Hughie Fury vs Alexander Povetkin – who wins?
World title contender Hughie Fury (23-2, 13 KOs) makes a big statement in his Matchroom Boxing debut by taking on the fearsome Alexander Povetkin (34-2, 24 KOs) at The O2 in London on Saturday August 31 on the undercard of the huge Lightweight World title showdown between Vasiliy Lomachenko and Luke Campbell, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office.
BBN asked their panel of experts for their unique predictions on the forthcoming Hughie Fury vs Alexander Povetkin fight.
Matt Marsh
Former super-bantamweight champion
"Alexander Povetkin stops Hughie Fury in the later rounds.
Hughie will try to box on the back foot at range but Povetkin will get inside and land the cleaner shots."
Ben Day
Former Southern Area champion
"I think Fury is awkward and hard to hit and will cause Alexander many problems.
Fury has some balls to take on Povetkin because he’s stronger, dangerous, more experienced and will not stop coming forward.
Close fight but Povetkin for me."
Sergio Michel
American guitarist, songwriter & boxing superfan
"I really enjoy watching all of the members of the Fury family fight and carry on.
From Tyson's great ring work and banter, to John's explosive commentary; Peter's clear boxing insight and even Tommy's reality TV appearance on Love Island.
With that said, I am glad Hughie has gotten a great new promotional contract and is getting to step on the world stage against a top tier name fighter like Alexander Povetkin. This can catapult Hughie to world level name recognition with a dominant and convincing victory.
However, with a proven brand like Povetkin staring him down, most likely Hughie won't do the business and Povetkin wins by a hard fought split decision."
Kieran Gething
Welsh Area super-lightweight champion
"I’m not at all excited by this fight. I feel Fury with the home advantage is going to get the win. It’ll be a long boring evening for those watching and Povetkin may catch him and shake him, but ultimately I feel Fury will jab and move and win the fight."
Aqib Tahlat
BBN Writer
"A really good fight for an undercard.
A very tricky fight for Fury in his first fight for Matchroom and Eddie Hearn.
I believe this fight won’t be easy for Fury, however I believe he has the style to beat Povetkin. I believe he can negate any threat Povetkin will have, yes there will be tricky moments, but I believe he can do it."
Bolu Kareem
Middleweight debutant
"Has to be Hughie Fury; very good boxer, nice slip and slide work. I see him winning on points."
Ryan Walsh
British featherweight champion
"This one's all about timing and I think Hughie and father Peter will work on a game plan to keep the very dangerous Povetkin at arm's length.
Hughie's footwork and range are the keys here to the points win, I predict. Povetkin hasn’t fought since the AJ loss whereas Hughie is possibly the most active top 15 heavy in the world. The element of activity and age could and should be a huge advantage, which I expect the younger fresher Fury to exploit."
Erol Ceylan
Promoter, ECB Promotions
"Hughie Fury is very difficult to beat. He is good with footwork and has speed in his hands, but Povetkin has the experience on his side and is an unorthodox fighter.
I don’t think that anybody can knock out the other one out, so I think that will be a very close win for Fury."
Mick Kane
Boxing Writer
"This is a big fight for Hughie Fury to take on his Matchroom debut. Povetkin is still a tough fighter to face. Fury has been a bit hit and miss recently but if he can get back to the form he showed when he won the British title and being a bit unlucky against Joseph Parker then he could have enough.
We seen Povetkin worry Joshua early in their fight, he has power but would he last the distance at the age of 39. I dont think so. Fury isn't the biggest puncher so for him to win he would need to keep the fight at distance, work behind his jab and take it to the later rounds where Povetkin tries.
I think Fury wins on points, this could be a big win for Fury's career."
Steve Wood
Promoter, VIP Promotions
"A young Fury, who has quick feet and hands, will be winning the fight early but it will not be great viewing. Eventually Povetkin will catch up and make him trade to get a stoppage victory."
Ace Adam
Middleweight debutant
"Fury is the younger, fresher man and I think that will prevail in the fight. Youth will beat experience."
Anish Parekh
BBN Writer
"Hughie Fury is only 24 yet has already been in the ring with the likes of Joseph Parker and Kubrat Pulev. Yes, he came unstuck in those contests but he gave a good account of himself on both occasions.
The issue I have is that Hughie is more tall than big and it's perhaps because he still hasn't fully grown into his body. It means that he is less physically imposing and his punches lack the power behind them to catch the attention of his opponents.
He has good movement and a nice jab but I have a feeling that a few more years in the amateurs would have done him good, as now he is in a situation where he has been pro for so long that he has to take hard and risky fights.
Povetkin – although past his best – is exactly that. Short and stocky but experienced with subtle skills and notable power.
A bloated Sam Peter was at times able to get into range of Hughie, so I can imagine Povetkin taking his time to cut off the ring and bang to the body before switching to the head consistently.
Hughie might have success with occasional scoring jabs and straight rights but I feel he might get overwhelmed by the busy and bustling Russian.
Povetkin wins by mid-rounds KO."
Jordan Neild
BBN Writer
"I actually really like this fight for Hughie Fury. I am glad to see him now on a bigger platform as I think it is what his career has needed for sometime. A few years ago, you would obviously have sided with Povetkin because he has been an excellent fighter over the years, despite being controversial outside of it with the drug bans etc. I think time catches everyone and this is not the Povetkin of old. He was in trouble against David Price and completely outgunned by Anthony Joshua and I think if Hughie Fury can display the boxing ability we have seen from him in the past, he can cause Povetkin all sorts of trouble.
My main worry is that Hughie doesn't have the power to hurt or discourage Povetkin but nobody can question Hughie Fury's willingness to step into very dangerous fights and that experience against Parker and Pulev should play to his advantage. I am going for Hughie Fury to win on points, but think he may have to weather a couple of storms on his Matchroom debut"