Boxing Tips: Whyte can shade it at the O2 tonight

ANOTHER big night for British Heavyweight boxing at the O2, with Dillian Whyte, Dave Allen, David Price and Dereck Chisora all looking to impress.

Dillian Whyte v Oscar Rivas

Whyte has been #1 ranked by the WBC for almost 2 years and yet his title shot hasn’t materialised. After the seismic defeat suffered by Anthony Joshua last month, he will feel his opportunity may come soon.

To remain in contention he must keep winning. The dangerous Oscar Rivas has never had a better opportunity to advance his credentials for bigger fights in the division. For both men this is a critical fight.

With impressive knock out records and attacking mentalities, it should be a hugely entertaining bout.

Whyte will have a big height and reach advantage. I expect Rivas to have a fair degree of success utilising his jab and combinations, however Whyte has shown an ability to take some punishing blows in the past and remain on the front foot.

Whilst he has an impressive record, Rivas hasn’t fought anywhere near the calibre of fighter Whyte has taken on regularly in the recent past.

I don’t think Rivas has the power to knock Whyte out and I expect Whyte’s bulk, power, will to win and experience of big fights against quality opponents will see him land a late stoppage.

• Main stake – Whyte by KO/TKO/DQ – 7/4 with Betfred, 13/8 widely available also.
• Medium stakes – Whyte in rounds 9-12 – 7/1 – Ladbrokes, Coral
• Small stakes – Whyte in round 11 – 35/1 – Marathonbet
• Whyte in round 12 – 37/1 – Marathonbet
• Both fighters to be knocked down – 8/1 – Betway

David Allen v David Price

Dave Allen and David Price are two fighters on different career trajectories. Allen seemingly has found a new level of professionalism and desire in recent times, which has yielded some decent victories. Price on the other hand has seen a very promising start to his career disintegrate into a series of underwhelming and sometimes brutal defeats.

I cannot see this one going the distance, with both men having the power to get the other out of there.

Allen again looks well prepared and hungry for this one. I think he has the better conditioning, stronger mentality and momentum behind him and fancy him to get the job done in the middle rounds, after sussing out Price early.

The bookies see it the same way, and a single at odds of 1/2 for the KO doesn’t appeal.

• Medium stake – Allen by KO in rounds 5-8 – 11/4
• Small stake – Allen in round 6 – 12/1 – Bet Victor

Dereck Chisora v Artur Szpilka

There is life in Dereck Chisora yet, as a strong performance against Dillion Whyte and a great KO against Carlos Takam last year showed.

Since challenging for Heavyweight gold against Deontay Wilder in 2016, Szpilka has been knocked out by Adam Kownacki and laboured to two decision victories against average opposition.

Chisora will doubtlessly see this as an opportunity to keep himself relevant for bigger names in the future. I expect him to get the job done inside the distance, however given his propensity to come unstuck against average opponents previously, I’ll be keeping my interest here to a small stakes accumulator punt and a small stakes round betting single.

• Chisora, Allen and Whyte all to win by KO/TKO/DQ – 8/1 – Bet365
• Chisora in round 9 – 20/1 – Bet Victor

Think Whyte, Allen and Chisora will all win? Let us hear your thoughts on tonight's bouts in the comments section below.

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