It’s Mexican Independence weekend in Las Vegas, traditionally a big weekend for Mexican boxing. However it’s a Gypsy King who is the main show in town, as Tyson Fury, self-proclaimed “honourary Mexican” for the weekend, looks to continue his journey towards a rematch with Deontay Wilder in February 2020.
Tyson Fury v Otto Wallin
The cautionary tale of Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jnr will be front and centre in Fury’s mind, and he’ll be sure to avoid any complacency in this fight. Fury looks in great shape and enters the ring only three months after a resounding second round win in his debut fight in the USA against Tom Schwarz in June.
Although unbeaten, Otto Wallin hasn’t fought anyone of note in his 21 fight career, and unlike Ruiz with Joshua, Wallin doesn’t possess any attributes that will cause Fury difficulty.
I expect Fury to dominate Wallin as he did Schwartz, although with this likely to be his last fight before Wilder, the Gypsy King may look to both put on a show and get some extra rounds under his belt. I can’t see Wallin being able to live with Fury’s combinations and hand speed for too long however, and expect a stoppage to come in the middle rounds of the fight.
- Fury to win in rounds 4 – 6 – 7/2 with William Hill
- Fury to win in round 5 – 10/1 with William Hill
Emanual Navarrete v Juan Miguel Elorde
On the undercard Emanual Navarrete will defend his WBO Super Bantamweight title against Juan Miguel Elorde.
Navarette announced himself with back to back wins Isaac Dogboe, to win then retain the strap in 2018 and earlier this year. A routine win against Francesco De Vaca has followed, so it’s safe to say Navarrete is in the form of his career.
Elorde has the exact same 28-1 record as Navarrete, but that record lacks the same calibre of opponent, whilst Elorde himself lacks the power of Navarrete, who boasts a much stronger knock out record. It’s hard to see Elorde avoid being
added to Navarette’s stats on that front, although the Filipino should have sufficient ringcraft and boxing skills to give a good account of himself here.
- Navarette to win in rounds 5 – 8 – 15/8 – Skybet
- Navarette to win in round 7 – 12/1 – Skybet
Jose Pedraza v Vasyl Lomachenko
Jose Pedraza continues to chart his quest for a third world title, having surrendered his lightweight title to the imperious Vasyl Lomachenko in December 2018.
His only other defeat came against Gervonta Davis in early 2017, so he has only ever lost to truly world class opponents. He is stepping up to debut at Super Lightweight and he won’t have an easy first fight at this weight against the hard hitting and highly physical Jose Zepeda, who came within a whisker of taking the WBC Super Lightweight crown from Maurice Hooker in the summer.
Much will depend on how this fight develops, Pedraza will favour a technical bout, where he can take advantage of his superior skills.
Zepeda will favour a brawl and will fancy his chances if he can draw Pedraza into a slogging match. I fancy Pedraza’s past experience and ringcraft to see him through here as he announces himself in a new division.
- Pedraza to win – evens – Bet 365
For those who fancy an acca, the treble of Fury in 4-6, Navarette in 5-8 and Pedraza to win pays 18.5/1 with Ladbrokes and Coral.
Good luck fight fans!
