If you like a heated, spicy rivalry, then look no further than the rematch between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall this weekend.
After a controversial win for Taylor in 2022 these two have been destined to collide again, and it’s Leeds that will host what is now a finely balanced match-up.
Josh Taylor was a big, big favourite as the reigning undisputed super-lightweight world champion in February 2022, but 27 months later, Catterall arrives in Leeds as the 8/13 favoured man with the best betting sites, in what is now just a pure grudge match between domestic rivals.
There’s plenty on the undercard in Leeds as well, so let’s pick through some of the best boxing betting tips.
Jack Catterall to beat Josh Taylor by Decision/Technical Decision
Since his split decision win over Catterall in 2022, Taylor has fought just once, losing to Teofimo Lopez in New York.
He didn’t look great that night and didn’t deserve the initial win over Catterall, so the warning signs are pointing to the “Tartan Tornado” being well past his best.
Taylor has had a very successful but a bruising career; you could argue that the timing for him to find himself a hungry domestic foe isn’t the most sensible.
Jack Catterall has narrowed in on Taylor over the last two years and his dedication to chasing this fight speaks volumes.
Jack Catterall to score a knockdown vs Josh Taylor
Jack Catterall isn’t known for being a puncher, but with that extra bit of spite in his punches and Taylor knocking on the door of retirement, then it wouldn’t be a shock if the “Cat” was to score a knockdown in Leeds.
Taylor was dropped in their opening clash and if he is struggling to make weight then Catterall could well find himself as the significantly stronger man on fight night.
Catterall is a tricky southpaw that does everything very well, and if Taylor rolls the dice late in the fight then he’ll probably be able to tee off to some degree.
Chevon Clarke to beat Ellis Zorro by KO/TKO/DQ, over 6.5 rounds & Clarke to score 1 or more knockdown
After getting pole-axed by Jai Opetaia in December, Ellis Zorro is back looking to prove he isn’t a walkover in the cruiserweight division.
Picking Chevon Clarke might not be the 31-year-old’s best move, however.
Clarke has moved to 8-0 (6KO) in quick fashion since moving up from a successful amateur career and Ellis Zorro is next in his way as he attempts to claim the vacant British cruiserweight strap.
Zorro isn’t a bad fighter, but it’ll be interesting to see if his destruction at the hands of Opetaia has changed how he approaches his attacks in the ring and whether any fear has set in.
A Clarke win, via a knockdown is the tip, in the latter half of the contest.
Clarke to beat Zorro by KO/TKO/DQ, over 6.5 rounds & Clarke to score 1 or more knockdowns
Chevon Clarke vs Ellis Zorro
Paddy Donovan to beat Lewis Ritson by Decision/Technical Decision
Lewis Ritson’s career has plateaued since his rise in the lightweight division.
Since his run as British lightweight champion in 2017-18, “Sandman” has lost to Francesco Patera, Jeremias Ponce and Ohara Davies, and now finds himself as an “opponent” or “B-side” fighter against Paddy Donovan in Leeds.
Irish southpaw Paddy Donovan is making a lot of noise in the welterweight division and will be targetting Ritson to make another statement in a real glamour division of boxing.
Ritson may have been stopped in his last two losses, but it’s still got to be considered a step-up for Donovan on Saturday. 3/1 is too good of a price to back Ritson to hear the final bell in a fight that’s going to be very hard for him to win.
Top Boxing Betting Offers & Free Bets
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