Abass Baraou vs Macaulay McGowan full fight preview
The new European super-welterweight champion, Abass Baraou (15-1, 9KO), will defend his blue belt for the first time to Macauley McGowan (20-4-2, 5KO), live on Channel 5 on Friday June 14 at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in Bolton.
Fight Preview
The Berlin boxer turned pro in 2018 and instantly became a champion when he won the German BDB super-welterweight title in just his second pro fight, within just five weeks of his debut.
The 29-year-old enjoyed a stellar amateur career that saw him pick up a World bronze medal as well as a European Championships gold medal, in the same year of 2017.
This illustrious background and top schooling is what saw him fast-tracked early in his professional career, making a huge statement when he defeated former world champion Carlos Molina to win the vacant WBC International super-welterweight title within 10 months.
A sole loss occurred when he was narrowly edged out on points by Jack Culcay as they were wrestling for the No.2 spot in the IBF rankings in 2020. The three scorecards were judged just one, two, and three rounds apart, respectively.
Baraou has since rebuilt with six straight wins, half of which were knockouts, culminating in being crowned EBU champion in March.
Baraou defeated Birmingham’s Sam Eggington and, true to form, ‘The Savage’ gave fans another fight of the year contender, as is his custom; resulting in a mixed decision called in favour of the visitor.
AB still shows some of his amateur fundamentals through his quick feet and fluid movement. He hit Eggington with some hard shots and took some back in return to prove to spectators he possesses both power and punch resistance.
Trained by Hall of Fame coach Jorge Rubio in Miami, AB comes to the UK for a fourth fight, having signed with Wasserman long-term.
Travelling only half an hour from his home to the venue, Macaulay McGowan has only lost one from his last eight bouts and is on a three-fight win streak.
He once famously fought Sergio Martinez in 2020. The legendary two-weight world champion had McGowan down twice late, yet he still fought on to the final bell.
Despite going unbeaten in his first 15 fights, now boasting 20 victories on his record, there hasn’t been a single standout win for McGowan.
Draws against a 7-0 Jez Smith and an 8-0-1 Farrhad Saad are commendable, but his victories have come against opposition with a combined record of 134-889!
Betting Odds
Baraou: 1/2
McGowan: 6/1
Draw: 20/1
Predictions
Baraou is the defending champion who has momentum and form behind him. His sole defeat came form a world title contender who has held the WBA Interim title before, so it was at the highest level and there was very little separating them.
The fact that McGowan has recently lost to Tyler Denny, who I don’t believe is as good as Baraou, speaks volumes.
Baraou does hit hard, but he isn’t a concussive puncher. A 60% KO ratio commands respect but doesn’t instil much fear. That said, his busy, high-octane style could wear McGowan down and force a retirement if it’s as one-sided as it potentially could be.
I think it’s more likely Baraou will win unanimously on points, with a possibility he could force a stoppage past the middle rounds.