Our boxing panel give their predictions for Ted Cheeseman vs Scott Fitzgerald
Ted Cheeseman (15-1-1, 9 KOs) will defend his British Super-Welterweight title against Scott Fitzgerald (13-0, 9 KOs) at the Utilita Arena Newcastle on Saturday October 19 in support of Robbie Davies Jr vs. Lewis Ritson.
Fitzgerald is coming off a career-best win as he dealt Anthony Fowler his first defeat in Liverpool last March. That victory led to his rival's name being withdrawn from purse bids for the British title in place of 'Fitzy' after his shock win.
British titleholder Cheeseman fell short at European level against Spain’s Sergio Garcia in February, and was forced to settle for a hotly disputed draw with Northampton’s Kieron Conway in his maiden title defence in June.
Now the 154-pound pair collide and BBN's panel of experts share their views on who wins:
Carl Fail
Team GB welterweight boxer
"I think Ted is going to win points, I think Scott needs to have bad blood with his opponent (like with Fowler) to really get him up and wanting to win the fight."
Mark Tibbs
Boxing Trainer
"Fitzgerald wins. Feet and timing on the counter ain’t gona be easy as Cheeseman is a grueler and a grinder. If Cheesman can adjust his technique for this fight, he’s in for the win, but I’m not confident he will."
Matt Marsh
British super-bantamweight champion
"After watching Scott Fitzgerald against Fowler, I think it’s going to be hard to beat Fitzgerald. They are both tough fighters, but I think Fitzgerald wins on points."
Ryan Walsh
British featherweight champion
"This one's a really good fight and I'm expecting a good clash of styles. I’m predicting a draw. Fitzgerald will win the early going and Ted will pick up in the second half of the fight. I really fancied Scott against Fowler, but this is a totally different style clash. Should be a cracking fight!"
Steve Wood
Promoter, VIP Promotions
"As the manager of Scott, I am duty bound to say he will win.
As a boxing fan, I think it will be a treat with them meeting head on with both giving and taking shots for a few early rounds. I think Scott edges the punching power and technical ability so I see him pulling away as the fight goes on and maybe a late stoppage even though Ted takes a shot well."
Mick Kane
Boxing Writer
"Both boxers have had contrasting results recently. Cheeseman struggled against Garcia for the European title and was fortunate with a draw against Kieron Conway. Fitzgerald had his biggest win against Anthony Fowler, a great fight.
If Fitzgerald can box the way he did against Fowler then I think he wins, probably on points. Cheeseman is the more experienced at British level and will be hard to break down but just have a feeling Fitzgerald will do it."
Lewis Calvert
Big Write Hook
"I worry for Ted Cheeseman in this fight. It is almost a cliché now to say Ted defends punches with his face, so against a busy operator like Scott Fitzgerald it could be a long, punishing, night. That being said, Cheeseman’s style as a pressure fighter means he is always going to take a few shots to give a couple back and he certainly carries enough power to keep Fitzgerald at bay. If the Mad Man has trained accordingly though, his stamina won’t be an issue and he will cruise the fight wide on points. If however, Scott has not prepared fully, as unconfirmed rumours on social media suggested prior to his emphatic win against Anthony Fowler, this will show in the latter third of the fight and I expect Cheeseman to make gains here. Fitzgerald to put on a show, winning by 8 rounds for me."
Jack Hughes
Southern Area title contender
"I’m a massive Scott Fitzgerald fan, so I believe he beats Cheeseman.
Scott is a massive welterweight who can bang as well and he’s also a good boxer; Cheeseman is a great fighter, but he does get hit a fair bit. I think this is going to be a great fight, but I can see Cheeseman getting hit too much and being outboxed.
UD win to Scott fitzgerald, for me."
Kieran Gething
Welsh Area super-lightweight champion
"I think Fitzgerald walks away with the British title. Not only is he a hell of a lot more physically imposing, I think he’s got the much better ability."
Darren Surtees
Northern Area super-lightweight champion
"Scott Fitzgerald wins."
Jake Hanney
Celtic super-lightweight contender
"Fancy Fitzy to just be that bit too clever for him."
Tim Rickson
Sports Agent
"I rate both boxers highly, but I see Ted Cheeseman's superior experience in this level in the pro's being the deciding factor to win this fight, most probably on points. His loss to Garcia will serve him well in this fight and future fights."
Bolu Kareem
Middleweight debutant
"I believe Ted Cheeseman wins by split decision. A very, very serious fighter with a lot of heart and determination, Scott Fitzgerald is also the real deal, but my gut goes with Cheeseman."
Jordan Neild
BBN Writer
"Could be a great fight this one. Fitzgerald has all the talent in the world but who knows what version of him will turn up this weekend. As for Cheeseman, he’s had a tough year or so but it wasn’t that long ago that people where saying he was a couple of fights away from a world title.
If both men turn up 100% I think Fitzgerald wins inside the distance. Cheeseman is sometimes a bit too brave for his own good, in my opinion, and there is only so long he can do that for.
I fancy Fitzgerald inside the distance, with maybe Cheeseman’s corner pulling him out between 6-10."
Ace Adam
Middleweight debutant
"Scott will outbox Cheeseman and stay in control of the fight."