This weekend in Liverpool will see WBO Inter-Continental middleweight champion Tommy Langford clash with English middleweight titlist Lewis Taylor for the vacant Commonwealth strap.
The all-English fight will see the top-10 ranked pair clash at approximately 7:30pm on BoxNation TV on Saturday 12th March at Liverpool Echo Arena.
The packed show features headlining fight between WBO World lightweight champion Terry Flanagan from Manchester and challenger Derry Mathews from Liverpool.
The event also features three former world champions – Zolani Tete, Guillermo Rigondeaux and Paul Butler – five title fights, former Olympians, plus 10 unbeaten fighters.
We asked our panel of experts what they thought of the decent domestic dust-up between top-10 ranked prospects – Langford and Taylor:
Miles Shinkwin Southern Area light-heavyweight champion
“I’ve recently had some great rounds sparring with Tommy and he’s very good. Great work rate and shot selection. Also he’s a very good man in Tom Chaney in his corner, who knows his boxing.
Haven’t seen a lot of Taylor but he’d have to be a good kid to even make this competitive. I’d back Tommy to win any time after the halfway stage.”
Peter Wells Boxing News & Views Contributor
“It’s another solid test for one of the brightest talents in British boxing right now.
Tommy has built himself up somewhat under the radar, but certainly that isn’t the case now. Taylor offers Langford arguably a 50-50 fight, but the feeling is that Langford will shine before triumphing on points.”
Ben Day Southern Area super-lightweight champion
“I’ll back Tommy due to his recent form.”
Dean Berks Boxing News & Views Contributor
“Both Langford and Taylor are not known as punchers so a distance fight looks on the cards. Both are well matched but I think Langford’s more educated jab is the key and should see him through on points.”
Dean Gillen British Challenge Contender
“Both fighters have the fitness but Langford compliments his work rate with deadly accuracy, which will be the winning factor in this fight.
Taylor is tough, so it’s Langford on points for me.”
George Hennon Unbeaten welterweight
“I’d love to give an insight but if I’m honest, I’ve not seen too much of Lewis Taylor.
I’ll be backing Langford, for sure. He’s looking great at the minute.”
Paul Hilz British Challenge Contender
“It will be a cracking fight with both men having bags of skill and always in tip-top shape for fight night, and I believe this will be a title fight not to be missed!
I think Langford will come out on top, myself, even though Taylor has the work rate to upset most. It makes for a cracking match-up!”
Niall Doran Founder of Boxing News & Views
“Good fight in a time where the domestic UK boxing scene is really buzzing at the moment.
I think Langford has the edge in this one and believe his boxing ability will prove the key difference on the night, where I feel he’ll win a convincing points victory, in the end.”
Frank Greaves Professional Boxing Trainer
“I favour Langford on points in his hardest fight so far.
Both are ‘pace’ type fighters but neither are noted as ‘big’ punchers. Taylor has had a decent start to his career and has beaten almost everyone put in front of him, the O’Kane loss being tight.
Both have fought similar types of fighters and I see this as being a step up for Langford class-wise.
Langford on points, tight, maybe even split.”
Andy Gatenby Former unbeaten professional boxer
“I’d say Tommy Langford in the mid to late rounds.
He’s earmarked to box Billy Joe Saunders down the line so is a good prospect. I would say another solid test for the much improved Langford, he’s come on leaps and bounds recently.
I see him forcing a stoppage mid to late rounds.”
Andreas Georgiou Boxing News & Views Contributor
“Langford vs. Taylor is a big clash in terms of the future of the division, with Langford stating he wants to close the gap between him and Billy Joe Saunders.
Taylor is tough but it seems as if it is Langford’s time to climb the pedestal with his growing reputation. He’s finally starting to find that consistent finishing inside the ring and I think his grinding pressure will be too much for Taylor in Liverpool.”
Mark Tibbs Professional Boxing Trainer
“Good, even fight this one but Langford a touch too diligent for Taylor, therefore I’m backing Langford with a late stoppage.”
Daniel Thompson Boxing News & Views Contributor
“I expect Tommy Langford to come out on top in this one. He’s the fighter on the rise and the one with more momentum and I think Lewis Taylor’s close loss to Eammon O’Kane says something about his level.
I predict a competitive, entertaining fight, but with Langford winning a clear decision. I wouldn’t rule out a stoppage but I suspect this goes the distance.”
Mark Massow Professional Boxing Trainer
“Quality domestic title fight with hot prospect Langford a worthy favourite.
A star amateur with the Hall Green club and stablemate of Frankie Gavin, Langford will be looking to put on a good display. Taylor won’t be there to make up the numbers though and I think he will make a good fight of it.
Langford on points but a mid to late rounds stoppage wouldn’t be a total surprise.”
Tim Rickson TR Sports @TimRickson
“Tommy Langford is red hot right now and I back him to continue his unbeaten run. I believe he’ll score the stoppage in the mid-rounds, say fifth or sixth.
He breaks opponents down and sets such a high pace from the outset, he’s incredibly hard to keep up with and his accuracy takes boxers apart.
Taylor is an exceptional fighter but Langford beats him in every department, for me.”
Anthony Wheeler Boxing News & Views Contributor
“The bookies have it for Langford and I can’t disagree. Tommy to win on points and move on to a possible showdown with Billie Joe Saunders.”
Stewart Lawrence Boxing News & Views Contributor
“Another major boxing event in my city this weekend, and another interesting fight for Tommy Langford.
He’s another fighter that’s been massively over looked (probably cause of the strength of UK and Ireland boxing), not a huge puncher, he makes up for in skills and entertainment.
Fighting for the commonwealth title on Saturday, I expect him to showcase his talents, and show why people should be watching him. He has the attributes of being in the echelons of world talent, and believe this year will catapult him into the mix.”
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