Boxing experts give their predictions for Felix Cash vs Jack Cullen
Commonwealth middleweight champion Felix Cash (11-0, 7KOs) defends his crown for the first time against on-form Jack Cullen (17-1, 8KOs) on the undercard of Katie Taylor vs Christina Linardatou, live on Sky Sports on November 2 in Manchester.
It was Anthony Fowler who was picked ahead of teammate Cash for the Rio 2016 Olympics, so the Team GB boxer decided to turn pro and made his debut on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s IBF heavyweight title defence against Dominic Breazeale that summer instead. Since then, he has racked up 11 wins and claimed two titles – WBC International Silver and Commonwealth middleweight titles.
'Little Lever's Meat Clever' has done it the hard way via the small hall route with Josh Warrington's manager Steve Wood guiding him to the English middleweight championship in his 17th fight, which he defended once against unbeaten John Harding Jr (7-0-1) last August, before vacating.
His incredible run of form – five consecutive stoppages – suggests that his time has come, but what do your experts think?
Steve Wood
VIP Promotions
"As per normal, a VIP fighter will be involved in the fight of the night on TV.
This is a genuine 50/50 fight but have to go with my man Cullen. I think this comes at just the right time for him, as he has matured as a fighter and a person.
He has been active and got tonnes of ability to go with a hunger, which I think will be to much for Felix, who has had it easy unlike Jack. Sometimes doing it the small hall way has it advantages."
Curtis Gargano
Professional boxer
"I boxed Jack on his pro debut and I just think he's got a great team around him and a massive following; he's definitely going places in boxing and is going to win more titles, so I'm backing Jack all the way."
Raza Hamza
Unbeaten featherweight
"Jack Cullen points win is my guess. I don’t know why but seems like this man will pull it off. Having said that, I won’t be surprised if Cash wins, as he was a good, highly accomplished amateur and is a good boxer.
Cullen looks massive at the weight and if he uses his advantages, Cash may struggle. However if Cash gets in close, he might end up getting to Cullen late on."
Steve Goodwin
Goodwin Promotions
"I think this is a fairly comfortable win for Felix Cash and believe that he is, in fact, a couple of levels above Jack. This is a division that I have been paying close attention to as my boxer, Linus Udofia, was due to box Cullen for the English title.
John Harding gave Cullen little pockets of trouble in that fight and I do not believe Harding would give either Linus or Felix any issues at all.
I believe Cash may take a few rounds to work out the range of Cullen but expect him to work Cullen over and win by a mid-late stoppage or on points. Bookmakers odds of 4/9 Cash represent excellent value."
Bradley Rea
Unbeaten middleweight
"Cullen UD or late stoppage."
Mark Tibbs
Boxing Trainer
"A good fight but I back Felix Cash.
It'll be nteresting to see if Cullen can sustain that constant pressure that Cash should bring; if he can then it’s a good fight."
Ace Adam
Middleweight Debutant
"Felix Cash via points or fifth round stoppage."
Tim Rickson
Sports Agent
"Felix Cash still has that look of invincibilty about him as he hasn't been troubled so far in his career. He has yet to fight a really high level of opposition still, but his amateur pedigree is evident for all to see. He's as sharp as a razor, has an excellent jab – strong and swift, amazing footwork and judgement of distance, and he's been making short work of everyone – five first round KO's in 11 bouts!
Jack Cullen will be his best opponent yet and I'm a fan of his. He has put together a great run of form and scored two eight-round stoppages inn English championship contests, so he thrives at the higher level. He's very energetic, throws plenty, and is ultra confident at the moment.
Cash claims to be levels above him and I struggle to disagree with this, I'm afraid to say. I don't think that Cullen can match Cash for ability. He'll match, even outdo, him for hunger and desire, but I think Cash hits much harder, has the better background and experience, and will be sharper and more effective and, ultimately, dangerous in their fight.
I think Cullen will miss and Cash will make him pay for it."
Bolu Kareem
Middleweight Debutant
"Felix Cash is an elite fighter, levels above Jack Cullen.
I believe Felix Cash wins by stoppage; very, very explosive lad."
Daniel Smith
BBN Writer
"I'm anticipating a cracking, rapid-paced scrap between these two lads. They'll both up for it, both be pushing their peddles to the mettle, and undoubtedly both prepared to chew on each-other's leather in order to land with devastating effect.
Cullen is coming-on nicely and his confidence will be soaring as he enters this fight. However, I reckon Cash will be ready for a battle and end up nicking an extremely tight points win."