Boxing world predicts who wins Anthony Fowler vs Scott Fitzgerald fight
There's a lot at stake for both Anthony Fowler (9-0) and Scott Fitzgerald (11-0) – their unbeaten records; the vacant WBA International super-welterweight title; a shot at Ted Cheeseman's British title; but most importantly of all, bragging rights!
The rivals clash at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on March 30, live on Sky Sports and BBN have asked their panel of experts who they believe will win:
Miles Shinkwin
Former English light-heavyweight champion
"I think it’s great that they’re getting it on so early in their careers. A lot like Groves-Degale and it didn’t do either of them any harm. I think the logic says that Fowler will be that little bit too strong and powerful but you never know and Scott was obviously a top amateur too. Couldn’t confidently put money on either."
Steve Wood
Promoter, VIP Promotions
"I feel the hype in the build up to this fight will mean it ends up a shoot out and be an early stoppage either way. With me managing Scott, I have to go for him to get the KO."
Ace Adam
Super-middleweight debutant
"Anthony Fowler wins on his incredible workrate and come forward style."
Matt Marsh
Former British super-bantamweight champion
"Hard fight to pick, both got loads of KOs on their records and are good fighters, so it’s going to be a very technical fight or someone will get knocked out. It's likely it won't go the distance and with the bad blood between them they could end up in a shootout in the middle of the ring. Very hard to pick a winner."
Ryan Clark
Director of buymyfight.com
"I might be going against the grain here but, I don’t think this is by no means a one-sided fight like many are saying. Both have their strengths. Fitzgerald is a tough boxer and his desire to win seems genuinely there. I can’t see him being a pushover for Fowler. Fitzgerald claims to be in the best shape of his life and whilst many boxers regularly claim that, I do believe it.
Fowler on the other hand lives up to his name ‘The Machine’ fitness-wise, which could possibly give him the edge. It’s no luck that the likes of Fowler, Jordan Gill, Galahad and Leigh Wood whom are all Boxing Science participants are performing well recently. I really think this fight is closer to a 50/50 which I know will not be agreed upon by most. I worry about Fowler's low hands on an attack, and can see an underdog ‘shock KO’ via a left hook to the temple (If I’m playing Mystic Meg!), but if he stays out of trouble and boxes sensible, I think it’s Fowler's for the taking. It depends if he gets drawn in emotionally.
If you put me on the spot, I’d say Fowler on points but seeing as the odds are against Fitzgerald, my money will be on a Fitzgerald KO."
Daniel Smith
BBN Writer
"'Fitzy's' a tasty fighter but Fowler appears to have the minerals to slip a few gears and present a serious threat within a ferocious division – and with Dave Coldwell in his corner, I believe it places him in tremendous stead. I'm backing Anthony to claim the stoppage with a body shot that wreaks enough havoc to ground Scott, mid to late on in the fight!"
Jamie Speight
Three-time Southern Area champion
"A lot of hostility in this fight as these two have a past, being ex-team GB team mates, and I believe they have fought before with Fowler winning, but I just feel Fowler is a beast in this pro game. He’s a great all-rounder, super super fit, can dig and doesn’t stop applying educated pressure. He’s very hungry and if he so much as unsettles Fitzgerald, he won’t let him off the hook. Also he has a very knowledgable tactician in his corner in the shape of David Coldwell.
I see Fowler for a stoppage rounds 5-8."
Tim Rickson
Sports Agent at TR Sports Agency
"I know Fowler is the favourite and that's who I would initially lean towards, but with the bad blood and the bitter rivalry, it could change the way the fight transpires. Should Fowler be drawn into a shootout with Fitzgerald, it changes the odds to 50-50 and it's anyone's fight for the taking. Obviously, Fowler has Dave Coldwell in the corner, who I regard in the highest esteem as a trainer, and he will be there keeping 'The Machine' on his gameplan, so I still favour Fowler to win, and it will definitely be an early ending because there's no way this one is going to points!"
Anish Parekh
BBN Writer
"These two know each other well from their amateur days and there will be some needle going into the fight.
Fitzgerald has a decent pedigree and has developed well so far but I can't see him getting past Fowler. The Liverpool man will swarm Fitzgerald with his usual all-action style. He's bigger, more active and hits harder.
I think he bullies Fitzgerald and stops him by the middle rounds."
Niall Doran
Boxing News & Views
"Great scrap with a lot of needle, clearly. Bombs away from round one, you'd have to think; possibly Fowler late stoppage."