Key boxing figures give their predictions for the Ted Cheeseman vs Sergio Garcia European title fight
Bermondsey boxer Ted Cheeseman (15-0, 9KOs) gets a shot at undefeated Spaniard Sergio Garcia's (28-0 13KOs) European super-welterweight title on February 2 in London's O2 Arena.
The 23-year-old Millwall fan gets his next major title shot after outpointing Asinia Byfield in an all-action battle for the Lonsdale belt at the Copper Box Arena in October, and the South Londoner knows that a win over the undefeated European titlist from Cantabria in Northern Spain could secure a mouth-watering all-British fight with Liverpool’s highly-rated Anthony Fowler.
BBN asked key figures for their predictions for 'The Big Cheese' vs 'El Niño' on just the fifth weekend of the year:
Jamie Speight
Three-time Southern Area champion
"I really don’t know enough about Sergio Garcia to give an accurate prediction, but I like Cheeseman, he's a nice lad and a good fighter, so I have to do the honest thing and back my own, so I will say either Cheeseman UD or a late stoppage in rounds 9-12."
Tim Rickson
Sports Agent
"I rate Cheeseman highly and I think he will go on to fight at World level in the near future.
He's ambitious, aggressive, powerful, still only 23-years-old and will fight anyone! He has a stellar amateur background, has had a perfect start to the pros, and his attitude towards his business is admirable. He KO'd Chris Jenkinson in his sixth fight, who is a big test for any fledgling pro, then he stopped Lloyd Ellett in just his seventh fight, albeit the stoppage coming a little bit early from the ref, but he still had him reeling back to the ropes – a 20-1 fighter with a decent amateur career himself.
I think he will be a powerful force in the light-middles and a win over Garcia will just be another stepping stone on to the world level scene in his flourishing career. Garcia is currently ranked third place with the WBC, so a victory for Cheeseman will see him rush up the rankings right next to Kell Brook and be in touching distance of the WBC champ Tony Harrison.
Obviously, it's a hard fight for Ted, but I think he can overcome anything Garcia will bring and get the win, probably on points."
Niall Doran
Founder of Boxing News & Views
"Good test for Cheeseman, if he looks impressive and gets the win, as does Liverpool rival Anthony Fowler next up – this could set up a big showdown between the two in 2019."
Joe Neale
Boxing Matchmaker
"I have only seen a little bit of Sergio Garcia, just his recent European title fights. He looks like he moves well and keeps busy, but think Cheeseman is just a bit better at this point in his career and see Ted picking up a comfortable points win."
Aqib Tahlat
BBN Writer
"This is a fight that will be quite hard to call as both are undefeated and are still in early stages of their careers.
Sergio Garcia is 28-0 and Ted Cheeseman is 15-0 but not in his prime yet, which can play a part.
It's a truly 50/50 fight, but I am going to go with the Brit due to having an impressive amateur background and also carries that power with a 60% knockout ratio, which is always key in a close fight.
I think Cheeseman will stop him late."
Betting Odds
Provided by Sky Bet
Ted Cheeseman to win: 2/5
Ted Cheeseman to win by decision: 11/8
Ted Cheeseman to win by KO: 2/1
Sergio Garcia to win: 2/1
Sergio Garcia to win by decision: 7/2
Sergio Garcia to win by KO: 6/1
Draw: 20/1