Predictions for the Rocky Fielding v Tyron Zeuge WBA world title clash
Rocky Fielding (26-1) challenges Tyron Zeuge (22-0-1) for his WBA World super-middleweight title on July 14 in Offenburg.
The former British, Commonwealth and WBC International champion has impressed against domestic rivals John Ryder and David Brophy while awaiting his world title opportunity.
The 30-year-old Liverpudlian now goes into hostile territory to the Berlin champion’s backyard in the ‘Fatherland’ against a man who captured the WBA belt with a 12th-round knockout over Giovanni De Carolis in November 2016.
This will be Zeuge’s fourth defence of his title and the second Brit to challenge him, having previously recorded a unanimous points win over Paul Smith Jr in Wetzlar last June.
It’s another difficult one to call so BBN once again called upon their trusted panel to help break down the fight and pick a winner:
Ricky Hatton Former world champion
"I'm going for Rocky Fielding by either points win or late stoppage.
Zeuge looks a slippery opponent from when he beat Paul Smith, but I think that Rocky doesn’t have as many miles on the clock and will be the fresher of the two."
Robbie Davies JrWBA Continental super-lightweight champion
“I think Zeuge will try keeping it very cute early on with single pop shots and movement to try get an early lead on the scorecards. But I think Rocky’s size and punching power will take control mid to late rounds and possibly see a KO in Rocky’s favour.”
Steve WoodVIP Promotions
“I’m going with a Rocky Fielding early KO win as I think he will be too big and punch too hard for Zeuge. If it goes past six then I will be wrong as it will be a points win for Zeuge but the value bet at the bookies is a Fielding KO win – get on it!!!”
Dan AzeezUnbeaten light-heavyweight
"Not sure what to expect but I believe it will be a real back and forth fight.
It's a great opportunity for Rocky and both fighters have been improving, but I'll go with Zeuge to win either by majority decision or a late stoppage"
Tim Rickson Sports Agent
“I think this one of the hardest fights to call!
It’s Rocky’s first step up to world level. He has won British and Commonwealth titles and beaten European champions, but Zeuge has been operating at world level for two years and five fights now.
The champion is a decent fighter, he plants his feet and stands in the centre of the ring, just dipping in and out of range only taking half a step back at a time, so I rate him as a skillful fighter but without a great deal of power in his hands. If he wins, I think it will be by decision, but if Rocky, who can be hit, allows him to land cleanly and frequently then he’ll get worn down before the final bell.
I think Rocky’s best chance comes from overwhelming the champion early in the fight and using his bigger frame to dominate and bully Zeuge in their exchanges.
My heart says Rocky to win by KO, my head says Zeuge on points or late stoppage.”
Joe NealeBoxing Agent and Matchmaker
"I think it will be very close contest but can just see Zeuge edging it on points, as I think he is getting better with every fight."
Daniel Smith BBN Writer
"I would absolutely love it if Rocky Fielding went to Berlin and scrapped it out with Zeuge for the WBA title in a Balboa v Drago-esque fight; first winning over a hostile crowd before delivering a cracking knockout punch in the dying seconds of the 12th-round as an eruption of rambunctious chants and roars lift off the roof and we hear , "ROCKY, ROCKY, ROCKY!" It would be wonderful, I'm sure, however, I think it's going to be a grueling test for the British and Commonwealth champion against the hard-boiled, Tyron Zeuge.
Rocky has tremendous heart and his 'head-body-head' combinations are extremely effective and 'vital' in order to get a win. Fielding needs to box clever, not trade with the German and get in and out with solid-fast shots – putting together his combinations, mainly targeting the body and take some wind out of the champion's sails. I could be wrong, but if a win comes, it'll be in the form of a points decision that needs to be extensively wide – especially being in the champion's backyard!!
But a sincere and genuine good luck to Rocky on Saturday! Let's hope he brings the title home with him!!"