Robbie Davies Jr vs Joe Hughes – BBN ask their panel of experts who wins
Robbie Davies Jr (17-1) clashes with Joe Hughes (17-3-1) at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool this weekend, live on Sky Sports.
Liverpool's Davies offers up his British super-lightweight strap and Bristol's Hughes puts his European title on the line.
Robbie Davies Jr is currently the bookies favourite, with Joe Hughes coming in as the underdog at 4/1. However, Hughes wasn't tipped to win against Italian Andrea Scarpa (23-4) but upset the odds to defeat him in his own back yard in Florence last November.
So it's winner takes all and BBN called upon their experts to preview the British and European championship contest:
Jamie Speight
Three-time Southern Area champion
"Interesting fight, Joe Hughes Vs Robbie Davies Jr.
Joe doesn’t get the credit he deserves for his technical ability, regardless of his disability he cracks on and has proved his worth at a decent championship level, I have sparred with him in the past and he is patient and calculated, but not a massive puncher and I feel Robbie Davies Jr being taller, rangier and the better boxer on the outside will be victorious and could make it a very frustrating night for Joe.
I predict a Robbie Davies Jr points win."
Miles Shinkwin
Former English light-heavyweight champion
"I really rate Davies Jr and think he probably has too much for Joe, even though he’s done incredibly well to win the European title.
My prediction is Robbie to win on points."
Chris Glover
Boxing Writer
"I think this is a closer fight than people give it credit for.
Joe Hughes is a quality fighter, and people may not know, but he was a very good amateur and has transitioned those skills into the professional ranks.
Robbie Davies Jnr however, is a rising star in my eyes. He has the full package and the ability to go onto to win world titles. I think this fight is a European level fighter vs a World level fighter, and I expect Robbie Davies Jnr to emerge with a points victory in what will be a very good, competitive fight."
Steve Wood
Promoter at VIP Promotions
"Been a huge fan of Joe Hughes since he turned pro and admire how he stayed at it to get where he is now which is a testament to both his ability and character. Always want him to win because of that but as I know Robbie and seen how he has persevered to get to this point I am stuck in the middle here!
Have to go with Robbie, mainly due to his size and obvious other advantages, but he will be a hard one and with Catterall not stopping Joe, have to go points win."
Tim Rickson
Sports Agent
"Joe Hughes, I think, is a fantastic boxer and huge inspiration, having been born with Erb's Palsey. He loves being an underdog and although he throws the majority of shots from his left, you could easily argue that his opponent has the upper hand knowing where the danger is coming from, but they still get through and cause plenty of damage. It's also the shot that that cost Davies his one and only career defeat to Michal Syrowatka. The left hook landed a lot during their fight and the final one just caught him on the chin perfectly. Of course, he came back instantly to avenge that loss in emphatic fashion, which was a big statement for him to make. I thought that was brilliantly done, because he bounced sraight back and made no mistakes second time around.
I'm a fan of both these boxers, but I do think Davies has got more in his locker than Hughes. He's busy, switches stance, throws a good variety of shots, and has a great chin as well. His ability to box in different ways, most notably being taller and rangier, leads me to lean towards Davies in this fight.
Joe has a great workrate and won't let Davies have a seconds rest all fight, but I'm picking Davies to win on points. If Jack Catterall couldn't stop Hughes then I don't think Davies will either, so he'll have to be on his best game and stay focused all night."