Fabio Wardley makes a maiden defence of his WBO heavyweight world title in an eagerly-anticipated showdown against British rival Daniel Dubois in Manchester on Saturday.
Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) battles Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) at the Co-op Live Arena, with the fight live on DAZN pay-per-view and DAZN Ultimate.
The Ipswich man was deservedly elevated from interim champion to full titlist shortly after dramatically stopping Joseph Parker in October.
The 31-year-old missed out on a showdown with Oleksandr Usyk, who opted to relinquish his WBO belt rather than face him.
Wardley has won three on the spin since his sole blemish, a split decision draw with Frazer Clarke which he avenged with a brutal first round knockout in their immediate rematch.
Dubois heads into the clash off the back of a knockout loss to Usyk at Wembley Stadium last July, with the Ukrainian shattering his hopes of becoming undisputed heavyweight champion.
The 28-year-old was elevated himself from IBF interim champion to full titlist and retained his belt with a career-best victory over Anthony Joshua, before losing to the masterful Ukrainian.
Prediction: This is a true 50-50 and extremely tough to call. Both men carry the power to end the fight at any moment. Despite his lack of experience, Wardley comes into the bout in the better form and I just favour him to secure a late stoppage, although I don’t say it with a great deal of confidence.
Morrell meets Chelli
Former world champion, David Morrell returns against Zak Chelli.
Morrell (12-1, 9 KOs) was set to face Callum Smith last month, but their scheduled clash was shelved after Smith withdrew through injury.
The Cuban bounced back from defeat to David Benavidez, climbing off the canvas to outpoint Imam Khataev last July.
Chelli (16-3-1, 8 KOs) won the vacant English light heavyweight title on his debut at 175 pounds last time out after moving up from super middleweight.
Prediction: Morrell’s pedigree and world level experience should see him secure a points victory.
Rafferty faces Essuman
Jack Rafferty meets Ekow Essuman in a crossroads welterweight showdown.
Rafferty (26-0-1, 17 KOs) was held to a draw with Mark Chamberlain in their British and Commonwealth super lightweight title battle last August, while Essuman (22-2, 8 KOs) was stopped by Jack Catterall in the 11th round in his last outing in November.
Prediction: Rafferty can squeeze out a decision win.
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Jalolov clashes with Smakici
Highly-rated heavyweight, Bakhodir Jalolov looks to edge closer to a world title shot when he faces Agron Smakici.
Double Olympic gold medalist, Jalolov (16-0, 14 KOs) has won 16 straight as a professional and holds top 10 rankings in three of the four governing bodies.
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Croatia’s Smakici (21-3, 19 KOs) has been stopped in all three of his defeats including to Agit Kabayel.
Prediction: Jalolov can secure a swift knockout.
Remaining Undercard
Bradley Rea (21-2, 10 KOs) should overcome Liam Cameron (24-7-1, 10 KOs) on points in their light heavyweight battle.
Khaleel Majid (16-0, 4 KOs) can remain unbeaten with a decision victory over Gavin Gwynne (18-4-2, 5 KOs) at super lightweight.
Cruiserweight Mike Perez (31-3-1, 22 KOs) looks to close in on a maiden world title shot and the 40-year-old Cuban can do so by halting the undefeated Franklin Arinze (10-0, 7 KOs).
Super middleweight prospect, Javokhir Ummataliev (1-0) should pick up a first stoppage win over Damian Drabik (5-2, 5 KOs).
Bobbi Flood (1-0, 1 KO) can make it two straight professional wins with a points success against Nathan Darby (3-37-3) and Isaiah Hamilton-Allen (1-0) should do the same against Connor Goulding (6-10), with both contests at super welterweight.
Nigerian super lightweight prospect, Fawaz Aborode can debut with a points win over Garth Noot (3-18-2, 1 KO).
