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The Bookie Batterer: Backing Zou to give us some gold

Here at Irish-Boxing.com we’re partial to a small bet here and there.

Jono Carroll paid for our Christmas party in 2014 when he won Prizefighter at odds of 14/1 and we hope to recreate some big wins of that ilk with our new weekly feature – The Bookie Batterer!

Every Friday we’ll take a look at the weekend’s action and try to turn a tenner into a pot of gold with a bumper accumulator and the occasional cheeky punt.

Accumulator #1

Friday
Enzo Maccarinelli v Dmytro Kucher
Method of Victory – Kucher by KO/TKO: 13/8

We’re big fans of Enzo. The Welshman is one of boxing’s true gentleman, but at 35, and with questionable punch resistance, we can’t see him going the distance with the heavy-handed Ukrainian in their European cruiserweight title fight tonight.

Saturday
Willie Monroe Jr v John Thompson
To Win – Monroe Jr: 3/10

Monroe performed, comparatively, well against Golovkin in his last outing, while John Thompson is moving up after his light middleweight WBO title loss to Liam Smith. Southpaw Monroe should be too slick for the Boxcinco winner here.

Felix Verdejo v Juan Martinez
Method of Victory – Verdejo: 5/2

A showcase bout for hot prospect Verdejo in New York. Recent hand troubles and perhaps a desire to build experience have seen the starlet go the distance in his two bouts this year and we can see it going that way again tomorrow night against the good, but not great, Martinez.

Zhou Shiming v Jozsef Ajtai
Method of Victory – Shiming KO/TKO: 1/4

Ajtal brings a padded record and was stopped in the second round by Andrew Selby in just his second fight last year. Shiming is not noted for his power, but will be looking to impress on his US debut and has been developing Freddie Roach’s all-out-attack style.

Dejan Zlaticanin v Franklin Mamani
Group Round Betting – Zlaticanin Rounds 1-6: 3/10

The Montenegrin mauler Zlaticanin should dispose of overmatched Bolivian Mamani quickly. The South American’s only two losses have come when he has left the high-altitude country, and Zlaticanin should jump on him early like he did in his last fight with hot prospect Ivan Redkach.

Vasyl Lomachenko v Rocky Martinez
Method of Victory – Lomachenko by points: 11/10

The Ukrainian star moves up to 130lbs to challenge for Martinez’s WBO belt where he will be a massive favourite. The Puerto Rican is a dogged fighter with decent power, and with the weight change, we can see Hi-Tech playing it safe and giving a boxing exhibition.

€10 returns returns €627.05

Cheeky Punt
Zhou Shiming v Jozsef Ajtai
Group Round Betting – Shiming Rounds 1-3: 9/2
Round Betting – Shiming Round 1: 20/1

We can’t really believe this price. On his U.S. debut against a 19 year old kid, Shiming (especially considering his hype-busting loss last year) will surely jump all over his opponent from the opening bell.

All prices quoted are from Paddy Power.

Always gamble responsibly.

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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