All in all, a really good looking card for Jack Catterall and Arnold Barboza Jr.
Take a look at our overview of each fight below:
Jack Catterall vs Arnold Barboza Jr. - Prediction
This is a really interesting fight, as both fighters have similar records and have followed almost parallel paths in their careers. Neither is known for knockout power, though both possess the ability to put opponents on the canvas. Barboza struggled against Sean McComb in a fight many felt the Irishman won. McComb used his longer reach and effective jab to keep Barboza at bay. This is positive for Catterall, who is excellent with his movement and likely to outbox Barboza. I think there will be a knockdown at some point, but a knockout/stoppage seems unlikely.
I think Catterall will again show why he’s one of the best (if not the best) in his division, using his movement, jab, and shots from unusual angles to frustrate and outwork Barboza for a points victory. Once again reminding us why he should have been undisputed vs. Josh Taylor.
Reece Bellotti vs Michael Gomez Jr. - Prediction:
This has the potential to be the fight of the night and has developed into a genuine grudge match since Michael Gomez Jr. was pulled out from their scheduled fight in October (an hour before the fight), allegedly due to a kidney infection.
“Bomber” Bellotti has 14 of his 19 wins by knockout. While he has five losses, these have been against top-tier opposition, including Ryan Walsh, Jordan Gill, and Raymond Ford (who went on to win a world title). Michael Gomez Jr. is an aggressive pressure fighter, and I expect him to come into this fight with a point to prove. However, Gomez Jr. isn’t known for his knockout power (six KOs in 21 wins), and I think his aggressive style will be his undoing, and he’ll walk onto a big shot Bellotti. Maybe somewhere in the mid-rounds.
Zelfa Barrett vs Jazza Dickens - Prediction
Zelfa Barrett is coming off a good knockout win against Jordan Gill and appears to still have world title dreams. Jazza Dickens has been fighting in Dubai over the past year, making it difficult to gauge his current form. Barrett has height and reach advantages over Dickens, as well as more knockouts on his record. Three of Dickens’ five losses have come via knockout, so he can be stopped. It’s hard to see Dickens winning this one, and I think Barrett will want to make a statement with a stoppage victory.
Pat McCormack vs Robbie Davies Jr. - Prediction
Pat McCormack is one of Britain’s top prospects after winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, though he’s been pretty inactive so far.
Robbie Davies Jr. is far from finished, coming off a win against Javier Fortuna and having been involved in a fight-of-the-year contender against Sergey Lipinets (which, despite losing, enhanced his rep). If Davies Jr. is at his best and comes to win, he could make it a tough night for McCormack. However, this is a classic matchup of a rising prospect against a tough veteran coming down the other side of the mountain.
I think McCormack’s youth, speed, and power (four KOs in six wins) will be too much for Davies Jr., and he will likely stop him late in the fight, possibly by referee stoppage.
