sensationally brutal in doing so.
Boasting a 100% KO ratio, the 25 year old has destroyed all of his opponents within 3 rounds. ‘Kingpin’ Kevin Johnson is adamant however that not only will he last the 12 rounds with Joshua, but he’ll KO him.
Johnson is undoubtedly a step up for Joshua, a man who’s heard the final bell against the likes of Klitsckho, Fury and Chisora. He’s certainly durable, but doesn’t have the credentials to pose any serious threat to the Olympian.
The American may well give Joshua more rounds than he’s used to. It’s likely ‘Kingpin’ will soak up an early barrage from the Englishman but unfold around Round 6.
Joshua is 2/1 to stop Johnson between rounds 4-6 and if you’re feeling lucky, 9/1 to win in the 6th.
Anthony Joshua v Kevin Johnson
Kevin Mitchell vs Jorge Linares – WBC World Lightweight Title
Proud Eastender Kevin Mitchell will be hoping to make it second time lucky in front of his home crowd on the 30th. Mitchell faced Ricky Burns for the Lightweight title in 2012 but was stopped emphatically in the 4th round.
Therefore, ‘The Hammer’ comes into this fight even more determined to pick up his first world title. Mitchell is slight underdog at Evens, whereas Venezuelan opponent Jorge Linares is 4/5 to retain his title.
It’s an extremely close fight to call. Both fighters have looked sensational as of late. Mitchell has KO’d his last 5 opponents and Linares 5 of his last 6. For that reason, it’s difficult to see this one going the distance and the fight is 3/4 to end before the final bell.
Londoner Mitchell will also take encouragement by looking at the 3 losses on Linares record which all came by KO. The South American’s ability to take a punch has certainly been questioned and Mitchell will exploit that on Saturday.
The 30 year old has shown a real desire to stop his opponents recently and Mitchell is 5/2 to make it 6 consecutive KO’s against Linares.
Kevin Mitchell v Jorge Linares betting
Lee Selby Vs Evgeny Gradovich – IBF World Featherweight Title
Britain’s next hope comes in the form of ‘The Welsh Mayweather’ Lee Selby. The 28 year old has look superb in his pro career to date and has taken the Featherweight division by storm.
The IBF title currently belongs to Russian Evgeny Gradovich who’s defended it 5 times since winning in 2013.
However, the 28 year old is coming off a disappointing draw against Jayson Velez which is perhaps why Selby is the favourite for this one at 4/11.
The Welshman despatched of 27-0 Joel Brunker in October in very impressive fashion, getting the stoppage in the 9th round. It was a massive statement that showed the world he was ready for a shot at a world title.
Styles make fights and this match-up seems to favour Selby. Gradovich is a non-stop pressure fighter who can be careless in attack. Therefore the Brit should be able to sit back and pick off the Russian.
Neither fighter holds a great deal of power which is why the fight is 7/20 to go the distance and I certainly favour Selby to win on points at 3/4.
