Eubank Jr vs Abraham this weekend not only has the IBO title on the line, but a place up for grabs in the World Boxing Super Series.
In his second venture onto ITV Box-Office, Chris Eubank Jr takes a step closer to a world title in the Super Middleweight division.
The goal is clear, a win over former two-weight champion Arthur Abraham and Eubank will be focused on leaving the World Boxing Super Series with the WBA Super Middleweight belt, currently held by George Groves.
But potential clashes with George Groves or Callum Smith in the tournament’s final is a long way away yet. And even a faded Abraham still possess the tools to give an improving fighter trouble.
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Defeat to Gilberto Ramirez looks to have seen the end of Abraham’s days at world level, but decisive wins over Tim Robin Lihaug and Robin Krasniqi showed the Armenian born fighter is still a danger.
Eubank Jr 24-1(19KO’s) looks better suited in the Super Middle weight class, while his terrific streak of knockout wins goes back to 2012. There is a split-decision defeat to WBO Middleweight ruler Billy Joe Saunders lodged in between, but his last 16 wins have all come by way of knockout.
Unless Abraham 46-5(30KO’s) cuts up early in the contest, that run is likely to come to a halt, as the 37-year old’s excellent shell-like guard and 51-fight experience keeps him out of danger across the 12-rounds.
Abraham’s style of soaking up his opponents work on the gloves before unloading in the final 30-60 seconds has worked wonders in Germany, but abroad it has failed to capture rounds on the judges’ cards.
At Wembley Stadium, Abraham will face the same problem, losing round after round with Eubank Jr the busier throughout the first 2 ½ minutes.
What makes it tougher for Arthur is his age.
The ability to turn the switch for the final third of each round is no longer as easy to find, leaving Eubank Jr to utterly dominate rounds from start to finish. Once Abraham loads up, Chris will see the replies coming and tag Abraham with the heavier leather.
By the fights conclusion, Abraham will look a shell of the Middleweight and Super Middleweight champion he once was, as Chris Eubank Jr pitches a shut-out ahead of the next chapter in his captivating career. Eubank Jr UD
Kid Galahad’s clash with Dennis Ceylan was set to highlight an enjoyable undercard, but the latter’s failed drug test has seen a change of opponent.
Jose Cayetano 21-5(10KO’s) has been the distance with Leo Santa Cruz, but Galahad 22-0(13KO’s) can match Scott Quigg with a knockout win. Galahad TKO 10
A win for Galahad could set up an anticipated clash with IBF Featherweight champion Lee Selby.
Selby 24-1(9KO’s) will want to make more of an impression in his latest title defence, but may not have the power to halt Argentina’s Jonathan Victor Barros 41-4-1(22KO’s). Selby UD
Unbeaten Robbie Davies Jr 15-0(11KO’s) can continue his rise through the WBA Super Lightweight rankings, becoming the second man to stop Michal Syrowatka 18-1(6KO’s). Davies Jr TKO 6
Martin J. Ward has the edge in experience over rival Anthony Cacace 15-0(7KO’s), but the unbeaten Belfast fighter could be the first man to defeat Ward.
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The British and vacant Commonwealth Super Featherweight titles are on the line, and after a good start, Ward 17-0-2(8KO’s) will be pegged back as Cacace comes into the contest.
The fight should be nip-and-tuck until the end, but the inconsistent Ward will grind it out when it matters to narrowly claim a new belt on points. Ward UD
On Sunday in the North East, Glenn Foot returns to defend his English Super Lightweight crown, having won the vacant belt less than two months ago.
Foot beat Philip Bowes that night and will look to score another victory against the untested Akeem Ennis Brown.
The clash between the two was first scheduled for late June, but has been pushed back to this weekend.
Foot 20-1(6KO’s) is certainly the more seasoned, and will need that in the latter rounds, where Brown could be expected to tire.
But footage online shows Brown 8-0(1KO) is a promising young fighter, coming in under the radar. And should his tank avoid hitting empty late on, he could cause a surprise in Sunderland.
With great reflexes and improving timing, Brown can frustrate Foot, although the champion will gain rounds on higher activity alone.
The pick is for Brown to dazzle early on, and eke out a close decision over 10 rounds that will be decided by what the judges like – most importantly between round 4-8. Brown SD
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